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    Manchester City boss Taylor hopeful of improved broadcast rights deal for WSL and Women’s Championship

    GARETH TAYLOR says the sky is the limit to push for an increased broadcast deal for the Women’s Super League and Championship. The Manchester City boss spoke after the women’s top tier in the USA secured a record TV rights deal worth $240million, 40 times more than the existing one. 
    Gareth Taylor hopes to see an improved broadcast deal for the WSL and Women’s ChampionshipCredit: Getty
    The National Women’s Soccer League’s new broadcast rights deal will see NWSL fixtures in the USA shown on CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video and Scripps Sports from 2024Credit: Getty
    That four-year agreement, announced on Thursday, will start in 2024 and is thought to be the largest agreed by a women’s sport league to date.
    National Women’s Soccer League games will be aired on CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video and Scripps Sports. 
    WSL and Women’s Championship are also after a higher price for the combined broadcast rights contract, according to Telegraph Sport.  
    The WSL’s existing TV deal with Sky Sports and the BBC, which finishes at the end of this term, is worth around £8m per year. 
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    On his hopes for the WSL’s new deal following the NWSL’s announcement, Taylor said: “It’s (women’s football coverage) has moved on significantly.
    “How much further (can it go), the sky’s the limit, really and also in regard to getting appropriate kick-off times so that supporters are able to watch their clubs men’s and women’s teams. 
    “That’s been really difficult because it’s a really tight calendar and they’re on a tight turnaround. 
    “That being said, I think there’s been significant steps in the three seasons I’ve been here.
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    “When I look at my first season of 2020-21 and it was a bit of a fake landscape with it being during Covid times. 
    “We probably had two games televised that season which was the FA Cup semi-final and final in an empty Wembley Stadium
    “The following season we saw the introduction of Sky Sports showcasing games alongside the BBC and that’s now even more this season.”
    On the pitch, Taylor aims to guide his side back to winning ways after the 2-1 loss at Arsenal, their first of the season. 
    City host Brighton today, who are yet to beat them, losing eight of their last nine games. And Albion have shipped 39 goals in those nine WSL games. 
    However, Taylor will not underestimate the Seagulls — under new boss Melissa Phillips.
    Brighton drew with Manchester United last time out and have four former City players in their squad — defender Poppy Pattinson, midfielder Vicky Losada and forwards Pauline Bremner and Lee Geum-min. 
    Taylor added: “They took a solid point last week and there could have been more for them as well — and it just shows how dangerous they are. 
    “We wouldn’t underestimate any opposition.
    “With their new coach they’ve been quite active in recruitment in terms of bringing in players who’ve got really good experience in the WSL and international football.”
    Vicky Losada is one of two ex-Man City aces who joined Brighton this summerCredit: Alamy
    Meanwhile, Taylor says he has high hopes for two of City’s young rising stars, forward Jess Park and defender Ruby Mace. 
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    He said: “Jess looks really sharp and lively and a threat. 
    “It’s the same with Ruby. She’s got the capabilities of playing higher up the pitch and the early signs have been impressive.” More

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    England Lionesses hero Alessia Russo dazzles on red carpet at star-studded Women of the Year Awards

    ALESSIA RUSSO dazzled on the red carpet as she attended the Harpers Bazaar Women of the Year Awards. The England and Arsenal star joined a whole host of stars at the glitzy event.
    Alessia Russo stunned on the red carpet at the Harpers Bazaar Women of the Year AwardsCredit: Getty
    She wore a classy black dressCredit: Splash
    Russo was given the Sportsperson of the Year AwardCredit: Getty
    She stunned in an elegant black dress with heels as she posed for the cameras on the carpet.
    And Russo wasn’t just there to spectate as she picked up an award for herself on the evening.
    She was honoured with the Sportsperson of the Year for her efforts for club and country in 2023.
    The 24-year-old was part of Sarina Wiegman‘s England squad that narrowly missed out on World Cup success in Australia this summer.
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    The Lionesses battled their way through to the World Cup final where they eventually suffered the heartbreak of a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Spain.
    While she also made a career defining move at club level this summer when she left Manchester United to join Arsenal Women.
    The Gunners had tried to sign Russo in January, but reportedly saw two world record bids rejected by the Red Devils.
    But Russo still made the leap to the North London club at the end of the season when her contract expired with Man Utd.
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    Since signing for Arsenal the forward has featured seven times and netted three goals.
    Russo was honoured alongside a whole host of huge names at the Women of the Year awards.
    Empowering stars such as Jenna Ortega, Olivia Colman and Emilia Clarke were all in attendance.
    Russo joined a host of other big names at the awards ceremonyCredit: The Mega Agency
    The superstar striker suffered heartbreak in Australia with the Lionesses this summerCredit: Getty
    Naomi Watts was among those in attendanceCredit: The Mega Agency
    TV and radio host Vick Hope stunned in a black dressCredit: The Mega Agency
    British actress Emily Beecham wore a navy blue gownCredit: The Mega Agency
    Olivia Colman combined her outfit with an overcoatCredit: The Mega Agency
    Sophia di Martino appears in the Marvel UniverseCredit: The Mega Agency
    Emilia Clarke looked radiant in an ivory dressCredit: The Mega Agency More

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    Fans in awe at ‘nicely garnished’ festive Turkey and stuffing roll at Barnsley Women as they ask ‘do you deliver?’

    BARNSLEY left fans drooling after a special festive item popped up on their food menu.The club’s women’s team cruised to a 3-0 win over Leeds Ladies on Sunday.
    Fans loved Barnsley’s turkey and stuffing roll with gravy and chipsCredit: https://twitter.com/FootyScran
    They now sit top of the Women’s National League Division One North, four points clear of Middlesbrough.
    But while they are impressing on the pitch, some fans have also been excited by the food offerings at the Olympic Legacy Stadium.
    Barnsley now serve a turkey and stuffing roll with gravy and chips for £6.95.
    One supporter shared a picture of the food to popular social media page Footy Scran.
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    And several fans were quick to comment on it, with one person tweeting: “Some serious northern scran. Love it!”
    Another added: “Yes! Get in the Christmas spirit!”
    A third wrote: “That looks majestic.”
    A fourth fan questioned: “Ay up @BarnsleyFC do you deliver….?”
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    While a fifth simply said: “Nicely garnished.”
    Barnsley next face Liverpool Feds at home in the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday. More

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    Glam footballer and OnlyFans star Madelene Wright stuns in figure-hugging dress leaving fans ‘speechless’

    MADELENE WRIGHT left fans too stunned to speak with her latest social media post.The glamorous footballer took to her Instagram with her latest snap.
    SCROLL DOWN TO SEE MORE OF MADELENE
    Madelene Wright stunned in her latest Instagram snapCredit: instagram @madelene_wright
    Madelene Wright had fans ‘speechless’Credit: instagram @madelene_wright
    The stars for Leyton Orient WomenCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright
    Wright, who stars for Leyton Orient Women, has 328,000 followers on the platform.
    The 25-year-old was seen wearing a figure-hugging dress.
    She completed the look with some tinted glasses and a black handbag.
    Reacting to the picture, one fan said: “So cute 💗.”
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    A second said: “That dress is amazing 👏.”
    A third wrote: “Beautiful and Gorgeous.”
    A fourth added: “I’m speechless.”
    British actress Alessia Vernazza said: “Insane beauty.”
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    Wright wore an angel costume for HalloweenCredit: Instagram
    Wright has 328,000 Instagram followersCredit: X
    She also has an OnlyFans pageCredit: Instagram / madelene_wright
    Wright recently got in the holiday spirit by wearing an angel costume for Halloween.
    The football star won some new fans for the O’s with a stunning goal from range.
    Wright also has an OnlyFans page, where she is no stranger to posting seductive pics.
    Inside Elle’s glamorous life as influencer, boxer and OnlyFans star…
    Wright lives a glamourous lifestyle
    She often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: Instagram
    Madelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wright
    She recently celebrated her 25th birthdayCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright
    The football also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright
    She claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wright
    The footballer has recently signed for Leyton OrientCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wright
    She has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadelene
    She often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: Instagram
    Madelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More

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    Emma Hayes ‘agrees’ lucrative new role with Chelsea players and staff left ‘stunned’ by shock departure

    EMMA HAYES has reportedly agreed a lucrative new role away from Chelsea after the club announced she would leave at the end of the season.Hayes has had a superb spell with The Blues winning six Women’s Super League titles, five Women’s FA Cups and two FA Women’s League Cups.
    Emma Hayes has reportedly agreed to take over as the US Women’s national team after it was announced she will be leaving ChelseaCredit: Getty
    And her impressive record seems to have earned her a seat in one of the highest profile roles in women’s football.
    According to the Telegraph, the decorated manager has agreed to become the new head coach of the US Women’s national team.
    The report suggests that the USWNT are also keen on poaching Chelsea’s assistant manager Denise Reddy to follow suit as her number two.
    Chelsea announced today that Hayes would be stepping down as manager at the end of the season in a statement on their club website.
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    It read: “Chelsea FC can today confirm that highly decorated Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes OBE will depart the club at the end of the season to pursue a new opportunity outside of the WSL and club football.”
    The news was reportedly broken to the Chelsea squad following their 6-0 win over Aston Villa today.
    And it’s said that players and non-football staff were left shocked by the surprise departure with the 47-year-old held in such high regard around the club.
    Hayes will remain in charge of the London outfit until the 2023/24 season comes to a close in May.
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    Which will be music to the ears of Blues fans with their side currently sat top of the table and unbeaten in the opening five games of the campaign.
    But may come as a concern to stateside fans as the proposed scheduling would mean the US Women’s team would continue with a temporary boss in place until Hayes was able to take over full time.
    Twila Kilgore was appointed as the interim head coach for the national side in Ausgust and could remain in place until Hayes’ arrival.
    Reports from US football writer Joseph Lowry suggest that Hayes may join the USWNT during international breaks before taking over. More

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    Belgium 3-2 England LIVE RESULT: Wullaert scores brace to seal win over Lionesses as Alex Greenwood suffers head injury

    BELGIUM have beaten England 3-2 on a disappointing night for Sarina Weigman’s side.The Lionesses found themselves behind early doors after a stunning free-kick from Laura De Neve put the hosts ahead.
    Alex Greenwood was stretchered off in the first half after clashing heads with Belgium’s Jassina Blom.
    Sarina Weigman’s side made it 1-1 through Lucy Bronze’s excellent header before Fran Kirby put England in front minutes later.
    Tessa Wullaert scored Belgium’s equaliser for 2-2, then converted a penalty late in the second half to seal a 3-2 win and give the hosts 3 points in Group A1.
    The defeat in Leuven leaves Sarina Wiegman’s side with a small hill to climb, with the team needing a win against Holland at Wembley in December to keep Team GB’s Olympic qualification hopes alive.

    Match result: Belgium 3-2 England

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    Follow our Belgium vs England live blog below…
    That’s all from Leuven
    England suffer a shock 3-2 defeat to Belgium, leaving them third in Group A1.
    The Lionesses now face a huge uphill battle to qualify for the Olympics on behalf of Team GB.
    Next up for Sarina Wiegman’s side is a return to Wembley Stadium, where they host Netherlands on December 1.
    But until then, thank you for reading and goodnight!
    Sarina Wiegman reacts
    Speaking to ITV, the England manager said:
    “They scored three goals and we scored two. This was a game I think we should have been tighter on the ball. The tempo wasn’t great.
    “We did create lots of chances, we dominated the game totally. We lost the ball and they were gone on the counter attack. It was us that made it hard.
    “They played top and played very compact. It’s something we have to get out of our game. We have to do better in the final third.
    “We were sloppy on the ball and they were ready for that. They play their long ball and they are gone. We didn’t do it good enough today.”
    Credit: Alamy
    Lucy Bronze reacts
    Speaking to ITV, the England full-back said:
    “We created more chances than the last game but we were sloppier on the ball. Their goals came from our loose passes.
    “Apart from that they didn’t really create anything, particularly in the first half and we had a few chances to put the game to bed if we were a little bit more clinical in front of goal.
    “We were pushing at the end, we were unfortunate to give away a penalty. We just couldn’t get the ball across the line in the last 30 minutes.
    “The other game was almost the opposite. We were so good on the ball, we just didn’t create chances.
    “The whole team needed to step up and obviously there was that big break where Alex had to come off who is probably one of our key players on the ball.
    “One of those things. We have to do a lot better. Similar happened against Holland where we gave it away too sloppily, too easily. It’s something we need to work on collectively and individually, we need to look at ourselves and go again.”
    Credit: PA
    Alex Greenwood update
    Alex Greenwood is conscious, taking and being monitored by England’s medical staff.
    The defender was stretchered off with a serious head injury during the first half.
    Match Stats
    The Lionesses had by far the most chances this evening, but they failed to make the most of them.
    Credit: UEFA
    Full Time – Belgium 3-2 England
    England had never conceded three goals in one game under the management of Sarina Wiegman until today.
    Full Time – Belgium 3-2 England
    England are burned by the Red Flames in Leuven.
    Credit: Alamy
    90+2. Belgium 3-2 England
    England have a free kick on the halfway line.
    Kelly takes it, but the ball curls straight towards Evrard and the goalkeeper claims it without coming under any threat.
    90+1. Belgium 3-2 England
    Three minutes have been added on.
    89. Belgium 3-2 England
    Substitution for Belgium.
    Wullaert is replaced by Janssens.
    88. Belgium 3-2 England
    The Lionesses have completely dominated this game, but they have failed to make the most of their chances.
    Belgium on the other hand have done just that.
    85. GOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL BELGIUM!!!
    Wullaert converts the spot kick!
    84. PENALTY
    Belgium have a penalty!
    Stanway was deemed to handle the ball.
    81. Belgium 2-2 England
    The Lionesses have been all over Belgium in this second half.
    Walsh sends another excellent pass over to Daly in the box, who heads it towards goal, but her effort is saved by Evrard.
    77. Belgium 2-2 England
    England go for goal again as the ball comes out to Bronze on the edge of the box.
    She shoots first time, but Cayman makes the block.
    74. Belgium 2-2 England
    A double change for Belgium now.
    Daniels replaces Blom.
    Delacauw replaces Detruyer.
    68. Belgium 2-2 England
    England make two changes.
    Toone is on to replace Kirby.
    Daly is on to replace Russo.
    65. Belgium 2-2 England
    England look to break forward again as Walsh finds Bronze in the box with a brilliant through ball, but the full-back can just about keep it in before Evrard claims it.
    Credit: EPA
    64. Belgium 2-2 England
    Russo is sent through on goal and attempts to shoot from a tight angle, but her shot hits the side netting.
    61. Belgium 2-2 England
    Earps comes to England’s rescue once again as she makes a brilliant save to deny Wullaert.
    The striker managed to get past both Bright and Carter before getting her shot away.
    59. Belgium 2-2 England
    The Lionesses are desperately trying to chip away at the Belgium defence, but they are struggling to make the most of their chances.
    Just over 30 minutes to play now.
    52. Belgium 2-2 England
    England come close again as Hemp picks up the ball and sets it back to Russo, who sends a perfect pass through to Bronze.
    The full-back heads it to Kirby, who makes a run into the box before shooting, but her effort takes a deflection and is cleared off the line.
    Credit: PA
    47. Belgium 2-2 England
    Chance for England as Kelly sends a free kick into the box.
    Russo looks to get the shot away, but she can’t get enough contact on the ball and it goes out for a corner.
    These set-pieces are proving to be a huge challenge for Belgium.
    46. Belgium 2-2 England
    Missipo is booked by the referee for a reckless challenge on Kirby.
    Luckily, the Chelsea star is able to play on.
    Kick Off – Belgium 2-2 England
    We’re back underway! More

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    Ballon d’Or slammed as ‘utter disgrace’ after Novak Djokovic hands over women’s award to Aitana Bonmati

    THE BALLON D’OR was slammed as an “utter disgrace” after Novak Djokovic presented the women’s award.Aitana Bonmati was crowned Ballon d’Or Feminin winner at Monday night’s ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
    Novak Djokovic was chosen to present the Ballon d’Or FemininCredit: AP
    Aitana Bonmati collected the award after her stunning season for Barcelona and SpainCredit: AP

    Bonmati, 25, enjoyed a stunning 2022-23 season for club and country.
    The midfielder won the Primera Division, Women’s Champions League and Supercopa de Espana with Barcelona.
    She was then named player of the tournament after inspiring Spain to Women’s World Cup glory.
    Sam Kerr finished second in the vote while Barca and Spain star Salma Paralluelo was third.
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    However, furious fans flooded social media with negative comments that a male tennis player presented Bonmati with the iconic trophy.
    And others pointed out that world No1 Djokovic – who has a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles – has previously caused controversy with his comments suggesting men should be paid more than women in tennis.
    One said: “I don’t understand why Djokovic presented this. He’s not even a feminist or an ally of women’s sports! He has advocated against equal pay in tennis!!!”
    Another wrote: “Don’t really understand why we were hearing about Novak Djokovic’s achievements and career when the focus should have been on talented female players but anyway, there’s still a long way to go before women’s football is regarded as equal to the men’s game.”
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    A third added: “I really don’t understand why Djokovic was chosen to present the women’s Ballon d’Or. With the world watching that was an opportunity to celebrate women. An opportunity to promote gender equality. There’s a lot about tonight that failed women’s football.”
    A fourth commented: “Why have you got Novak Djokovic presenting the women’s award just to ask him about men’s football and nothing else? Come on.”
    A fifth quipped: “Presented by women’s football legend Novak Djokovic.”
    And a final user moaned: “Lmao, one of sport’s biggest p****s Novak ‘I think women should be paid less than men’ Djokovic invited to give out the women’s Ballon d’Or… the disrespect for women in this sport is a joke”
    Djokovic – who was also at the Rugby World Cup final with Rita Ora ahead of competing in this week’s Paris Masters – was also criticised for not handing over the trophy to Bonmati, instead reading out her name and shaking her hand with no silverware in sight.
    BUNGLE D’OR
    Bungling organisers backstage desperately brought the trophy out late with Bonmati ready to do her acceptance speech without getting her hands on the golden ball.
    France Football came under fire for bringing in the tennis legend to present the award – while the men got football icons.
    David Beckham gave Lionel Messi his eighth Ballon d’Or while Gary Lineker fulfilled the job for Erling Haaland’s Gerd Muller trophy and Eden Hazard did it as Jude Bellingham got the best young player gong.
    Emiliano Martinez received the Lev Yashin goalkeeper trophy from his dad and the Socrates Prize for the best social initiative was given to Vinicius Junior by Prince Albert of Monaco.
    Though the club of the year award takes into consideration men and women players, fans let rip for there being no under-21, goalkeeper or top goalscorer trophies for women.
    To make matters worse, plenty of of the top female footballers were unable to attend the gala event due to Women’s Nations League matches taking place this week, with England facing Belgium tonight.
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    Another fan wrote: “Ballon d’Or 2023. No awards for: Women’s U21 player, Women’s Gerd Muller, Women’s Lev Yashin. The Women’s award was presented by Novak Djokovic, a player who made it all about him rather than Aitana Bonmati. Utter disgrace.”
    And another supporter fumed: “We are living in the year of women’s football and we’re holding the Ballon d’Or in their international window and having Novak Djokovic present the award. The disrespect.”
    Lionel Messi received Ballon d’Or No8 from David BeckhamCredit: AP
    Djokovic is in Paris for the Masters 1000 tennis eventCredit: Reuters More

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    ‘People get frustrated when I’m injured. To hear that reaction when I came on was special’, says England ace Kirby

    FRAN KIRBY says England fans’ reaction to her international return from a knee injury is a “special” moment she will not forget.The forward played for the Lionesses on Friday for the first time since last October and her recovery from a “frustrating” knee problem. 
    Fran Kirby’s England comeback coincided with a 1-0 win for Sarina Wiegman’s side against Belgium in the Women’s Nations LeagueCredit: Getty
    Ian Wright is among the pundits who have been eager to see Kirby back in action in an England shirtCredit: PA
    Kirby’s return was was warmly welcomed by her former England and Chelsea team-mate Karen CarneyCredit: Reuters
    Her entry in the 65th minute of England’s 1-0 defeat of Belgium was greeted enthusiastically by a crowd of more than 28,000 at the King Power.
    Many of whom roared whenever the Chelsea ace was within shooting distance during a lively Women’s Nations League encounter. 
    Kirby’s comeback was also hailed by Lioness pal Lucy Bronze, who describes the playmaker as “one of the best players in the world on her day.”
    The forward, whose side play Belgium again on Tuesday said: “The support I’ve had over the last year has been incredible from both sets of fans, national team and from Chelsea. 
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    “I can’t fault anyone for their support for me. 
    “That’s been really pivotal for me coming back because I know people get frustrated when I’m injured and not able to be out there.
    “It’s frustrating for me, so to hear that reaction when I come on is really special and something I won’t forget. 
    “I’ve been working really hard and wanting to get back out there on the pitch as much as possible.”
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    Kirby’s battle back to fitness follows the forward suffering a knee injury in February during the Blues’ 7-0 Conti Cup semis drubbing of West Ham. 
    It led to the 66-capped England star being sidelined for the rest of last season and missing this summer’s World Cup in Australia with the Lionesses beaten by Spain in the final in August. 
    And her return to the international stage followed her long-awaited Chelsea comeback in September.
    The playmaker made a second-half substitute apearance during the Blues dramatic 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
    Kirby added: “At the beginning of my injury it was quite tough because you don’t really know when the end of the injury will be. 
    “I accepted quite early on that I wasn’t going to be part of the World Cup squad, so, not that it made it any easier. 
    “But I was able to support the girls and kind of feel the same emotions that they were going through.
    “Being able to be back with them now just means that all the hard work paid off during the summer.”
    Kirby’s return has coincided with young England starlets Khiara Keating and Grace Clinton getting their first senior call-ups. 
    Man City keeper Keating has shone in goal for her club keeping four clean sheets in five league games whilst Man United midfielder Clinton has impressed on loan for Tottenham. 
    Kirby said: “I feel like I haven’t been away and obviously I know a lot of the girls from playing against them
    “Everyone that’s come in has brought a new fresh face and a new standard.
    “It’s been nice to be in training and get to know them a bit more personally. 
    “I don’t think I need to mould in at all, I’m probably one of the oldest players here now so I think I know what I’m doing.”
    Kirby’s comeback has coincided with England returning to winning ways in the Women’s Nations League after a surprise September loss to Holland. 
    And the team hope to rack up their goal tally against Belgium in the reverse fixture after netting once following seven shots on target. 
    Kirby said: “The most important thing is getting the three points in these types of games, it’s what we set out to do. 
    “Things have been quite similar at club (with Chelsea too).
    Kirby, skipper Millie Bright and their team-mates will face the Belgium away on Tuesday in the reverse Women’s Nations League fixtureCredit: Getty
    “We’ve been creating a lot of chances but not putting the ball in the back of the net
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    “Yes, we want to score more goals, we want to make it more entertaining for everyone coming to watch.
    “But first and foremost (it’s about the) three points.” More