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      Lionesses Leah Williamson & Beth Mead top list of female role models for kids – ahead of Kate Middleton & Ariana Grande

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      LIONESSES Leah Williamson and Beth Mead have topped a list of female role models for youngsters.After their ground-breaking success in the Women’s Euros, the pair took first and second place in the 20 most confidence boosting icons – ahead of Harry Potter star Emma Watson and the Duchess of Cambridge.
      Lioness captain Leah Williamson has topped the list list of female role models for kidsCredit: Getty
      Kate Middleton came in at number four in the 20 most confidence boosting iconsCredit: Getty
      Other role models include football stars Lucy Bronze and Alex Scott, and Olympian Laura Kenny.
      The poll of 1,000 parents, carers and guardians of children aged three to six also found 72 per cent feel their young children are, or were, worried about starting school, with 51 per cent of parents also sharing this anxiety.
      As a result, 74 per cent are looking for tips to help build their children’s confidence, while 65 per cent of parents are seeking role models for their kids.
      The research was commissioned to mark the launch of Ultimate Princess Celebration: Time to Shine – a new role model-led initiative created by Disney Princess and educational charity The Female Lead.
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      Fronted by Lioness captain, Leah Williamson, the campaign aims to inspire and grow the confidence of young children as they prepare to start school – and during the early years that follow.
      Leah, who led her team to Euros 2022 victory and made history by becoming the first English female football team to win the international title, said: “Early years at school are exciting.
      “I remember it as a time where I really started to recognise my love for football and how much I loved to play.
      “Having the confidence to pursue endeavours are at the heart of all Disney Princess stories – so what better way to inspire young girls than through practising self-belief and perseverance, they can be anything they want to be.”
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      Disney Princess and The Female Lead have also created a series of pep talk videos and self-affirmation mantras featuring the stories of Disney’s Princess characters.
      The Princess Pep Talks cover the themes of adventure, confidence and self-potential to prepare three to six-year-old children for their early school years.
      They use stories based on qualities like Tiana’s perseverance and Rapunzel’s bravery, and are told by teen YouTubers and authors, Kirsten and Aiyven Mbawa, from Northampton.
      The sisters, who also run Happier Every Chapter, a monthly book subscription service they crowdfunded on Kickstarter to promote literacy and diversity for children, have become the first official Young Female Leaders for the charity.
      Parenting expert, Sue Atkins, who helped co-develop the programme said: “It’s clear that children are experiencing a crisis in confidence, and our ambition is to help navigate this in those at the start of the early years of education, offering the tools needed to tackle the issue from the get-go.
      “Given children are inspired by trusted role models and stories of kindness and bravery, I hope this campaign will help them as they enter what can be an overwhelming stage of life.”
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      Sarah Fox, VP marketing and communications, Disney Consumer Products, Games & Publishing EMEA, added: “We know that starting school can be an emotional time for both parents and children.
      “We hope Ultimate Princess Celebration: Time to Shine and its incredible line-up of female role models inspire kids to find the confidence they possess as they start a new chapter of their very own story – just like Disney Princesses.”
      TOP 10 ADULT CONFIDENCE ROLE MODELS FOR KIDS
      1.            Leah Williamson
      2.            Beth Mead
      3.            Emma Watson
      4.            Kate, Duchess of Cambridge
      5.            Lucy Bronze
      6.            Emma Raducanu
      7.            Laura Kenny
      8.            Sky Brown
      9.            Alex Scott
      10.          Ariana Grande

      Beth Mead, of England Women’s team, took the second spotCredit: Getty
      Kirsten and Aiyven Mbawa have been chosen as the first ever Young Female Leads as part of Disney’s new campaign, Ultimate Princess Celebration: Time to ShineCredit: Credit: Mikael Buck, free for editorial use
      They join Lioness captain Leah Williamson as the charity’s newest recruitsCredit: Credit: Mikael Buck, free for editorial use
      Harry Potter star Emma Watson stole bronzeCredit: Getty 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

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      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

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      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

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      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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      Chelsea ace Berger reveals recurrence of thyroid cancer with WSL player set for more treatment

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      ANN-KATRIN BERGER will be receiving treatment this week after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer for a second time.The Chelsea goalkeeper, 31, shared details of the recurrence in a written statement published on her Twitter page.
      Ann-Katrin Berger is set to receive treatment after revealing a recurrence of thyroid cancerCredit: Getty
      It comes almost five years after the player was initially diagnosed with the condition in November 2017, during her spell at Birmingham City.
      The WSL ace went on to make a full recovery and was named in the PFA’s Team of the Year in 2018, before sealing a January 2019 move to the Blues.
      In her statement, Berger said: “I’ve said before that as a sportsperson, you have to fight every day to be the best you can be and that’s something I will continue to do.
      “I hope by sharing my journey I can help others that find themselves in a similar situation.
      “I am working closely with my club doctor and specialist in London, and my treatment will start this week.
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      “I remain positive that my treatment will be as effective as last time, and I’m looking forward to returning to the pitch and seeing you all at Kingsmeadow and Stamford Bridge.”
      In a message of support on their website, Chelsea wrote: “Everyone at Chelsea is behind her during this difficult time.
      “The club will provide any support we can to help her make a speedy recovery.
      “We look forward to seeing her back between the posts for the Blues as soon as possible.”
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      Berger has been a solid presence in goal for the Blues over the past three years.
      The Kingsmeadow ace helped the club win eight major trophies – including three league crowns following her 2019 arrival.
      And she won the WSL’s Golden Glove award in May 2021 after keeping 12 clean sheets in the 2020-21 season.
      Berger also helped her team to a league title and FA Cup double last term. More

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      Kansas City ace LaBonta jokingly feigns injury before celebrating her NWSL goal with a twerk

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      LO’EAU LABONTA wowed fans with a comical goal celebration during a National Women’s Soccer League game on Saturday.The Kansas City Current star pretended to have a hurt hamstring before doing a celebratory twerk after netting an equaliser against Angel City.
      Lo’eau LaBonta drilled a late leveller in for Kansas against Angel City in the NWSL
      The Kansas City Current star prompted laughs from her team-mates with her goal celebration
      The memorable moment occurred after LaBonta walloped the ball in from the spot in the 82nd minute.
      Kansas, who are fourth in the women’s top flight in the USA, earned the pen after Angel City’s Paige Nielsen fouled her in the box.
      LaBonta fired her side level in the second spell after sending goalkeeper Dijana Haracic the wrong way.
      After bagging her goal LaBonta did a limping jog towards the corner flag whilst clutching her hamstring and looked to be in discomfort.
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      Seconds later the California-born player can be seen grinning and twerking much to the amusement of her team-mates and commentators covering the game.
      LaBonta’s eye-catching antics grabbed fans’ attention on social media including the National Women’s Soccer League’s official Twitter account.
      They described the midfielder, who has made 19 appearances for her side, as “living life and having fun.”
      Elsewhere one Twitter user gave her celebration “ten out of ten”.
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      Kansas shared points with Angel City after Cari Roccaro put their rivals, who are seventh, ahead in the 78th minute.
      A home clash with North Carolina Courage is up next for LaBonta and her team-mates.  
      The club are two points behind Portland Thorns, Houston Dash and San Diego Wave who currently occupy the league’s top three spots.
      The trio are on 28 points each in the NWSL. More

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      Sweden ace Hurtig hails Arsenal move after club confirms the forward’s transfer from Juventus

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      LINA HURTIG says it is super exciting to move Arsenal with the club strengthening their attacking ranks before their season-opening duel with Manchester City.The WSL giants today announced Sweden’s star transfer from Juventus ending weeks of speculation.
      Lina Hurtig has become the second Sweden international to join Arsenal this yearCredit: Getty
      Hurtig was part of the Juventus side that reached the Champions League quarter-final last termCredit: Getty
      And the former Serie A ace has become the second Swedish player to join the Gunners following the January transfer of her compatriot Stina Blackstenius.
      Her arrival follows the departure of England forward Nikita Parris who sealed a move to Manchester United.
      The length of Hurtig’s deal has not been disclosed by the club who finished one point behind WSL champs, Chelsea, last term.
      Of her Arsenal move, Hurtig who spent two years at Juve and will wear the Gunners’ number 17 shirt, said: “It feels so great – I’m very happy to be here.
      “I’ve always, always wanted to play in England, and I’ve always been interested in English football, so it’s super exciting for me to be here.
      “I know Arsenal are a great club, with great players and lots of quality, so I think I will enjoy it here.”
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      Hurtig, who made her senior debut for Sweden in a 1-1 friendly draw with Canada in 2014, has scored 19 times in 58 appearances for her country.
      The versatile forward’s international goals include a header netted in a 3-0 defeat of the USA during the Tokyo Olympics’ group stages.
      And the Sweden star and team-mates went on to win silver at the Games.
      The forward, who was part of the side beaten 4-0 by England in this year’s Euros semis, began her senior club career at Swedish side Gustafs GolF IN 2011 before sealing a 2012 move to Umea.
      After the latter’s 2016 relegation from her country’s top division, Hurtig spent two years playing for Linkopings before joining Juve in August 2020.
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      There she helped the Italian champs, managed by former Gunners’ boss Joe Montemurro, to win two Italian Super Cups, one Coppa Italia trophy and two Serie A titles.
      The club also reached last term’s Champions League quarter-finals where they fell to a 4-3 defeat on aggregate to eventual contest winners Lyon
      Head Coach Jonas Eidevall, whose team will face Man City away on September 11, added: “Lina is an excellent forward who will bring power and dynamism to our game.
      “She has shone in the Champions League and international tournaments, and we are delighted that she will be lining up for Arsenal moving forward.”
      Hurtig helped Sweden to reach the Euros semi-finals this summerCredit: Getty More

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

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      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