LiveScore Daily: Today's football news in bite-sized chunks

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Spanish inquisition

Spain boss Jorge Vilda has taken responsibility for his side's jaw-dropping 4-0 defeat to Japan at the Women's World Cup.

Though both sides had already progressed to the tournament's knockout stages, the crushing loss means the well-fancied Spaniards have finished second in Group C.

Vilda, who entered the tournament under pressure, claims his players should not be criticised for the defeat and expects them to bounce back in their last-16 clash with Switzerland.

He said: "Japan defended us very well, they have come out well on the counter-attack. 

"We have not been up to the task but if there is someone responsible, it is me.

"I imagine that now the team will be frustrated but soon it will become the desire to compete and face the round of 16. 

"We must digest this tough defeat, get up tomorrow and start again. They will be more united than ever, they will push forward."

Meanwhile, the impressive Japanese will meet Norway, with both games taking place on Saturday.

Daly will deliver

Rachel Daly says she does not care where she plays for England as long as she makes Sarina Wiegman's starting team.

The 31-year-old Aston Villa ace topped the Women's Super League scoring charts last term with a 22-goal haul, having reverted from her old position of left-back to a centre forward berth.

She was expected to occupy an attacking role for the Lionesses this summer as a result but Wiegman has thus far used the experienced star in defence — not that it bothers Daly.

Speaking on Lionesses: Down Under connected by EE, she explained: "I think over the last few years, the managers have used my versatility in a positive way. 

"Before that, being versatile can mean you're sometimes the one not to make the squad as you don't really have a position. 

"But it's nice to have under my belt, I enjoy playing anywhere. As long as I'm on the pitch I don't care."

Daly looks assured of a start in England's final group game against China tomorrow, though at least one England change is inevitable due to influential midfielder Keira Walsh's knee injury.

No Silva lining

Fulham boss Marco Silva was furious with his side's first-half efforts in their 2-0 Premier League Summer Series defeat to Chelsea.

Goals from Thiago Silva and Christopher Nkunku sealed a comfortable success for the Blues, who won the inaugural edition of the new US-based pre-season competition.

But Silva lamented the Cottagers' poor start to the contest, suggesting his players had fallen below their usual level.

The Portuguese tactician, 46, fumed: "It was not at our normal standards. 

"Not just because we conceded two sloppy goals but the way we started our offensive organisation and attacks was not clear.

"We did not control the ball like we normally do and we completely lost control of the game."

A final friendly against Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim is next up for the Londoners before their season opener away to Everton on August 12.

Bright decision

Evan Ferguson always knew Brighton were the club for him.

Irish sensation Ferguson, 18, burst on to the scene for the Seagulls last term, netting 10 goals in 25 senior appearances — including six Premier League strikes.

A host of clubs tried to land the youngster from Dublin-based outfit Bohemians in early 2021 but the man himself has confessed his decision was an easy one.

Ferguson said: "I was always coming over to England for trials. I came to Brighton and thought, 'That's the club for me'.

"It was the people and the fact they showed a pathway. It made me feel as though it was the right club.

"I know some of the players have gone through the different leagues here but I have only known Brighton being in the Premier League."