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      Team GB keeper Bardsley suffers hamstring injury putting Tokyo Olympics hopes at risk

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      KAREN BARDSLEY’S chances of playing at the Olympics appear to have taken a blow after she hurt her hamstring during a National Women’s Soccer League game. The Man City keeper who is on loan at OL Reign suffered the injury during their 1-0 loss to Washington Spirit in the United States. 
      Karen Bardsley sustained a hamstring injury during OL Reign’s 1-0 loss to Washington Spirit in the NWSLCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And it comes just days after the stopper was named in Hege Riise’s Team GB football squad. 
      Bardsley’s hamstring problem will come as a concern to Riise who chose the London 2012 Olympian and Ellie Roebuck as her preferred two goalkeepers in her 18-strong squad. 
      The veteran stopper will have around seven weeks to be fully fit ahead of Great Britain’s first match at the Tokyo Games against Chile on July 21.
      Bardsley, who has 81 England caps, is one of five players in the squad who represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics. 
      And the US-born stopper, whose family hail from Stockport, helped the team reach the quarter finals of the 2012 Games where they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Canada. 
      Should Bardsley’s injury affect her fitness, Riise has rising Everton star Sandy MacIver as part of her reserve group. 
      The Toffees keeper is travelling to Tokyo as one of four players serving as back-ups to the squad of 18.
      MacIver, who moved to Everton in 2020 from United States college team Clemson Tigers, made her senior England international debut in March this year. 
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      Everton’s Sandy MacIver is travelling as Team GB’s reserve keeper for Bardsley and Ellie RoebuckCredit: Getty

      The Everton stopper came on as a second-half substitute during England’s 6-0 trouncing of Northern Ireland. 
      The WSL ace kept six clean sheets in 18 top tier games for Willie Kirk’s Toffees who finished fifth in the league last term. 
      And the Everton boss has tipped MacIver to become one of the world’s best keepers following her string of stunning saves during Everton’s 3-1 loss to Man City in the 2020 Women’s FA Cup final. 
      Manchester City’s Ellie Roebuck is one of two keepers named in Hege Riise’s Team GB squadCredit: Getty
      Manchester City star Caroline Weir targets Team GB Olympic glory like ‘mentor’ Andy Murray More

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      Tuchel hails the ‘strength’ of Emma Hayes’ Women’s Super League champs Chelsea

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      THOMAS TUCHEL saluted the grit of Emma Hayes’ Chelsea side following their double triumph this season.The Blues boss, whose team beat Man City to claim their second Champions League crown, hailed the WSL giants’ success in England and Europe.
      Champions League-winning boss Thomas Tuchel praised Chelsea’s success in the WSLCredit: Reuters
      Tuchel, who swapped Paris Saint-Germain for Chelsea this year after two seasons and a league title in France, was speaking before his side’s 1-0 defeat of Pep Guardiola’s stars. 
      And he applauded Hayes, 44, for making history by leading her team to their first-ever Champions League final. 
      And although Blues lost 4-0 to rivals Barcelona, they picked up their fourth WSL crown to register two silverware wins before the end of the season.
      The Conti Cup-winning club, who are currently the most successful side in the Women’s Super League era, could be on course for a trophy treble should they win this year’s FA Cup.
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      Hayes’ team will face Birmingham in the quarter-finals of the contest in September.
      Tuchel, 47, said: “There’s no doubt about it that they are a strong group of women with a strong group of players and a strong leader. 
      “And they can be very proud and we are very proud they got all of these titles.”
      Hayes and Tuchel have a warm working relationship cemented by a determination to turn their sides into the most dominant footballing forces on these shores and in Europe. 
      And the Kingsmeadow gaffer praised the forward-thinking coaching approach of the former Bundesliga boss who managed Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and PSG between 2009 and 2020.
      Emma Hayes led the Blues to their fourth Women’s Super League title winCredit: PA
      An approach that helped the Stamford Bridge giants win their first Eurpean trophy under Tuchel 124 days after the German took charge of the team.
      In May,  Hayes said: “I had a lovely encounter with Thomas Tuchel, he’s a fantastic guy, really open-minded and progressive coach. 
      “There’s a reason why the men’s team are performing like they are.

      Hayes, who won this term’s Women’s Super League Manager of the Season award, is due to make her debut as an ITV Sports pundit in June. 
      The Chelsea boss will be part of a star-studded panel offering insight and opinions on this year’s Euros. 
      Other big names from the women’s game on the panel include ex-England and Blues striker Eni Aluko and PSG forward Nadia Nadim.
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      WSL Manager of the Season Hayes will be an ITV Sports pundit during the EurosCredit: Getty
      Chelsea boss Tuchel meets Abramovich for first time after Champions League win and admits it ‘can only get worse’ More

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      Manchester City star Weir targets Team GB Olympic glory like ‘mentor’ Andy Murray

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      CAROLINE WEIR recalls being left ‘devastated’ when a late Finland goal ended Scotland’s dreams of reaching the 2022 Women’s Euros.But the Man City winger reckons competing in the Olympics and emulating Andy Murray has helped ease the ‘disappointment’ of that December night. 
      Caroline Weir says Team GB are hoping for a gold medal win at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: Getty
      Weir says London 2012 gold medallist Andy Murray has been a ‘great mentor’ to herCredit: EPA
      Weir is one of two Scotland stars included in an 18-strong Team GB squad chosen by Hege Riise with the other being Arsenal skipper Kim Little.
      And the in-form playmaker, with a knack for netting wonder goals, is also targeting World Cup qualification with Scotland for the second time in her nation’s history.
      Weir, 25, said: “The fact that I’m going to the Tokyo Olympics this summer probably makes next summer and the fact I’m not going to the Euros, a little bit easier.
      “The disappointment with Scotland was a tough one to take. And it did take a little bit of time to get over it.
      “But at the same time, we have the qualifying campaign for the 2023 World Cup. 
      “It feels like a long way away, but it’s in a few months and we’ll have a Scotland camp in June and our focus will turn to that. 
      “Yes it (not qualifying for the Euros) was disappointing at the time, but I think you’ve got to move on quickly and I think we’ve all done that now.”
      Weir, who moved City in 2018 after a two-year Liverpool spell, has enjoyed a standout season with the Manchester giants including a 2020 FA Cup win. 
      The Dunfermline-born player netted eight times in 20 top-flight games last term as City took Chelsea to the wire before finishing second in the WSL title race. 
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      Weir wowed WSL fans with her performances for Man City this termCredit: Getty

      Goals include an audacious 18-yard chip in a memorable Manchester derby that went viral on social media.
      Weir, admits to being a fan of the Olympics as a spectator and taking pleasure from watching the Games’ ‘random sports’.
      The forward who began her career at the age of ten at Hibernian, is an admirer of the exploits of past Team GB Olympians.
      These include the dramatic gold-winning performances of Sir Chris Hoy and tennis ace Murray at the London 2012 Games. 
      And the Man City star, who became the first female football player to join Murray’s 77 Sports Management in March 2020, says the three-time grand slam winner has been a reliable source for advice. 
      [embedded content]
      Weir added: “Andy has been a great mentor to me over the last 12 months.
      “Any kind of questions or advice I need from him, whether that’s performance, psychological – whatever it might be – he’s at the end of the phone and he’s been really helpful.
      “And I’m sure I’ll be asking him a little bit about his Olympic experiences going forward, but he’s been great and really positive.”
      Great Britain will take on Canada, Chile and Japan in Group E of the Tokyo Olympics’ women’s football tournament in Japan in July. 
      In addition to Weir and Little, the group includes Chelsea midfielder Sophie Ingle who made history by becoming the first Wales player in a GB women’s football squad. 
      And Weir who is a ‘proud Scot’ is hoping the Scottish public will get behind the team as they bid to make history by winning gold. 
      Weir and her Scotland team-mates are aiming to qualify for the 2023 World CupCredit: The Sun
      Weir said: “It’s kind of sinking in a little bit now as the day goes on, but to put on a Team GB kit is something I never thought would happen or kind of dreamed of.
      “I’ve wanted to play in World Cups and things like that, but you just don’t necessarily think of playing at the Olympics.
      “I remember watching 2012 and I remember watching Kim and the team do so well in London.
      “To be here alongside Kim (Little) is a huge honour. I think that’s what’s great about Team GB and the fact that there are Scots here and Sophie Ingle is in the squad.
      “You also look around and you see those experienced players like Jill Scott, Steph Houghton, Kim, Karen Bardsley and Ellen White who’ve seen it all and went to London 2012.
      Arsenal star Kim Little will represent Team GB for the second time in her career after competing at the London 2012 GamesCredit: Getty
      “But we have such good young players in the squad too that will bring that youth, and excitement.
      “Hopefully that will unite the home nations, and everyone can get behind us because it’s a strong squad.
      “We really want to do a good job and hopefully bring something back.
      “We’ve got to go for gold and of course it’s going to be a tough tournament but the team is talented.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Team GB hope to go beyond the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Olympics football tournament after reaching that stage at London 2012Credit: Alan Walter – The Times
      Caroline Weir and Lauren Hemp among WSL aces included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad More

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      Arsenal ace Miedema’s agent dismisses Gunners exit rumours amid reports of a Lyon swap with Nikita Parris

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      VIVIANNE MIEDEMA’s agent poured cold water on speculation of the striker leaving Arsenal for a sensational move to LyonLeoni Blokhuis shut down rumours of a swap that would see his client join the French giants in exchange for Nikita Parris becoming a Gunner.
      Dutch newspaper AD claims Vivianne Miedema’s agent has denied rumours of her leaving Arsenal this summerCredit: Getty
      But Blokius, 33, did not rule out a possible free transfer after the end of next season with Miedema’s Arsenal contract entering its final year.
      And the agent, who also represents Miedema’s Gunners team-mate, Lisa Evans, could only confirm she will see out her current deal with the North London side.
      Blokius told Dutch newspaper AD: “Vivianne will remain, as it looks now, at Arsenal next season. That is her last contract year.”
      The Flow-Sports founder’s comments come just days after reports suggested Miedema could be on her way to seven-time Champions League winners Lyon.
      The Gunners are reportedly in talks to trade former Manchester City star Parris for the Netherlands striker, 24, according to The Guardian.
      It is thought the North London side are reluctant to lose their all-time top scorer on a free transfer next summer.
      And despite all rumours surrounding her future, Miedema is yet to address them publicly.
      And while seems a move to France may not be on the cards, Miedema could be open to returning to the Netherlands in the future.
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      Arsenal are reported to be considering a swap deal that would see Nikita Parris move to North London in exchange for Miedema going to LyonCredit: Getty

      In April the forward hinted at a switch to Feyenoord, who recently announced their formation of a women’s team.
      In a post to her 288,000 Instagram followers, Miedema said: “What a great day for the club, women’s football and all the girls who have the dream of one day playing football for Feyenoord.
      “And hopefully in the future, I can also wear the Feyenoord shirt.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Miedema has not ruled out a possible future switch to Feyenoord, the club of her childhood hero Robin van PersieCredit: Instagram @ viviannemiedema
      Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal will open Martin Odegaard transfer talks with Real Madrid ‘in next few weeks’ More

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      Man City draw Leicester in Women’s FA Cup quarters with Arsenal facing Tottenham

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      MANCHESTER CITY will go head-to-head with giant-killers Leicester in the final eight of this year’s Women’s FA Cup. And Arsenal will take on North London rivals Tottenham in a derby clash to see which of the sides will reach the contest’s semi-finals. 
      Leicester will play Man City in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Women’s FA CupCredit: Rex
      Man City will hope to win the FA Cup for the second year in a row after their 2020 triumphCredit: AFP
      Both ties are the prime picks of the quarter-final round of this year’s contest with Brighton hosting Charlton and league champs Chelsea set to travel to Birmingham. 
      And the Blues, who retained their WSL crown and picked up a Conti Cup, are aiming to win their third FA Cup to notch up a trophy treble. 
      Leicester, managed by Jonathan Morgan, will compete in the women’s top flight for the first time in their history this year.
      And they will take heart from their shock defeat of Man United when they face a City side who won the 2020 trophy.
      The Foxes, who won the Women’s Championship crown, will look to pull off another surprise after beating the Red Devils 3-2 in the fifth round.
      And the newly promoted WSL outfit gave the Citizens a run for their money the last time the rivals faced each other in the competition.
      That FA Cup quarter-final encounter between City and a Foxes side skippered by Morgan’s sister Holly ended in a narrow 2-1 home loss for Leicester. 
      Meanwhile, Rehanne Skinner’s Tottenham will be looking to pick up their first win against the Gunners in a derby. 
      Before then the club will embark on a squad rebuild this summer, having released 11 of their players before the 2021-22 season.
      They will face a tough away challenge against Arsenal, who hold the record for the most trophy wins in the competition with 14 triumphs. 
      And their rivals have strengthened their attacking ranks by signing Japan forward and World Cup winner Mana Iwabuchi. 
      However the Gunners are thought to be facing a battle to keep hold of top striker Vivianne Miedema, 24,  with Lyon interested in bringing the Netherlands star to France. 
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      Arsenal will host Tottenham in their quarter-final FA Cup clash in SeptemberCredit: Rex

      And the rumoured deal could see England and Lyon goal machine Nikita Parris move to Arsenal as part of a swap.  
      However, Miedema’s agent Leoni Blokius has reportedly denied her client will leave the WSL this summer despite her having just a year left on her current contract.
      Blokius told Dutch newspaper AD: “Vivianne will remain, as it looks now, at Arsenal next season. That is her last contract year.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Vivianne Miedema’s agent has dismissed reports linking her with a summer move to European giants LyonCredit: Zuma Press
      Watch Vivianne Miedema hit her 50th WSL goal to become the league’s all-time record scorer More

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      Man City skipper Houghton reveals she was ‘desperate’ to be in Team GB after London 2012 experience

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      STEPH HOUGHTON has opened up on her desperation to be part of Team GB women’s football squad after competing in the London 2012 Games. The Manchester City and England skipper says the pride she felt in representing Great Britain is something she is eager to feel again.
      Houghton will represent Team GB for the second time at an Olympics after competing in the London 2012 GamesCredit: Getty
      Houghton is among a group of five WSL veterans who helped Britain reach the quarter-finals of the women’s football tournament at the 2012 Olympics.
      The City star and Olympians Jill Scott, Kim Little, Karen Bardsley and Ellen White hope to win a medal this time around.
      And Houghton, 33, cannot wait to help head coach Hege Riise and Team GB achieve something special at the Tokyo Games in July.
      The City skipper said: “Being part of London 2012 and experiencing what the Olympic Games was like.
      “I was so desperate to get selected for this one, not just for me but the rest of the team we’re so proud to be able to represent Team GB.
      “With the success of the last Olympics, in terms of women’s football and how it was probably a watershed moment in so many different ways.
      “In terms of how many fans came to watch us, the performances that we produced, everybody’s so excited to get to Tokyo to go and do something special.”
      Back in 2012, Houghton and her team began their quest to win an Olympic medal in stunning fashion
      Houghton is one of five 2012 Olympians included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad of 18Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      They won their opening three group games and thumped Cameroon 3-0 in the last 16.
      But their run was cut short when they lost 2-0 in the quarters to Canada.
      But Houghton believes the Champions League experience gained by the current crop of Team GB’s football stars could help them in their bid to win a medal.
      Houghton added: “If I look back to 2012 I think we performed really well in the group stages.
      “And I look back at the game against Canada in the quarter-final back then and I know that it wasn’t the best version of us as a team.
      “I look at the squad and the individuals that we have and the mix of not just English players but Scottish and Welsh players.
      “I think it’s a squad full of quality people, that individually have played in big games, whether that’s a Champions League final or the highest games at the World Cup for their country.”

      Houghton, who has made 81 Man City appearances since her 2014 switch from Arsenal, led England to the semis of the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
      And the Olympian, who made four Team GB appearances at the 2012 Games, believes Riise’s squad has the right balance of older and younger players to excel in Tokyo.
      Houghton added: “The talent we have really excites me and I think we’ve got the perfect blend of youth and experience.
      “And for us, our expectation is always to go and win as many games as we possibly can and that doesn’t change whether I’m sitting here wearing a Team GB shirt or an England shirt.”
      Houghton is proud to see the Team GB squad feature rising stars such as Lauren HempCredit: Getty
      Manchester United forward Ella Toone and Chelsea’s Niamh Charles are among the four WSL stars travelling with Team GB as reserves.
      They will be joined by Everton keeper Sandy MacIver and Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy who are serving as back-ups for Riise’s squad of 18.
      And Houghton says she is curious to see how they will react emotionally to being at the Games in Tokyo.
      If I look back at the last year and what we’ve been all been through as people, not just as footballers, ultimately we’re just so happy to be able to go to an Olympic GamesSteph Houghton
      The Man City captain said: “I’ve actually been speaking to the likes of Ella Toone and Niamh Charles who are going to be with us for the whole tournament.
      “And I’m so excited to see how they’ll react to being in that environment because of the feelings I had as a young player at London 2012.
      “It’s such a surreal feeling to be part of something that we’ve all probably watched since we’ve been kids but we’ve never expected to be a part of.
      “I’m just so excited for them to experience what we did and for the likes of me, Jill Scott, Ellen White, Karen Bardsley and Kim Little, to go and experience that again we feel so fortunate and proud that we can do it.
      “But I think if I look back at the last year and what we’ve been all been through as people, not just as footballers, ultimately we’re just so happy to be able to go to an Olympic Games.
      Houghton is looking forward to seeing the effect the Tokyo Olympics will have on young players including Niamh CharlesCredit: Getty
      “To go and represent Team GB and even though our families and all our fans can’t be there with us I know they’ll be there with us back home.”
      Houghton won plaudits for her Team GB performances at the 2012 Games, becoming her side’s top scorer with three goals in the tournament.
      But the centre-back, who has won three FA Cups and a league title with Man City has not had the best preparation for the tournament due to an Achilles injury.
      However the City skipper, who is “100 per cent fit” is raring to start training.
      Houghton added: “It’s not been ideal preparation, in terms of our players have played a lot of games.
      “And for me to be missing just over a month and a half worth of games is unlike me.
      “But there were lots of conversations behind the scenes in terms of ultimately my aim was to represent Team GB at the Olympics.
      “I just had to listen to the doctors at England and Manchester City and the physios and the coaches.
      Hege Riise’s Great Britain squad features by ten of Houghton’s Man City team-matesCredit: Getty
      “I have also been taking my time a little bit more so that I’m ready to go and yeah I’m 100% fit.
      “I’ve been training over the last few weeks, I feel confident in my body and I just can’t wait to start training with the rest of the girls.”
      Great Britain are due to play Chile in their opening Olympic Group E game followed by clashes Japan and Canada in their Olympic group matches.
      Matches are due to commence on July 21 with their first two fixtures due to take place at the Sapporo Dome.
      Team GB will play their opening game at the Sapporo Dome Stadium where David Beckham netted England’s winner in a 2002 World Cup game against ArgentinaCredit: Reuters
      Caroline Weir and Lauren Hemp among WSL aces included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad More

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      Caroline Weir and Lauren Hemp among WSL aces included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad

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      HEGE RIISE has named 11 Manchester City players in her women’s football squad representing Britain at the Tokyo Olympics.Lauren Hemp – the side’s youngest member at 20– and Scotland’s Caroline Weir are among the City aces in the group featuring 15 England internationals.
      Scotland and Man City playmaker Caroline Weir has been named in Hege Riise’s Team GB squadCredit: The Sun
      Lauren Hemp is the youngest member of the women’s football squad representing Great Britain at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: Rex
      The 18-strong squad includes 13 of the Lionesses who came third in the 2019 Women’s World Cup to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics
      Riise’s group also features 13 Olympic debutants. Among their number is WSL Player of the Year Fran Kirby.
      And her Chelsea team-mate Sophie Ingle is the only Wales international to have made the cut.
      Others making their Olympic debuts include Fifa’s Best Women’s Player Lucy Bronze, Chelsea vice-captain Millie Bright and Arsenal centre-back Leah Williamson.
      The group also features five WSL veterans who competed at London 2012 helping Britain reach the quarter-finals where they lost 1-0 to Canada.      
      England’s Ellen White, Jill Scott, Karen Bardsley and Steph Houghton and Scotland’s Kim Little were among the players who made history as the first women’s football side to represent Britain at the Games.
      And Ellie Roebuck and Hemp are the only two England players in the side who were not in the Lionesses squad that reached the 2019 World Cup semis.
      Head coach Riise, 51, is one of just three women in the world to have won an Olympic gold medal, a World Cup and a European Championship.
      And the head coach will draw on her success of winning gold with Norway at the 2000 Sydney Games in the hope of leading Britain to glory in Japan.
      Riise said: “I know first-hand as a former player just how proud my players will feel today at having been selected to represent Great Britain. 
      “There is no greater sporting occasion in the world, and I am honoured to lead this hugely talented team into the Games. 
      “We will go there aiming to win and we will give everything we have to achieve success.
      “I hope that Great Britain’s inclusion once more in the Olympic Football Tournament can inspire the next generation of young girls to play the sport we love.”
      Hege Riise has included 15 England internationals in her groupCredit: PA
      Chelsea’s Fran Kirby is among the England players included in Riise’s squadCredit: Getty

      Team GB chef de mission Mark England added: “Having an opportunity to field a women’s football team in Tokyo, for only the second time in our Olympic history, is incredibly exciting.
      “It is fantastic to see five returning Olympians named and I am sure they, along with the 13 debutants, will relish the opportunity to represent Team GB this summer.
      “Team GB is on the cusp of making history this summer as we are on track to qualify more female than male athletes for the Games for the very first time.
      “I am sure that as we saw at London 2012 the team selected today will help to inspire a new generation of girls and young women wanting to play the sport.”
      Keeper Sandy MacIver, defenders Lotte Wubben-Moy and Niamh Charles and striker Ella Toone will travel to Japan as squad reserves.
      And Man City’s Alex Greenwood, Arsenal’s Beth Mead and Chelsea’s Carly Telford are among the experienced England internationals who have been left out of Riise’s side.  
      Kim Little (right) is one of two Scotland internationals who will represent Team GBCredit: SNS
      Wales skipper Sophie Ingle is only the international player from her nation to be included in Riise’s teamCredit: Getty
      Other notable absentees include Jordan Nobbs and Chelsea ace Beth England who won the PFA Women’s Player of the Year Award in 2020.
      Great Britain are due to play Chile in their opening Olympic Group E game followed by clashes Japan and Canada in their Olympic group matches. 
      Matches are due to commence on July 21 with their first two fixtures due to take place at the Sapporo Dome.
      Ellen White, Kim Little, Steph Houghton, Jill Scott and Karen Bardsley are among the London 2012 Olympians who compete in TokyoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Steph Houghton will compete in the Olympics for the second time in her international careerCredit: Getty
      Team GB Football Squad
      Goalkeepers – Karen Bardsley (Man City – on loan at OL Reign/England), Ellie Roebuck (Man City/ England)
      Defenders – Millie Bright (Chelsea/England), Lucy Bronze (Man City/England)Rachel Daly (Houston Dash/England), Steph Houghton (Man City/ England), Demi Stokes (Man City/England), Leah Williamson (Arsenal/England)    
      Midfielders – Sophie (Chelsea/Wales), Kim Little (Arsenal/Scotland)Jill Scott (Manchester City/England), Keira Walsh (Manchester City/England), Caroline Weir (Manchester City/Scotland), 
      Forwards – Lauren Hemp (Manchester City/ England),  Fran Kirby (Chelsea/England),   Nikita Parris (Olympique Lyonnais/ England), Georgia Stanway (Manchester City/England), Ellen White (Manchester City/ England). 

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      Arsenal hero Ian Wright shares tweet urging Gunners to allow WSL stars to play their European games at the Emirates

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      IAN WRIGHT made a Gooner’s day by sharing a social media post pleading for Arsenal’s Women’s Champions League games to be played at the Emirates.The Gunners legend, 57, retweeted the suggestion made by the fan following Mikel Arteta’s side’s failure to qualify for Europe.
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright retweeted a fan’s plea for Arsenal Women to play their European games at the Emirates next seasonCredit: PA
      Arsenal will compete in the Women’s Champions League in 2021-22 after missing out this termCredit: Getty
      For the first time in 25 years, the Gunners’ Prem side will miss out on duels with their continental rivals after finishing eighth in the table.
      However, the club’s Women’s Super League stars are set to battle Europe’s elite after they qualified for the Champions League by pipping Manchester United to third.
      And one Twitter user reckons clashes between the Gunners’ WSL aces and the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona could potentially attract large crowds if played at the Emirates.
      Adam Salter tweeted: “Seeing as Arsenal aren’t in Europe next season please, please, please can we let Arsenal Women use the Emirates Stadium for their midweek European Games?
      “Just imagine the crowds we could get in! This could be a massive opportunity to expand and bring more Gooners to the Women’s games!”
      The author of the tweet was thrilled to see their plea catch the attention of Wright, who is a WSL ambassador and a huge fan of the women’s game.
      The Highbury icon, 57, who won five major trophies with Arsenal including a Prem title and a Cup Winners’ Cup, shared the post with his 1.9million Twitter followers.
      In response, Adam Salter tweeted: “Thank you so much Wrighty, you absolute legend! It’s an honour to have you in our corner! Thank You!”
      Arsenal, who won the Women’s Champions League in 2007, will compete in the contest for the sixteenth time next term.
      The club remains the only English team to have won the competition, under legendary former boss Vic Akers, with rivals Chelsea reaching the finals this year.
      Ian Wright shared a fan’s plea for Arsenal’s Women’s Champions League games to be played at the Emirates
      Arsenal beat Man Utd to third in the top tier to a place in Europe’s top club competitionCredit: Getty

      Next season Arsenal will aim to go beyond the competition’s last eight after being beaten in the quarters of the 2020 Champions League by PSG.
      Meanwhile, their male counterparts will have their attention fully focused on securing a top-four finish next term with no European action on the cards.
      The last time the Gunners men’s team failed to qualify for competitions in Europe was in 1995, a year before Arsene Wenger’s arrival.
      And some Arsenal fans have suggested the Prem side would have finished higher than eighth if the team had the attacking prowess of Vivianne Miedema.
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      Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Lyon over a swap deal that could see Vivianne Miedema move to FranceCredit: Rex
      The Netherlands star netted 18 goals in 22 WSL games for the North London side this term.
      And although Dutch forward narrowly missed out on winning this season’s WSL Golden Boot, some supporters have been comparing her to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      But the Gunners goal machine could be on her way to French giants Lyon amid reports of a potential swap deal that could see Nikita Parris move to North London.
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Nikita Parris in the summer transfer windowCredit: Rex
      Ian Wright jokes he’ll walk off during BBC’s FA Cup final coverage after Gary Lineker plays clip of 1993 music video More