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    ‘We are fighting for so many more things than just women’s football’, says England Euros winner Toone

    ELLA TOONE joked about being pictured eating a Cornish pasty with the popularity of the Lionesses’ soaring after their Euros triumph.And the Manchester United forward, 22, intends to keep using her platform to help grow the women’s game following the team’s historic win.
    Euros winners Ella Toone and Alessia Russo could feature for Man United in their pre-season friendly clash with Paris Saint-Germain tonightCredit: Getty
    Toone netted England’s opening goal in their Women’s 2022 Euros final defeat of Germany at WembleyCredit: Getty
    Toone was speaking to Sky Sports before the Red Devils’ pre-season trip to France to compete in the Amos Women’s French Cup this evening.
    At 8:00 pm the WSL star and her team-mates take on French giants Paris Saint-Germain who finished second in France’s top-flight last term.
    Of the impact of England’s Euros win, Toone said: “It showed this summer that we made the nation proud, we’ve made everyone proud.
    “We’re fighting for so many more things than just women’s football.
    “This is just the start of our journey, and we want to keep using our platform as much as we can now to really grow the game and to help with anything that we can.
    “I think for us, as women footballers, we only ever wanted equal opportunity and I think now we’re starting to be given that.
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    “We’ve always wanted change and we’ve always tried to fight for change.
    “I feel like by winning the Euros this has really helped us and it will now for a long time.”
    The Lionesses’ storming run at the European Championship has seen their public profile grow considerably.
    An audience of 17.9million viewers tuned into the BBC to watch their 2-1 defeat of Germany in the final, making the match the most watched show on UK TV this year.
    Toone, who was on the scoresheet with England’s opener, admits the victory has seen the public profile of the Lionesses ‘blow-up’
    And the Wigan-born player revealed she has even been snapped snacking on a Cornish pasty.
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    The Man United ace added: “I got papped eating in a pasty in Tyldesley. That was the first article out about me eating a pasty.
    “The women in the shop were buzzing so they gave me a pasty for free.”
    On the media and public attention players are receiving Toone added: “It’s crazy and I think that I didn’t really expect it and I don’t know if any of us really did.
    “We knew that it was going to blow up the women’s game, but we didn’t know in which ways.
    “And paparazzi following us wasn’t one of those ways that we thought it would blow up.
    Toone hopes to help the women’s game grow further with following the Lionesses’ successCredit: Getty
    “But that’s part and parcel of it now and that’s what we’ve got to deal with.
    “And that’s how much we’ve changed the women’s game.”
    The Red Devils, who finished fourth in the top tier last term have been busy in the transfer market adding seven new players to their ranks.  
    Adriana Leon, Grace Clinton, Rachel Williams and Maya Le Tissier are among the WSL stars who have switched to Marc Skinner’s team sealing moves from West Ham, Everton, Tottenham and Brighton.
    England striker Nikita Parris and France and Spain aces Assiatou Tounkara and Lucia Garcia also moved to the side this summer.
    Ex-Arsenal ace Nikita Parris is among several players who have joined Man United this summerCredit: Getty
    Their switches followed transfers from Arsenal and Spanish clubs Athletic and Atletico Madrid.
    Man United’s duel with PSG comes ahead of their WSL season-opening trip to Spurs with the team targeting a Champions League spot next year.
    Red Devils boss Skinner said: “The opportunity to face elite European opposition, in an excellent environment, will stand the team in great stead ahead of the start of our Women’s Super League campaign.” More

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    Watch England Euro 2022 hero Georgia Stanway sing SWEET CAROLINE to room of Germany stars on Bayern Munich initiation

    ENGLAND hero Georgia Stanway continued the Euro 2022 celebrations this week when she sang ‘Sweet Caroline’ for her Bayern Munich initiation… in front of a room full of Germany stars.The Lionesses claimed their first ever major title last month when they defeated Germany in a record-breaking European final.
    Stanway serenaded her Bayern Munich teammates with a rendition of Sweet CarolineCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    The squad were happy to sing alongCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Stanway, 23, started every game of England’s historic charge to the trophy.
    She scored two goals along the way, one being the decisive goal in the 2-1 victory against Spain that sent Sarina Wiegman’s team through to the semi-finals.
    The Lionesses then went on to secure a sensational 4-0 victory against Sweden before marching onto the final where they ran rings around Germany before lifting the trophy under the iconic Wembley arch.
    All the players celebrated at Wembley by singing England’s unofficial anthem – Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’ – in front of a dejected-looking German side.
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    And Stanway couldn’t help but sing the same song in front of her new Bayern Munich team-mates during the club’s pre-season tour.
    It would have been a bitter-sweet moment for some onlookers as Bayern’s squad include a number of players that featured for Germany in the Euro 2022 final, including Lea Schuller, Lina Magull and Klara Buhl.

    But, each member of the team appeared happy to sing along to the hit song and were seen clapping along.
    Stanway is yet to make her first appearance for Bayern Munich.
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    She joined the club in a free transfer from Manchester City earlier this year, ending her seven-year spell in the Women’s Super League.
    The midfielder scored 67 goals in 186 appearances for The Sky Blues, making her the club’s record goalscorer.
    Stanway (R) featured in all of England’s Euro2022 fixturesCredit: Getty More

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    England hero Alessia Russo takes a dip on beach holiday in Italy as Man Utd ace unwinds following epic Euro 2022 final

    ENGLAND hero Alessia Russo has been soaking up the sun in Italy as she continues to bask in her Euro 2022 heroics.The 23-year-old bagged four goals for the Lionesses on their way to European glory last month — including a superb backheel against Sweden.
    Alessia Russo has been soaking up the sun in ItalyCredit: BackGrid
    England Euro 2022 hero is away with a pal and her family in NettunoCredit: BackGrid
    The 23-year-old enjoyed a dip in the sea in the seaside resort near RomeCredit: BackGrid
    Russo scored four goals for the Lionesses on their way to Euro gloryCredit: BackGrid
    Russo, who has been tipped to become the first £1million player in the women’s game, also came off the bench to play a key role in the victory over Germany at Wembley in the final.
    And she even managed a sneaky peak at the opposition’s tactics during the emotional rollercoaster that ended in glory.
    The Manchester United star, who has been included in the club’s new kit launch promos, is now taking a well-earned break from the pitch.
    Striker Russo, wearing an orange bikini, was spotted taking a dip in the sea while on holiday with a pal and her family near Rome.
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    They spent the day catching some rays on the beach in the seaside resort of Nettuno.
    Russo spent most of her day lying and sitting in the sun before heading into the sea for a dip.

    Fellow England heroes Ella Toone and Ellie Roebuck have also been spotted enjoying themselves in Ibiza as the post-Euros party continues.
    The pair were pictured taking a trip on a luxury yacht near the island of Formentera, the smallest of Spain’s Balearic Islands.
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    They went to a Calvin Harris gig the previous night on the Spanish island with other members of the team including captain Leah Williamson and Nikita Parris.
    Forward Toone was one of the most pivotal figures for England in their Euro-winning run.
    She bagged a screamer in extra-time against Spain in the quarter-finals.
    Her impact was felt again as she scored a stunning chip just a matter of minutes after coming off the bench in the final against Germany.
    After being pegged back and forced into playing extra-time Chloe Kelly ended up scoring the winner, sending the country into wild celebrations.
    The star hired two sun loungers and an umbrella to protect her from the raysCredit: Backgrid
    But she needed a dip to cool off as she still basks in the glory of the Euros victoryCredit: BackGrid More

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    England’s Euro 2022 star Lauren Hemp makes cameo in Hollyoaks in first look at her coaching village team

    ENGLAND’S Euro 2022 star Lauren Hemp is set to make a cameo in hit soap Hollyoaks.Lioness and Manchester City player Lauren, 22, will appear on the E4 show on Wednesday at 7pm, playing herself.
    Lioness and Manchester City player Lauren Hemp will be appearing in HollyoaksCredit: Lime Pictures
    The star was over the moon about her cameoCredit: Lime Pictures
    The role will see Lauren coaching Kathleen-Angel’s (played Kiara Mellor) football team, with two of the soap characters, Charlie Osborne (played by Charlie Behan) and Ella Cunningham (played by Erin Palmer), starstruck to have her teaching them.
    Discussing her part on the popular soap, Lauren said: “I love Hollyoaks and never miss it so when they posted the scene about us on their Instagram I then shared it on my story.
    “Then my agent called and said that I had been invited to come and film a scene. I can’t tell you what I replied but I shouted it down the phone! It was like a dream. I had two dreams in life and they’ve both happened in the last few weeks.”
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    Lauren described her day of filming as “surreal” and said she couldn’t believe she was appearing on it.
    She added: “And people want my picture when I was really nervous but everyone was lovely. I’d love to come back again. I’d like to play a serial killer.”
    The football star, whose favourite character is Mercedes McQueen, appeared after Hollyoaks recorded an additional scene to mark England’s win at the Euros, and it features Juliet and Nadira watching a replay of the epic match.
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    Lauren also discussed her post-Euros life and ambitions, adding: “One of our many goals as the Lionesses over the Euros was to inspire as many girls and boys as possible to be involved in football and it’s important we keep doing that so if you’re playing football then keep doing it or give it a go if you have never tried.
    “I had many people in the past tell me that I couldn’t do something but its important that you believe in yourself, you don’t listen to anyone. I think this summer has proved that girls can play football too.”
    Lauren will appear in Wednesday 10 th August E4 episode at 7pm, and Thursday 11 th August C4 episode 6:30pm
    Lauren described her day of filming as “surreal”Credit: Lime Pictures More

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    England hero Alessia Russo takes a dip on Italian beach holiday as Man Utd star unwinds after epic Euro 2022 win

    ENGLAND hero Alessia Russo has been soaking up the sun in Italy as she continues to bask in her Euro 2022 heroics.The 23-year-old hit four goals for the Lionesses on their way to European glory last month — including a superb backheel against Sweden.
    Alessia Russo has been soaking up the sun in ItalyCredit: BackGrid
    England Euro 2022 hero is away with a pal and her family in NettunoCredit: BackGrid
    The 23-year-old enjoyed a dip in the sea in the seaside resort near RomeCredit: BackGrid
    Russo scored four goals for the Lionesses on their way to Euro gloryCredit: BackGrid
    Russo, who has been tipped to become the first £1million player in the women’s game, also came off the bench to play a key role in the victory over Germany at Wembley in the final.
    And she even managed a sneaky peak at the opposition’s tactics during the emotional rollercoaster that ended in glory.
    The Manchester United star, who has been included in the club’s new kit launch promos, is now taking a well-earned break from the pitch.
    Striker Russo, wearing an orange bikini, was spotted taking a dip in the sea while on holiday with a pal and her family near Rome.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL
    They spent the day catching some rays on the beach in the seaside resort of Nettuno.
    Russo spent most of her day lying and sitting in the sun before heading into the sea for a dip.
    Fellow England heroes Ella Toone and Ellie Roebuck have also been spotted enjoying themselves in Ibiza as the post-Euros party continues.
    The pair were pictured taking a trip on a luxury yacht near the island of Formentera, the smallest of Spain’s Balearic Islands.
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    They went to a Calvin Harris gig the previous night on the Spanish island with other members of the team including captain Leah Williamson and Nikita Parris.
    Forward Toone was one of the most pivotal figures for England in their Euro-winning run.
    She bagged a screamer in extra-time against Spain in the quarter-finals.
    Her impact was felt again as she scored a stunning chip just a matter of minutes after coming off the bench in the final against Germany.
    After being pegged back and forced into playing extra-time Chloe Kelly ended up scoring the winner, sending the country into wild celebrations.
    The star hired two sun loungers and an umbrella to protect her from the raysCredit: Backgrid
    But she needed a dip to cool off as she still basks in the glory of the Euros victoryCredit: BackGrid More

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    Watch England Euro hero Chloe Kelly meet QPR squad and receive standing ovation and signed shirt from Stefan Johansen

    CHLOE KELLY received a hero’s welcome as she was introduced to the QPR squad ahead of their clash with Middlesbrough on Saturday.The Lioness, 24, scored the winning goal as England defeated Germany 2-1 in the Euro2022 final last Sunday.
    Kelly was handed a signed shirt by QPR skipper JohansenCredit: Rex
    She then walked the match ball out onto the pitch ahead of kick offCredit: Rex
    Her goal will go down in history as it helped to secure England’s first ever European Championship title.
    Kelly has since become a household name, with many considering her an England legend.
    And the QPR squad took the time to show their appreciation by giving the midfielder a deserved standing ovation.
    She was then handed a signed shirt by Rangers captain Stefan Johansen which had ‘Euros Champion’ written on the back.
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    Kelly, who is a lifelong QPR fan, appeared overwhelmed by the reception she received at Loftus Road.
    Following her welcome reception from the players and coaching staff, she was then given another standing ovation as she walked the match ball out ahead of kick off.
    The success of England’s Lionesses at Euro2022 has led to a surge in Women’s Super League ticket sales.
    Arsenal and Chelsea’s season tickets have sold out, while numerous clubs have experienced record-breaking ticket sales.
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    England are also set to play in front of a sold-out Wembley crowd once again when they take on World Champions USA in an international friendly in October.
    Almost 90,000 tickets were snatched up in less than 24 hours for the highly-anticipated clash. More

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    England hero Jill Scott works back in her coffee shop days after Euros triumph – and proudly wears her winner’s medal

    ENGLAND legend Jill Scott returned to work at her coffee shop earlier this week – just days after The Lionesses’ historic Euros victory.The midfielder, 35, played a huge part in helping England claim the Euro2022 trophy on Sunday.
    Scott returned to work in her cafe just five days after her Euro2022 victoryCredit: Twitter @JillScottJS8
    The midfielder posed for pictures with fans
    She was introduced just before extra time in the record-breaking final against Germany at Wembley Stadium, 20 minutes prior to Chloe Kelly’s winner.
    After the final whistle, she struggled to hold back the tears as she dedicated her winners medal to her grandma and congratulated her teammates.
    When speaking to BBC Sport, Scott said: “We got it, grandma… we’ve done it.
    “The younger players have been fantastic, playing with freedom.
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    Scott also took her medal into work
    “The celebrations are going to be big and I don’t think I’m going to sleep this week!”
    But, following the celebrations – which continued into the early hours of Monday morning – it didn’t take long for the former Manchester City star to return to her beloved coffee shop Boxx2Boxx.
    On Friday, Scott tweeted: “Back to reality and I love it! Shift done at Boxx2boxx coffee shop.
    “Thanks to everyone that came to say hello! Your support is really appreciated!”
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    She also carried her winners medal throughout the day and took the time to pose for pictures with fans.
    Lucky fan Gill Moore visited the shop and was served by Scott herself.
    She tweeted: “Wow! I just met the legend that is @JillScottJS8 with her #WEURO2022 medal. She served me a coffee!
    “What a lovely person, so down to earth, 5 days after #Lionesses victory she’s back at her Boxx2Boxx Northenden cafe.
    “She knows all the regulars by name, what an absolute legend!”
    Scott opened Boxx2Boxx in April 2021, while on loan at Everton.
    She owns and runs the Manchester-based business with her partner Shelly Unitt. More

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    Karren Brady: Once the delirium of England’s Euros win fades the women’s game has serious work to do to reap the rewards

    HAVING grown tired of men promising us “it’s coming home” for the last 56 years, women just went out and brought it home themselves.And they did it only four years into existence as a fully-professional sport.
    England’s Lionesses thrilled the nation with their Euro 2022 winCredit: Getty
    Karren Brady says the WSL must reap the benefitsCredit: PR Handout – Free to use
    They threw themselves into celebrations in ways I have never seen from men.
    In total abandonment, they danced, jigged, sang, laughed and hugged in a feast of excitement at becoming European winners.
    Oh, what a night!
    I know only too well male players would be dancing if they won a Euros or World Cup final.
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    I’d join in with them 100 per cent. But many men are almost frightened of letting themselves go in the uninhibited way Sarina Wiegman’s players did.
    Can you imagine England men’s squad interrupting their manager’s press conference with a chorus line skipping in behind him?
    Now the delirium is over, the smiles or satisfaction remain — but there is serious work to be done.
    The FA fitfully began to release the power inherent in girls in footie boots with formation of the all-professional Women’s Super League four years ago.
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    It was a masterstroke or even a mistress-stroke!
    The question for the WSL clubs is, should the FA remain in control of the benefits of huge success, or is it time for a new direction?
    I don’t know of a single WSL club who does not agree it is time for a new direction.
    The FA sold the TV rights to the WSL games for £7.3million but decided to only give a third of the money to WSL clubs.
    Having sold the sponsorship rights to the WSL to Barclays for £30m, again they decided only £500,000 of the money raised should actually go to the WSL clubs.
    So is it any wonder we lose more than £1m a season running our women’s side. Some clubs in the WSL lose £4m a season — and none break even.
    I am convinced if the Premier League were in charge, we would be reasonably self-sufficient and sustainable much sooner, as well as better run and better promoted.
    Women can do it. Some 30 years ago when I became a novice MD of Birmingham City, the appointment was laughed at.
    I don’t know of a single WSL club who does not agree it is time for a new direction.Karren Brady
    I was insulted and sworn at but at least there was no such thing as social media then. No doubt, I would have been trolled to death.
    Yet women have survived demeaning treatment since time began and, here in football, there was a progressive cause to be fought.
    The WSL established itself by working with the FA along the lines of the Premier League. Attendances have been generally small — but growing — and the clubs survived on annual sums dwarfed by the monthly earnings of a single male star.
    Still, they learned televised games, publicity and sponsorship are key, and the contract to show every match of the European Championship was pivotal.
    That the BBC were brilliant helped.
    And what a royal reward they were handed — 17.4m viewers watched the final with Germany, the biggest audience of the year, overjoyed to witness a true football nut make the presentations.
    It has been clear for years Prince William is that nut — and one who would never confuse West Ham with Aston Villa. Pity he fell for the wrong club!
    Among the Wembley capacity crowd kids jumped and jiggled, women whooped, possibly women whose sole link once was to grumble at the money her husband spent on a season ticket.
    Yes, football unearthed a new audience. It will take time for this to be fully translated into crowds at big stadiums and more girls playing our game at school. But it will, I believe, happen quite soon
    Women have an advantage with the public.
    They love glamour, chat and publicity and I doubt they will ever be zombified by control-freak managers and greedy agents.
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    We have much more to give the game, too.
    Beth Mead’s volley on the turn and Alessia Russo’s backheel provide a strange talking point over the groceries — but revolution, once rolling, takes some stopping. More