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    NWSL ace Pickett becomes the first footballer with a limb difference to play for the USA’s women’s team

    CARSON PICKETT made history when she featured in the starting XI in United States women’s 2-0 win over Colombia.On Tuesday the left-back, 28, – who was born without a left hand and forearm – became the first person with a limb difference to play for the US.
    Carson Pickett made history with her appearance in the United States’ defeat of ColombiaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The NWSL star became the first footballer with a limb difference to play for the four-time World Cup winnersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Pickett’s historic performance comes in a month in which the defender made her 100th appearance in the National Women’s Soccer League.
    And the North Carolina Courage ace helped the United States to extend their unbeaten run of home games to 69.
    United States head coach Vlatko Andonovski said: “Carson did very well in training for us in last week.
    “With the management of minutes for Emily Fox that we had, we felt like Carson would be a good replacement.”
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    “I’m happy that she was able to perform well for 90 minutes.’
    The friendly victory at the Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City was the USA’s second defeat of Colombia this year.
    A first-half Manuela Vanegas own goal followed by a second-half effort from Kelley O’Hara sealed victory for the four-time World Cup winners
    The result followed the USA’s 3-0 trouncing of their opponents on Sunday with the team set for a Concacaf Women’s Championship clash with Haiti on July 5.
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    Pickett’s appearance comes two months on from Limb Difference Awareness month.
    The defender, who has played 25 games for North Carolina Courage, took to social media to share her thoughts on living with a limb difference.
    And the USA ace, who moved to her club in 2021 after a two-year Orlando Pride spell, hopes to inspire others not to feel ashamed.
    I hope to encourage anyone who struggles with their limb difference to not be ashamed of who they are.Carson Pickett
    In a post shared with her 63,000 followers on Instagram in April, Pickett wrote: “While I know that I am confident and comfortable with showing my arm, I know there are so many people in the world who aren’t.
    “The feeling of being different and the anxiety of not fitting in is something that I have been through – wearing sweatshirts in the dead heat of summer to hide my arm.
    “This month is really, really, special, important and should be celebrated.
    “I hope to encourage anyone who struggles with their limb difference to not be ashamed of who they are.
    Pickett hopes to encourage other people living with a limb difference not to feel ashamed of themselves
    “I want to be an advocate for others like me, and for the longest time, I didn’t use my platform well enough.
    “Let’s all try to love ourselves no matter what we look like and let’s all be kind to each other above all else.
    “Different people are my kind of people. The world needs more of that.” More

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    England ace returns to training but Bronze to miss Lionesses’ Women’s Euros warm-up clash with Switzerland

    ELLEN WHITE has given England a boost with the player back in training after missing the team’s 5-1 drubbing of Holland after testing positive for Covid. But Lucy Bronze will miss her side’s duel with Switzerland on Thursday with the full-back feeling ill.  
    Ellen White is back in training for England ahead of their clash with Switzerland in ZurichCredit: Getty
    Sarina Wiegman says a decision has not been made on whether record goal scorer White, 33, will feature in England’s clash on Thursday.
    And the Lionesses’ boss is not prepared to take any risks with her side looking to seal a hat-trick of friendly wins before their Euros curtain-raiser against Austria.
    Wiegman, 52, told Sky Sports: “Ellen did (have symptoms).
    “For one or two days she took it easy and then she could train by herself. But she’s got a programme, so she’s in shape.
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    “Let’s first start and see how she is on the training pitch. She hasn’t been in football training for a week now, so we don’t take any risks.”
    Bronze, 30, who netted a stunning goal against the reigning Euros champs last time out, missed training today.
    When asked if the Barcelona ace had coronavirus, Wiegman added: “It’s not Covid because we did some testing and she’s negative.
    “Lucy doesn’t feel well. Hopefully, she will recover quickly.”
    Next Wednesday, England will begin their quest to win their first major international tournament after reaching the Euros semis five years ago.
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    Wiegman believes she is close to knowing who will make her starting 11 for their Austria clash although she admits the decision is tough. 
    The England chief said: “We’re getting close. But in this team, it is hard, and you can’t change a little bit because the level is so high.
    “In this group of 23, we have so many options and we could bring in anyone
    “I don’t think it’s a bad thing, it’s very good, but you want to make the right decision before you go into a game and during the game.”
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    The Lionesses have gone 13 games unbeaten since their boss took charge last September.
    The team have won eight World qualifiers played to date in addition to friendly defeats of Belgium and Holland.
    And they also triumphed in the Arnold Clark Cup in February this year with draws against Canada and Spain and a 3-1 defeat of Germany.
    When quizzed on whether her England squad are better than the Dutch group she led to 2017 Euros glory, Wiegman added: “We’re in a very good place.
    Lucy Bronze, who is feeling unwell, will miss England’s final pre-Euros friendlyCredit: Getty
    “We just have to show good football and do our best.
    “We know we can make an impact in England we can give English football a big boost.
    “And that’s what we really want to do and that helps when you win games.”  More

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    Meet the Northern Ireland aces who juggled their playing careers with jobs in a DIY shop and a funeral business

    LAUREN WADE and Kirsty McGuinness are among several Women’s Euros stars who have balanced on-pitch roles with some interesting jobs off it.In Wade’s case, it was working for her family’s funeral firm while McGuinness juggled shifts at B&Q with playing for club and country.
    Lauren Wade says the ‘full-time player environment’ is a new experience for some of Northern Ireland’s squadCredit: PA
    Lauren Wade (Midfielder)
    Outside of taking to the field for Kenny Shiels’ Northern Ireland team, Wade has previously been employed as a funeral director.
    The midfielder, 28, born in Coleraine in Londonderry had been balancing work for her family-run firm with her club career for Belfast-based Women’s Premier League outfit Glentoran.
    Overseeing memorial services for the departed runs in the family of the player who began her senior club career at Coleraine.
    The Glentoran ace’s grandfather Hugh had been managing the 187-year-old company Hugh Wade and Son.
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    Last year Wade’s involvement saw her get fitted for a uniform with the player revealing her keenness ‘to get involved in all parts of the business’.
    At present, the Northern Ireland star’s mother Charlene and her sister Alison are currently running the firm.
    Last June Wade, whose side play Norway on July 7, told the Belfast Telegraph: “I have always done a bit of work in the business, so I know a lot of what is involved 
    “I think you have to have a certain personality as a funeral director.
    “You have to be a natural really and I think that I have the personality and the empathy to help people in very difficult circumstances.”
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    Wade, who scored in her team’s 4-1 friendly loss to Belgium last time out, helped Northern Ireland make history with the side claiming a Women’s Euros spot for the first time ever.
    The final whistle of their second-leg 2-0 play-off triumph against Ukraine – which came after a 2-1 first-leg victory – was followed by tearful scenes of jubilation at Seaview.
    And it later led to many of the team’s part-time aces entering a full-time training programme commencing in January this year.
    This week Wade, who has 21 senior caps for the team, told reporters: “The full-time environment is something many of us have never experienced.
    “We thought it was just the norm to go to work, exercise, sleep and rehearse.
    “We’ve really seen the differences and benefits that full-time training has had.”
    Kirsty McGuinness has experienced working full-time at B&Q alongside playing for Northern IrelandCredit: Pacemaker
    Kirsty McGuinness (Forward)
    Kirsty, 27, and her younger sister Caitlin, 19, are set to make history as the first sisters to represent Northern Ireland at a Women’s Euros.
    The duo, named in Kenny Shiels’ 23-player squad this week, have become the first siblings included in a Northern Ireland squad competing in a Euros since Jonny and Corry Evans.
    And the pair also became the first sisters to score in the same game for their side during a 5-1 Euros qualifier thrashing of the Faroe Islands in December 2020.
    McGuinness, who studied psychology, history and sociology at Belfast Metropolitan College, netted three goals in Euros qualifier defeats of the Faroe Islands and Belarus.
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    The forward began her senior club career at the age of 14 in 2008 when she was signed by Linfield Ladies.
    And McGuinness, who now plies her trade at Sion Swifts, made her senior international debut for Northern Ireland at 15 in 2010 when the team beat Estonia 3-0.
    Like some of her Green and White colleagues, McGuiness fitted her a day job in retail around her flourishing football career.
    The forward, who has scored 10 goals in 35 senior international appearances, did early hours shifts at B&Q whilst playing in Northern Ireland’s top-flight and on the international stage.
    McGuinness could be set for a Euros debut alongside her younger sister CaitlinCredit: Pacemaker
    McGuinness told reporters: “I was lucky to work in the morning.
    “They knew I played football and my boss was very understanding.
    “Most players worked full time during the day and went to training in the evening.
    “Now we are here in the morning. It’s great that we are here and this is our full-time job now until the European Championship.”
    When you take it in its context — we had amateur players who were going to work in Lidl and in hospitals as nursesKenny Shiels
    Northern Ireland reaching Euros is made even more remarkable by the fact their side included players working in a variety of jobs including nursing.
    And Shiels’ aces also overcame a number of injuries to claim their spot with a contest opener against Norway set for July 7 before duels with Austria and England.
    Following their qualification last April, the head coach said: “When you take it in its context — we had amateur players who were going to work in Lidl and in hospitals as nurses.
    Kenny Shiels’ side’s journey to Euros qualification was helped by a number of players working in jobs outside of footballCredit: Sportsfile
    “The majority of our squad is made up of that and I have to say, when you look at it in that perspective, it makes the achievement ridiculous.
    “I’m more than surprised because of the magnitude of where we have qualified to.
    “Two years ago we were in the very lower echelons of the UEFA co-efficient and now we’ve moved up enormously. We’re in with the big guns.” More

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    Shiels admits Northern Ireland are ‘massive underdogs’ but says wins against Euros rivals are ‘not beyond possibility’

    KENNY SHIELS is urging ‘underdogs’ Northern Ireland to take the fight to their Euros rivals with his side set for a tough test against Norway.The July duel between the history makers and a team likely to contain Lyon striker Ada Hegerberg will be his side’s first game ever at the tournament.
    Kenny Shiels says Northern Ireland are ‘massive underdogs’ in the Women’s EurosCredit: Pacemaker
    Shiels was speaking on Monday after naming his 23-strong squad two months after guiding Northern Ireland to a Women’s Euros for the first time in their history.
    And the contest’s lowest Fifa-ranked side has the Herculean task of attempting to stun Norway, Austria and England in a bid to reach the quarter-finals.
    The last two duels between Shiels’ aces and Norway, who they face at St Mary’s on July 7, ended in 6-0 Euros qualifier wins for the latter in 2019.
    While the team are yet to beat the Lionesses in a fixture, they have shared the spoils with Austria, sealing a 2-2 World Cup qualifier draw last October.
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    Shiels, 66, told reporters: “Our first priority is to try and win a game – we have three games, and if we win two of them then more or likely we will reach the quarter-finals.
    “But when you look at the opposition, winning one game will be very tough.
    “It is not beyond the realms of possibility but we are massive underdogs.
    “We will try and win the first game (against Norway), and if we don’t win that then we will try and win the next one.
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    “We are not going to make up the numbers.
    “I will speak with them about these three big matches and I will say: ‘Don’t miss it, enjoy it’.
    “This is not something that will make or break us.
    “As long as we give our best and are totally committed to representing our country, then we can walk away with our heads held high.”
    Shiels’ squad includes a number of aces from Northern Ireland’s top-flight as well as stars from the WSL, the Scottish Women’s Premier League and the Women’s Championship and National Leagues.
    Skipper Marissa Callaghan, who has made 47 senior international appearances, is battling to be fit after sustaining a toe injury in May.
    But the Clifton Ladies midfield ace, 36, is expected to be ready in time for her side’s first Euros game.
    Marissa Callaghan is expected to be fit for Northern Ireland’s first Euros game as she recovers from a toe injuryCredit: Pacemaker
    Durham’s Sarah McFadden is one of two Women’s Championship players included Northern Ireland’s squadCredit: Getty
    Other stars in the squad include versatile Durham defender Sarah McFadden, 35, Liverpool midfielder Rachel Furness, 34, and veteran Crusaders Strikers centre-back Julie Nelson who is 37.
    Between them, the trio have a combined total of 256 Northern Ireland caps.
    Former Everton striker Simone Magill also made the cut along with Southampton’s Laura Rafferty.
    But her Saints team-mate Ciara Watling has missed out.
    And Wolves stopper Shannon Turner could be set for her first major international tournament appearance after being named in Shiels’ squad.
    The Women’s National League North goalkeeper is the only uncapped player included in the group.
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    And the Solihull-bred player, who made 24 league appearances for Wolves last season, shared her delight with her followers on social media.
    In a post published via her Twitter page, Turner wrote: “Don’t think words can describe the feeling of this… What an honour this is.”
    Wolves goalkeeper Shannon Turner could be in line to receive her first senior Northern Ireland cap during the EurosCredit: GettyNorthern Ireland Women’s Euros SquadGoalkeepers

    Jackie Burns (BK Hacken), Becky Flaherty (Brighouse Town), Shannon Turner (Wolverhampton Wanderers Women)
    Defenders
     Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville Ladies), Rebecca Holloway (Racing Louisville), Ashley Hutton (Linfield Ladies), Abbie Magee (Cliftonville Ladies), Sarah McFadden (Durham Women), Rebecca McKenna (Lewes Women), Julie Nelson (Crusaders Strikers), Laura Rafferty (Southampton Women), Demi Vance (Rangers Women)
    Midfielders
    Nadene Caldwell (Glentoran Women), Joely Andrews (Glentoran Women), Chloe McCarron (Glentoran Women), Marissa Callaghan (Cliftonville Ladies), Louise McDaniel (Cliftonville Ladies), Rachel Furness (Liverpool Women)
    Forwards
    Simone Magill (unattached), Caitlin McGuinness (Cliftonvillle Ladies), Kirsty McGuinness (Cliftonville Ladies), Lauren Wade (Glentoran Women), Emily Wilson (Crusaders Strikers).  More

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    “It looks pressurised, but I don’t feel it”, says Williamson as she opens up on Euros prep and admiration of Ben Stokes

    WHEN it comes to the pressure of going from a handful of World Cup minutes to leading the Lionesses at the biggest Women’s Euros to date, Leah Williamson is taking it in her stride.The in-form captain is taking inspiration from a mix of skippers – past and present across sports, including England cricket hero Ben Stokes.
    Leah Williamson says she does not intend to ‘waste a second’ when to comes to enjoying the responsibility of playing for EnglandCredit: AFP
    Williamson, 25, said: “The influence all the people I’ve played under has had on me is quite a nice mix.
    “I’ve had leaders on the pitch and off and quite a lot of influence from those people.
    “I like observing other captains and seeing how they behave and then seeing what kind of character, person and player I am.
    “For example, I watched Ben Stokes the other day and I was listening to his presentation and what he wants from his team.
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    “It’s not the same conversation (I might have), but in terms of those little nuggets of information, I think it really helped.”
    Williamson has played a key role in the Lionesses’ unbeaten run under Sarina Wiegman developing a sturdy partnership with Keira Walsh in midfield.
    During a turbocharged second half against Holland last time out, the duo pulled the strings in the centre of the park with Fran Kirby and substitute Georgia Stanway.
    They helped their team-mates trounce the reigning Euros champs 5-1.  
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    A result that was a far cry from the 3-0 semi-final loss England suffered against the Dutch side in 2017, as they marched to Euros glory under their former boss Wiegman.
    When asked about the burden of going from a six-minute 2019 World Cup appearance to being a captain at this year’s Euros, the Arsenal star added: “It’s funny.
    “On paper, it looks like a pressurised situation, but I don’t feel that.
    “I’m still finding my way with it, and I’m not pretending to know all the answers or pretending to be the readiest I’ve ever been.
    Williamson and her England team-mates are regarded among the favourites to triumph in the Women’s EurosCredit: Getty
    “I’ve got processes in place I’ve been using in my career for dealing with pressure and things like that.
    “It’s not that I’ve been put on a pedestal, I’m just the same, it’s just I have this extra responsibility.
    “And I take it more as a responsibility rather than pressure.
    “I do feel like I would give anything to get on the pitch (with England), so I don’t intend to waste a second now not enjoying it.”
    Williamson’s appearances on the international stage for Wiegman have seen the WSL ace play in a more advanced role in contrast to her central defensive position for the Gunners.
    Playing with Keira and Georgia the other day (against Belgium) they’ve been on the same wavelength for so long. I want to fit into that.Leah Williamson
    It has proved to be a productive move for the national side with the team retaining more possession against their rivals in recent fixtures.
    This includes England’s victory against their Dutch opponents in front of a 19,365-strong crowd at Elland Road.
    Of her midfield role, Williamson who will wear England’s number 8 shirt at the Euros, said: “The opportunities I have to better myself are incredible.
    “I want to be what the team needs me to be and to be good enough for them.
    “I think my strength is to go into the middle, though not necessarily as a six – and that’s not what the team needs.
    “But in terms of driving forward and maybe finding ways in that (defensive midfield) position, that’s something I can bring my strengths into.
    Williamson is looking to strengthen the partnership she has with Keira Walsh in England’s midfieldCredit: Getty
    “That’s probably an area where it does actually suit (me) which seems ridiculous as I’m usually in my own box and not the opposition’s one.
    “Playing with Keira and Georgia the other day (against Belgium) they’ve been on the same wavelength for so long. I want to fit into that.
    “I have things I want to bring, and I’ve had conversations with Keira face-to-face where I’ve said to her, ‘just tell me first and foremost (what you need from me)’.
    “But I also do need to pull my weight and it’s not her responsibility to coach me through the game.”
    Williamson, 26, will lead her team against Austria in their July 6 Euros curtain-raiser in front of a sell-out 73,200 Old Trafford crowd.
    And over 450,000 tickets have been sold for games across the tournament, double the numbers shifted the 2017 contest held in Holland.
    The England captain hopes to make her family and fans proud during the EurosCredit: Getty
    The WSL star, who made her senior England debut in a World Cup qualifier defeat of Russia in 2017, credits her family for the role they played in her rise to the top.
    And the Buckinghamshire-born player who grew up in Milton Keynes hopes to repay their faith by delivering on the pitch.
    The Lionesses star, who has 27 senior caps, added: “When my family came to France (for the 2019 World Cup) I had 10 or more people coming to every single game there and I played under 30 minutes.
    “But it doesn’t change (anything) as they would be just as proud of me and for them to be able really to enjoy it now is nice.”
    “I’ve told them I can never repay the investment they’ve made in me, the money, the time and everything.”
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    “I can never ever repay that other than giving them experiences whether it’s them coming to indoor games to watch me or coming to Old Trafford with 70,000 fans so they can enjoy the day.
    “I’m happy for them that they’re getting to experience that a little more now.” More

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    Guildford-born Netherlands boss Parsons says his family will cheer on Dutch stars against England

    MARK PARSONS has no qualms about getting a ticking off from loved ones if his Netherlands aces defeat the Lionesses this evening.And the England-born coach, 35, says his family will be supporting the Euros 2017 champions when they play Sarina Wiegman’s side tonight.
    Mark Parsons and his Netherlands side will take on England and Belarus ahead of the Women’s EurosCredit: Getty
    Among the crowd watching the Elland Road duel will be a few of Parsons’ close relatives.
    Fans include his eight-year-old daughter who is an admirer of the Dutch side currently ranked the fourth-best international team in the world.
    It will be the first time the Netherlands have faced England under the ex-Portland Thorns chief, who enjoyed a trophy-winning six-year spell coaching Chelsea Women’s reserves from 2004 to 2010.
    And the team will face off against their old boss Wiegman for the first time since she took charge of the Lionesses last September.
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    Parson said: “The family will be here in orange and are excited to support our team and hopefully me.
    “I had an interesting Facetime with my daughter a couple of days ago.
    “I asked her how her day was. She said it was all good but ‘I have to tell you about after school’.
    “She said ‘I went to Sainsbury’s and there was a big picture of Lucy Bronze.
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    “It said to buy tickets for the Euros and cheer for England.’
    She told me ‘they picked the wrong team dad!’
    “I looked at my wife and I had more admiration for her at that moment, for putting up with this eight-year-old who has so much energy and is very passionate about winning against England.
    “She will be there screaming at the top of her lungs. Let’s see if a few of her friends join her or give me some stick.”
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}MAC FOR MORE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}McGregor ACCEPTS sensational $1BN rematch with Mayweather later this year
    Tonight’s game at Elland Road could see Lionesses ace and Leeds fan Rachel Daly, 30, receive her 50th England cap.
    And the FA will pay tribute to retired England and Man City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley, 37, with a presentation before kick-off.
    The duel will also see Ajax star Sherida Spitse, 32, make her 200th appearance for the Netherlands.
    The midfielder, who made her senior debut in 2006 during a 4-0 World Cup qualifying loss to England, hailed Wiegman’s influence on her growth as a player.
    Sarina always trusted me and we had some good conversations. She made me a better player.Sherida Spitse
    The Netherlands ace played in every single game for her country during their trophy-winning Euros 2017 charge.
    And she scored the last goal in their 4-2 defeat of Denmark in the tournament final that year.
    Spitse said: “Sarina always trusted me and we had some good conversations. She made me a better player.
    On Thursday, when asked what her old boss was like after a loss, the Ajax ace joked: “Sarina always wants to win.
    Sherida Spitse (on the right) and her team-mates will play Sweden in their Euros opener on July 9Credit: Getty
    “But everyone always wants to win. When she is losing, she doesn’t like it. You will see (that) tomorrow!”
    Should the Lionesses triumph, it will see them claim a significant scalp before the first major women’s football tournament to be held in England since 2005.
    Playing a Euros on home soil is something Spitse and her team-mates have experienced, with the Netherlands hosting the contest five years ago.
    The FA are set to pay a special tribute to Karen Bardsley ahead of England’s game at Elland RoadCredit: Getty
    The midfielder added: “We’re a group that can handle this kind of pressure.
    Of course, we know everyone wants to win against us, but that is also a nice thing.
    “That is what you’re working for as a team.” More

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    Daly and England’s aces put plans in place to block out social media trolling during Euros

    RACHEL DALY says England’s stars are ready to rally around team-mates subjected to online abuse during the Women’s Euros.And the Lionesses ace says players have discussed how they will deal with trolling and provide support to younger squad members.
    Rachel Daly says the Lionesses have put processes in place to block out social media abuseCredit: Getty
    Online abuse of sports figures on social media has been an ongoing issue with many urging tech firms to take tougher measures against accounts posting vile messages.  
    Fifa research examining racist trolling during Euros 2020 and this year’s African Cup of Nations, found almost half of players from both contests’ semis were targeted.
    Last July Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford were subjected to horrific racist abuse following the Three Lions’ Euros final loss to Italy on penalties.
    The England trio were targeted after they missed their spot-kicks.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLAST FROM THE PLAST .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Why does Serena Williams wear plasters on her face when she plays?
    And last August Manchester Evening News reported that almost all the abuse aimed at the players via Twitter came from identifiable accounts.
    On how the Lionesses would handle trolling, Daly said: “We had discussions about it a few camps ago, ahead of the Euros, knowing what we know about abuse and things on social media, and how it can be an amazing place but also quite tough.
    “We have social media captains in the team.
    “I think that’s something that’s really helpful, to get insights for the younger players especially with it being their first tournament.
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    “It’s something they can lean on us for support with, particularly more of the older players around the abuse they may have received.
    “We shared some of our insights and some people’s experiences.”
    England chief Sarina Wiegman added: “We’re just trying to make the best plan to stay away from the abuse and not get it into our system.
    “I think there are some things set in place from organisations to stay away from the abuse to just make sure that it doesn’t reach the players so hopefully that works.”
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    Daly and Wiegman were speaking ahead of England’s pivotal pre-tournament duel with the Netherlands
    The Euros 2017 champs, who also reached the 2019 World Cup final, will be their toughest opponents to date.
    And the game at Elland Road could see Daly – who is a lifelong Leeds fan – play for her country at the home of the club she loves.
    The Houston Dash captain added: “I spoke to Kalvin Phillips a little bit at St George’s Park last week.
    “He knows I’m a big Leeds fan and we spoke about playing there for England.
    “All the well wishes from Leeds fans are coming through my Twitter so it’s nice.
    Daly and her team-mates will take on the Netherlands at Elland RoadCredit: Getty
    “My whole family are diehard Leeds fans, and I haven’t played here before (for the Lionesses) so it will be special.
    Obviously, it has an added element of sentiment, but we just want to win the game and play as best we can.
    “Any cap you get for England is the biggest moment of pride in your family’s life so it’s just another part of the journey.” More

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    Chelsea ace Kirby reflects on relief at earning Lionesses’ squad spot after battling against extreme fatigue

    FRAN KIRBY says it was a relief to be selected for Euros duty for England after reflecting on her battle with fatigue last season. And the Chelsea star, 28, has been making use of an oxygen tent in her home as she worked her back to fitness before the tournament.
    Fran Kirby is relishing the chance to shine for England after working her back to fitness following fatigue issuesCredit: Getty
    The Blues forward has not played for the WSL champions since February with the club, at that stage, ruling her out of action for the “foreseeable future”.
    The Kingsmeadow ace, voted the PFA Women’s Player of the Year 2021, missed England’s World Cup qualifier wins against North Macedonia and Northern Ireland in April.
    However, Kirby featured as an unused substitute in her club’s 3-2 FA Cup final defeat of Manchester City in May.
    And she returned to action for England as a sub in their 3-0 defeat of Belgium last time out.
    The Reading-born playmaker, who has 54 senior international caps has been training at St George’s Park under the watchful eye of boss Sarina Wiegman.
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    When asked about her battle to back to fitness the Chelsea star said: “It’s been a journey, especially these last few months.
    “But I think as soon as I started to feel better, I was training every day with the mind of being ready for when Sarina announces her squad. 
    “It’s difficult to describe it, I think because you’re just ready to go. For me, I wish the tournament started next week!
    “I don’t sit there and stress about things that I can’t control.
    “I think that’s one thing that I’ve had to learn because it just creates negative energy. 
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    “I didn’t even think about being in a Euros squad in February, April time.
    “It wasn’t really in my mind, so I think that was a reason why I do feel so much better coming into this environment because I wasn’t stressing myself out about missing certain situations. 
    “We didn’t really know how long it was going to take (for me to return) if it was going to take two weeks or if it was going to take four months.
    “It was just a case of working with the best specialists, getting the best advice that I could get and hopefully being ready to go into the squad. 
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    “For me, I was lucky enough to be able to start to feel better towards the end of the season, and hopefully I can use all the advice that I’ve been getting to really push on and go forward.” 
    In late 2019 Kirby, who began her senior playing career at Reading 2012, was diagnosed with a heart condition known as pericarditis.
    This saw her miss much of the 2019-20 term before she made a storming return to match action the following season, earning her 50th England cap last October.
    Just learning about different things that can help has opened my eyes and not just to the recovery you may see, but other aspects that go alongside it.Fran Kirby
    And the forward has turned to a variety of methods to manage her health including the use of oxygen equipment at home.
    Kirby added: “There were no specific answers on the tests where they could go it was extreme fatigue and extreme exhaustion.  
    “I got an oxygen tent put in my house and just learning different things that can help, has opened my eyes and not just to the recovery you may see, but other aspects that go alongside it.
    “Throughout my career, I’ve been learning many different things with my journey. 
    Kirby’s journey and recovery have seen the England star approached by footballers and other athletes contending with similar issues.
    Kirby and her team-mates will take on the Netherlands at Elland Road in the second of three Euros warm-up fixturesCredit: Getty
    The WSL player added: “I had some amazing people reach out to me and speak to me, not just women’s football fans, other sports, other competitors who have gone through very similar things to me.
    “Psychologists have reached out saying that they’re working with players who have the exact same feelings.
    “It was helpful in a way that I got to learn so much from other people.
    Next month could see Kirby playing for England in a major tournament for the fourth time in her career.
    And the player praised the support she received from her club and England staff after winning her fitness battle.
    Kirby added: “For me, the biggest drivers are family and friends.
    “But I have to say the club (Chelsea) and England were incredible.
    “I was seeing a different specialist every day to pinpoint exactly what was going on and getting the oxygen tent getting to go to Barcelona to meet some of the best doctors in sport.
    Kirby made a return to action for England this month during their 3-0 defeat of Belgium this monthCredit: Getty
    “The doctor messaged me when it got announced I was in the squad and he was like, ‘You deserve this, you’ve worked so hard to get to this point where you are’.
    “And I said, ‘You’re congratulating me for getting selected and you’re the one that’s basically made this happen’.
    “It’s really nice that I’m able to pay that back to everyone that supported me and wanted to wish me well as well.” More