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ENGLAND will take on Northern Ireland at Wembley in October in a qualifying clash for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The duel between the sides will be the first competitive game for the Lionesses at the stadium since its reopening in 2007. The fixture on Saturday 23 October follows two international friendly encounters for England […] More
TEAM GB will face Australia in the quarter-finals of the women’s Olympic football tournament after topping their group.A 1-1 draw against Canada was enough to finish above their opponents – and Hege Riise’s side could now face world champions USA in the final.
Manchester City star Caroline Weir, 26, scored Team GB’s equaliserCredit: Getty
Canadian winger Adriana Leon threatened to snatch top spot off the Brits when she opened the scoring in the second half.
But a late equaliser from Scottish midfielder Caroline Weir saved Team GB against the 2012 and 2016 bronze medallists.
Having already progressed, manager Riise made five changes – resting three-goal Ellen White and adding Fran Kirby to the bench after injury.
Team GB gained the upper hand in the first half, with Georgia Stanway going close before Rachel Daly was denied by an excellent block from Ashley Lawrence.
The Brits became sloppy after the break and were made to pay when Leon converted a neat ball from Lawrence in the 56th minute.
Team GB pushed for an equaliser and got their reward five minutes from time when Weir’s 25-year effort deflected on it’s way in.
On our day I definitely think we put out better performances the better the opposition. Our job is getting ready for the next game, one game at a time, but we absolutely believe we can get on that podium.Beverly Priestman, Canada Manager
Speaking after the match, Riise said: “I believe strongly in this team, a great team always finds a way to come back and we did.
“Closer to the finish we started to get some momentum, luckily we were good enough to get the goal.
“It was an important goal. We top the group, we’re staying here and have a little bit more rest so we are happy.
“There are always things you want to improve on, we have played three games against three good opponents and have performed better and better.
“We haven’t been together that long so we’ll improve every game.
“Overall we looked strong and confident and that will be important going forward.”
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Previous Olympic winners in the Women’s Football
Team GB’s draw with Canada means they will face Australia, who finished third in their group, in the quarter-finals.
The winner of that tie will take on either hosts Japan or Sweden in the next round, with the latter recording a 3-0 victory against the US.
The Americans are in the other side of the draw and must defeat European champions Holland if they are to face Canada or Brazil in the semi-finals.
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CHELSEA star Fran Kirby has been ruled out of Team GB’s group clash against Japan today – but SHOULD return for the final match with Canada.Women’s footballer of the year Kirby missed the opening win over Chile with a knock sustained in pre-tournament training at Loughborough.
Fran Kirby is recovering from a knock sustained by the Tokyo Olympics football tournamentCredit: PA
Coach Hege Riise is set to make changes on the left side with Demi Stokes replacing Rachel Daly at the back and Nikita Parris coming in for Lauren Hemp.
Riise said: “Fran is back in training, slowly but we have to be sure we don’t push her.
“We don’t want to risk her when there are so many games left to play.”
Scotland’s Kim Little will take the rotating captaincy from Steph Houghton after pulling the midfield strings against Chile.
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Little, one of just three non-English players in Riise’s 22, said: “It’s just exciting to play with new players and a different team and to see what we’re capable of.
“We all bring different qualities and combining them, with our speed or technical ability, will always come together when we’re put in a pressurised environment where we can thrive.
“As players, whenever you come into a new team you just try to bring your best self as much as possible.
“So I wouldn’t say it’s something Caroline Weir and myself spoke about because we’ve both played with a number of the players in different circumstances over the years. It’s just quite natural.”
Riise believes the empty stands inside the Sapporo Dome will work to GB’s advantage against the hosts, held 1-1 by Canada in their opener.
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A draw would be enough to guarantee a knock-out place but the Norwegian coach is looking for more.
She added: “Every time we step on the pitch we aim to win.
“When you have fans cheering it gives you more energy.
“Against Canada, they conceded early and struggled to get into the game so maybe their confidence has gone down.
“We have done a lot of work on and off the pitch on set-pieces because it can be a big thing for us.
“But we also have to be more ruthless than we were against Chile.”
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LAUREN JAMES sealed a fairytale return to WSL champions Chelsea having played for the club’s Under-10s and Under-14s sides during her childhood. The ex-Man United starlet, who is the sister of the Blues Prem full-back Reece James, confirmed her move following weeks of speculation.
Lauren James has joined WSL giants Chelsea on a four-year dealCredit: Getty
Lauren James’ brother Reece currently plays as a full-back from Chelsea’s Premier League sideCredit: PA
And the move will see the siblings become the only brother and sister duo to play for Chelsea next season.
James, 19, who made her senior professional debut at Arsenal at 16, has agreed to a four-year deal with Emma Hayes’ side.
Reports claim Man United received an undisclosed fee of £50,000 for the WSL ace.
And it is thought the payment is the highest the Leigh Park Village side have ever received for a female player.
James’ switch to Kingsmeadow comes on a day that saw Chelsea veteran Hannah Blundell unveiled as Manchester United Women’s newest summer signing.
The Sussex-born left-back, 27, has switched to the Red Devils on a two-year deal with an option to extend for a further year.
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On her Chelsea move, London-born James said: “It’s a great feeling to come back home, to a great club, the club I started at the age of six.
“To be able to play for the first team now and come back here to Emma and the rest of the group is a good feeling.
“I’m excited to get started and I can’t wait to meet all the fans at Kingsmeadow when the new season kicks in.’
Blues boss Emma Hayes added: “Lauren is an exciting, young talent who we have admired for a while.
“When the opportunity came up to sign her, we felt now was the right time to bring her back to the club.
“We’re excited to see how she develops in the coming years and look forward to welcoming her to pre-season training.”
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James touted as a player to watch by Uefa, netted 22 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions during her three-season United spell from 2018 to 2021.
Her strikes include the first-ever goal scored for the Red Devils in Women’s Super League during their first season in the top-flight.
The forward, whose brother won a Champions League trophy with Chelsea’s men’s side last term, received her first senior call-up to an England camp in November 2020.
However, the club was narrowly pipped to a qualifying spot by Arsenal last season.
The unveiling of James as Chelsea’s latest signing comes on the same day as the announcement of next term’s WSL fixtures.
The striker is set to wear the club’s number 19 shirt.
And the Blues face a tantalising season-opening London derby clash with Arsenal with the match taking place from September 3 to September 5.
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Emma Hayes extends Chelsea reign with Women’s Super League champions confirming new contract More
CHELSEA mount their bid to retain their Women’s Super League crown with a clash at Arsenal on the first weekend of the 2021-22 season. And WSL newbies Leicester City take on Aston Villa in what will be the Bescot Stadium’s side’s first league game under new boss Carla Ward.
Chelsea will take on Arsenal away in their opening game of the new WSL seasonCredit: PA
The first games of the new WSL term are set to take place from September 3 to 5.
Season-opening clashes in the Women’s Championship will take place from August 28 to 29.
Matches include a duel between Liverpool and London City Lionesses.
Chelsea, who lost just once in the top-flight last season, face a tricky opening run of games with home and away duels with Everton and Man United following their trip to the Gunners.
And Emma Hayes Blues will then take on Hope Powell’s Brighton who were the only team to beat them in the top tier last term.
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Everton, who harbour hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, will face Manchester City at home in their first game of the season.
And Brighton, who have signed former Gunners and Reading striker Danielle Carter, will host West Ham.
Elsewhere Manchester United and Tottenham will play their first matches of the season at home against Reading and Birmingham City.
WSL champs Chelsea and title rivals Manchester City are due to go head-to-head between November 12 and 14.
And Carla Ward’s Aston Villa will take on her former club Birmingham in the first Second City derby of the season within that timeframe.
A month beforehand Jonathan Morgan and his Leicester City side will travel to Chelsea for their first encounter with title-holders Chelsea.
That clash is scheduled around October 8 to 10.
And the final day of the 2021-2022 season will see Chelsea, who signed Lauren James, host the striker’s former side Manchester United.
It is a match that could see former Blues defender Hannah Blundell – who has switched to United on a two-year deal – go up against her old club.
This season will see WSL games broadcast live on the BBC and Sky Sports as part of a landmark three-year broadcast deal reported to be worth £7million to £8million a season.
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The BBC is set to air 22 live games with a minimum of 18 shown on BBC One or BBC Two.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports are expected to cover up to 44 matches on their Main Event, Premier League and Sky Sports Football Channels.
Leicester will take on Aston Villa in their first game in the WSLCredit: Rex
Kelly Simmons, the FA’s Women’s Game director said: “A lot of work has gone into preparing for this season and I think it is this year people will see just how far the women’s game has come.
“This season will see record levels of exposure and audiences as a result of our exciting new partnership with Sky Sports and the BBC.
“I cannot wait to see our elite athletes showcasing their talent to the nation.”
Opening Women’s Super League games
3-5 September
Arsenal vs Chelsea
Aston Villa vs Leicester City
Brighton vs West Ham
Everton vs Manchester City
Manchester United vs Reading
Tottenham vs Birmingham City
Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More
MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly aiming to hire Marc Skinner as the gaffer of their Women’s Super League side. Telegraph Sport claims the Red Devils are in talks with the Orlando Pride head coach who is thought to be a top target to replace Casey Stoney.
Marc Skinner is reported to be in talks regard to Manchester United Women’s manager jobDream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!
The ex-United Women’s manager left the club at the end of last term after three seasons in charge and having steered the side to fourth in the WSL
Stoney, who led United to WSL promotion for the first time in their history in 2019, has since become head coach of US women’s side San Diego.
Skinner, 38, is under contract with the Pride who are fifth in a National Women’s Soccer League made up of ten teams.
And the former Birmingham boss has been in his current role since swapping Blues for a move to US women’s football in January 2019.
The Telegraph claims a deal between Skinner and the Red Devils is far off with discussions between the two parties thought to be ongoing.
However, it is reported United players, dismayed by Stoney’s departure, are keen on the possibility of having the coach in charge at Leigh Park Village.
Skinner, who earned plaudits for revamping Birmingham’s style of play, led Blues to the Women’s FA Cup final in 2017.
And the Midlands side were beaten 4-1 by eventual contest winners Man City after dispatching Chelsea in the semis.
Skinner’s current club, whose stars include Brazil icon Marta and World Cup-winning striker Alex Morgan, have won four, drawn four and lost three of 11 games played this term.
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And the Pride have recently added former United centre-back Amy Turner and ex-Arsenal and Lyon forward Jodie Taylor to their ranks.
This week the Red Devils announced the signing of Norway international Vilde Bøe Risa on a two-year deal.
The acquisition of the midfielder, who began her senior career at Norwegian side Arna-Bjørnar in 2012, appears to have gone down well with United fans on social media.
The 26-year-old has 37 international caps and helped Norway reach the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals in 2019 where they were beaten by England.
And the player was part of the Goteborg team who won Sweden’s top-flight title in 2020.
Bøe Risa said: “I’m happy to be here, at such a big club that I have grown up supporting.
Skinner is currently in charge of an Orlando Pride side which includes Brazil legend Marta
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“Manchester United is huge in Norway so to be able to come here and play for the team now is a dream come true.
“I am really looking forward to playing in the WSL and I want to help the team as much as I can in qualifying for the Champions League.
I’m also excited to get to know my new teammates, and of course, I hope I can see the fans in the stadium soon too.”
Vilde Bøe Risa has become Manchester United Women’s latest summer signingCredit: Getty
Man Utd up their game in pre-season training More
ADIDAS has apologised to Manchester United ace Millie Turner following an embarrassing mix-up with its new kit advert. A screenshot of the ad shared on Twitter features a picture of the Red Devils’ centre-back with a caption that refers to her as Amy Turner rather than her actual first name.
Adidas has apologised to Millie Turner following an error with her name in the sports firm’s United kit advertCredit: Getty
And the former Everton and Bristol City ace – who is also an Adidas athlete – shared her bemused thoughts on the mistake.
The advert which showcases Man United’s new kit has been shared more than 18,000 times on Twitter.
Turner, who began her career as a Red Devils youth player, has been with the side since 2018 following stints with the Toffees and the Robins.
In a tweet to 32,000 of her followers, the 25-year-old wrote: “Considering I’ve been at Manchester United for years and an Adidas athlete for two… you’d like to think Adidas would get my name right.”
The WSL star’s thoughts were echoed by her Leigh Sports Village team-mate Abbie McManus, 28, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Tottenham.
And the defender suggested the mix-up would never have occurred with a player in United’s Premier League side adding a hashtag with the name ‘Peter Pogba’ in her post.
It is thought Adidas may have confused the Cheshire-born Women’s Super League star with her former colleague Amy Turner who left the Red Devils at the end of last season after a four-year spell.
The defender moved to Orlando Pride, the team of former Tottenham loanee Alex Morgan, on a two-year deal in June.
In a public apology shared on Twitter Adidas offered to make amends by giving shirts to Turner’s fans.
The sports brand said: “Millie, we messed up and we’re gutted.
“You’re part of the Adidas family and we want to make amends.
“Let’s get some new shirts out to your biggest fans. Let us know who and we’ll deliver.”
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Meanwhile Man United are reportedly close to appointing a new manager for its WSL side to replace former boss Casey Stoney.
The ex-United gaffer was announced as the new head coach of the US club and National Women’s Soccer League side San Diego this week.
And BBC Sport reports the Red Devils are close to finalising the contract details for Stoney’s replacement ahead of the new WSL season.
Man United are set to appoint a new head coach following Casey Stoney’s departure last seasonCredit: Rex
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CHELSEA WOMEN are reportedly closing in on the signing of Manchester United’s Lauren James for a WSL record £300,000.The forward, 19, is the younger sister of Chelsea and England men’s star Reece.
Lauren James will join elder brother Reece at Chelsea with the Blues closing in on a WSL record move for the teenager from Man UtdCredit: Getty
The Blues will pay an initial fee of £200,000 that will be increased by an extra £100k in add-ons, according to The Athletic.
They also claim that James passed her medical at Kingsmeadow on Tuesday with the deal set to be finalised within 48 hours.
Some reports suggest there could be another player heading to United as part of the deal but that is yet to be confirmed.
One of the main reasons James decided to join Emma Hayes’ WSL title winners is to be closer to Reece, according to Sky Sports.
The pair will now become the only brother-sister duo to be the same club in the Premier League and the WSL.
The Blues have been heavily-linked with a move for the teenage starlet in recent months.
They had even mistakenly added her name to their kit list for the up-coming season, sending fans into a frenzy.
Supporters were given the option to buy her shirt emblazoned with the No 24, although it turned out to be a mishap.
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Despite Chelsea’s error, they had been reportedly trying to make the deal happen but couldn’t agree on a price with United.
However, Hayes’ persistence paid off and now the Blues have got their target.
The WSL winners be hoping James’ firepower can help them win the elusive Champions League trophy – which they missed out on after a 4-0 drubbing from Barcelona last season.
Since joining United from Arsenal in 2017, James has been prolific in front of goal.
In her first season with the Red Devils, she scored 14 goals as they gained promotion to the WSL.
But injury hampered her progress last season and James only managed to score twice in 10 league appearances.
Emma Hayes extends Chelsea reign with Women’s Super League champions confirming new contract More
