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      England fans calls to rename street by Wembley Stadium if Lionesses win historic World Cup final

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      ENGLAND fans have called for a street by Wembley stadium to be renamed if the Lionesses win the historic World Cup final.Final fever exploded today as the mighty women take on Spain in Australia.
      Fans are calling for a road near Wembley to be renamed if the Lionesses win the World CupCredit: Getty
      The match has kicked off in AustraliaCredit: Reuters
      Fans gathered around the country today ahead of the finalCredit: Getty
      The tense and exciting match comes after England beat hosts Australia 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final thanks to goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
      And if the Lionesses bag the win and bring it home for England, the country want a road near Wembley to be renamed in their honour.
      It’s new name will be “Lionesses Lane”.
      Twickenham MP Munira Wilson said the tribute would be “small but powerful” for the “most successful English football team”.
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      Backing calls, she said: “Every visitor to Wembley Stadium should be reminded of the most successful English football team for a generation.
      “Lionesses Lane would be a small but powerful tribute to stand the test of time, and cement their legacy at the home of English football.
      “The local council should seize the moment and make this happen.
      “This team has already inspired young women and girls to take up the sport.
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      “I hope this year’s Women’s Super League is bigger than ever with more games held at the capital’s main football grounds.
      “We must make the most of this fantastic momentum.”
      Jubilant England fans turned out in force to cheer on the Lionesses ahead of their clash against Spain this morning.
      Thousands of supporters – some holding ‘It’s coming home’ banners – took to the streets around the UK and Australia desperate for England’s first World Cup glory since 1966.
      Young fans in red and white kits waved their England flags as they beamed with pride, covered in face-paint, while other supporters started boozing early.
      Some keen fans were seen fully kitted-out in lion suits in a bid to try and roar the team to victory.
      The Lionesses are unchanged from their semi-final win against Australia with Lauren James returning from suspension to make the bench.
      Pubs up and down the the UK were also packed as supporters cheered the Lionesses on and the lively atmosphere continues to soar today.
      Hundreds of Brits gathering at the Boxpark fan zone in Croydon were spotted slapping on face-paint and dressed head to toe in England flags.
      And members of the 1972 Lionesses team were also pictured at Boxpark Wembley to roar on the women aiming to make history.
      An audience of up to 15 million back home is expected to watch on the BBC or ITV — with bookies slashing odds that it will be the year’s most viewed sporting event.
      Fans will be raising a glass to Sarina Wiegman’s inspiring team, wishing them all the luck as they stand on the cusp of history.
      The Dutch manager has led England Women to today’s World Cup Final a year after seeing her team claim victory at Euro 2022.
      She is also the only manager – male or female – to lead two different teams to a World Cup final, having finished as a runner-up with the Netherlands to the USA in 2019.
      Now, the countdown is officially on, as Stadium Australia is ready for the 11.am kick-off – and the full 23-woman squad are geared up to play the game of their lives.
      There were fears England’s player of the tournament so far, Lauren James, would miss the legendary game after being handed a two game suspension.
      She was sent off deep into the second half of the Lionesses’ clash with Nigeria after she got into a scuffle with Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, electing to stamp on her while she got off the deck herself.
      James was handed an extended two game ban, missing the quarter-finals and the semi-finals.
      But this means she is now free to play today in the highly-anticipated final against Spain.
      ‘GAME OF OUR LIVES’
      And, Captain Millie Bright, 29, has vowed to fans that England will bring everything they’ve got to lift the World Cup trophy.
      The determined centre-back said: “We know how passionate our nation is back home and how much they want us to win.
      “But for us, there is a process. We have a game plan to execute. We need to play the game of our lives.”
      And, she thanked the record number of fans at home preparing to tune in to watch Sarina Wiegman warriors go toe-to-toe with Spain.
      “Everyone is fit, everyone is available and we’re in a very good place, so we can’t wait,” said Wiegman ahead of the nail-biting final.
      She said previously: “We achieved the final.
      “It’s unbelievable, it feels like we won [the tournament] which we didn’t, we just won this game – in an incredible stadium, an away game, the way we played – it was a hard game, but we found a way to win again.
      “I just said to [assistant manager] Arjan, having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special.
      “I never take anything for granted, but it’s like I’m living in a fairytale or something.”
      ‘SO PROUD’
      The nation is gripped with World Cup fever and everyone is pulling together to cheer on the team and see them claim glory.
      King Charles and Prince William — together with Princess Charlotte — sent the squad best wishes, Stephanie Moore hailed the “once in a lifetime” opportunity.
      The King last night gave the team his support in a social media message. It was timed at 10pm so the Lionesses saw it as they woke up in Sydney.
      In it, Charles said: “Good luck today and may you roar to victory.”
      Everyone is fit, everyone is available and we’re in a very good place, so we can’t wait.”Sarina Wiegman
      He signed off the message — alongside an image of a lioness — with his royal cypher, Charles R.
      Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 76, are set to watch the game at home on the Balmoral estate.
      The Prince of Wales and Princess Charlotte said yesterday: “Lionesses we want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
      “We’re sorry we can’t be there in person but we’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world.
      “So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
      “Good luck Lionesses,” added Princess Charlotte, holding a football in her show of support for the inspiring team.
      Meanwhile, England men’s boss Gareth Southgate, captain Harry Kane and ex-skipper David Beckham also sent good luck messages.
      And PM Rishi Sunak — set to watch in a pub in his constituency in Richmond, North Yorks — wrote to Dutch coach Sarina and the team praising their “lasting legacy”.
      It comes amid a growing clamour for the team and manager to be honoured. 
      Tory MP for Mid-Derbyshire Pauline Latham said: “They should all be honoured — win or lose. They absolutely deserve it.”
      Good luck today and may you roar to victory”King Charles
      Fellow Tory MP Kevin Foster added: “The Lionesses have inspired the whole nation and done us all proud. Well-earned gongs should be swiftly awarded.”
      Now, Cabinet Office sources say the whole team and manager are likely to be honoured — if they win.
      And Tory MP Caroline Nokes, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee in Parliament, said: “Win or Lose we should designate the late August bank holiday ‘Lioness Day’.”
      England have already beaten Spain once, and we expect them to do the same again.
      SunSport’s prediction sees the Lionesses roar to victory with a 2-1 win as they go head to head with Jorge Vilda Rodríguez’s team.
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      England’s Lauren James, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo are all in contention to win the Golden Boot.
      Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí, Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo are also in the running. More

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      Sarina Wiegman set for new deal as USA try to poach Lionesses boss… but salary will still be FAR less than Southgate’s

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      THE FA will vehemently reject any US approach to poach Sarina Wiegman for their vacant women’s team boss role.Dutch coach Wiegman, 53, will lead England into Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain in Sydney after masterminding last summer’s Euros glory at Wembley.

      The FA will turn down any bids for England manager Sarina WiegmanCredit: Getty
      Wiegman has led England to the Women’s World Cup Final against SpainCredit: Rex
      Her current £400,000-a-year contract runs until the summer of 2025.
      And the US are eyeing Wiegman to replace coach Vlatko Andonovski, who quit after the world champs crashed out in the last 16 Down Under.
      Asked if the FA would snub any USA approach for three-time Fifa Best award winner Wiegman, chief executive Mark Bullingham replied: “One hundred per cent. It is not about money.
      “We are very, very happy with her.
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      “We’ve seen lots of rumours, and she is a special talent. She is contracted with England until 2025 and doing a great job.
      “We’re huge supporters of her and we’d like to have with us for a very long time.”
      The FA are ready to discuss a new deal “at an appropriate time” after this tournament, but won’t offer her pay to match Southgate’s £5million-a-year salary.
      Bullingham added: “Over time, there’s where you’ve got to get to.
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      “If you look at the disparity in the market and the income coming in, that’s why you’ve got a difference.
      “Sarina is, within the market she operates, well paid.
      “The men’s game is a different market.
      “I really want those markets to merge, but we’re not there yet.”
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      Bullingham also refused to rule out the Lionesses coach succeeding Gareth Southgate as the boss of England’s MEN’S team.
      Bullingham insisted: “Do I think Sarina could do any job in football? Yes, I do.
      “I’m really happy with the job she’s doing and I hope she stays doing that job for a long time.
      “If at some point in the future she decides she wants to move into the men’s game, that would be a really interesting discussion but that’s for her, right?”
      Asked if she could be seen as a potential successor to Southgate, Bullingham added: “It’s a bit disrespectful of the Lionesses to project it as a step up.
      “People always say it is, ‘the best man for the job’ or, ‘the best Englishman’.
      Sarina is, within the market she operates, well paid. I really want those markets to merge, but we’re not there yet.FA chief Mark Bullingham
      “Why does it have to be a man? Our answer is always it’s the best person for the job.
      “Football is behind other sports in terms of lack of female coaches at the top level, and that has to change.
      “Sarina is doing a great job. If she decides  in the future to go in a different direction,  she’s perfectly capable.
      “If and when we get a vacancy in either of our senior men’s or women’s manager positions, we would go for the  best person capable of winning matches.”
      Wiegman is the first coach – male or female – to lead two different nations to World Cup finals and will be appearing in her FOURTH successive final.
      Wiegman, though, makes far less than England men’s manager Gareth SouthgateCredit: The Sun
      The FA will discuss a new contract for England manager WiegmanCredit: Getty
      She won the 2017 Euros with her native Netherlands, who she managed in a World Cup final defeat to the USA two years later, before leading England to Euro 2022 triumph.
      The Lionesses are set to resume talks concerning World Cup bonuses after negotiations reached a stalemate.
      England stars are dismayed some of their rivals receive performance-related bonuses whilst they don’t.
      But Bullingham promised: “We’re sorting it after the tournament.”
      The FA are also planning a parade when the Lionesses return, while talks are also ongoing surrounding a Wembley statue.
      Bullingham said: “We have gone through various permissions, the next stage is working on the design.
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      “You can imagine the iconic images that came out of the Euros.
      “There are some brilliant things which could be produced.” More

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      Football fan zones sell out in MINUTES for England Lionesses’ World Cup Final clash against Spain

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      THREE football fan zones in London sold out in just eight minutes for the Women’s World Cup final.The nation will come to a standstill on Sunday for the Lionesses’ date with destiny against Spain.
      Fans have snapped up thousands of tickets to watch Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final at BoxparkCredit: Alamy
      An Aussie fan from Sydney was outnumberedCredit: Alamy
      Lauren Hemp scored England’s second goal as the Lionesses roared into the finalCredit: Rex
      And 2,500 spaces at Boxpark sites in Shoreditch, Wembley and Croydon were instantly snapped up following England’s thrilling 3-1 semi-final win over hosts Australia.
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessio Russo secured a superb win in Sydney, sending the nation into pandemonium.
      Pubs up and down the country were packed as supporters roared the Lionesses to victory.
      The fan zone in Croydon turned into an impromptu dance floor as the Lionesses confirmed their place in the final.
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      The only person who seemed to be sitting down when the final whistle was heard at the South London venue was a lone Australian at the front of the zone.
      Lionesses fans put children on their shoulders, danced on tables and sang football hits following the historic victory.
      And now they are preparing for the biggest match of all.
      England manager Sarina Wiegman led the team to European Championship last year and could now go down in history on Sunday.
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      Wiegman told BBC Sport: “We achieved the final!
      “It’s unbelievable, it feels like we won [the tournament] which we didn’t, we just won this game – in an incredible stadium, an away game, the way we played – it was a hard game, but we found a way to win again.
      “Australia have had an incredible tournament, they grew into the tournament.
      “They had some setbacks, they had to win their last group-stage game and then they got better and better.
      “I just said to [assistant manager] Arjan, having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special.
      “I never take anything for granted, but it’s like I’m living in a fairytale or something.”
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo knocked the co-hosts out after Sam Kerr levelled in the second half. More

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      England women compared to Lionel Messi’s team as fans hail Lionesses for ‘biggest upgrade’

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      FANS have hailed Sarina Wiegman as the “biggest upgrade” following her success as Lionesses’ manager.The Dutch coach replaced Phil Neville as the team’s manager and has gone on to win the Women’s Euros and qualify for the final of the Women’s World Cup.
      The Lionesses reached the final of the Woman’s World CupCredit: PA
      They had previously been coached by Phil NevilleCredit: Getty
      But he was replaced by Sarina Wiegman in 2021Credit: Getty
      Neville’s other former team Inter Miami have also gone on to have successCredit: Reuters
      Wiegman’s most recent success saw the Lionesses overcome host nation Australia in the semi-final of the World Cup to set up a tie against Spain in the final on Sunday.
      Neville was replaced by Wiegman, 53, in 2021, leading the Lionesses to become one of the top teams in the world.
      After leaving his role, Neville was hired by MLS outfit Inter Miami but struggled to improve the team.
      He was sacked by the club earlier this year and since his departure, the club has signed Lionel Messi and managed to qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup thanks to a 4-1 win over Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup semi-final.
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      Miami set a record with the achievement as they have become the first club to qualify for the competition while being bottom of their league, as the top three teams from the Leagues Cup earn a spot in the continental cup.
      And fans have flocked to social media to draw on the comparison between the two team’s successes since Neville’s departures.
      One fan Tweeted: “Phil Neville to Sarina Wiegman is maybe the biggest managerial upgrade any team in the entire history of football has ever made.”
      A second commented: “Lionesses 🤝 Inter Miami. Sack Phil Neville to get good.”
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      A third wrote: “Lionesses continue to show that nothing is impossible when you don’t have Phil Neville in charge.”
      A fourth said: “Phil Neville leaves the Lionesses, and they win the euros and are now in the World Cup final. Neville left Inter Miami, and they sign Lionel Messi and are now qualified for Concacaf. Biggest fraud ever.”
      A fifth added: “Has there been a bigger upgrade in football than Phil Neville to Sarina Wiegman?
      While another joked: “If we’d have given Phil Neville more time, we’d have been able to have a proper lie in on Sunday 🤷🏻‍♂️.”
      Sunday’s final is Wiegman’s second successive World Cup final after she led the Netherlands to a clash with the USA in 2019 – before they suffered a 2-0 defeat.
      Neville, 46, however is back in work and is currently working as an assistant for the Canada men’s national team. More

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      Rachel Daly wants to park ‘special’ Euros moment to focus on England goal of beating world’s best

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      RACHEL DALY is pushing Euros nostalgia to the back of her mind with the Lionesses laser-focused on winning football’s biggest prize. Monday will be a year to the day Daly helped England win the contest at Wembley with a dramatic 2-1 defeat of Germany.
      Rachel Daly has no intention of being distracted by nostalgia around England’s Euros winCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses’ World Cup clash with China in Adelaide will come almost a year on from their Euros win at WembleyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Daly and her team-mates aim to finish top of Group D following their 1-0 wins against Haiti and DenmarkCredit: Getty
      The Lioness, who started in all six games of that unbeaten run, sees the Women’s World Cup as a “different kettle of fish”. 
      And her team aims to finish top of Group D by beating or drawing with China in Adelaide on Tuesday.
      A first place finish for England would see them seal a last-16 clash with either Nigeria, Australia or Canada. 
      Daly, 31, said: “For me personally, I don’t want to go into a tournament thinking about another one.
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      “It’s a completely different kettle of fish as it’s the world’s biggest stage.
      “It’s a different feel with different (England) players and staff. 
      “It’s great that we won the Euros and it’s something that we do discuss now and again.
      “For me, it was a special moment. But at times like this you have to focus on what’s in front of you and push that aside.”
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      Daly, who made her senior England debut in 2016 scoring in a 7-0 Euros qualifier defeat of Serbia, is regarded as one of the leaders within the  squad. 
      The versatile Leeds-born Lioness joked she’s astounded to now be the third-oldest player following Ellen White’s and Jill Scott’s retirements. 
      The 71-capped England star added: “I’m actually shocked I’m the third oldest. I don’t act that way, I’m sure. 
      “It’s a different role for me, now we’ve lost Jill and Ellen who are older. 
      “But losing two players of their overwhelming experience is tough.
      “Some of the younger players have to step into that role and it’s nice to be able to do that. 
      “I had that when I was younger and so it’s nice to speak to the younger ones.
      “And there are players here who are experiencing their first tournament.
      “They’re over the other side of the world, away from home and not seeing family so much. It’s nice to be able to help them.”
      England’s last duel with China saw them lose 2-1 back in October 2015, five months after beating their opponents by the same scoreline at the Academy Stadium. 
      But much has changed for the Lionesses’ fortunes since then. 
      A top spot finish in Group D for England will see them play either Nigeria or Canada or Australia in the World Cup’s knockout stageCredit: Getty
      They are currently ranked the fourth best side in the world and ten places above their rivals who beat Haiti last Friday. 
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      Daly said: “We know their threats and what they’re capable of. 
      “We should be prepared the best way we can and hopefully get those next three points in the bag.” More

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      Ultimate Women’s World Cup rich list – highest-paid Lionesses star to Chelsea striker who bagged FIFA video game deal

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      ENGLAND’S roaring Lionesses captured the heart of the nation on their way to victory at the Euros last year.But while they will be hoping to go one better at the Women’s World Cup this summer, they face stiff competition from the likes of the USA, Spain, Germany and France.
      Chloe Kelly and the team pulled in huge crowds to their games in the UK for the Women’s EurosCredit: Getty
      Marta is often considered the greatest female footballer of all timeCredit: Getty
      In the money leagues, top stars like Marta and Megan Rapinoe may earn just a fraction of their equivalents in the men’s game.
      However, the best players can still earn hundreds of thousands a year – boosted by sponsorship deals and lucrative side projects.
      Here, we reveal some of the highest earners who will be dazzling in Australia and New Zealand over the coming weeks.
      Marta
      Brazilian Marta, 37, is often regarded as the best female footballer ever, so it’s no surprise she can command one of the highest salaries.
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      The forward reportedly earns £311,000 a year at Orlando Pride, topped up by sponsorship deals with the likes of LATAM Airlines, Avon Brasil, shampoo brand Clear and pharmaceutical company Neo Quimica.
      In some of her campaigns for Clear, she has appeared with Cristiano Ronaldo. She has also had deals with Coca-Cola and Puma.
      Marta is Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer, with a record 17 World Cup goals, and has been named FIFA’s World Player of the Year five consecutive times.
      Wendie Renard
      Wendie has captained the French national team for ten yearsCredit: Getty
      French centre back Wendie, 33, has been the captain of the French women’s team for ten years.
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      As the skipper of Lyon at club level, she is one of the most decorated players in modern times, with an astonishing 15 French league titles and eight European Cups to her name.
      It’s no surprise then that she’s on a reported £298,000-a-year salary.
      One of her sponsors is Adidas and she was previously an ambassador for MasterCard alongside England’s Alex Scott, too.
      Earlier this year, she told fans she was pulling out of what will be her third World Cup.
      She said in a statement: “It is a sad day, but necessary to preserve my mental health. It is with a heavy heart that I come to inform you of my decision to step back from the French team.”
      However, after returning to the French team for friendlies against Colombia and Canada in April, she will be wearing the armband once more this tournament.
      Megan Rapinoe
      Megan has gained a huge profile for her footwork on the pitch and activism off itCredit: Getty
      Megan’s famous celebration against France at the last World CupCredit: AFP
      With her signature bleached hair and even more dazzling footwork, USA winger Megan is one of the most instantly recognisable female footballers in the world.
      At the last World Cup in 2019, her celebration against France – in which she saluted the crowd with outstretched arms – became an instant meme and even went on to be added into the FIFA video game.
      The athlete, 38, is thought to take home a salary of £348,000 from OL Reign and, according to Celebrity Net Worth, has a fortune of £3.9million.
      She tops this up with sponsorship deals and cover interviews, having appeared on the front page of Sports Illustrated, Marie Claire, and InStyle.
      Her brands deals include luxury fashion brand Loewe, Nike and Samsung.
      Alex Morgan
      Alex Morgan has topped up her earnings by writing a children’s book seriesCredit: Getty
      Her tea-sipping celebration has gone down in World Cup folkloreCredit: Rex Features
      England fans will remember USA striker Alex for her now infamous tea-drinking celebration, after scoring the winner against the Lionesses at the last World Cup.
      The San Diego Wave FC captain – who CNW estimates has a fortune of £2.3million – has played in 217 international matches and made a short-lived move to Tottenham back in 2020.
      Away from the pitch, the 34-year-old has published The Kicks, a four-book series for school children and even appeared in a music video for Maroon 5’s song “Girls Like You”, which features Cardi B.
      Her long list of sponsorship deals include Nike, Panasonic, AT&T, Chobani, McDonald’s, P&G, Mondelez International, and Coca-Cola.
      She is married to Servando Carrasco, also a football player, and they have one child together, three-year-old Charlie.
      Lucy Bronze
      Lucy is thought to be one of the UK’s wealthiest female footballersCredit: Getty
      British Lucy, 31, is one of the wealthiest Lionesses and is thought to take home around £200,000 a year for FC Barcelona.
      The right-back has played for the England team since 2013 and has also represented the country in the Olympics. She tops up her earnings with deals from Pepsi, EE, Klarna, and Visa.
      Lucy is believed to be the top-earning England player, but along with other Lionesses has slammed the FA’s decision not to pay players extra money on top of the funds dished out by FIFA this tournament.
      Speaking about it, she said: “We want to keep pushing our own standards, but also our federations’ standards, the FIFA and UEFA standards. It isn’t just about the numbers. It is the principle of what we want to improve in women’s football.
      “There is always another step the game can take. Whether that is commercial, on the pitch or off the pitch, whether it is performance based or not. It is about being rewarded for what we have done – we are the European Champions.”
      Sam Kerr
      Sam has a $1million deal with Nike among other lucrative dealsCredit: Getty
      Goal-machine Sam, 29, is believed to take home a salary of £400,000 a year at Chelsea, who she has just helped to another Women’s Super League title.
      The Australian captains her national team and will be hoping to take them all the way as the hosts.
      Her 13-year deal with Nike is thought to be worth $1million. She was also the first female player to appear on the cover of the FIFA video game.
      Sam also has sponsorship deals with luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen, Australian bank CommBank, and EA Sports.
      Chloe Kelly
      Chloe won legions of fans for her last minute goal at the EurosCredit: Getty
      England’s super-sub Chloe, 25, secured her place in the history books at last year’s Euros with her winning goal against Germany.
      It is not known how much her Man City contract is worth, but the club’s average salary for female players is thought to be around £75,000 a year.
      However, off the back of her legendary goal – and celebration – last year, Chloe remains one of England’s most marketable stars.
      The Mail on Sunday reported that she was set to sign a deal with Land Rover worth up to £2 million.
      A spokesperson for Chloe told the paper: “I can’t comment on her business dealings but… she is in demand.”
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      She has also worked with Nike, KFC and last month appeared in a Calvin Klein ad alongside Alex Morgan. More

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      Meet the ‘BAPs’ cheering on England’s Lionesses as World Cup kicks off – including German keeper who beat cancer twice

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      ENGLAND’S Lionesses kick off their World Cup bid on Saturday with an opening match against Haiti.The European champions will be looking to do the double and take home football’s biggest prize.
      England players Hannah Hampton, Georgia Stanway, Katie Zelem, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Bethany England, Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hem pose for a photo during a training session in Brisbane this weekCredit: Getty
      Some big names are missing from the team – notably captain Leah Williamson, who was ruled out of the tournament in April after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
      Her Arsenal team-mate Beth Mead has the same injury, while Chelsea midfielder Fran Kirby underwent knee surgery.
      But it’s paved the way for some new faces – and their loved ones will be spurring them on along with the rest of the nation.
      Here we take a look at the BAPs – that’s boyfriends and partners – cheering on Sarina Wiegman’s squad as the competition in Brisbane, Australia gets underway.
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      Chloe Kelly
      Chloe Kelly is dating Scott MooreCredit: Instagram/@chloekelly
      Chloe, 25, from Hanwell, west London was hailed a hero when she scored the winning goal in the 110th minute in the Euros final against Germany, after coming off the bench.
      The Manchester City forward – who recently posed in her underwear for a stunning Calvin Klein ad – is dating Scott Moore, a greenkeeper at a golf club.
      The couple – often seen in loved-up snaps on Instagram – have been together for four years and share a cute cockapoo called Otis.
      After England’s Euros victory Scott was seen wearing an England shirt with his girlfriend’s name emblazoned on the back.
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      Ella Toone
      Ella and her boyfriend Joe Bunney are both footballersCredit: Instagram/@joebunney
      Awkwardly for Man Utd player Ella, 23, her proud boyfriend Joe Bunney, 29, is a devoted City fan.
      But he’s his girlfriend’s “biggest cheerleader”, with a source previously telling The Sun: “Ella and Joe are very much in love and have been together for a while now.
      “They are both from Manchester and have mutual friends who introduced them. Those who know them think they are the perfect pairing.”
      Joe, who has two children from a previous relationship, is also a footballer, having played for EFL clubs including Bolton, Northampton Town and then-League side Rochdale. He currently plays for Stalybridge Celtic.
      Millie Bright
      Millie and Levi have been together for over three yearsCredit: Instagram
      Chelsea defender and England captain Millie, 29, is currently dating American performance-enhancing coach Levi Crew.
      The couple went ‘Instagram official’ with their relationship in October 2020, with Millie calling Levi her “rock and best buddy”.
      She upgraded him to her “king” in a message marking his 30th birthday in 2021.
      It’s not known how they met, but Millie often shares romantic snaps of them holidaying together – and recently posted an Instagram tribute praising his coaching skills.
      Alex Greenwood
      Alex is dating childhood sweetheart Jack O’ConnellCredit: @jackoconnell22
      Man City fullback Alex, 29, is known as the glamour puss of the Lionesses, who’s “very big into her heels, her dresses and her eyelashes” according to teammate Jordan Nobbs.
      She is dating fellow footballer Jack O’Connell, 32, who plays for Sheffield united.  
      The couple both grew up in Merseyside and are childhood sweethearts, having met at Savio Salesian College in Bootle.
      Bethany England
      Beth England and girlfriend Stephanie Williams, with their poochesCredit: Instagram/@bethanyengland4
      As classic example of nominative determinism, Beth England, 29, worked night shifts in a chippy while playing semi-pro before hitting the big time with Chelsea and getting a call up to the national squad.
      She now plays as a forward for Tottenham Hotspur and is in a relationship with footballer Stephanie Williams, 30.
      The pair are believed to have met through the beautiful game and recently enjoyed a luxurious cruise holiday together.
      Though Stephanie does have to share Beth with their beloved pair of Golden Retrievers – Buddy and Dilys.
      Jess Carter
      Jess Carter is dating German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin BergerCredit: Getty
      Chelsea player Jess, 25, has been in a relationship with her teammate Ann-Katrin Berger since 2017, after meeting when she joined Birmingham City in 2016.
      When they met for the first time, Ann-Katrin, 32 – the national goalkeeper for Germany – admitted: “I thought she was arrogant, but as I got to know her, I became drawn into her character.”
      The glam pair, who live together in London, recently posed on the green carpet together at the FIFA Football Awards.
      Ann-Katrin – who beat cancer twice – is also heading to the World Cup, meaning the two women could face each other.
      But it’s likely to cause no drama between them, with Jess telling The Guardian last year: “There wasn’t really any direct competition [during the Euros] because we are both really chilled people.”
      Georgia Stanway
      Georgia is believed to be dating a rugby player, Olly Ashall-BottCredit: Instagram
      Georgia, a midfielder for Bayern Munich, is believed to be in a long-term relationship with rugby league player Olly Ashall-Bott.
      With Olly, 25, playing in France for Toulouse Olympique, the couple are used to long-distance – but he was there to cheer her on at Wembley when England lifted the Euros trophy.
      He wore an England shirt with her name on the back and said afterwards: “I’m just so glad that I got the chance to go see her.
      “I hadn’t caught an England game before because our fixtures didn’t align… I was buzzing and so happy for her and the team.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It sounds weird but it feels like I played in it myself. Because we’re so close, I think I got the same feeling as her – maybe not quite as much but I still feel like I won as well. And sharing moments like that with her is just incredible for me.”
      The couple, who have a house in Widnes, Cheshire, both enjoy fishing in their spare time and share a chocolate brown cockapoo. More

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      in Soccer

      Inside the Lionesses’ bizarre superstition that helped them win Euro 2022 as they now target World Cup 2023 glory

      by

      BEHIND every successful team is a great manager, a flawless philosophy and a relentless work ethic.There is also the odd superstition.
      England won Euro 2022 at Wembley last summerCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses are now hoping to replicate that success at the World CupCredit: PA
      England had all of the above when they stormed to European Championship glory last summer.
      Sarina Wiegman united a squad, and that squad gradually united a nation when the Lionesses edged through each round of Euro 2022, first defeating Austria, Norway and Northern Ireland in the group stages before seeing off Spain in the quarter-finals and Sweden in the semi-finals.
      They then capped off an unforgettable month with a 2-1 win over bitter rivals Germany in the final, thanks to goals from Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly.
      But after lifting that glorious glass trophy under the iconic Wembley arch – and basking in the celebrations – attention quickly turned to the next big challenge – the World Cup.
      Read More in Football
      A year has since passed and the Lionesses are now preparing to do it all over again, this time in Australia and New Zealand.
      But while the team looks slightly different – with Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby absent due to injury – Wiegman and her squad are approaching this year’s World Cup with a similar mindset.

      They are even prepared to replicate one key superstition that helped them to victory last summer.
      England midfielder Georgia Stanway has revealed that it became a tradition for all players to NOT pack their suitcases during the Euros, even when they had to leave their base hotel.
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      The 24-year-old told FourFourTwo magazine: “That was something we really enjoyed doing: not packing our suitcases, leaving our stuff exactly where it was.
      “It was never really spoken about, but for every matchday minus one, we would travel to a different hotel, and it became tradition to leave everything unpacked at our base hotel.
      “It was where all of our clothes were and where everything was unpacked.
      “We had made the rooms our own and made it the Lionesses’ hotel, and there was always a bit of: ‘Are we taking our bags?’
      “But it became normal to leave them because we knew we were coming back.
      “That meant we were coming back for the final.”
      AUSSIE BASE
      England are based at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific Hotel for the World Cup, a four-star complex on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
      The Lionesses took a 90-minute flight to Brisbane from their base camp on Sunday ahead of their opening match against Haiti on Thursday.
      After the match, they will return to their base hotel for their second group game against Denmark.
      Read More on The Sun
      The England team will then fly another two hours to Adelaide, where they will take on China.
      Fully expect their bags at base camp to remain unpacked throughout – and hopefully up until the final on August 20.
      Hannah Hampton  with her bag packedCredit: PA
      The team left their camp in Windsor before flying to AustraliaCredit: PA
      Stanway has revealed that it became tradition for the Lionesses not to pack their suitcases during Euro 2022Credit: Getty More