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      in Soccer

      Karren Brady: Twenty years on from Bend It Like Beckham women’s football is making its own legends

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      THE FILM Bend it Like Beckham was of historic importance to English football.It left its mark as surely as a muddy boot on a goalpost.
      Bend It Like Beckham inspired major change and evolution in footballCredit: Alamy
      Chelsea manager Emma Hayes leads the revolution in women’s footballCredit: EPA
      Two decades ago it told the story of “Jess” Bhamra, a Manchester United-loving young girl from a traditional Sikh family who plays football against her parents’ wishes, highlighting misogyny in sport.
      It stirred women’s interest in our game — so much so that, 20 years after the film’s release in April 2002, 3.4million women now play football, as reported by the FA.
      The growth is phenomenal.
      The Bend It phenomenon freed women’s imagination in a way perhaps that The Beatles did 40 years earlier, although the effects were very different.
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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;}Chelsea vs Crystal Palace .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;}FA Cup semi-final latest as Blues look to stay in the trophy hunt
      Instead of screaming hysteria, girls were drawn to team competition, to companionship, to fitness and to the skills that came as easily to them as to the boys.
      The FA and other agencies, driven by the sudden, overwhelming interest at schools and in classes run by good coaches, are doing an exceptional job.
      A few males may still laugh at women playing what they call “our game” and that prejudice lingers among men who should know better.
      Kenny Shiels, the Northern Ireland women’s team coach, only this week described women footballers as “more emotional” than men — a  comment made even more absurd by Atletico Madrid’s antics against Manchester City on Wednesday.
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      Leading clubs having gradually, even grudgingly, accepted they have a major part to play in the advancement of the women’s game. They are now as switched on to it as floodlights.
      At the moment this is a costly business. I do not know of a single WSL team that breaks even, let alone makes money, but it’s not always about money.
      At West Ham we call ourselves United Women and that’s just perfect. Unity is all.
      There are rewards, too. We reached the final of the Women’s FA Cup three years ago and today we are in the televised semi-final against City.
      West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady says women’s football will go on reaching new heightsCredit: Getty
      Professional football is broadening all the time and if women have had difficulties in being taken seriously, the crowd prejudice against ethnic players was, and sometimes still is, shocking. Bend It was also important because the star is Sikh. This made it a double coup.
      In the five years after Bend It was first shown, the percentage of black, Asian and minority ethnic professionals in England rose from 22 per cent to 33 per cent and today the figure stands at 50 per cent.
      However, there are only ten British Asians who represent no less than 7.5 per cent of the population.
      That’s one great big hole in the canvas. The other is the lack of black managers.
      I am sure this will change. It is beginning to among women because several clubs have appointed top managers in women’s football.
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      One of them, Emma Hayes, has won four championships, four FA Cups, been runner-up in the Champions League and been voted FIFA Best Coach while at Chelsea.
      Women’s football is making its own modern legends. I hope the next 20 years progress as much as the last 20. More

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      in Soccer

      Northern Ireland skipper Callaghan and team-mates ‘stand by’ Shiels following ‘women more emotional than men’ remark

      by

      MARISSA CALLAGHAN and Northern Ireland players have given Kenny Shiels their backing after he was criticised for saying “women were more emotional than men”. Shiels later apologised for the comments made after his side were beaten 5-0 in by the Lionesses in a World Cup qualifier.
      Northern Ireland skipper Marissa Callaghan says she and her team-mates “collectively stand by” their managerCredit: Reuters
      Shiels apologised for comments he made after Northern Ireland’s game against EnglandCredit: PA
      The result put an end to their aims of reaching next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      Following the game Shiels, 65, said: “Girls and women are more emotional than men. So they take a goal going in not very well.”
      His words came under fire from figures in the game including former England striker Ian Wright and retired Republic of Ireland Women’s captain Emma Byrne.
      Sky Sports reports Shiels will continue in his role as senior women’s team manager with Northern Ireland preparing to compete in this summer’s Euros.
      And team captain Callaghan, 36, says the ‘squad collectively stand’ by their boss who helped the team reach the Euros for the first time ever.
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      In a statement Callaghan, who has 47 senior international caps, said: “In light of recent events, collectively we stand by our manager.
      “We feel his interview was in relation to a meeting we had as a team where we analysed that we concede goals in quick succession and emotions was one of the many things we discussed.
      “Since Kenny took over our national team three years ago, I have always complimented him publicly on how he can get the best out of his players individually and collectively.
      “He is a man of integrity who cares for us like we are family.
      “Kenny has transformed the game here in Northern Ireland because he understands how to get the best out of his players.
      “We have qualified for a major tournament because he transformed our mindset.”
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      Under Shiels’ stewardship Northern Ireland made history by qualifying for the European Championships, the first major tournament the team will compete in.
      The side, whose players include Durham ace Sarah McFadden and Crusaders centre-back Julie Nelson, will take on Norway, Austria and England in the Euros group stages.
      Their opening game against Norway at St Mary’s will come almost three months on from them playing England in front of a record 15,348 crowd at Windsor Park in Belfast.
      On the turnout Callaghan added: “Selling out the National Stadium has been a pivotal moment for the game here in NI and we as players and staff will continue as a team to help grow the game and inspire the next generation of young players and fans.” More

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      in Soccer

      Shiels apologises after saying ‘women are more emotional than men’ following Northern Ireland’s loss to England

      by

      KENNY SHIELS has apologised after claiming “women are more emotional than men” following Northern Ireland’s loss to England at Windsor Park.Shiels’ comments – made after his side fell to a 5-0 defeat- have been met with a backlash from influential figures in football.
      Kenny Shiels said he was sorry for the offence caused by his comments after Northern Ireland’s game against EnglandCredit: Sportsfile
      Former England striker Ian Wright and Women in Football chief Yvonne Harrison are among those who criticised Shiels’ remarks.
      The Northern Ireland manager, 65, said women’s teams conceding multiple goals “in a very short period time” is something that occurs “through the whole spectrum of the game”.
      Shiels also suggested women’s sides do not take a goal going in “very well” because “women are more emotional than men”.   
      The former Derry City chief made the comments after his side conceded four second-half goals in 27 minutes at home to England on Tuesday.
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      Last Friday they conceded three in nine minutes away to Austria.
      This afternoon the Northern Ireland manager said he was sorry for the offence caused by his comments.
      In a statement published on the Irish FA’s website, Shiels said: “I wish to apologise for my comments made in the post-match press conference last night.
      “I am sorry for the offence that they have caused.
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      “Last night was a special occasion for the women’s game in Northern Ireland and I am proud to manage a group of players who are role models for so many girls, and boys, across the country. 
      “I am an advocate for the women’s game and passionate about developing opportunities for women and girls to flourish.”
      Responding to his original comments, Arsenal legend Wright, who is a WSL ambassador, tweeted: “Kenny Shiels (is) talking foolishness. Talking about emotional women!”
      The Highbury icon included two pictures of himself during an unhappy moment in his playing days to emphasise his point.
      Shiels’ statement comes a day after Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifier duel with England played in front of a record crowd of more than 15,000 fans at Windsor Park.
      His team are set to face Norway in their first game at the Euros in July after qualifying for the tournament for the first time in their history.
      Northern Ireland are set to face England again in the Euros in JulyCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Ian Wright slams Northern Ireland boss Shiels for saying ‘women are more emotional than men’ after 5-0 loss to England

      by

      IAN WRIGHT hit out at Kenny Shiels’ controversial remarks following Northern Ireland’s loss to England in the World Cup qualifiers.Shiels has come under fire after claiming women “being more emotional than men” as a reason for some women’s teams swiftly conceding multiple goals.
      Kenny Shiels suggested women’s teams conceding two goals “in a very short period” occurs throughout the gameCredit: PA
      The Northern Ireland chief, 65, was speaking after his side conceded four times in 27 minutes in the second half of their Windsor Park clash with England.
      The 5-0 result followed Shiels’ aces losing 3-1 to Austria in their previous World Cup qualifier last Friday.
      Shiels suggested teams giving away two goals in a “very short” space of time is something that occurs throughout women’s football.
      He also claimed girls and women “are more emotional than men” and don’t take going a goal down very well.
      This afternoon the Northern Ireland gaffer apologised after his remarks prompted a backlash from followers of the women’s game.
      In a statement published on the Irish FA’s website, Shiels said: “I wish to apologise for my comments made in the post-match press conference last night. I am sorry for the offence that they have caused. 
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-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-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}NO BALE-ING .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;}Bale WILL sign for another club after Real exit if Wales qualify for World Cup
      “Last night was a special occasion for the women’s game in Northern Ireland and I am proud to manage a group of players who are role models for so many girls, and boys, across the country. 
      “I am an advocate for the women’s game and passionate about developing opportunities for women and girls to flourish.”
      Shiels’ comments came in for criticism from Wright, 58, and influential figures in the sport including Women in Football chief Yvonne Harrison.
      This morning Arsenal legend Wright, who is a WSL ambassador, tweeted: “Kenny Shiels (is) talking foolishness. Talking about emotional women!
      The Highbury icon included two pictures of himself during an unhappy moment in his playing days to emphasise his point.

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      And Women in Football’s CEO Harrison told Sky Sports: “Women being classed as too emotional is just perpetuating this stereotype that we can’t control our emotions in any setting.
      “That is deeply unhelpful, and I am disappointed by the comments.”
      After Northern Ireland’s loss to England, Shiels told reporters: “I felt they (England) were struggling a wee bit at times to open us up until the psychology of going 2-0 (behind).
      “In the women’s game, you’ll have noticed if you go through the patterns, when a team concedes a goal, they concede a second one within a very short period of time.
      “Right through the whole spectrum of the women’s game, because girls and women are more emotional than men, so a goal going in (is something) they don’t take that very well.”
      “When we went one nil down, we killed the game and tried to just slow it right down to give them (the players) time to get that emotional imbalance out of their head.
      “And that’s an issue we have, not just Northern Ireland, but all countries have that problem.”
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      Losses to Austria and England have effectively ended Northern Ireland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      However, the team will compete in the Women’s Euros for the first time in their history in July.
      And Shiels is turning his attention to tournament preparations and duels with their Group A rivals Norway, Austria and England.
      Shiels’ Northern Ireland side will focusing on the Euros with their World Cup qualification hopes all but endedCredit: Sportsfile
      On those matches Shiels said: “It’s going to be very, very difficult to beat England and Norway.
      “But the Austria game – in the two (qualifiers) we played against Austria- I felt we were every bit as good if not better than them. But they’re a really good team.
      “We’ve got to go (into these games) with a positive frame of mind.” More

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      in Soccer

      Northern Ireland 0 England 5: Lionesses overcome Shiels’ aces in front of record Windsor Park crowd

      by

      ELLA TOONE netted her tenth England goal as the Lionesses stayed on song to notch up eight wins in eight World Cup qualifiers.Braces from Lauren Hemp and Georgia Stanway were among the efforts that saw the team trounce Northern Ireland 5-0.
      Ella Toone was on target with England’s second goal of the game against Northern IrelandCredit: Getty
      Lauren Hemp netted twice to take her tally of goals for the Lionesses up to sixCredit: Getty
      The result saw the World Cup hopes of Kenny Shiels’ side all but ended with the team now looking ahead to their first-ever Euros campaign.
      And it leaves England needing justing a point to qualify for the tournament to be held in Australia and New Zealand next year.
      Lionesses chief Sarina Wiegman said: “As a team we were really good today. We dominated even more than we did in October.
      “We are trying to get connected all the time and the players’ competitiveness in this team is so high.
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      “I think the 5-0 result is great, 5-0. It’s a very mature performance from us.
      “We dominated the game throughout the 90 minutes and we hoped to score more goals in the first half but four goals in the second half is very nice to see.”
      England looked to strike early minute in front of a record 15,348 Windsor Park crowd.
      This came through Ella Toone teeing up a low shot before Kelsie Burrows intervened with a tackle around the second minute.
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      And the hosts attempted to capitalise on Jess Carter’s slip with Lauren Wade darting towards the box before Millie Bright and Leah Williamson helped regain possession.
      Northern Ireland’s bullish defending early on– spearheaded by Sarah McFadden and Julie Nelson – kept the visitors at bay for a spell.
      Ellen White, currently level with Harry Kane with her tally of England goals, saw her attempts to shoot thwarted by McFadden in the 17th minute.
      And the striker had a goal disallowed moments later after burying a rebound following Beth Mead’s shot on the edge of the box.
      Sarah McFadden put in an impressive defensive shift for Northern Ireland in the first halfCredit: Getty
      England eventually got their breakthrough with Hemp putting them ahead in the 24th minute.
      The winger’s scuffed chip flew over the head of keeper Jackie Burns to break the deadlock.
      McFadden made another vital interception blocking Leah Williamson’s dangerous cross moments after the half-hour mark.
      This came shortly before Hemp got her head on the end of Lucy Bronze’s cross before nodding the ball over minutes before half-time.
      The second spell saw Wiegman’s side crank up the pressure by upping the pace of their passing.
      And they got their rewards with Toone putting them two up with a composed finish after Bronze’s pinpoint cross.
      Following Mary Earps’ first save of the game, England went 3-0 ahead with Hemp rounding Burns in the 60th minute.
      And Stanway made it four with a thumping 70th-minute strike before registering her brace nine minutes later.
      Georgia Stanway netted a second-half brace as England dispatched their hosts at Windsor ParkCredit: Getty
      She did so with her low shot finding the bottom corner after the hosts sought to clear the ball out of danger.
      The 5-0 trouncing sees England remain in pole position in Group D with their eighth clean sheet.
      And the team unbeaten under boss Sarina Wiegman with games against the Netherlands and Belgium up next in June.   More

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      Northern Ireland Women’s boss Shiels awkwardly interrupted by call during press Q&A ahead of game against England

      by

      KENNY SHIELS had to deal with an unexpected intrusion during a press Q&A ahead of Northern Ireland’s sell-out clash with the Lionesses.The head coach was answering questions on the World Cup qualifier with team captain Marissa Callaghan when his mobile rang part way through.
      Kenny Shiels’ Northern Ireland side will face England at Windsor ParkCredit: Pacemaker
      Northern Ireland are set to play in front of a crowd of more than 16,000 in their World Cup qualifier against the LionessesCredit: Getty
      The caller’s brief interruption, captured in a Sky Sports clip, prompted a smile from Callaghan, 36, and few chuckles from journalists in the room.
      A little later Shiels apologised for his phone going off shortly after telling the caller he had got their message.
      And one Twitter account user joked it would have been rude for Shiels not to answer.
      Tonight Northern Ireland take on England at Windsor Park in the second World Cup qualifier encounter between the two sides in Group D.
      And Shiels’ stars will be looking to put on their very best performance at home in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 16,000 supporters following a loss to Austria.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-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-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}AT-LAST .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;}Pagliuca breaks silence on Chelsea bid and hints he will sell stake in Atalanta
      The Northern Ireland chief, 65, told reporters: “The atmosphere (at Windsor Park) will give our players motivation.
      “It will be a high passion game for them, and I feel they will give a good account of themselves.
      “We’re looking forward to that and we’re relishing the challenge.
      “In terms of the atmosphere and what it means for the girls, to be playing in their hometown in the National Stadium – it is a great one for the girls to look forward to.
      “We have got to feel we have a chance. We want to play at the top level against the top level – and then learn from it.
      “Having the crowd here will help, but we can’t depend on that, we have to look at how we can play.”
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      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Northern Ireland’s 3-1 loss to Austria dented their chances of another historic major tournament qualification following the team reaching this year’s Euros.
      The result leaves them three points behind their Austrian rivals who are now second in Group D and in a solid position to secure second spot.
      Team skipper Callaghan, who plays her club football for Cliftonville, insists her side will put their defeat behind them and be fully focused on tonight’s game.
      And a win against the Lionesses could see them back in contention for second spot in Group D.
      Marissa Callaghan says Northern Ireland are determined to give a good account of themselves against EnglandCredit: Pacemaker
      Callaghan, who has 47 international caps, said: “The girls are solely focused on this game.
      “The Austria game has gone and there’s nothing we can do about that.
      “We now have to look ahead we’ll be ready when we cross the line. “
      The last clash between England and Northern Ireland ended in a 4-0 win for the Lionesses at Wembley.
      However, Callaghan and her team-mates held the Lionesses at bay until conceding in the 64th minute of that encounter.
      The Northern Ireland skipper added: “We’re not a team that goes out and plays a low block.
      “We’re going to try and score goals, it’s the way we’ve always been since Kenny came in and we’re not going to change.
      Northern Ireland will look to use this game as further preparation for the Euros this summerCredit: Getty
      “We know England’s are a great side. They’re top of the table and it’s going be a tough night for us.
      “But we’ll come out and we’ll play our style and hopefully everyone will give the best kind account of themselves.’ More

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      Williamson ‘very proud’ to lead England and reflects on dramatic spot-kick retake for Lionesses’ Under-19s

      by

      LEAH WILLIAMSON says the Lionesses’ trip to Belfast brought back memories of an England penalty she retook five days after netting following an officiating error.And the Arsenal ace admits captaining the national side is the ‘biggest honour in football’.
      Leah Williamson will lead England on Tuesday for the first time since being announced as the Lionesses’ skipper for the EurosCredit: Getty
      England are looking to pick up their eighth win in the World Cup qualifiers when they take on Northern IrelandCredit: Reuters
      The Gunners centre-back was speaking to reporters before England’s World Cup qualifier clash with Northern Ireland in Belfast.
      And the Tuesday evening fixture prompted Williamson, 25, to reflect on a spot-tick moment which occurred in the city during an England Under-19s match seven years ago.
      In April 2015 the young Lionesses saw Williamson’s converted pen in a Euros qualifier cancelled out due to players encroaching in the 18-yard box.
      But official Marija Kurtes gave Norway a free-kick during the game at Seaview when the penalty should have been retaken.
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      It resulted in an intervention from Uefa which led to the pen being retaken a week later.
      And Williamson netted the crucial goal that sent her side through to the Women’s Under-19s Euros in Israel.
      In her light-hearted take on the moment, Williamson said: “It turned out well in the end but what I went through that week I wouldn’t wish on anybody.
      “I remember I told my mum I would keep it quiet in case I missed, and nobody would ever know.
      “And then you lot turned up with your Sky Sports cameras.
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      “There’s a couple of the girls here that were in that squad and we were reminiscing about it the other day.
      “It’s good memories because it turned out well but it could have gone very differently.”
      The Lionesses’ Group D World Cup qualifier duel with Northern Ireland will see them face Kenny Shiels’ aces in front of a sell-out crowd at Windsor Park
      However, the team will be without the services of veteran Jill Scott who is unavailable for the game.
      A crowd of more than 16,000 are expected to attend with Williamson set to lead England for the first time since news of her captaincy of the side at the Euros was announced.
      The Arsenal ace, who has 27 senior international caps received congratulatory messages from her club colleagues.
      And the Buckinghamshire-born WSL star says her immediate family were the first people she broke the news to
      Williamson added: “I went straight to my mum, dad and brother and they’re very proud.
      “It was a nice conversation and there were some tears within the family and then it was about getting back to work and focusing on the next job which is winning on Tuesday.
      “It’s a very proud moment and the biggest honour of football and I appreciate that.”
      Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman is relishing the prospect of seeing her side test themselves against Northern Ireland in front of a partisan crowd.
      Sarina Wiegman is keen see how side fare in front of a large crowd of Northern Ireland’s supporters at Windsor ParkCredit: Pacemaker
      Wiegman, 52, said: “We have a job to do. We want to be a mature team and play our style of play.
      “Hopefully the crowd will make lots of noise so it’s a little harder for us to talk to each other, so we have to communicate in passing and body language a little more to execute the actions we want.”
      Northern Ireland vs England will be broadcast live on BBC Two from 7:30pm on Tuesday 12 April. The game kicks-off at 7:55pm More