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    Former England ace Carney to lead women’s football review announced by culture secretary Nadine Dorries

    KAREN CARNEY will head a major review on the future of women’s football in England, according to a government announcement. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries revealed the former Lioness will chair an “in-depth” examination of the women’s domestic game.
    Karen Carney is set to chair a review looking at the future of the women’s domestic gameCredit: Getty
    Broadcast revenue generated by the sport will be among the issues to be covered by the government-backed reviewCredit: Reuters
    It follows some significant changes to the sport over the years, particularly at its highest levels with the professionalisation of the WSL and FA Women’s Championship.
    The review, backed by the Culture, Media and Sports Department, will include an analysis of the sport’s elite and grassroots levels and will be launched by the FA in the coming weeks.
    It comes after England’s historic triumph at the Women’s Euros in July with the team winning their first major contest crown.
    Lionesses’ heroine Carney, 35, a Sky Sports pundit who has 144 international caps said: “Over the last few years, the game has grown significantly and at a rapid pace.
    “Of course, this is an exciting time, but there is an urgent need to ensure there are processes and structures in place that protect the interest of the game and the people working in it.
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    “I have always said that the sport needs to be built on solid foundations to give it long-lasting success in a sustainable way. 
    “For me, this is a defining period for the sport and this review will be at the heart of that.”
    The DCMS-backed review is set to cover a range of issues.
    These include the game’s infrastructure and audience reach, its financial sustainability and broadcast revenue as well as sponsorship and competition prize money.
    The stark disparity in FA Cup prize cash between men’s and women’s sides has been a concern for fans and club managers over the years.
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    In March football chiefs announced an increase in Women’s FA Cup prize money with the fund set to rise from £428,915 to £3million from this season.
    The future of the WSL is another topic that has come up for debate in recent months.
    This summer has seen calls for the top tier to become commercially independent with Chelsea chief Emma Hayes calling for the league to be taken out of the FA’s hands.
    The review of the domestic women’s and girls’ game will see industry experts invited to give evidence at meetings to be led by Carney across the country.
    Football experts are due to be called to give evidence as part of the review’s analysis of the girls’ and women’s gameCredit: Getty
    It will culminate with a report on the state of the sport to be published early next year.
    Ms Dorries added: “The Lionesses’ spectacular performance shows how far we have come at the top of the women’s game.
    “While it is right that we celebrate and reflect on that success, we need an equal emphasis on improving participation, employment opportunities, commercial investment and visibility in the media.” More

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    ‘We’ve got a target on our backs now we’re European champions’, says England ace Rachel Daly

    RACHEL DALY joked about feeling like a Big Brother contestant when leaving England’s camp for the first time after their Euros win.And the Harrogate-born WSL star reckons the team have a target on their backs after becoming Europe’s top dogs.
    Rachel Daly and her team-mates are targeting World Cup qualifying wins against Austria and LuxembourgCredit: Getty
    The Lionesses need a point against Austria to claim a place in the 2023 World CupCredit: PA
    Daly, who has 57 caps, admits that life has changed greatly for the team, who take on Austria in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
    The match is the first Sarina Wiegman’s aces will play since their historic triumph at Wembley on July 31.
    Reflecting on how life has shifted for the Lionesses, Daly, 30, said: “During the Euros, we were in a bubble.
    “I don’t think we were fully aware of how much of an impact we had on the nation.
    “So, coming out, it was a whirlwind. It was almost like you’d been on Big Brother or Love Island.
    “It was unbelievable to see we’d inspired the nation.”
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    A draw with their Austrian opponents would see England seal qualification for next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
    Daly believes the Lionesses – unbeaten under Wiegman in 20 games – instil fear in their opponents.
    The defender, who sealed a summer switch to Aston Villa from American top-flight side Houston Dash, added: “England are a team that is feared.
    “We are now European champions and that is something you have got to look at with a great deal of respect.
    “The pressure is all on our backs. Football in England is taking off.
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    “But pressure is a privilege, and we have to see it as that. Right now, we’re focused on qualifying for the World Cup.
    “We’re European champions of course, but our focus is on the World Cup qualification stage. We know what we need to do.”
    England’s duel with Austria will be the first fixture the team will play following the retirements of Ellen White and Jill Scott.
    And while their presence will be missed, Daly acknowledges there is also an opportunity for the squad’s younger players and rising stars to shine.
    Daly joked: “It’s definitely quieter without Jill.
    “They are missed as people and players, but again, it opens up a new opportunity to the youngsters to come through and shine.”
    Ebony Salmon is among the rising stars aiming to make their mark for the LionessesCredit: Getty
    “They’re two massive characters, great football but honestly even better humans.
    “When you are with them every day you’d feel the empowerment, you’d feel the support, and they’re just fantastic people.
    “They deserve the world for what they’ve done for the women’s game in England and not just here but for the women’s game in general.”
    Austria vs England will be aired on ITV on Saturday 3 September. The game kicks off at 4:00 pm More

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    England’s heroic Lionesses meet up for international duty for first time since Euro 2022 at St George’s Park

    SARINA WIEGMAN and England’s stars were still on a Euro 2022 high as they met up for the World Cup qualifying clashes with Austria and Luxembourg.The Lionesses’ boss and her players were gathering for training for the first time since winning the European Championship in July.
    Sarina Wiegman’s players are looking to extend their unbeaten run under their bossCredit: Getty
    Ella Toone, Alessia Russo and their team-mates face Austria and Luxembourg in their next two World Cup qualifying gamesCredit: Getty
    A point for England against Austria would see them book their place in next year’s World Cup in Australia and New ZealandCredit: Getty
    And they arrived at St George’s Park with some of its windows adorned with stunning black and white photos of their goal celebrations during the tournament.
    Images include Ella Toone’s ecstatic celebration after her iconic chipped opener during the team’s 2-1 defeat of Germany in the final
    This Saturday the Lionesses take on Austria away ahead of a duel with Luxembourg at a sold-out Stoke City Stadium on September 6.
    The Euros title-holders are looking to pick up their second competitive win against their rivals this year when the sides at Wiener Neustadt stadium.
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    One point from the encounter will be enough for the Lionesses to book a place in the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
    Among the Lionesses making their return for international duty is Arsenal star, Jordan Nobbs.

    The Gunners’ ace, 29, is one of five midfielders named in Wiegman’s 23-strong squad having returned to full fitness following a knee injury.
    And Chelsea’s Lauren James and Houston Dash ace Ebony Salmon are among the forwards included.
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    Salmon is targeting a second senior England appearance with James after her first cap.
    England are top of their World Cup qualifying group after eight games with a five-point lead over Austria who are currently second.
    The Lionesses are yet to lose a match under Wiegman since she took charge of the side last September
    And they hope to extend their unbeaten run under their head coach to 21 games with a victory against Austria on Friday. More

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    England boss Wiegman named Uefa Women’s Coach of the Year following Lionesses’ Euros triumph

    SARINA WIEGMAN has won Uefa’s women’s coach of the year gong after guiding England to their first Euros crown.This evening it was announced the Lionesses’ boss had been chosen ahead of Germany gaffer Martina Voss-Tecklenburg and Lyon chief Sonia Bompastor.
    Sarina Wiegman was named Uefa’s women’s coach of the year after England’s Euros win this summerCredit: Getty
    The Lionesses chief and her players hope to add the 2023 World Cup to their trophy collectionCredit: Getty
    England are yet to lose a match under their Netherlands-born head coach who took charge of the team last September.
    Since then, the Lionesses have gone on a 19-game unbeaten run with the players winning the Euros after beating Germany 2-1 at Wembley last month.
    And their historic triumph comes five years on from Wiegman steering the Netherlands to Euros glory.
    Wiegman, 52, said: “It’s really nice to receive this great award, I’m very honoured and humbled.
    “Thank you for voting and I would like to congratulate Sonia and Martina for their nominations and their great achievement with their teams.
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    “This award is really for everyone involved with the England team, the FA, the staff and of course, most of all, the players. Thank you very much.
    “Things have been set in place and gone very well since I started with the team in September.
    “We’ve really enjoyed it and we’ve performed at our highest level.
    “Our fans have been very great too, so thank you to all the fans for supporting us so much. Now we are looking forward again.
    “Hopefully, we qualify for the World Cup and then next year we go to the World Cup and try to improve the game, perform ourselves and enjoy the game of course.”
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    Wiegman was named this year’s award winner during the Champions League group stage draw in Turkey this evening.
    And Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti won the Uefa men’s coach of the year prize following his club Champions League trophy triumph last season.
    England’s Euros heroics under Wiegman saw them win their first major tournament in 56 years.
    And the Dutch head coach is set to discuss a new contract with the FA after the team face Austria and Luxembourg in next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
    Earlier this month it was reported football chiefs were keen to extend her current deal which runs until 2025.  
    The Lionesses will play Austria and Luxembourg in two World Cup qualifiers in SeptemberCredit: Reuters
    Wiegman added: “I still have a contract for three years so we don’t have to do it tomorrow, but we will do it in a short while.
    “But first, it’s about the squad and the games and then we’ll have a conversation.
    “I really appreciate they’re reaching out to me and that they are happy with me and with the rest of the staff.” More

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    Chelsea ace Lauren James and Houston Dash star Ebony Salmon called up to Lionesses squad

    LAUREN JAMES has been named in England’s squad before the Euros winners’ World Cup qualifying duels with Austria and Luxembourg. Ebony Salmon – who has been in clinical form for US club Houston Dash – is also included in the 23-strong group.
    Lauren James has been named in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad ahead of games against Austria and LuxembourgCredit: Getty
    Ebony Salmon has been included in the Lionesses senior squad following her efforts for England’s Under-23sCredit: Getty
    James, 20, – who is the sister of Blues and Three Lions full-back Reece – received her first senior international call-up ahead of an England camp in November 2020.
    The Kingsmeadow starlet netted a classy goal during Chelsea’s pre-season clash with Lyon this month, which the French side eventually won on penalties.
    The forward made five top-flight appearances for the WSL champs last term and is yet to make her senior Lionesses debut.
    England boss Wiegman, 52, said: “We have been following her since I came in and my former colleagues too.
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    “She didn’t play that much but she did play some. We know she’s a very talented player.
    “She also had a very good prep with Chelsea, playing minutes, and we wanted to give her a chance to show what she can do with the national team.
    Salmon, 21, who skippered England’s Under-23s to a 3-0 victory against the Netherlands in April, has one senior international cap.
    The forward made her debut as a second-half sub in a 6-0 friendly defeat of Northern Ireland last year.
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    The former Bristol City and Racing Louisville striker has been on fire for Houston Dash, netting eight goals in eight top-flight appearances this year.
    Wiegman added: She had her spot in the Under-23s. She moved to Houston Dash, she did so well there.
    “She’s just a real goalscorer, that’s what she has shown over the summer.
    “We really want to see where she’s at now. She’s done so well so we really want to give her a chance and show where she’s at with our team.”
    Katie Zelem makes her return to the England squad along with Arsenal star Jordan Nobbs who is now fit following a knee injury.
    Manchester City keeper Sandy MacIver also returns with Hannah Hampton absent due to some personal issues.
    But Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby both miss England’s September clashes with Austria and Luxembourg due to injury.
    Wiegman said: “Chloe’s (injury) is just a small thing but it’s too early to bring her in and let her play.
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    “She needs a little bit more time but it’s not too bad. Fran has a foot injury.
    “I think she’ll be alright but she hasn’t had that much training at all so she needs a little bit more time.”
    Jordan Nobbs will be part of England’s camp after battling her way back to fitnessCredit: GettyEngland Squad for World Cup qualifiers in September

    Goalkeepers:
    Mary Earps (Manchester United), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City), Sandy MacIver (Manchester City)
    Defenders:
    Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal) Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City) Demi Stokes (Manchester City).
    Midfielders:
    Ella Toone (Manchester United) Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal) Katie Zelem (Manchester United) Keira Walsh (Manchester City).
    Forwards:
    Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Beth England (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Ebony Salmon (Houston Dash), Lauren James (Chelsea), Nikita Parris (Manchester United). More

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    England hero Ellen White retires aged 33 and says goodbye to football in emotional statement after Euros triumph

    ENGLAND Lionesses legend Ellen White has announced her retirement from football.White, 33, is currently England Women’s all-time leading goalscorer having made her professional debut in 2010.
    White has announced her retirement from professional footballCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    She is England Women’s all-time leading goalscorerCredit: Getty

    She announced the news with an emotional statement on Twitter this afternoon.
    It read: “This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but one that I know is the right decision for me. This decision has always been one I have wanted to make on my terms.
    “And this is my time to say goodbye to football and watch the next generation shine.
    “It has been my greatest honour and privilege to play this game. In particular playing for England has and always will be the greatest gift.
    “My dreams came true on the 31st July, winning The Euros and becoming a European Champion.”
    In her statement, White also thanked her former teammates as well as each manager and club that she has played for throughout her incredible career.
    She then added: “This is for the next generation and potentially the next lioness. You don’t have to be the best at something to make your dreams come true, just look at me.
    “Hard work, dedication, passion and love for what you do are a great recipe.
    “Don’t ever let someone tell you ‘you can’t do something or achieve your dreams.’ I was once told I couldn’t play in the boys team and I would never play for England.
    “Now I am retiring having made 113 caps with 52 goals for England and a European Champion. Go out there and be the very best version of you!
    “Finally, let’s use the momentum from the Euro’s win to make sure that every young person in all communities has the opportunity to play and feel connected to all England football teams.”
    White has played for some of the biggest clubs in England throughout her career including Arsenal, Chelsea and most recently Manchester City.
    She also represented Great Britain at the London 2012 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic games.
    The striker became a Lionesses legend in November last year when she surpassed Kelly Smith’s total of 46 international goals to become England Women’s all-time leading goalscorer.
    She has called time on her playing career with an impressive tally of 52 goals in 113 senior appearances for England.
    Two of those goals were scored during the Lionesses’ historic charge to the Euro2022 title last month.
    Only Wayne Rooney, who netted 53 goals during his international career, has scored more for England in either men’s or women’s football.
    White made her professional debut for Chelsea in 2005, shortly after leaving Arsenal’s academy at the age of 16.
    She then had a spell at Leeds United before re-joining The Gunners – where she won three league titles and two FA Cups – in 2010.
    The striker also played for Notts County and Birmingham before moving to Man City in 2019.
    White had one year remaining on her contract after signing an extension last season, but she has now decided to retire with immediate effect.
    City head coach Gareth Taylor has paid tribute to the Women’s Super League icon.
    He told the official club website: “Ellen is without doubt an icon of the game, and although her career is now at its end, her efforts have paved the way for so many to flourish in the future.
    “She has given so much over the years to the game that she adores, and she leaves it in the strongest place it has ever been, which is testament to her hard work and sacrifices.
    “She has been the definition of the consummate professional and I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to work with her over the past two seasons – her name will be written into the history books as an icon of women’s football.
    “Whatever her next steps are, on behalf of everyone here at Manchester City, I’d like to express our immense gratitude to her and wish her all the very best for the future.”
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    England star Chloe Kelly ‘offered £2million Land Rover sponsorship deal’

    ENGLAND football star Chloe Kelly has been offered a £2million Land Rover sponsorship deal, reports claim.The striker, 24, helped secure glory for the Lionesses over Germany at the 2022 Euros final.
    Football star Chloe Kelly has been offered a £2million Land Rover sponsorship deal, reports claimCredit: Getty
    Her winning goal celebration saw her whip off her shirt and run across the Wembley stadium turf in her sports bra.
    Ms Kelly is said to be “in demand” from potential sponsors.
    The Land Rover deal is already on the table, the Mail on Sunday reported.
    But she has turned down an offer to be on Strictly Come Dancing.
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    Her spokeswoman said her “sole focus” was on football, but would  not rule out doing Strictly in the future.
    Jaguar Land Rover did not comment yesterday.
    Captain Leah Williamson, 25, has already agreed a deal with Italian fashion brand Gucci.
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    By a ‘man’s game’ Graeme Souness meant tough – but women are that too

    BEING a bit of a coward, I’m disinclined to criticise Graeme Souness, even from a distance.He frightens the life out of me. As a mate of mine from Stourbridge used to say about a local hard man: “If he says it’s Tuesday, it’s Tuesday.”
    Being a bit of a coward, I’m disinclined to criticise Graeme Souness, even from a distanceCredit: Getty
    Graeme frightens the life out of me, so why would I want to argue with him?Credit: Getty
    So if grizzly Graeme wants to describe football as a man’s game, why would I want to argue?
    Well, Mr Souness, sir, while I’m not exactly arguing with you, I do humbly ask for leave to make a few points.
    After the match at Stamford Bridge, when he said, “it’s a man’s game all of a sudden now”, I don’t for a minute believe he was saying that we, he, whoever, had somehow got football back after women had taken control of it for the summer.
    Neither, I think, does he believe that football “belongs” to men in any sense.
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    His meaning was simply that referees have started letting more stuff go and stopped giving fouls every time one player comes into contact with another.
    A good fifth of all fouls given aren’t really fouls at all, they’re more about the fouled player winning the foul than the supposed fouler doing much wrong in the first place.
    Seething with indignation, Souness later clarified his position on TalkSport, saying of referees that: “They were blowing the whistle all the time and it wasn’t a good watch.
    “Our game has always been unique, more meaty, more in your face and more intense . . . that is the kind of football I remember playing in. We’ve got to be better for it.
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    “The directive to the referees is long overdue, we’ve got our game back.”
    Whether you agree or not about last Sunday’s spiteful match at Stamford Bridge being what we want football to be, Souness is perfectly entitled to make this point.
    The problem is the phrase “man’s game”.
    Simon Jordan, on the radio with Souness, railed at the absurdity of a world in which “a man describing a game featuring men, can’t apparently use the word ‘men’ in conjunction with a game that featured solely men”.
    I can’t believe that Jordan, a bright guy, doesn’t know he’s missing the point.
    As Souness himself explained, what he meant by “man’s game” was a sport that was meaty, in your face and intense.
    He’d probably go on to use words like tough, uncompromising, ruthless, physical and so on. And that would have been fine too.
    But suggesting that these attributes are the preserve of men is just a bit silly.
    Manhood on the block
    I for one, at home and at work, have had as many women as men in my life who I’d describe — in the nicest possible way — as tough, intense, uncompromising, ruthless and physical. Meaty, perhaps not, but you take my point.
    Furthermore, as Souness surely witnessed, England’s superb women players were triumphantly all of the above in winning the Euros this Summer.
    To be fair to him, Souness isn’t the only one wrong about this notion of “manliness”, the dictionary definition of manly is bang out of date too. Mine says it means brave, dignified and noble.
    Eh? Aren’t women these things too?
    So, those professing fury about the fiery Scotsman’s few ill-chosen words might consider chilling out a bit.
    And on the other hand, for blokes to suggest this controversy constitutes yet another vicious attack on the idea of masculinity, well they should have a word themselves too.
    No one’s suggesting cancelling Souness or slapping his manhood on a butcher’s block.
    There’s a simple fix here: Just say something other than “man’s game” next time. Tough game, physical game, brutal game will do the job just fine.
    Surely a man of Graeme Souness’s intelligence gets this.
    Instead of coming out steaming, all bristling and defensive, he might simply have said something like: “Aye, OK, I get it, no offence intended, lesson learnt.”
    That would have been, in language he might appreciate, the manly thing to do.
    Finland PM is good at party politics
    To Sanna Marin I award the title of best-looking leader ever in the history of the worldCredit: Instagram
    The video of her going wild at a party has tipped me over the edge
    IT WAS an American politico called Paul Begala who said that politics is showbiz for ugly people.
    There might be something in that, but he can’t have clapped eyes on Sanna Marin.
    We’re often told that Finland leads the world in education, saunas, various winter sports, wellbeing and even, indeed, happiness itself.
    To this list we must now add heart-stoppingly beautiful prime ministers.
    I do not demean her intelligence or political acumen one bit when I award her the title of best-looking leader ever in the history of the world.
    The video of her going wild at a party has tipped me over the edge.
    Helsinki here I come. I don’t even want to meet her – I’d be rendered speechless – I just want to be able to vote for her.
    No1 is some feet
    I’m sorry to report that the soles of my feet are very dryCredit: Getty
    I’M sorry to report that the soles of my feet are very dry.
    To address this, I bought some special stuff. The tube carries the boast that it is “The No 1 Foot Cream In Sweden”.
    This seemed random as hell to me.
    What next, the bestselling deodorant in Portugal? Or Estonia’s leading shoe polish? But I’m told Swedes are known for their skin creams. Who knew?
    I’m trying to think of what product might be marketed abroad as the UK’s best. In other words, what are we renowned around the world for being the best at making?
    I don’t know what it says about me, or the country, that I can’t really think of anything.
    The best I’ve come up with is something for ale.
    Whoever’s shifting the most could market their brand as Britain’s No 1 Warm Beer.
    Crashing into faith
    EARLIER this week, as I was walking to the shops, some lads in a car recognised me and yelled what I’d describe as abusive banter.
    As I looked up, they shunted the car in front. I hurried away.
    I now feel sorry for the driver of the car they rear-ended, and a bit sorry for the lads, who possibly meant no harm.
    But at the time, I simply thought: “Yes, there is a God.”
    Don’t judge me.

    Strike simply ho-hum
    Every day a new strike is either happening or being calledCredit: LNP
    EVERY day a new strike is either happening or being called.
    I make no comment on whether they’re justified. But I do wonder if strikes really work like they used to. I think they’re losing their impact.
    A few years ago these massive rail strikes, and the postal strikes to come, would have caused an almighty stink.
    The upheaval and chaos would have consumed us all.
    Not, I sense, any more.
    Yes, they’re a nightmare for the economy; infuriatingly inconvenient for passengers and costly too for the strikers losing pay.
    But somehow we’re taking it all in our stride. This is because of the pandemic, during which the upheaval and chaos was unlike anything any of us had experienced.
    Having got through that, we feel we can get through anything.
    Strikes every other week don’t seem to bother us.
    For heaven’s SAKE, Japan?
    THE tax authorities in Japan are trying to get young people there to drink more. Yes, really.
    Alcohol sales are in decline and so, therefore, is the tax take.
    A contest is being launched to challenge 20 to 39-year- olds to come up with ideas to get that age group boozing more.
    As an advocate of moderate drinking, I often bang on about how devastating it would be for the drinks industry if we all drank within the Government’s guidelines.
    But this is a reminder that it would be a problem for the exchequer too.
    So here’s yet another excuse to drink: It’s your patriotic duty.

    We’re a Brit special
    THE pollster Ipsos MORI has released some fascinating work this week on what makes us most ashamed about being British.
    The top three are ignorance of other cultures, drinking too much and complaining too much.
    The Royal Family, with the NHS and our history, are one of the key things that make us proud to be BritishCredit: Getty
    Conversely, they’ve also looked at what makes us proud to be British.
    Here the top three are the NHS, our history, and the Royal Family.
    These are interesting questions.
    If I ask them of myself, my main conclusion is I am proud to be British.
    What am I most proud of? Our sense of humour, definitely. As far as I can see there is nobody to touch us.
    And the same for our music, another field in which we punch above our weight.
    As for what I’m ashamed of, I’d plump for our transport infrastructure.
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    The roads, the railways, buses and our airports are all generally shambolic.
    Please, no jokes about them – I’m having a sense of humour failure. More