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      Fortune teller predicts if Lionesses will win the World Cup using asparagus

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      A FORTUNE teller who used asparagus to predict the Lionesses will win the World Cup says Sunday’s final will be decided on penalties.Jemima Packington — the world’s only asparamancer — claims she can peer into the future by tossing spears in the air and reading the shapes they make when they land.
      Asparamancer Jemima is certain that the Lionesses will come out as winners on SundayCredit: SWNS
      She correctly predicted Brexit, Queen Elizabeth’s death and Harry and Meghan quitting the Royal Family.
      She forecast England’s glory at the end of last year.
      Jemima, 66, of Bath, said: “The asparagus told me we’re in for a tense final and the game will go to penalties.
      “But the Lionesses will come out as winners. I am sure of that.
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      “The asparagus could not reveal the score in normal time.
      “But I know it’s going to be an extremely exciting final.
      “We are in for a treat and I am confident of the girls bringing the trophy home.
      “I will be glued to the TV myself. I have been watching every game and they have done the nation proud.
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      “They are inspiring the next generation. It’s wonderful to see so many children into it too.
      “It really put women’s sport firmly on the map.” More

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      They’re straightforward, lack vanity, refuse to be sex objects & are effortlessly patriotic – why we love the Lionesses

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      WATCHING the Lionesses celebrating winning their place in the World Cup Final on Wednesday, I felt a sensation unfamiliar to me.It was like my nose was running — but a bit higher up and bringing with it a feeling of happiness not generally associated with a summer cold.
      The Lionesses refuse to be sex objects and are effortlessly patrioticCredit: Getty
      Could the young Lionesses make the old Wags look any less relevant?Credit: Getty
      I was crying! I never cry. I only ever saw my dad cry once — when Prince, our Alsatian, died.
      Why do the Lionesses make me cry?
      Their confidence, not built on the quicksand of vanity.
      Their refusal to be sex objects and/or victims at a time when the objectification and mental health of young women is at an all-time low.

      Their effortless patriotism when we’ve been told for such a long time that it’s the dirtiest of words.
      Their talent and teamwork at a time when the narcissistic and lonely life of the social influencer is held up as the surest way for ambitious girls to find fame.
      Could the young Lionesses make the old Wags look any less relevant?
      Having dreams, ambitions and passions that money can’t buy — and the self-respect that only paying your own way in life can bring — seems far more enviable than being the kept woman of a man who has to take off his boots in order to count up to 20.
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      If the Lionesses make Wags look bad, they make the male England players look worse.
      These alleged LGBTQ allies — led by “gay icon” David Beckham — were last seen wafting off to Qatar to give good PR to a country where migrant workers are treated like chattels, women are treated like children and homosexuals are treated like criminals.
      The Lionesses draw in multitudes turned off by the ugliness of the male game, with its inordinate share of spouse beaters, cat kickers and sexual assaulters within its ranks.
      All that hype and money — and they haven’t been able to get into a World Cup final for more than half a century.
      Football touches us because, more than any other sport, we can see the child inside the adult — the lack of accoutrements needed means that the poorest kid can access it.
      When a player scores, they react with the joy of a child, as do their friends to their fleeting triumph.
      It’s hard to see the exuberant kid in the over-paid and self-pitying male footballers — but very easy to see it in the Lionesses with their ponytails and bare-faced beauty.
      Their names — Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Mary Earps — carry echoes of our Dickensian heritage while also sounding like super-heroines from the future.
      They already sound like names on statues, even though they’re so young.
      When the Lionesses speak, they conjure up a sense of community which the money-mad and globalist male game has lost.
      And by community, I don’t just mean the country whose shirts they wear.
      I mean a wider female community stretching back into the past — the “Lost Lionesses” of the 1971 Women’s World Cup — and reaching into the future.
      Last year, when the Lionesses won the Uefa European Championship, I heard pre-teen girls yelling the players’ names, like war-cries while kicking a ball around on the public lawns at the end of my street.
      This year I heard a little girl adorably singing “Three Lions wearing skirts” in the local Pizza Express.
      This goes beyond football — it goes to the very heart of confidence for the next generation of teenage girls.
      I wonder how many “tomboys” will be stopped from taking the sad journey to the surgeon’s scalpel now that the Lionesses have shown us such a bold new way of being feminine?
      So I don’t really mind crying at long last, but I hope it stays limited to sport.
      I don’t want to start imitating a fire hydrant every time I see an injured dog on Instagram or spontaneously sobbing during ghastly “girly chats”.
      But, at 64, I finally understand why we get emotional when our team (and the Lionesses really are the first time I’ve thought of any team as being “mine”) wins — or loses, because either way, I can see myself snivelling lots tomorrow.
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      Not just because of what they represent for women’s football — but for women.
      As the Terminator almost said: “Men — I know now why you cry.” More

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      Foreign Secretary James Cleverly scrambled to attend Women’s World Cup final after Rishi Sunak slammed for not going

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      FOREIGN Secretary James Cleverly has been scrambled to attend the final after criticism Rishi Sunak was not going.The minister will fly to Sydney to watch England take on Spain tomorrow.
      James Cleverly will attend the Women’s World Cup Final tomorrowCredit: PA
      The PM, who has decked out Downing Street in England flags, has resisted calls to go.
      Health minister Neil O’Brien said Mr Sunak would “love to be there” but had diary clashes.
      He added: “Some of those things he can’t always move.”
      FA president Prince William has also faced flak for not attending.
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      He is believed to have decided to keep down his carbon footprint.
      Meanwhile, Queen Letizia of Spain is heading there with her 16-year-old daughter.
      LBC broadcaster Nick Ferrari said yesterday: “If it were the blokes, you’d have everybody there.” More

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      England’s Lionesses set to become millionaires if they win World Cup on Sunday – here’s how

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      ENGLAND’S Lionesses are set to be millionaires if they become World Cup champions.Branding experts believe that health, beauty, well-being and sport firms will be queueing up to offer the players “seven-figure sponsorship contracts”.
      England’s Lionesses are set to be millionaires if they become World Cup champions tomorrowCredit: Getty
      Experts believe that players such as Ella Toone could score seven-figure sponsorship contractsCredit: Getty
      More than seven million UK viewers tuned in to watch Wednesday’s 3-1 semi-final victory over Australia — with that number expected to top 12 million for the final against Spain.
      As Brits plan their match-watch parties, supermarket Aldi expected to sell more than 250,000 cans of beer and one million packets of crisps this weekend — and 45 bottles of Prosecco every minute.
      Each of the squad will take home a £211,000 bonus if they win tomorrow.
      But that could be just the beginning.
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      Sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie said: “This is the most ­fantastic opportunity for the Lionesses and the FA.
      “Marketeers are always on the lookout for high-profile athletes and in particular female athletes to endorse their products.
      “Emma Raducanu has done extremely well with commercial contracts on the back of winning the US Open and there’s huge potential for many Lionesses to cash in on winning the World Cup.
      “Doing so would be such a unique achievement that the potential riches are even greater.
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      “Apart from their existing sponsors, which may well have additional success bonuses built in, several of the high-profile players could expect to be earning seven-figure endorsement and sponsorship contracts on the back of a World Cup success.
      He concluded: “The Lionesses have a great image, are extremely personable and all communicate very well which will make them even more attractive from a marketing point of view.”
      The Sun can reveal that defender Lucy Bronze has tucked away the most cash of all the England squad.
      The Barcelona star, 31, has already amassed £197,832 in her firm LRTB Limited after signing deals with Pepsi and Visa.
      Captain Millie Bright has put away £70,467 in her company called Bright 4 Futures Limited, according to latest accounts.
      Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mary Earps has saved £49,458 in her firm Mary Earps Ltd.
      Goalkeeper Mary Earps has saved £49,458 in her firm Mary Earps LtdCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses were seen returning to the pitch for their penultimate training session, ahead of the finalCredit: PA
      Alex Greenwood has saved £24,510 and Lauren James has put away £14,590.
      Yesterday the Lionesses were seen returning to the pitch for their penultimate training session, ahead of the final.
      Snaps showed the team in action at Central Coast Stadium, near Sydney, as they get ready for the biggest match of their careers.
      Videos shared on the Lionesses’ Instagram page also showed the players on fitness bikes.
      Speaking about how training was going, striker Chloe Kelly, 25, told the latest episode of Lionesses Down Under: “It’s been exciting.
      “We’ve got smiles on our faces and are enjoying ourselves.”
      Last night England’s Dutch boss Sarina Wiegman, 53, said she was feeling “confident” for the final.
      She told Sky News: “First of all, I’m very excited.
      “I have a lot of confidence in our team. I think we’re in a very good place, everyone’s fit.
      “We really want to leave with that World Cup.
      “What we are focusing on is how we want to play.
      “We are going to do anything to be at our best and then hopefully that gives us the success we want.”
      She also committed her future to the Lionesses, saying: “I want to stay with England.”
      In another example of final fever, Thorpe Park in Surrey is to give Sunday’s first 23 visitors “fast track” passes to jump to the front of roller-coaster queues.
      And the Armed Forces sent good luck to the squad ahead of the match.
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      A message from HMS Medway at the Falkland Islands said: “We wish the Lionesses the very best this weekend.
      “Good luck, girls, it’s coming home!”
      Snaps have shown the team in action at Central Coast Stadium, near Sydney, as they get ready for the biggest match of their careersCredit: Getty
      England’s Dutch boss Sarina Wiegman has said she was feeling ‘confident’ for the finalCredit: Getty More

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      Domestic abuse campaigner’s fury as footballers and pundits fail to speak out about Mason Greenwood’s return to Man Utd

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      A DOMESTIC abuse campaigner has accused footballers and pundits of staying silent in the Mason Greenwood row.Man United could allow the striker, 21, back following its probe into his conduct after charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling coercive behaviour were dropped in February.
      Domestic abuse campaigner David Challen has accused footballers and pundits of staying silent in the Mason Greenwood rowCredit: Reuters
      David Challen’s mum Sally was released from jail after her conviction for murdering her abusive husband was reduced to manslaughterCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      But the prospect of him returning to the squad has sparked fury with some.
      David Challen’s mum Sally was released from jail after her conviction for murdering her abusive husband was reduced to manslaughter.
      He tweeted: “Thus far no big male players/ex-players or pundits have spoken out about Greenwood.
      “All for talking a good game about inclusivity and #HerGameToo but when it comes to speaking out against male violence against women they are nowhere to be seen.”
      READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOOD
      Some female fans protested outside Old Trafford before the team’s first game of the season on Monday.
      Others have written to club chief executive Richard Arnold urging him not to let Greenwood rejoin the squad.
      United has delayed announcing its decision to avoid distracting its players in the Lionesses squad for tomorrow’s women’s World Cup final. More

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      How Lionesses celebrated reaching World Cup final after smashing Australia 3-1 revealed

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      THE Lionesses celebrated reaching the World Cup final with chips and gravy — and a sing-song.Semi-final goal-scorer Ella Toone, 23, revealed the players tucked into the northern treat after beating Australia’s Matildas 3-1 in Sydney.
      Semi-final hero Ella Toone revealed the players enjoyed a portion of chips and gravy after beating Australia 3-1 in SydneyCredit: Getty
      The Manchester United midfielder told the latest episode of Lionesses Down Under: “We got back quite late. We had some chips and gravy.”
      Asked to describe the bus ride after the match, Toone said: “The vibe was really good — we were all singing.”
      But not everyone was as energetic after a hard fought semi-final.
      Teammate Jess Carter, 25, said: “I just don’t know how everyone had the energy. I had my headphones in.”
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Toone’s latest strike made her the first England player to score in a quarter-final, semi-final and final of major international tournaments.
      She said: “It’s not a bad stat that, is it.
      “One that will stay with me for life.”
      Wednesday night’s semi-final at Stadium Australia in Sydney was played in front of a sellout 75,784 crowd.
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      According to Australian football news outlet KEEPUP the match was the most watched TV event in Australian history.
      More than 11million – 42 per cent of the country – reportedly tuned in on Channel 7. More

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      Teen fan slams Nike for not releasing Lioness goalie Mary Earps’ World Cup shirt

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      A TEEN who called on Nike to sell replicas of Lioness goalie Mary Earps’ World Cup shirt has been snubbed.Millie Winslett, 17, of Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, wrote to the sportswear giant before the tournament but has had no reply.
      Nike have snubbed calls from fans to sell replicas of Lioness goalie Mary Earps’ World Cup shirtCredit: Rex
      Millie Winslett, 17, was left gutted when Nike told her they wouldn’t release the England women’s goalkeeper shirtCredit: SWNS
      She said: “They should be embarrassed.”
      The teen had penned a heartfelt note to the company ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand asking if they would consider selling the shirt.
      And in the message, she explained how she was saddened that her little sister couldn’t currently get her hands on the fabled sportswear.
      She said: “While I’m devastated that I can’t currently purchase an England shirt with ‘Earps 1’ on the back, it saddens me further that my 10-year-old-sister Lacey, and every other little girl in the country cannot buy [an Earps shirt].”
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      Now, after the Lionesses secured a place in the World Cup final for the first time, she joined the chorus of calls for Nike to release the goalie shirt.
      And Millie, who watched the Lionesses roar to victory at her home in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, yesterday added she was still waiting for a reply from the company.
      She said: “I’ve had no response yet. I’m not sure if I’ll get one now. I’m hoping that they’ll give me one, but they’re still refusing to comment.
      “[Mary Earps] has kept us in the game, as she has done for so many games, and I just think surely that’s enough of a statement to Nike to start producing the kit.
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      “I’ve lost a little bit of respect for the company. I’m very into my sport and like the things that they produce, but I do think it’s gone on too long now.
      “There are so many people that have reached out and spoken about it… I think by this point, they should be embarrassed by themselves for not doing it.”
      Millie said she was thrilled that the Lionesses had made it through to the World Cup final after their brilliant victory in the Euros last year.
      And she’s backed the side to ‘do the double’ again, saying they were one of the best Football teams that England had ever produced. More

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      Prince William and Rishi Sunak decide to skip Lionesses’ World Cup final in Sydney

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      PRINCE William and Rishi Sunak have scored an own goal by deciding to skip the women’s World Cup final.The Prince of Wales and the Prime Minister are to miss the match in Sydney, Australia, despite it being the Lionesses’ first appearance in the final.
      Prince William and Rishi Sunak will be skipping the women’s World Cup finalCredit: Getty
      The Prime Minister will miss England’s first World Cup final since 1966, sending Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer insteadCredit: PA
      It comes as Spain’s Queen Letizia revealed she would be heading Down Under.
      Yesterday, Kensington Palace confirmed Prince William, who is president of the FA, would be roaring on the Lionesses from home.
      William is believed to be against the 9,400-mile flight as he wants to keep down his carbon footprint.
      The Prime Minister will also miss England’s first World Cup final since 1966, sending Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer instead.
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      Royal expert Phil Dampier tweeted: “If Prince William as president of the FA isn’t going to the Women’s World Cup final we should be told why not.
      “If it was in Europe, he’d be there.”
      Mandu Reid, leader of the Women’s Equality Party, added: “No chance Prince William would be ‘missing in action’ if the England men’s football team made it to the World Cup final.”
      It comes as the Government faces calls to announce a day off if the Lionesses beat Spain.
      Most read in Football
      A No10 spokesperson said: “We’ll find a way to celebrate.”
      The Lionesses will make their first-ever World Cup final appearance on SundayCredit: Alamy More