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      Kylian Mbappe limps into Le Bourget airport before he touches down with PSG team-mates in Manchester for City clash

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN star Kylian Mbappe limped into Le Bourget Airport this morning as his team headed to England.Despite appearing injured, the French sensation DID join his team-mates on their flight to Manchester.

      Kylian Mbappe touched down at Manchester Airport on Monday morningCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Mbappe and Co checked into The LowryCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Mauricio Pochettino is back in the UKCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Mauricio Pochettino’s men travel to the North West requiring a huge performance, after losing their Champions League semi-final first leg 2-1 to Manchester City last week.
      And they face a race against time to have their talisman fit to help them.
      Mbappe, 22, felt pain in his right calf during last week’s first-leg.
      And while it initially wasn’t thought to be too bad, the forward missed out on PSG’s 2-1 victory over RC Lens at the weekend.
      He has reportedly not fully trained since, but was included in PSG’s travelling party.
      Pochettino, 49, gave an upbeat update yesterday, saying: “I am optimistic, I still am.
      “We think he will be there. We will make a decision before the match but I am optimistic.”
      Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, fully expects the French World Cup winner to be fit to play.

      Neymar was also among the travelling partyCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      PSG have a huge task in overturning their first leg deficitCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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      When asked if he expects Mbappe to be passed fit, Guardiola, 50, said: “Absolutely, I’m looking forward to it.
      “He’s going to play. I’m looking forward to him playing. For the football, for the game itself, hopefully he can play.”
      On the prospect of facing Mbappe and Neymar, defender John Stones said: “It is never easy whoever we come up against.
      “To come up against two world class players is exciting for us as defenders, to test ourselves and see how we can adapt and keep them quiet and I think we did that really well in the second half of the previous game.
      “Another exciting spectacle and hopefully we can keep the whole team quiet, not just those two and get through to something special.”
      Mbappe has scored 37 goals in 43 games this term – including eight in the Champions League.
      Angel Di Maria returns to ManchesterCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Some of PSG’s younger stars have travelledCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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      Inside PSG’s dressing-room celebrations after Bayern win as Mbappe dances on table while team-mates soak him with water More

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      Hayes says watching UFC champ Namajunas helped inspire Chelsea’s progress to Champions League final

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      EMMA HAYES revealed watching martial arts ace Rose Namajunas played a part in inspiring her side’s dramatic 4-1 thrashing of Bayern Munich.A clip of the two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion uttering “I am the best” before knocking out Zhang Weili caught the attention of fight fans. 
      Emma Hayes admires the positive attitude of ‘mentality monster’ Rose NamajunasCredit: Getty
      Rose Namajunas won the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship by knocking out Zhang Weili in AprilCredit: Getty
      In UFC 261 in Florida Namajunas delivered a brutal first-round left-footed head kick that stunned Weili who has won 21 of her 23 MMA bouts. 
      The victory saw Namajunas claim the women’s strawweight belt less than four years on from her first title win with a first-round knockout of Joanna Jedrzejczyk.
      Hayes, whose team play Tottenham next, said: “I showed the players a video of Rose Namajunas saying ‘I am the best’ before her fight.
      “At the end (after she’d won) an interviewer says to her, ‘I heard you saying before you are the best’ and she replied ‘I am the best’.
      “And I said to the team mentality monsters (like Rose) block all the noise out, don’t hear anything and tell themselves ‘we are the best’. 
      “I think this team and the spirit we have has demonstrated why we’re going to the first (Women’s) Champions League final for an English team in a long time.” 
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      Chelsea’s 5-3 aggregate semis defeat of German league leaders Bayern will see Hayes become the first female manager in 12 years to lead a team into the final of the tournament. 
      And on Sunday 16 May – at the stadium of Sweden’s national women’s team in Gothenburg – her WSL juggernauts will face a Barcelona side looking to make history of their own.
      Like Chelsea, the dogged Spanish outfit who are top of the La Liga Women’s division, are targeting their first major trophy win in Europe. 
      And Lluis Cortes’ team – currently 14 points ahead of second-placed Levante in Spain’s top flight – endured heartbreak in the 2019 finals when they were beaten 4-1 by Lyon. 
      Chelsea will take on Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League final on May 16Credit: Rex

      Chelsea’s clash with the queens of women’s football in Spain will mark a phenomenal milestone in Emma Hayes’ 20-year journey as a coach.
      A journey that has taken Hayes from grassroots work with West Euston girls’ football team in north London all the way to steering Chelsea to nine trophies since her 2012 appointment. 
      And the Kingsmeadow boss will be plotting to win a piece of silverware that has eluded the Blues since the club first took part in the Women’s Champions League back in 2014.  
      Before then Hayes’ players will turn their attention to domestic matters and their final two games of the season.  
      Maximum points for Chelsea away at Spurs, and then home against Reading, will see them claim their fifth WSL title in six years and their first treble.
      Hayes is the first female manager in 12 years to lead a team to the Women’s Champions League finalsCredit: PA
      Hayes added: “We have to win on both fronts and I want to win the league. 
      “I want to win the league as much as anything as that’s your bread and butter.
      “That’s what Vic (Akers) taught me. It’s your bread and butter.” 
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Wins for Chelsea against Tottenham and Reading in the league will see them retain their WSL titleCredit: Prime Media
      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

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      Toni Rudiger hands Chelsea massive boost with German set to don protective mask to face Real Madrid in Champions League

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      TONI RUDIGER will have to wear a protective mask against Real Madrid on Wednesday.The centre-back suffered a facial injury at the end of the 1-1 semi-final first- leg draw at Real Madrid in the Champions League.
      Toni Rudiger will have to wear a protective mask against Real MadridCredit: Rex
      He missed Saturday’s 2-0 win over Fulham but trained with a mask on the morning of the match.
      In 2007, former Blues captain John Terry wore one against Valencia just 72 hours after undergoing a cheek operation.
      But there is bad news as Mateo Kovacic has not recovered from a muscle injury which has kept him out for a month.
      Boss Thomas Tuchel said: “For Toni, he can play with a mask, so it’s just about getting used to it.
      “For Kovacic he felt something. It’s very likely he will not make it.
      “But I’m very happy to arrive with this group in the semi-final. We feel ready for a big fight.”
      Talisman Sergio Ramos could be back after knee and calf injuries.

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      Chelsea boss Tuchel was asked whether he will change his tactics if the Real Madrid skipper plays.
      He added: “Maybe we will play with no striker at all and Ramos has nothing to fight against.
      “I have not made my mind up yet. Let’s wait and see if he’s fit.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Thomas Tuchel calls Chelsea v Brighton the perfect match More

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      Chelsea 4 Bayern Munich 1 (5-3 agg) Emotional Hayes hails historic win as Blues reach Champions League final

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      PERNILLE HARDER and Fran Kirby broke Bayern Munich hearts to help Chelsea seal a dramatic 4-1 victory in an unforgettable Champions League semis. A late Harder header and a stylish Kirby brace saw the Blues reach their first-ever final after an end-to-end five-goal second leg thriller. 
      Emma Hayes has made history by steering Chelsea to their first ever Women’s Champions League finalCredit: Getty
      The WSL giants will take on Barcelona who defeated PSG in the contest’s other semi-final clashCredit: Prime Media
      The 5-3 aggregate trouncing of the German giants – which sparked jubilant Blues celebrations – will see Chelsea take on Barcelona for the trophy. 
      The result takes Hayes one step closer to achieving her dream of seeing her side become the most dominant force in women’s club football in Europe. 
      Victory in the finals would see the Blues become the second Women’s Champions League winners from England following Arsenal’s success in 2007.
      And the Kingsmeadow chief admitted to feeling very emotional about a win she imagined as a little girl playing football on the streets of Camden. 
      Hayes said: “I’ve played this out in the Curnock Street Estate. I entered that pitch every day as a nine-year-old about to play in the Champions League final. 
      “Oh my God, my dreams came true. I wanted this win so badly. I mean, it was the longest week in the world. 
      “I had to do everything to keep my emotions in check and keep training normally. I just wanted the game to come. 
      “And fair play to Bayern – they were tremendous opponents. But the resilience in this group is just so unbelievable. 
      “Ann-Katrin (Berger) and the defenders, plus Sophie (Ingle) in front of the back four did a great job. “Niamh (Charles), Millie (Bright) had a job to do today and they along with everybody executed what I asked them to do.
      “We’re there, we’re in the final. I’m overwhelmed with emotion. I almost can’t even let the tears out and I’m so happy for everyone.”
      Ji So-yun was on target for Chelsea who thrashed Bayern Munich 4-1Credit: Prime Media

      The hosts, boosted by the return of skipper Magda Eriksson, went on the attack almost immediately with Kirby jetting down the right and delivering the ball to the Ji So-yun lurking in Bayern’s box. 
      But the Blues playmaker saw her pass intended for Pernille Harder headed out of danger in the second minute. 
      And Bayern countered moments later through Klara Buhl on the left who switched the ball from her left to her right foot before her shot was blocked.
      The 0-0 scoreline lasted until the tenth minute with Hayes’ players eventually rewarded for their attacking efforts. 
      And it was Blues golden girl Kirby who put them 1-0 up following a swift counter which began with Melanie Leupolz dispossessing a Bayern player. 
      And the England forward buried a low left-footed strike in the bottom corner after receiving the ball in the penalty area from Sam Kerr. 
      The Blues appeared to have the upper hand and had another chance to score close to the half-hour mark through Kirby.
      But the forward saw her shot go wide of the box. 
      And the hosts suffered a scare with Sarah Zadrazil lashing in a phenomenal right-footed rocket from 30 yards out to equalise for Bayern in the 28th minute.
      But Chelsea retook the lead with Ji So-yun smashing in smashing in a low drive after her free-kick rebounded off the wall close to half-time
      The second half saw more nerve-wracking end-to-end drama before Pernille Harder headed the Blues 3-1 in front with less than ten minutes of normal time left. 
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      Fran Kirby scored twice to help Chelsea set up a tantalising clash with BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      That goal sparked panic amongst their opponents who poured forward in a desperate hunt for another goal. 
      And the visitors were caught cold when keeper Laura Benkarth was stranded upfield in injury time with Kirby netting to wrap up a historic Chelsea win.
      The result left Bayern boss Jens Scheuer rueing “individual mistakes” within his team’s performance.
      Scheuer said: “Chelsea put in a better performance but they were not the best team over the two matches. They were just more clinical today.
      “We committed too many individual mistakes today and we were made to pay for it.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Pernille Harder was on target for Chelsea with a late second half headerCredit: Zuma Press
      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

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      How Liverpool and Leicester could finish fourth in Prem and still NOT get Champions League football next season

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      LEICESTER or Liverpool could miss out on Champions League football by finishing fourth – and here is how.The race is on to qualify for next season’s competition with a host of teams scuffling over the few remaining places.
      Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp may find that fourth place is not enoughCredit: Getty
      Manchester City are already in the hat with Manchester United soon to secure their spot, leaving potentially three more spaces in the competition.
      Typically, the top-four of the Premier League all reach the group stage with Leicester and Chelsea well set as things stand.
      The Blues hold a six-point advantage over fifth-placed West Ham and Liverpool are a point further back, with both clubs yet to play this weekend.
      Tottenham and Everton are also in the picture although the Toffees’ defeat to Aston Villa left them nine points behind with only five games to go.
      But, as these clubs fight over fourth place, there is still a possibility that it still will not be enough.
      Uefa rules stipulate that a maximum of five clubs can qualify for the Champions League from a single country.
      This is to allow space for any winners of the previous year’s tournament and/or the Europa League, as a prize for their achievement.
      At the halfway mark of the semi-finals in both competitions, there are still four English clubs who could lift a trophy and claim their place.
      As mentioned, Manchester United and City are already there via the top four but Chelsea could yet drop out and Arsenal are way back in 11th.
      Chelsea hold two potential routes to the 2021-22 Champions LeagueCredit: Guardian
      Arsenal are also still in the picture despite a defeat to VillarrealCredit: Getty
      Should BOTH the capital clubs lift European silverware, fourth place may not qualify for the Champions League.
      If Chelsea finish third then fourth will join them in the competition no matter what.
      But if both are outside the top four and both win their competition, then whoever does finish fourth will find themselves relegated to the Europa League for 2021-22.
      Chelsea are level at 1-1 with Real Madrid in their semi-final tie with Arsenal 2-1 down to Villarreal as both games head to London for the second legs.
      It would be a cruel blow to Leicester, who have sat inside the qualification places for much of the last two years and missed out on the final day of last season.
      While Liverpool are desperate to keep some momentum from their recent European and domestic titles by breaking back into the top four.
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      For Tottenham, it would be a severe case of deja vu as they were dumped into the Europa thanks to Chelsea’s Champions League win in 2012.
      Back then, only four sides were allowed to qualify – a rule that was changed in 2015.
      And there is another factor to consider as sides wrestle over a spot in Europe next season.
      The advent of the Europa Conference League, a third competition in the Uefa setup, means the Prem’s seventh-placed team will venture into that unknown next season.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Arsenal legend Martin Keown slams Mikel Arteta for ‘exposing’ Granit Xhaka at left-back against Villarreal More

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      Chelsea ace Kai Havertz pleads with Thomas Tuchel to unleash him on Real Madrid as Ashley Cole hails ‘fantastic’ striker

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      KAI HAVERTZ pleaded with Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel to let him loose on Real Madrid.The German scored twice to leave Fulham on the brink of relegation and stake his claim to start Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against the Spanish giants.
      Kai Havertz was in scintillating form for Chelsea against FulhamCredit: Getty
      Havertz hit the target in each half and was unlucky not to grab a hat trick in a performance that a delighted Tuchel hailed as ‘perfect’.
      Havertz said: “I scored very early so it gave me a little bit of confidence, it is always good to score and I’m happy to help the team. I hope I can continue like this on Wednesday.
      “I’m always desperate to start games, I play football. But I know we have a lot of quality players in the team and the other players play well as well. I keep going, train hard and give my best.”
      Chelsea emerged with no injuries and a clean sheet from a game which puts them six points clear in the all-important fourth spot.
      Tuchel admits Havertz’s performance gives him a selection headache for next week with Chelsea defending a 1-1 draw from the first leg in Spain.
      Tuchel said: “He took his chance, he showed up and this is what we need. We need guys who are fully committed. If you have a chance to show, show up.
      “If it is five, or maybe even fifteen minutes, be ready and give the manager a headache and that is what he did.
      “Yes, this was the perfect match. That is why the players get full credit from the coach for this. We have no regrets and lots of credit from this game.
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      Ashley Cole hailed Havertz’s display on Saturday as ‘fantastic’Credit: Sky Sports
      “We worked so hard in the last week and now it is important we have a clear mind and nothing to regret for the Wednesday game.
      “We take nothing for granted, keep our heads down, our feet on the ground and try to do the best we can together as a group.”
      Former Chelsea great Ashley Cole added his praise for the German and told Sky Sports: “He was fantastic.
      “He didn’t get too involved in the build-up but his little through balls and deft touches and control around the box, I think he deserved his two goals.”
      Mason Mount set up the opening goal and produced another outstanding display before being subbed with 24 minutes left as a precaution.
      Tuchel said: “He has the full package, mentally-wise, talent-wise and physically. And most importantly character with both feet on the round.
      “It is a pleasure to have him and be at his side and guide and support him.
      “I saw him land hard and thought I wanted to take him off if we had the chance. He was clutching his back a little bit and he didn’t want to take a risk.”

      Fulham are now nine points from safety with only four games to go but boss Scott Parker remains defiant about his team’s chances of staying up.
      He said: “People may laugh and think I am crazy but there is no other option than to go out believing we can win those games. It is what we have to do.
      “There is no other scenario. This performance makes me think we can win games. We just lack in certain areas.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Chelsea v Fulham as it happened More

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      Hayes eyes a Chelsea Champions League double with Tuchel also bidding for glory in Europe

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      EMMA HAYES is dreaming of Chelsea sealing a historic Champions League double by becoming kings and queens of club football in Europe. And the Kingsmeadow chief hailed Thomas Tuchel, 47, for buying into the winning mentality being encouraged by the Blues. 
      Emma Hayes is urging her team to play the game of their lives against Bayern MunichCredit: PA
      Hayes’ WSL stars are bidding to become the first Chelsea team to reach the final of the Women’s Champions League by beating Bayern Munich. 
      And Tuchel’s Prem aces hope to dispatch Real Madrid in the men’s semis with a second leg decider set for Wednesday.  
      Should both sides win their competitions it would see Chelsea become the first English outfit to triumph in the men’s and women’s Champions Leagues in the same season.
      Hayes, 44, said: “I had a lovely encounter with Thomas Tuchel, he’s a fantastic guy, really open-minded and progressive coach. 
      “There’s a reason why the men’s team are performing like they are and to mirror that success, side by side, how fantastic that would be. 
      “I’ve always said this about Chelsea, we always talk about winning in this place, that’s what comes with the territory. 
      “We don’t mind the pressure, the expectations, the tags, the titles, whatever comes with it, we just know we’re a club that wants to be in winning positions.
      “It’s great to think that both the men’s and women’s teams have reached these stages. 
      “But as I’ll always say we’re about winning things, not just getting here.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Chelsea are hoping to reach their first ever Women’s Champions League final this seasonCredit: AP
      Tuchel’s side are aiming to defeat Real Madrid in their second leg Champions League semisCredit: PA

      Hayes believes her side has the quality to bounce back from the disappointment of their 2-1 first leg semis away defeat to German league leaders Bayern.  
      Hayes added: “I feel relaxed going into this. Everybody wants to win every game and we have enough quality to do that. 
      “What I think will make a difference is our ability to stay calm in every moment, even when it’s not where we want things to be.
      “We have to stay true to the reason we are in this position and have trust and belief in each other that the right things will happen at the right time.” 
      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

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      Kelly Smith backs Hayes and Chelsea to triumph in Europe just as she did with Arsenal Ladies

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      KELLY SMITH is backing Chelsea to steal Arsenal’s limelight by ending their spell of being the only women’s football club from England to conquer Europe. And the Gunners’ icon believes “energiser” Hayes will have her players “riled up” to knock Bayern Munich out of the Champions League. 
      Kelly Smith helped Chelsea could triumph in the Women’s Champions League just as Arsenal did in 2007Credit: The FA – Getty Images
      Smith believes Emma Hayes will have Chelsea riled up and ready to defeat Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      It was 14 years ago this week that Arsenal made history by becoming the first women’s team from these shores to triumph in the contest.
      They did so with a gritty 1-0 aggregate win against Swedish outfit Umea with Alex Scott netting the winner and Smith becoming the tournament’s third-highest scorer. 
      Hayes was in the dugout for that victory during her stint as assistant manager to trailblazing Gunners Ladies boss Vic Akers. 
      And Smith, 42, who missed the finals due to a suspension, has fond memories of Hayes’ two-year tenure before her spell as Chicago Redstars boss from 2008 to 2010. 
      Smith told SunSport: “Emma was a young coach and still learning the trade when she was at Arsenal. 
      “But you could see she was hungry, passionate and a real energiser coach who really loved being out on the field. 
      “She got massive amounts of experience coaching in America after leaving the club and really developed Chelsea’s game. They are very lucky to have her.  
      “I hope they can perform, get to the final and try and take away Arsenal’s mantle of being the only team to lift the trophy.
      “And I’m sure Emma’s going to get them riled up and ready. 
      “It’s a huge opportunity for them to get to the final and they’re going to believe that they can do it being at home with that home advantage.” 
      Smith and her Arsenal Ladies team-mates won the Women’s Champions League 14 years ago this weekCredit: Getty

      Chelsea, who take on Bayern at Kingsmeadow, are looking to overturn a 2-1 first leg semi-final deficit by toppling the German league leaders. 
      And Hayes was tight-lipped on whether skipper Madga Eriksson will be available for selection after missing the first leg with a calf problem. 
      However Smith, who netted 144 times in 125 Arsenal appearances, thinks Eriksson’s presence could make a difference to Chelsea chances. 
      Smith added: “I do think, having watched little parts of the first leg that they really missed Eriksson at the back.
      “She’s the stalwart there, the leader and organises that whole backline. Hopefully she can come back into the mix for the game.”
      Smith, who is backing a smart meter campaign with sports stars including Nicola Adams, has been reflecting on the evolution of the WSL which turned ten this year. 
      And the former England forward, who is the Lionesses highest scorer with 46 goals, hopes to see the top flight become more lucrative in the next decade. 
      Smith hopes to see the Women’s Super League attract a bigger fan base in the next ten yearsCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Smith said: “When I started playing we were only training two nights a week and trying to be full time athletes while juggling jobs. But now the game is professional.
      “I’d like to see teams playing in bigger stadiums and generating bigger fan bases. 
      “We’ve seen it with the special football weekends with derbies and where you get larger crowds coming to games such as Arsenal vs Spurs. 
      “I also hope the WSL becomes self-funding and for clubs not to lose money. We’ve got a long way to go but we’ve just got to keep pushing.”
      Smith, who won 20 trophies in three spells with Arsenal, is thought to be a strong contender to be an inductee into the Women’s Super League Hall of Fame. 
      A panel of experts are due to decide on a shortlist from which the first Hall of Famers will be chosen.
      The former Gunner, who played for Arsenal between 1996 and 2017,  has ideas on who she would like to see inducted.
      And Chelsea’s Ji So-yun is among the names on her list.
      Smith added: “It’s going to be difficult for whoever’s on that panel to come up with the first couple of inductees. 
      Chelsea’s Ji So-yun is among the players Smith would like to see inducted into the Women’s Super League Hall of FameCredit: Reuters
      “The names that spring to mind for me are Rachel Yankey Alex Scott. Karen Carney and Faye White. 
      “There’s also Fara Williams who’s just retired, Steph Houghton, Katie Chapman and Jill Scott and Emma Byrne who was Arsenal’s goalie when I was there. She was a top-level player. 
      “Even Ji So-yun at Chelsea. She’s been around for a good number of years and been a high level performer for Chelsea.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Smith is supporting a national campaign encouraging people to learn about smart meters
      Kelly Smith is supporting the ‘Get Britain Energy Fit For The Future’ campaign. 
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