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      Team GB footballers confirm they WILL take knee before kick-off at Tokyo Olympics in defiance after England race shame

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      TEAM GB footballers have confirmed they will take a knee before their Olympic matches.Sun Sport revealed last week that the squad, under head coach Hege Riise, had been determined to follow the stance used in the WSL as well as men’s football since last year’s restart.
      Riise has confirmed that her Team GB will be taking the knee before their games at the Tokyo 2020 gamesCredit: Reuters
      It had potentially brought the Team GB players, including two Scots and one from Wales, into conflict with Games chiefs.
      But a reversal allowing pre-match gestures sealed the deal.
      In a statement, Team GB said: “The Team GB Women’s Football squad have confirmed their intention to take the knee on the field of play ahead of kick-off in their games at the forthcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Football tournament in Japan.
      “The squad welcomed recent clarification provided by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in relation to Rule 50 which now permits athletes to make gestures on the field of play, provided they are done so without disruption and with respect for fellow competitors.”
      The confirmation came as Riise announced the captaincy of the side will be rotated in the three group games to reflect the unique circumstances of three Home Nations being united under one flag.
      England skipper Steph Houghton, Wales captain Sophie Ingle and Scotland vice-captain Kim Little will each wear the armband in the opening three games against Chile, Japan and Canada.
      Team GB’s opening two matches are in Sapporo, with the side the first British athletes in action on Wednesday, two days before the opening ceremony.
      Riise said: “We are fortunate to have so many experienced and talented players in our squad and we think of ourselves as a ‘leaderful’ team.
      The Team GB are determined to use the stance which has been widely used in the WSL and Premier LeagueCredit: PA
      Their decision to take the stance comes after Rashford, Sancho and Saka were racially abused following their penalty misses in the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Getty
      “Where every individual brings their own leadership strengths to the group.
      “However Steph, Sophie and Kim will lead the way on the pitch.
      “This is a very close group on and off the pitch and I have been so impressed how they have all come together.
      “When you get to an Olympics you realise you are part of something veryspecial and I know the players and support team are determined to give everything they can.”
      About the decision to kneel – as both England and Wales did before all their games in Euro 2020 – Riise added: “The players and staff have been taking the knee at club and international level for over a year now.
      “And we were all united in our decision to continue doing whatever we can to raise awareness of racism and discrimination in all itsforms.
      “Standing in unity and solidarity with all those whose lives are affected.
      “We are clear that taking the knee is an important symbol of peaceful protest against discrimination, injustice and inequality in society.
      “And we are glad that the IOC have acknowledged the importance of this form of freedom of expression.
      “We will do so with The utmost respect for our fellow competitors, officials and the IOC, with due regard for the ideals that lie at the heart of the Olympic movement.”
      Team GB’s decision to take the knee comes shortly after England stars Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Buyako Saka were all racially abused following their penalty misses against Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

      The trio were subjected to vile abuse from trolls on Twitter which has outraged the nation.
      Manchester United ace Rashford had his mural in the city vandalised. which left him on the brink of tears, but it was covered with messages of support shortly after.
      His new United team-mate Sancho also revealed he was saddened by the horrific jibes but declared that hate will never win.
      Hege Riise is appointed Team GB women’s football head coach for Tokyo Olympics More

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      Football fixtures at Tokyo Olympics: Who will Team GB women face and what sides are in men’s draw?

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      IF Euro 2020 wasn’t exciting enough, there is plenty more football to come at the Tokyo Olympics.And Team GB have their women’s team BACK at the Games, where they are looking to go for the gold they missed out on at London 2012.
      Brazil took gold last time out at Rio 2016, after beating Germany in a penalty shoot-out in the finalCredit: Splash News
      Team GB’s women starred at the London 2012 Games but were knocked out in the semi finalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The likes of France, Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Brazil and Germany will be competing in Japan as football makes it’s long awaited return to the Olympics.
      The Team GB women’s football team will be right in the mix as well.
      The tournament itself will start on Wednesday, July 22 – two days before the opening ceremony – until Saturday, August 8.
      Hege Riise’s women’s side are due to play Chile in the first match of the tournament in Group E, on July 21 before also playing Canada and Chile in their other initial group games, which will all be played at the Sapporo Stadium. 
      ⚽️ EXPLAINED: Why is there a Team GB women’s team but no men’s team?
      Team GB women’s Group E fixtures:

      Wednesday, July 21 – Great Britain vs Chile – 8.30am UK (4.30pm Japan)
      Saturday, July 24 – Japan vs Great Britain – 11am UK approx (7pm Japan)
      Tuesday, July 27 – Canada vs Great Britain – 11.30am UK approx (7.30pm Japan)

      *Kick off times marked approximate are because games are clustered into sets of two, the Olympic organisers only give kick-off times for the early matches.
      What are the Olympic football groups?
      The men’s competition will consist of sixteen teams split up four by four per group and the women’s competition will consist of 12 teams split up in three groups.
      Men’s groups

      Group A: Japan, South Africa, Mexico, France
      Group B: New Zealand, South Korea, Honduras, Romania
      Group C: Egypt, Spain, Argentina, Australia
      Group D: Brazil, Germany, Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia

      Women’s groups

      Group E: Japan, Great Britain, Chile, Canada
      Group F: Brazil, Netherlands, China, Zambia
      Group G: USA, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand

      The GB Women’s team qualified for the Olympics by virtue of England’s performance at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, when they finished fourth in France.
      Defending champions Germany will not field a women’s side at the Olympics after they lost their World Cup quarter-final to Sweden.
      And unlike the men’s event – which is an under-23 tournament – the Olympics is one of women’s football’s biggest events, with no age restrictions.
      Olympic football fixtures in full
      Games in the same group are being played two at a time in various stadia, so second kick-off times are approximate.
      Wednesday July 21 – Women

      E: Great Britain vs Chile – 8.30am UK (4.30pm Japan)
      E: Japan vs Canada – 11am UK approx (7pm Japan)
      F: China vs Brazil – 9am UK (5pm Japan)
      F: Zambia vs Netherlands – 11.30am UK approx (7.30pm Japan)
      G: Sweden vs USA – 9.30am UK (5.30am Japan)
      G: Australia vs New Zealand – 12 Noon UK approx (8pm Japan)

      Thursday July 22 – Men

      C: Egypt vs Spain – 8.30am UK (4.30pm Japan)
      C: Argentina vs Australia – 11am UK approx (7pm Japan)
      A: Mexico vs France – 9am UK (5pm Japan)
      A: Japan vs South Africa – 11.30am UK approx (7.30pm Japan)
      B: New Zealand vs South Korea – 9am UK (5pm Japan)
      B: Honduras vs Romania – 11.30am UK approx (7.30pm Japan)
      D: Ivory Coast vs Saudi Arabia – 9.30am UK (5.30am Japan)
      D: Brazil vs Germany – 12 Noon UK approx (8pm Japan)

      Saturday July 24 – Women

      E: Chile vs Canada – 8.30am UK (4.30pm Japan)
      E: Japan vs Great Britain – 11am UK approx (7pm Japan)
      F: China vs Zambia – 9am UK (5pm Japan)
      F: Netherlands vs Brazil – 11.30am UK approx (7.30pm Japan)
      G: Sweden vs Australia – 9.30am UK (5.30am Japan)
      G: New Zealand vs USA – 12 Noon UK approx (8pm Japan)

      Sunday July 25 – Men

      C: Egypt vs Argentina – 8.30am UK (4.30pm Japan)
      C: Australia vs Spain – 11am UK approx (7pm Japan)
      B: New Zealand vs Honduras – 9am UK (5pm Japan)
      B: Romania vs South Korea- 11.30am UK approx (7.30pm Japan)
      A: France vs South Africa – 9am UK (5pm Japan)
      A: Japan vs Mexico – 11.30am UK approx (7.30pm Japan)
      D: Brazil vs Ivory Coast – 9.30am UK (5.30am Japan)
      D: Saudi Arabia vs Germany – 12 Noon UK approx (8pm Japan)

      Tuesday July 27 – Women

      G: New Zealand vs Sweden – 9am UK (5pm Japan)
      E: Chile vs Japan – 11.30am UK approx (7.30pm Japan)
      G: USA vs Australia – 9am UK (5pm Japan)
      E: Canada vs Great Britain – 11.30am UK approx (7.30pm Japan)
      F: Brazil vs Zambia – 12.30pm UK (8.30pm Japan)
      F: Netherlands vs China – 12.30pm UK (8.30pm Japan)

      Wednesday July 28 – Men

      D: Germany vs Ivory Coast – 9am UK (5pm Japan)
      C: Australia vs Egypt – 11.30am UK approx (7.30pm Japan)
      D: Saudi Arabia vs Brazil – 9am UK (5pm Japan)
      C: Australia vs Egypt – 11.30am UK approx (7.30pm Japan)
      B: Romania vs New Zealand – 9.30am UK (5.30am Japan)
      A: South Africa vs Mexico – 12 Noon UK approx (8pm Japan)
      B: South Korea vs Honduras – 9.30am UK (5.30am Japan)
      A: France vs Japan – 12 Noon UK approx (8pm Japan)

      Friday July 30 – Women

      Women’s quarter final 1 – 9am UK (5pm Japan)
      Women’s quarter final 2 – 10am UK (6pm Japan)
      Women’s quarter final 3 – 11am UK (7pm Japan)
      Women’s quarter final 4 – 12 noon UK (8pm Japan)

      Saturday July 31 – Men

      Men’s quarter final 1 – 9am UK (5pm Japan)
      Men’s quarter final 2 – 10am UK (6pm Japan)
      Men’s quarter final 3 – 11am UK (7pm Japan)
      Men’s quarter final 4 – 12 noon UK (8pm Japan)

      Monday August 2 – Women

      Women’s semi final 1 – 9am UK (5pm Japan)
      Women’s semi final 2 – 12 noon UK (8pm Japan)

      Tuesday August 3 – Men

      Men’s semi final 1 – 9am UK (5pm Japan)
      Men’s semi final 2 – 12 noon UK (8pm Japan)

      Thursday August 5 – Women

      Women’s bronze medal match – 9am UK (5pm Japan)

      Friday August 6 – Women and Men

      Women’s gold medal final – 3am UK (11am Japan)
      Men’s bronze medal match – 12 Noon UK (8pm Japan)

      Saturday August 7 – Men

      Men’s gold medal final – 12.30pm UK (8.30pm Japan) More

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      Team GB Women’s friendly duel with Zambia reportedly axed ahead of Tokyo Olympics opening game for Hege Riise’s aces

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      GREAT BRITAIN’S women’s football team have seen their plans for a pre-Olympics warm-up match dashed with their clash with Zambia reportedly kiboshed. BBC Sport claims the July 1 friendly game between the two sides has been called off 20 days before Team GB’s first match at the Tokyo Games. 
      A friendly match between Zambia and Team GB women’s football team has reportedly been called offCredit: PA
      Head coach Hege Riise had hoped to see her side in action ahead of their first match at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: PA
      The announcement comes ten days after Man City stopper Karen Bardsley was forced to withdraw from Hege Riise’s squad due to injury, with Chelsea’s Carly Telford replacing her. 
      In a statement the FA said: “Due to circumstances beyond everyone’s control Zambia have had to withdraw from the National Lottery-hosted GB Women’s Football send-off game on 1 July.
      “The African nation – who will also be taking part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo next month – had to pull out because of complications linked to COVID-19 restrictions.
      “Ticket refunds will be issued to all purchasers.”
      Olympic champion Hege Riise, who won gold with Norway at the 2000 Games, will lead the GB squad at this summer’s Games.
      Team GB’s friendly encounter with Zambia would have been the first competitive test for the side who have been drawn in Group E at the Tokyo Olympics.
      It would have seen Riise’s aces pit their wits against an African team who have qualified for the Games for the first time in their history.
      The match, which was due to be aired on BBC Four and held at Stoke City Stadium, was expected to be attended by a limited number of paying fans. 
      And it would have been the only opportunity for Great Britain supporters to watch the team in action on home turf. 
      Team GB will be targeting a gold medal win in at the Olympics GamesCredit: PA

      Riise, 51, is one of only three women in the world to have won an Olympic gold medal, a World Cup and a European Championship
      And the former Norway international had been eager to see her side perform in front of home nations fans. 
      Prior to the fixture’s cancellation the Team GB head coach said: “It has been a long time since supporters have had the opportunity to watch any of the home nations play.
      “The chance to see our GB squad compete before the Games is a rare occasion indeed.”
      Great Britain will take on Chile in the first of their three Group E fixtures in Tokyo on July 21. 
      This is only the second time that Team GB have entered a women’s football team in Olympic competition since the introduction of the sport to the Games’ schedule in 1996.
      Team GB fielded a football squad for the first time in the London 2012 Olympic Games. 
      The team reached the quarter-finals, with the United States the eventual winners after beating this summer’s hosts Japan 2-1 to win gold for a third consecutive time.

      They will then play hosts Japan on July 24 before taking on Canada who are coached by former England Women’s assistant Bev Priestman. 
      Team GB’s opener against Chile will take place at the Sapporo Stadium. 
      And it was at the 41,580 capacity venue that David Beckham grabbed headlines by netting a penalty against Argentina in the 2002 World Cup.
      Manchester City star Caroline Weir targets Team GB Olympic glory like ‘mentor’ Andy Murray More

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      Arsenal signing Mana Iwabuchi wows fans with stunning volleyed-goal as Japan thrash Ukraine 8-0 ahead of Tokyo Olympics

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      MANA IWABUCHI gave Arsenal fans a glimpse of what to expect next season when she scored a stunning volley in Japan’s 8-0 annihilation of Ukraine.The 28-year-old, who signed for Gunners last month, was in blistering form as the Olympic hosts humiliated their European opponents.
      Iwabuchi scored a stunner as Japan thumped Ukraine 8-0Credit: Getty

      She helped set up Japan’s first goal of the game, before going on to net a brace in the friendly match-up.
      But it was her first strike which drove supporters insane.
      Iwabuchi connected beautifully onto the end of a cross before smashing the ball into the top corner from close range to the delight of her team-mates.
      Her impeccable strike had fans claiming that her new Gunners team-mate Vivianne Miedema would be proud.
      One fan wrote: “Even this girl would of been proud to hit a strike that clean,” along-side a pic of the duo.
      But the ex-Aston Villa dynamo wasn’t done there and found herself on the score-sheet again 13 minutes into the second half.
      In similar fashion to her first attempt, Iwabuchi pounced on to a cross but this time her finish was a scrappy one.
      After leaving her mark on the game, she was subbed with 14 minutes left on the clock.
      She was unplayable in the game as she scored another and also provided an assistCredit: Getty
      Fans claimed even her new Gunners pal Miedema would’ve been proud of the strike

      Iwabuchi’s fellow Gunners team-mates will be hoping she will re-create her stunning national form with them domestically next season.
      But they’ll be praying the former Bayern Munich forward leaves her scoring boots at home during the Olympics.
      Several Gunners stars will feature in the Tokyo games in July including Team GB players Leah Williamson and Kim Little.
      The pair were picked by Hege Riise to represent the nation in Iwabuchi’s home country next month.
      Great Britain are due to play Chile in their opening Olympic Group E game followed by clashes Japan and Canada in their Olympic group matches.
      Matches are due to commence on July 21 with their first two fixtures due to take place at the Sapporo Dome.
      But as fans won’t be able to join them on their journey, the GB squad will partake in a farewell game against Zambia at the start of July.
      The friendly tie will be played at Stoke City’s Bet365 stadium, and supporters that can’t make it can catch the match live on BBC Four.
      The 29-year-old signed for the Gunners from Villa last monthCredit: PA
      Caroline Weir and Lauren Hemp among WSL aces included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad More

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      Steph Houghton shares ‘nervous’ first meeting with Pep Guardiola who urge her to become a manager one day

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      STEPH HOUGHTON has revealed the first time she met Pep Guardiola he urged her to become a manager in the future.The Manchester City Women skipper bumped into the men’s side boss at the club’s training facility last season.
      Houghton revealed Guardiola sees her as a manager in futureCredit: Getty
      The Spaniard thinks she has great leadership skillsCredit: AP
      It was here where the Spaniard declared his bold vision with Houghton on her leadership skills and how he wants her to use them when she hangs up her boots.
      In a interview with the Daily Mail, Houghton revealed how their encounter went down.
      She said: “He told me to play for as long as I possibly could.
      “He also told me that I had to become a manager because he could see me leading a team.”
      Houghton had gone to the training ground to quickly pick up a tool to speed up her Achilles injury recovery.
      It was a few days after City crushed Tottenham 3-0 in April and the last thing she expected was to see the Spaniard.
      But before she could leave, the 33-year old was summoned by the club’s receptionist who told her the ex-Barcelona boss wanted to see her in his office in 20 minutes.
      She hailed her time with City men’s double-winning boss this season as “amazing.”
      City Women’s skipper couldn’t believe that he wanted to speak with herCredit: AFP

      The Lionesses veteran, who has over a 100 caps, revealed that they spoke about everything from men and women’s football to just life in general.
      Hougton added: “It was the most amazing 40 minutes with him.
      “We spoke about my career, the women’s team, the men’s team, life in general.
      “For him to make the time for me was unbelievable. It was pretty cool.”
      Houghton has been doing her B Licence in management but it has never been her priority.
      She was more leaning towards becoming a strength and conditioning coach as she has a sports science degree.
      But that all changed after her talk with Guardiola, who she says has opened her mind to the possibility of being a boss.
      Houghton continued: “I’m doing my B Licence at the moment but wasn’t too fussed about going into management.
      “I’ve got a sports science degree and have often thought about being a strength and conditioning coach.
      “But then I thought, if Pep can see it then maybe I should!”
      Before Houghton can think about being in the dug-out, she has her focus firmly set on the Tokyo Olympics this summer.
      The defender was picked to represent Team GB by Hege Riise last month in a squad that boast 10 of her City pals.
      Houghton revealed that after experiencing the Olympics at London 2012, she was desperate to give it another shot this time around.
      She said: “I was so desperate to get selected for this one, not just for me but the rest of the team we’re so proud to be able to represent Team GB.
      “With the success of the last Olympics, in terms of women’s football and how it was probably a watershed moment in so many different ways.”
      Man City boss Pep Guardiola pays tribute to Sergio Aguero More

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      Mo Farah could MISS Tokyo Olympics after Brit hero tastes 10,000m defeat for first time in TEN years

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      MO FARAH’S chances of making a fourth Olympics are in major doubt following a first 10,000m defeat for TEN years.The reigning Olympic champion has only three weeks to prove his form for Team GB after failing to secure the qualifying time of 27 minutes 28 seconds.
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      Mo Farah faces a race against time to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics 10,000mCredit: Getty
      Farah says he struggled with a knee injuryCredit: Reuters
      Yorkshireman Marc Scott, 27, was seventh (27:49.83) in the European Cup last night at the University of Birmingham with Farah lagging behind in eighth (27:50.54).
      Age has finally caught up with the 38-year-old, who has until June 27 to find a race globally where he can dip under the necessary standard – if not, then he will stay at home this summer.
      In his first track race since 2017, Farah blamed his slowest time over the distance for seven years on a left ankle injury.
      He said: “I’m obviously disappointed with the result but it is what it is.
      “Without making any excuses, the last ten days haven’t been great since I came back from training but it was important I came to the trials.
      “With 15 laps to go, you know my face, but I was hurting hard. I just had to keep fighting, keep digging.
      “I’ve been carrying a niggle since I got back from training. It is frustrating.
      “It just suddenly came on. I have had some treatment to it and then coming back, it really flared up.
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      “To be honest, this is the first bit I have done of track in the last two weeks. It is not ideal.
      “I have no fears you know this is part of the sport.
      “What makes us great is being able to challenge yourself and prove it. So that is what you have got to do as the next stage.
      “I am a four-time Olympic champion but that doesn’t mean nothing. You’ve got to go out there each race and mix it with the best and give yourself a chance.”
      Scot Eilish McColgan won a thrilling women’s race in a time of 31:19.35 and she will be joined on the flight to Tokyo by Jessica Judd, who clocked a personal best of 31:20.96.
      The British hero finished eighth last night with a time of 27:50.54 in BirminghamCredit: PA

      Farah trains with deer in park as he reckons Olympics delay could help gold bid More

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      Fran Kirby ready to put Chelsea bond with team-mate Kerr on hold at Tokyo Olympics

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      FRAN KIRBY says her bond with Sam Kerr will not stop her gunning for victory if Great Britain and Australia go head-to-head at the Olympics.The Chelsea playmaker made the admission after being selected to represent Team GB at the Tokyo games in July.
      Fran Kirby is ready to put her Blues bond with Sam Kerr to one side at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: Getty
      Sam Kerr will be leading Australia’s attack at the Tokyo Olympics’ football tournament in JulyCredit: Corbis – Getty
      Kirby, 27, has established a formidable partnership at Chelsea with Matildas skipper Kerr
      The duo netted 37 goals last term helping Chelsea to nab their fourth WSL title.
      And their bond has seen them compared to Manchester United legends Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, who helped lead the Red Devils to a historic treble in 1999.
      But Kirby says she is prepared to put their special on-pitch bond to one side if it would mean a for Team GB.
      Kirby told FAWSL Full-Time: “I think of course it’s always special to play against people who you play with week in, week out on a scale like that. “
      “For so many of us to be able to go there and represent our countries in the Olympics, I think it’s something that we need to celebrate, obviously, as team-mates and as friends.
      “But I think obviously, when you come into a game situation, I think that kind of just gets thrown out the window.
      “She (Kerr) knows a lot about my play and I know a lot about her play so I think we’ll be able to give a bit of info on each other.”
      “For me, it’s just exciting. I think it’s exciting for all of us to be involved and all of us to just go out there and have fun and be Olympians and be able to be in that environment together.
      Kerr and Kirby netted 37 league goals helping Chelsea win their fourth WSL titleCredit: Getty
      “I think it’s going to be really nice but I think once you get in that moment, you’re just completely focused on your team.
      “And you’re not trying to think about how you can make your friend happy. It’s about how can you win for your team.”
      Kirby is joined by her Blues pals Millie Bright and Wales skipper Sophie Ingle in a Team GB squad that consists of 11 Manchester City players.
      And they will have to be at their best if they come up against team-mate Kerr who scored an incredible 21 goals for Emma Hayes’ side last season.
      The 27-year-old also eyeing success with Australia who have former USA assistant boss Tony Gustavsson in charge for the upcoming tournament.
      And the WSL’s Golden Boot winner reckons her national side can go far with Gustavsson at the helm.
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      Kirby’s performances for Chelsea earned her a WSL Player of the Year AwardCredit: Getty

      Kerr said: “I think he’s going to fit in well not only with the team off the field, but on the field, I think he’s what we need.”
      Chelsea fans will get to see their stars in action when the tournament begins on July 21.
      Team GB are due to play Chile in their opening Olympic Group E game followed by matches against Japan and Canada in Tokyo’s Sapporo Stadium.
      Hege Riise’s Team GB side will be pushing for a Gold medal win at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: PA
      Manchester City star Caroline Weir targets Team GB Olympic glory like ‘mentor’ Andy Murray More

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      Team GB keeper Bardsley suffers hamstring injury putting Tokyo Olympics hopes at risk

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      KAREN BARDSLEY’S chances of playing at the Olympics appear to have taken a blow after she hurt her hamstring during a National Women’s Soccer League game. The Man City keeper who is on loan at OL Reign suffered the injury during their 1-0 loss to Washington Spirit in the United States. 
      Karen Bardsley sustained a hamstring injury during OL Reign’s 1-0 loss to Washington Spirit in the NWSLCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And it comes just days after the stopper was named in Hege Riise’s Team GB football squad. 
      Bardsley’s hamstring problem will come as a concern to Riise who chose the London 2012 Olympian and Ellie Roebuck as her preferred two goalkeepers in her 18-strong squad. 
      The veteran stopper will have around seven weeks to be fully fit ahead of Great Britain’s first match at the Tokyo Games against Chile on July 21.
      Bardsley, who has 81 England caps, is one of five players in the squad who represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics. 
      And the US-born stopper, whose family hail from Stockport, helped the team reach the quarter finals of the 2012 Games where they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Canada. 
      Should Bardsley’s injury affect her fitness, Riise has rising Everton star Sandy MacIver as part of her reserve group. 
      The Toffees keeper is travelling to Tokyo as one of four players serving as back-ups to the squad of 18.
      MacIver, who moved to Everton in 2020 from United States college team Clemson Tigers, made her senior England international debut in March this year. 
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      Everton’s Sandy MacIver is travelling as Team GB’s reserve keeper for Bardsley and Ellie RoebuckCredit: Getty

      The Everton stopper came on as a second-half substitute during England’s 6-0 trouncing of Northern Ireland. 
      The WSL ace kept six clean sheets in 18 top tier games for Willie Kirk’s Toffees who finished fifth in the league last term. 
      And the Everton boss has tipped MacIver to become one of the world’s best keepers following her string of stunning saves during Everton’s 3-1 loss to Man City in the 2020 Women’s FA Cup final. 
      Manchester City’s Ellie Roebuck is one of two keepers named in Hege Riise’s Team GB squadCredit: Getty
      Manchester City star Caroline Weir targets Team GB Olympic glory like ‘mentor’ Andy Murray More