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      Who is former Arsenal and England player Kelly Smith and when did she retire from football?

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      KELLY SMITH was England’s Women’s all-time leading scorer when she retired from her international duties.The football legend is best known for her multiple stints at Arsenal but has also played in America.
      Kelly Smith is a former football player who played for Arsenal and England
      Who is former Arsenal and England player Kelly Smith?
      Kelly Smith is a footballer who played for Arsenal and England’s national team.
      She was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, on October 29, 1978.
      Smith began her professional career with Wembley Ladies in 1996 and moved to Arsenal two years later.
      In 1999 she left the Gunners for America, where she played for the New Jersey Lady Stallions, Philadelphia Charge and New Jersey Wildcats over an eight year period.
      After returning to Arsenal in 2005, Smith netted an incredible 73 goals in 66 games before she headed back to the States to play for the Boston Breakers.
      Kelly then returned to Arsenal for five more years from 2012 until 2017.
      Over her three spells at Arsenal, Smith won a total of 20 trophies and scored 30 goals in 34 games across all four competitions during their quadruple-winning 2006–07 season.
      The striker was shortlisted for FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award four times and won the FA Player of the Year award twice.
      Her honours include four Premier League titles, a UEFA Women’s Cup and five FA Cups.
      In 2008, Smith was awarded an MBE for her services to women’s football.
      Kelly married her partner DeAnna Dobosz on Hampstead Heath in June 2016.
      She gave birth to a son named Rocco Jude in May 2017 and in 2019 the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter.
      Kelly joined the Arsenal Women’s first-team coaching setup in April 2023.
      She has also worked as a presenter for Sky Sports.
      How long did Kelly Smith play for England?
      Kelly played for England for 20 years.
      She made her debut for the team in November 1995, just three days after she turned 17.
      During her two-decade career she earned 117 caps.
      Kelly also represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics.
      When did Kelly Smith retire from football?
      Kelly retired from international duty in 2015 after a twenty-year career.
      She continued to play for Arsenal, where she had also taken up a part-time coaching role, and retired fully in 2017.
      When announcing her retirement in 2015, Kelly said: “I’ve been deliberating about this decision for months, it was doing my head in and I’ve felt in no-man’s land.
      “I’ve just felt so tired as it’s been an emotional roller coaster.”
      She added: “It’s sad my international career has come to an end but the time is right.
      “I’m at peace with my decision.” More

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      Chelsea vs Borussia Dortmund: Blues take on German giants in tasty pre-season clash – stream, TV, team news

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      CHELSEA finish their pre-season campaign against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago – and here’s what you need to know.The Blues are yet to lose under Mauricio Pochettino after winning 2-0 against West London rivals Fulham.
      Chelsea beat Fulham 2-0 in a pre-season friendlyCredit: EPA
      Chelsea’s victory crowned them the winners of the inaugural Premier League Summer Series.
      They opened up their tour of the USA with a 5-0 win over Wrexham before they beat fellow top-flight opposition Brighton and a 1-1 draw with Newcastle.
      With the Prem League season around the corner, Chelsea now face their biggest friendly to date with eight-time Bundesliga champions.
      When is Chelsea vs Borussia Dortmund?

      The match will commence on Thursday, 3 August.
      Kick-off is set at 1:30am BST UK time.
      It is taking place in Soldier Field, Chicago, USA.
      Soldier Field has a capacity of 61,500.

      READ MORE CHELSEA
      Where can I watch Chelsea vs Borussia Dortmund?

      The game will be broadcast live on Chelsea’s website and their ‘The 5th Stand’ app.
      5th Stand is Chelsea’s official app and can be downloaded for FREE on IOS and Android.

      Team News
      Pochettino suffers from several fitness blows as Trevor Chalobah picked up an injury in the win against Fulham.
      Wesley Fofana is recovering from surgery over another ACL injury, while Armando Broja and Benoit Badiashile are still absent.
      Monaco’s Axel Disasi will unlikely play as his £38.5 million move to Stamford Bridge is yet to be completed.
      Most read in Football
      Thiago Silva returned to action to win the Premier Series CupCredit: Getty
      Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi will not be playing as they finalising their exits.
      Dortmund are also facing injuries of their own from key players Julien Duranville and Nico Schlotterbeck. More

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      Arsenal vs Monaco: Gunners take on French giants in tasty Emirates Cup clash – stream, TV, team news

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      ARSENAL’S 5-3 victory against Barcelona in Los Angles has the Gunners ready to return to home soil this week against Monaco.Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Fabio Vieira found the back of the net at LA’s SoFi Stadium.
      Arsenal thrash Barcelona in a 5-3 win in LACredit: Alamy
      With two more friendlies left, questions arise on what Mikel Arteta’s side can pull out of the bag before the 2023/24 season commences.
      The Spaniard is hunting for a fourth big signing this summer to add to his starting XI.
      The Gunners are eager to create competition for the No.1 Aaron Ramsdale over interest in signing Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.
      When is Arsenal vs Monaco?

      The game will take place Wednesday, 2 August.
      Kick-off is set at 6pm.
      The game will be held on the Gunner’s home soil, the Emirates Stadium.
      The North London ground holds just over 60,000 fans.

      READ MORE FOOTBALL
      Where can I watch Arsenal vs Monaco?

      You can watch the match via the Arsenal.com website or app for an early bird price of £4.99.
      The match price will then rise to £6.99 on the match day.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all of the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Team News
      Arteta faces several fitness concerns which need to be managed before Wednesday’s clash with Ligue 1 giants Monaco.
      New signing Declan Rice alongside Oleksandr Zinchenko and Folarin Balogun, all missed the match against Barcelona with minor injuries.
      Elsewhere, Southampton’s Mohammad Salisu is set to complete his medical ahead of a move to the South of France.
      Most read in Football
      While Fontvieille are reportedly going to lose Axel Disasi to Chelsea as the Blues have agreed a £45million fee for the defender. More

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      Is Nouhaila Benzina the first footballer to wear a hijab at a World Cup?

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      NOUHAILA BENZINA made her World Cup debut at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.The football star made history at the competition during Morocco’s game against South Korea.
      Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco made history during the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 match between Korea and MoroccoCredit: EPA/MATT TURNER
      Who is Nouhaila Benzina?
      Nouhaila Benzina is a Moroccan football player.
      She was born on May 11, 1998 in Kenitra.
      Benzina plays as a defender.
      Who has Nouhaila Benzina played for?
      Benzina has spent her professional career playing for Morocco’s ASFAR (Association’s Sports of Forces Armed Royal) team.
      Read More on Women’s World Cup
      She has also represented Morocco at under-20 and senior levels.
      In 2023 Benzina was named as part of Morocco’s Fifa Women’s World Cup squad.
      The 2023 edition of the tournament marks the first time Morocco has taken part.
      They are also the first team from MENA, the group of countries situated in and around the Middle East and North Africa, to play in the tournament.
      Most read in Football
      Benzina was an unused substitute in the team’s first game against Germany but was called up during their second clash, against South Korea.
      Is Nouhaila Benzina the first footballer to wear a hijab at a World Cup?
      In July 2023, Benzina became the first football player to play at a World Cup – or any senior women’s football tournament – wearing a hijab.
      She wore her hijab during Morocco’s July 30, 2023, match against South Korea at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      Morocco finished the game, which took place at Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium, victorious with a 1-0 win.
      In the past, Fifa banned the wearing of hijabs during games due to health and safety reasons.
      The reasons included possible choking, with the ban forbidding “equipment that is dangerous to himself or another player”.
      That ban was lifted in 2014.
      The under-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan took place two years after the ban was lifted and marked the first time Muslim players wore headscarves during an international Fifa event.
      Benzina has not publicly addressed her history-making turn on the pitch but Morocco’s captain Ghizlane Chebbak has discussed her team being at their first ever World Cup.
      She told press: “We are honoured to be the first Arab country to take part in the Women’s World Cup and we feel that we have to shoulder a big responsibility to give a good image, to show the achievements the Moroccan team has made.”
      Ahead of Morocco’s match against South Korea, Benzina did reference the upcoming game on her social media.
      Read More on The Sun
      On Instagram, she posted a screenshot of a tweet stating that Benzina is the only player – out of 736 – at the Women’s World Cup to wear a hijab.
      She captioned the screenshot with a black love heart. More

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      England vs China – Women’s World Cup: Lionesses aiming to end group stage on a high – FREE stream, TV, team news

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      ENGLAND are heading for the knockout stages if they can avoid defeat in their final Group D match against China.The Lionesses secured three points in their 1-0 win against Denmark on Friday.
      England secured another win in the group stage against DenmarkCredit: The Mega Agency
      Lauren James’ stunning strike gave the Lionesses the lead against the Danes just after six minutes.
      However, before the half-time whistle, midfielder Keira Walsh went down with a knee injury and was stretched off.
      But despite the injury and Denmark hitting the post later on in the match, England remain top of the Group D table with one game to go.
      Betting special: England vs China free bets and sign up offers
      READ MORE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
      Sarina Wiegman’s squad has been blighted by injuries going into this tournament, with key players absent from the team.
      With Walsh now out, the England boss faces a selection dilemma going into their next game against China.
      When is England vs China?

      England will be playing China on Tuesday, 1 August.
      Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00pm BST.
      The match is being played at Coopers Stadium in Adelaide, South Australia.
      Coopers Stadium accomodates 16,500 fans.

      What TV channel will England vs China be on and can it be live streamed FREE?

      The match will be broadcast by ITV.
      You can also live stream for FREE on ITVX by setting up an account via the website or app.
      Or you can follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the game.

      Most read in Football
      Team News
      The FA have confirmed Walsh has not suffered with an anterior cruciate ligament injury as many first feared, but will still be absent in the next game
      Therefore questions arise on who will replace the world’s most expensive female player Keira Walsh.
      Manchester City’s Laura Coombs was the player who replaced Walsh after she suffered her injury during the Denmark match.
      China currently rank 14th in the FIFA women’s rankings and are 9-time AFC Women Asian Cup champions.
      They began their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Denmark and received another setback when Zhang Rui was sent off against Haiti.
      With Wang Shuang’s penalty, China played over 60mins with 10 players and still secured a win.
      Keira Walsh was stretched off the fieldCredit: Getty More

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      What happened with Women’s World Cup star Linda Caicedo?

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      LINDA Caicedo collapsed for a second time within a few days during Colombia’s match against Germany at the Fifa World Cup in Australia.But who is she and what happened to her?
      Linda Caicedo was diagnosed with cancer at the age of fifteenCredit: Getty
      Who is Linda Caicedo?
      Linda Lizeth Caicedo Alegría is a Colombian professional football player, who plays as a forward.
      She was born on February 22, 2005, in Cali, Colombia.
      At the age of fourteen she made her debut for her hometown club América de Cali Femenino.
      In early 2020, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and needed to have surgery and a six month chemotherapy.
      read more on linda caicedo
      In an interview with The Guardian she said about her illness: “It was something we dealt with internally.
      “Thankfully I overcame it and I’m well now.
      “It was not easy, but with the help of my loved ones, I was ready to go back to playing once doctors told me I was OK.
      “I feel like this is in the past, and now I can follow my path in football.”
      Most read in Football
      Caicedo played for Deportivo Cali from 2020 to 2023.
      After her contract ended she signed for Real Madrid in 2023.
      She scored twice and assisted in ten appearances in her first season for the club.
      In 2019, Linda made her international debut for Colombia.
      She has represented her country 17 times, scoring seven goals.
      At the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup, Linda scored in Colombia’s opening match against South Korea.
      What happened to Linda Caicedo?
      Caicedo collapsed during a training session on July 28, 2023, in Australia.
      She suddenly stopped and began clutching the left side of her chest.
      After sitting down, she collapsed on the field, with medical staff rushing on to the field to assist her.
      By the time she was placed on a stretcher, Linda was conscious again.
      After being rushed to a local hospital, a Colombian FA medical staff member told the press: “Linda is very tired.
      “What happened was just a symptom of all the stress and physical demands.
      “She is well and all is back to normal.”
      Caicedo recovered and started against Germany on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
      Read More on The Sun
      She scored a sensational goal but collapsed again in the 83rd minute.
      But after receiving treatment she carried on playing as her side defeated Germany 2-1. More

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      Who is Premier League referee Paul Tierney and what’s his net worth?

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      BEING a referee is one of the trickiest jobs in sport but Paul Tierney has been successful in the role for decades.The ref is one of the best known in the UK and is used to having all eyes on him as he oversees football games.
      Paul Tierney is a referee in the Premier LeagueCredit: Michael Regan/Getty Images
      Who is Premier League referee Paul Tierney?
      Paul Tierney is a football referee from Wigan, Greater Manchester.
      He was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1980, in Belfast and moved to Wigan when he was 11.
      He was promoted to the National List of Referees in 2009, and was an assistant referee for the 2009 FA Cup semi-final between Arsenal and  Chelsea.
      Tierney first refereed in the Premier League in August 2014, and became part of the Select Group for the 2016/17 season.
      Read More on Football
      Select Group refs predominantly officiate in the Premier League.
      He officiated the 2023 FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United.
      Ahead of the match, Tierney denied he is a supporter of either team, telling The FA: “It’s a great fixture to be refereeing too…there is the common assumption that because I’m from Wigan I must support one of them.
      “I was actually born in Belfast and only moved to Wigan when I was eleven and it’s actually going to be the first time that I’ve refereed a Manchester derby so I’m looking forward to it.”
      Most read in Football
      In May 2023, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was hit with a one game ban, with a further game suspended until the end of the next season, for slamming Tierney.
      Klopp, who accused the official of having an agenda against his side, was also fined £75,000.
      What is Paul Tierney’s net worth?
      Tierney’s net worth is unknown although peopleai.com estimates it to be around £853,000.
      Referees in the Premier League’s receive much smaller pay packets than the players.
      According to Sporting Free, Premier League refs take home up to around £70-£200k per year.
      They also earn a match fee in addition to their basic salary.
      This fee is thought to be £1,500 for official referees and £850 for assistant referees and video assistant refs.
      Is Paul Tierney married and does he have any children?
      Paul is married to the mother of former rugby league player Lewis Tierney.
      Lewis’ father, Jason Robinson, and his mum split up not long after he was born.
      His mother then remarried Paul and Lewis appears to be close with his step-dad.
      It is not publicly known whether Paul and his wife share any children together.
      Read More on The Sun
      Lewis, meanwhile, announced his retirement from rugby in November 2021.
      He started his professional career with the Wigan Warriors and went on to represent Workington Towns, Catalan Dragons and Leigh Centurions. More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz: UK start time, TV channel, stream, and undercard for massive boxing clash

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      JAKE PAUL makes his return to the ring this weekend as he takes on Nate Diaz in Texas.The Problem Child lost to the Mancunian by way of a split decision in Saudi Arabia at the start of the year.
      Tommy Fury (L) of Great Britain in action against Jake Paul in February 2023Credit: EPA
      Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz will take place this weekend in Dallas
      Jake Paul will face former UFC star Nate Diaz in his return to the ring as they look to settle their feud.
      The two have had a public battle on social media for the past 18 months and now the pair have come to an agreement to fight in the summer.
      When is Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz?

      Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz will be on Saturday, August 5th
      Depending on the length of the undercard fights the main event is expected to take place at around 4am UK time.
      The venue will be the American Airlines Centre in Dallas, Texas.

      What channel is Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz on and can it be live streamed?

      Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz will be shown live on DAZN PPV.
      You can purchase a DAZN monthly pass for £9.99 a month.
      DAZN subscribers can live stream Jack Paul vs Nate Diaz via the DAZN app or website.

      READ MORE IN BOXING
      Who’s on the card?
      Here are all the confirmed fights for the night:

      MAIN EVENT: Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz (8 rounds)
      Amanda Serrano vs. Heather Hardy – for IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC, and WBO featherweight titles
      Alan Sanchez vs. Angel Beltran
      Chris Avila vs. Jeremy Stephens
      Shadasia Green vs. Olivia Curry
      Jose Aguayo vs. Noel Cavazos
      Luciano Ramos vs. CJ Hamilton
      Kevin Newman II vs. Kilo Madera
      Ashton Sylve vs. William Silva

      What’s been said?
      Jake Paul said: “My last fight didn’t end the way I wanted, but the result was the best thing that could have happened to my professional boxing aspirations.
      “Now, the world thinks I am vulnerable, when all I am is more focused than ever. My team wanted me to take an easy fight like KSI next, but that’s not how I am built.
      Most read in Boxing
      “Nate Diaz is considered one of the most bad-ass fighters of all time, but he and his team have been running their mouths for too long.”
      Paul, who is 6-1 in the ring, continued: “People tell me Nate has been training with Andre Ward for years. That he has insane stamina. That he refuses to back down. Good for f***ing Nate.
      “I haven’t forgotten about the slap backstage in Arizona, and on August 5, a Problem Child is going to piece up and knock out the Stockton G.”
      Diaz beat Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September in the last fight of his deal with the MMA company.
      Boxing has been a staple throughout the 37-year-old Diaz’s near two-decade career.
      He has had a hugely successful MMA career with 22 fights and a victory over Conor McGregor.
      Diaz said: “Besides Canelo he’s the biggest thing in boxing. I’m here to conquer that. I’m the King of combat sports and then I’m headed back to get my UFC belts.
      “I f***ed up Conor for acting out and now here I am again, like a Super Hero of the Real Fight game, the King of the Real Fight game.” More