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      Who is Olga Carmona and what was written on her shirt?

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      OLGA CARMONA delighted Spanish fans when she scored the opening goal of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final.The player, who is part of Jorge Vilda’s squad at the competition, put her and her fellow players in the lead ahead of rival team England.
      Olga Carmona of Spain scored the opening goal of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 finalCredit: EPA/DEAN LEWINS
      Who is Olga Carmona?
      Olga Carmona is a Spanish professional footballer.
      She was born June 12, 2000 in Seville, Spain.
      Carmona began her football career when she was just six years old, joining youth squad Sevilla Este.
      She later moved to Sevilla FC’s youth team, where she eventually worked her way up to the senior line-up.
      Read More on Women’s World Cup
      In her first professional season, the football player scored five goals in 25 matches.
      Carmona signed for Real Madrid’s newly formed women’s football team in the summer of 2020.
      When did Olga Carmona join the Spanish national team?
      Carmona made her debut for Spain’s women’s senior team in April 2021.
      She had previously played for the country’s under-19 squad, and was part of the team at the 2018 and 2019 European Championships.
      Most read in Football
      Carmona was named as a member of Spain’s team for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand.
      The team made it all the way to the final of the tournament, where they took on England.
      Carmona scored in the first 30 minutes of the match, the first goal of the game.
      What is Olga Carmona’s salary?
      Carmona is thought to have an annual salary of around £260,000.
      She has an estimated net worth of around £1million 
      What was written on Olga Carmona’s shirt at the 2023 World Cup Final?
      After scoring in the final of the Women’s World Cup, Carmona revealed a message reading “Merchi” on a shirt underneath her Spain strip.
      Reports have suggested that “Merchi” is in reference to Carmona’s old school, Mercedes College.
      The school has showed its support for the former student throughout the World Cup.
      After the semi-final, the school uploaded a shot of Carmona in action.
      Read More on The Sun
      The picture was captioned: “Go Olga! Our former student makes history with the Spanish women’s football team and scores the goal that gives us the pass to the final.
      “For all Olga, for all Spain!” More

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      Who is footballer Jennifer Hermoso?

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      JENNIFER HERMOSO is one of the most respected and revered strikers in women’s football.The athlete, who is famous for her time playing for Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, is part of Spain’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      Jennifer Hermoso is part of Spain’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World CupCredit: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
      Who is Jennifer Hermoso?
      Jennifer Hermoso is a Spanish professional footballer.
      She was born May 9, 1990 in Madrid, Spain.
      Hermoso is the granddaughter of former Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Antonio Hernández.
      She began her football career with Atlético Madrid’s youth squads and eventually joined the senior team.
      Read More on Women’s World Cup
      Hermoso left the club in 2010 and signed with Madrid-based club Rayo Vallecano.
      In 2013 she joined a club outside of Spain for the first time, signing for Swedish side Tyreso FF.
      Hermoso moved to Barcelona at the end of the 2013–14 season, where she stayed until she transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
      The star made a brief return to Atlético Madrid in 2018 and then made another return, this time to Barcelona, in 2019.
      Most read in Football
      In June 2022, it was confirmed that Hermoso had signed a deal with Liga MX Femenil club CF Pachuca.
      As of August 2023, Hermoso is thought to be the all-time top scorer for both Barcelona and Spain.
      She scored 181 goals in 224 appearances for Barcelona and has scored 42 goals for her country,
      When did Jennifer Hermoso join the Spanish national team?
      Hermoso made her debut for the Spanish national team in 2011, after spending time in the under-19 squad.
      She has since represented her country at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2013, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      In September 2022 fifteen of Spain’s players threatened to quit if manager Jorge Vilda was not fired.
      The stars wrote letters to Spain’s football federation, complaining about the coach’s conduct.
      Hermoso was not one of the players named as sending a letter but she did address the incident on social media.
      In a statement posted on Twitter, Hermoso wrote: “I want to publicly express my support for all my colleagues who a few days ago decided to communicate their position.
      “Not only do I understand your reasons, but I have also experienced many of the feelings and concerns you have communicated.”
      She added: “These last few days, without a doubt, have been some of the most difficult that I have lived as a professional footballer and as a member of the Spanish national team.”
      What is Jennifer Hermoso’s salary?
      Hermoso is one of the highest-paid women’s footballers in the world, with a reported salary of around £390,000 per year.
      The star’s net worth is thought to be around £4million.
      Read More on The Sun
      As well her player’s salary, Hermoso earns money through a variety of sponsorships and brand deals.
      She has worked with brands like Coca-Cola in the past. More

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      England fans calls to rename street by Wembley Stadium if Lionesses win historic World Cup final

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      ENGLAND fans have called for a street by Wembley stadium to be renamed if the Lionesses win the historic World Cup final.Final fever exploded today as the mighty women take on Spain in Australia.
      Fans are calling for a road near Wembley to be renamed if the Lionesses win the World CupCredit: Getty
      The match has kicked off in AustraliaCredit: Reuters
      Fans gathered around the country today ahead of the finalCredit: Getty
      The tense and exciting match comes after England beat hosts Australia 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final thanks to goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
      And if the Lionesses bag the win and bring it home for England, the country want a road near Wembley to be renamed in their honour.
      It’s new name will be “Lionesses Lane”.
      Twickenham MP Munira Wilson said the tribute would be “small but powerful” for the “most successful English football team”.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Backing calls, she said: “Every visitor to Wembley Stadium should be reminded of the most successful English football team for a generation.
      “Lionesses Lane would be a small but powerful tribute to stand the test of time, and cement their legacy at the home of English football.
      “The local council should seize the moment and make this happen.
      “This team has already inspired young women and girls to take up the sport.
      Most read in Football
      “I hope this year’s Women’s Super League is bigger than ever with more games held at the capital’s main football grounds.
      “We must make the most of this fantastic momentum.”
      Jubilant England fans turned out in force to cheer on the Lionesses ahead of their clash against Spain this morning.
      Thousands of supporters – some holding ‘It’s coming home’ banners – took to the streets around the UK and Australia desperate for England’s first World Cup glory since 1966.
      Young fans in red and white kits waved their England flags as they beamed with pride, covered in face-paint, while other supporters started boozing early.
      Some keen fans were seen fully kitted-out in lion suits in a bid to try and roar the team to victory.
      The Lionesses are unchanged from their semi-final win against Australia with Lauren James returning from suspension to make the bench.
      Pubs up and down the the UK were also packed as supporters cheered the Lionesses on and the lively atmosphere continues to soar today.
      Hundreds of Brits gathering at the Boxpark fan zone in Croydon were spotted slapping on face-paint and dressed head to toe in England flags.
      And members of the 1972 Lionesses team were also pictured at Boxpark Wembley to roar on the women aiming to make history.
      An audience of up to 15 million back home is expected to watch on the BBC or ITV — with bookies slashing odds that it will be the year’s most viewed sporting event.
      Fans will be raising a glass to Sarina Wiegman’s inspiring team, wishing them all the luck as they stand on the cusp of history.
      The Dutch manager has led England Women to today’s World Cup Final a year after seeing her team claim victory at Euro 2022.
      She is also the only manager – male or female – to lead two different teams to a World Cup final, having finished as a runner-up with the Netherlands to the USA in 2019.
      Now, the countdown is officially on, as Stadium Australia is ready for the 11.am kick-off – and the full 23-woman squad are geared up to play the game of their lives.
      There were fears England’s player of the tournament so far, Lauren James, would miss the legendary game after being handed a two game suspension.
      She was sent off deep into the second half of the Lionesses’ clash with Nigeria after she got into a scuffle with Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, electing to stamp on her while she got off the deck herself.
      James was handed an extended two game ban, missing the quarter-finals and the semi-finals.
      But this means she is now free to play today in the highly-anticipated final against Spain.
      ‘GAME OF OUR LIVES’
      And, Captain Millie Bright, 29, has vowed to fans that England will bring everything they’ve got to lift the World Cup trophy.
      The determined centre-back said: “We know how passionate our nation is back home and how much they want us to win.
      “But for us, there is a process. We have a game plan to execute. We need to play the game of our lives.”
      And, she thanked the record number of fans at home preparing to tune in to watch Sarina Wiegman warriors go toe-to-toe with Spain.
      “Everyone is fit, everyone is available and we’re in a very good place, so we can’t wait,” said Wiegman ahead of the nail-biting final.
      She said previously: “We achieved the final.
      “It’s unbelievable, it feels like we won [the tournament] which we didn’t, we just won this game – in an incredible stadium, an away game, the way we played – it was a hard game, but we found a way to win again.
      “I just said to [assistant manager] Arjan, having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special.
      “I never take anything for granted, but it’s like I’m living in a fairytale or something.”
      ‘SO PROUD’
      The nation is gripped with World Cup fever and everyone is pulling together to cheer on the team and see them claim glory.
      King Charles and Prince William — together with Princess Charlotte — sent the squad best wishes, Stephanie Moore hailed the “once in a lifetime” opportunity.
      The King last night gave the team his support in a social media message. It was timed at 10pm so the Lionesses saw it as they woke up in Sydney.
      In it, Charles said: “Good luck today and may you roar to victory.”
      Everyone is fit, everyone is available and we’re in a very good place, so we can’t wait.”Sarina Wiegman
      He signed off the message — alongside an image of a lioness — with his royal cypher, Charles R.
      Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 76, are set to watch the game at home on the Balmoral estate.
      The Prince of Wales and Princess Charlotte said yesterday: “Lionesses we want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
      “We’re sorry we can’t be there in person but we’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world.
      “So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
      “Good luck Lionesses,” added Princess Charlotte, holding a football in her show of support for the inspiring team.
      Meanwhile, England men’s boss Gareth Southgate, captain Harry Kane and ex-skipper David Beckham also sent good luck messages.
      And PM Rishi Sunak — set to watch in a pub in his constituency in Richmond, North Yorks — wrote to Dutch coach Sarina and the team praising their “lasting legacy”.
      It comes amid a growing clamour for the team and manager to be honoured. 
      Tory MP for Mid-Derbyshire Pauline Latham said: “They should all be honoured — win or lose. They absolutely deserve it.”
      Good luck today and may you roar to victory”King Charles
      Fellow Tory MP Kevin Foster added: “The Lionesses have inspired the whole nation and done us all proud. Well-earned gongs should be swiftly awarded.”
      Now, Cabinet Office sources say the whole team and manager are likely to be honoured — if they win.
      And Tory MP Caroline Nokes, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee in Parliament, said: “Win or Lose we should designate the late August bank holiday ‘Lioness Day’.”
      England have already beaten Spain once, and we expect them to do the same again.
      SunSport’s prediction sees the Lionesses roar to victory with a 2-1 win as they go head to head with Jorge Vilda Rodríguez’s team.
      Read More on The Sun
      England’s Lauren James, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo are all in contention to win the Golden Boot.
      Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí, Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo are also in the running. More

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      Why is Prince William not attending the Women’s World Cup final?

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      THE country is ready to rally behind the England women’s football team as they take on Spain in the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses are set to compete for the FIFA trophy at 11am UK time, with the match taking place at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, but Prince William has confirmed he will not be attending.
      Prince William, Prince of Wales and President of the FA will not be attending the 2023 Women’s World Cup finalCredit: Marc Atkins/Getty Images
      Why isn’t Prince William attending the Women’s World Cup final?
      According to reports, the location of the Women’s World Cup is behind Prince William’s decision not to attend the tournament.
      Kensington Palace confirmed the Prince of Wales, who is president of the FA, will be supporting the Lionesses from home instead of in Australia.
      He is believed to have decided not to embark on the 9,400-mile flight in a bid to keep down his carbon footprint
      Daily Express Royal Correspondent Richard Palmer has also said that the Royal Family felt “it’s a long way to go for a couple of hours”.
      Read More on Women’s World Cup
      To travel from London to Sydney it typically takes around 23 hours.
      Is a member of the Royal Family attending the Women’s World Cup final?
      No members of the UK’s Royal Family are expected to attend the World Cup final.
      Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also missing the match.
      The UK’s rival team will have a member of royalty supporting them in the stands.
      Most read in Football
      The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed ahead of the game that Queen Letizia, and her daughter Infanta Sofia, will be at the final.
      Their statement added that King Felipe is busy with other official duties meaning he is unfortunately unable to join them.
      What has Prince William said about England’s Lionesses?
      Prince William has voiced his support for the England women’s team and apologised for not being able to support them in person.
      Ahead of the final, he posted a video message on social media that also featured his daughter Princess Charlotte.
      In the clip, he said: “Lionesses, I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
      “We’re sorry we can’t be there in person, but we are so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you have inspired here and around the world.”
      He added: “So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.
      The night before the World Cup final, Prince William’s father King Charles also sent a message of support to the Lionesses.
      He said: “Good luck, Lionesses, and may you roar to victory.” More

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      I endured the worst sexism when I started out in football, I’m so proud of our Lionesses and how far we’ve come

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      WIN or lose in today’s World Cup final, we should all  say thank you to our heroic Lionesses for giving us reason to be so hopeful, happy and proud this summer.What a massive achievement to go all the way and put England’s women’s football on the global map in the process.
      Whatever happens in the World Cup final, Sarina Wiegman and the England Lionesses are heroesCredit: Getty
      A peak audience of 7.3million tuned in to see England beat Australia on Wednesday, the BBC revealed, even though the time difference meant an 11am kick-off.
      And their thrilling performance was worth the watch.
      The Lionesses are an exceptionally talented bunch and they play brilliantly to each other’s strengths.
      But it’s not just about skills and teamwork. Female footballers who have come as far as these girls must be particularly determined and tenacious.
      READ MORE KARREN BRADY
      And in the excellent Sarina Wiegman they have a coach worthy of their talents.
      Despite playing for the Dutch national champions and representing her country, for most of her own football career she had to work as a PE teacher to supplement her income.
      No seamless lucrative hop from multimillion-pound player’s contract to multimillion- pound manager’s deal for Sarina.
      She had to graft to make her way as a manager. But along the way, she became a gifted and in- spirational leader.
      Most read in Football
      Within three years of gaining her full coaching licence, she led the Dutch women’s team to victory at the 2017 Euros and the final of the 2019 World Cup. Sound familiar?
      Last year, she took the Lionesses to victory at the European Women’s Championship and now our women’s team is in its first World Cup final.
      No wonder the FA are considering her as a potential successor to Gareth Southgate for the men’s national team.But for all her success, she is in a minority.
      Spain, who England will play today, have a male manager, as do many other women’s teams.
      Just 12 out of the 32 squads in this year’s World Cup are headed by female coaches, despite clear evidence that women leading women in sport adds up to success.
      And you have to ask — why are there so many blokes in charge, given that no women manage men’s teams?
      I was the first woman to hold a top-flight role in English football at Birmingham City, after joining the club as managing director aged 23.
      When I started out, I was subjected to the most overt sexist chauvinism.
      A chairman of a fellow football club claimed that I would do a “Sharon Stone” in a football tribunal to get out of a Football Association fine.
      I was banned from boardrooms — which had a “no women allowed” policy — and was once chanted at by 30,000 football fans with words too rude to print in a family newspaper.
      It was a slog and, at times, depressing. I always say that the boardroom door was the first door I kicked down, and I have held that door open as long and as wide as possible to get as many other women as possible through it over the past 30 years.
      So, whatever happens today, I’m proud of how far we have come.
      Women’s football in England has come a long way and a World Cup win would take it to the next levelCredit: PA
      A nation is gripped. And proud. And excited. We are in the finals and bossing it!
      As a result, people are taking women’s football more seriously than they ever have. For which I give a giant hurrah.
      These women deserve to be celebrated, and I back The Sun on Sunday’s calls to give out gongs to the Lionesses.
      But there is still some major catching up to do when it comes to parity with men’s football.
      First, there’s the economics of it. Forget making a profit, or even breaking even.
      Every Women’s Super League club loses money.
      The interest in the game is there on a national level, which is obviously wonderful.
      FIERCE AND FABULOUS
      But it does not yet filter down to domestic leagues.
      So, the truth is that the men’s teams are funding the women’s game.
      Domestic leagues can’t even think about equal pay at this stage as the broadcast, sponsorship and gate revenue of the WSL doesn’t add up to a hill of beans. But this is expected to change.
      The latest figures from 2022 show that the 12 WSL clubs boosted their revenue by 60 per cent in one year — and that’s before the inevitable World Cup effect.
      Nike have not made Mary Earps’ England goalkeeper replica jersey available to fansCredit: AP
      So it’s a shame that sponsors Nike have yet to notice this team is breaking the mould, and they need to address that.
      How ridiculous that fans can’t buy a replica of Mary Earps’ goalkeeper’s shirt because the sportswear giant doesn’t think it’s worth manufacturing one.
      Then there’s the massive disparity in prize money.
      This summer is the ninth Women’s World Cup and each member of the winning team will get £213,000 from a total tournament purse of £88.5million.
      Meanwhile, the men’s purse has grown to £345million.
      In my view, it’s time for FIFA to take the lead. The women’s World Cup earns almost £1billion.
      They rake in SO much money from all these ever-expanding tournaments and yet, from their accounts, which I have studied, it’s hard to work out what they do with it all.
      It would be great if they made it their business to redress the balance by paying female footballers more money from their gate and broadcasting revenue.
      This is something domestic leagues can’t do because their revenue just can’t support it.
      After all, if FIFA can afford to pay their President Gianni Infantino more than £3million a year, surely they can afford to equal the women and men’s prize money?
      Unfortunately, as fierce and fabulous as the Lionesses are, when it comes to women’s football there is still too much uncomfortable mirroring with the world of regular work, where men run the show, get paid more and are taken more seriously than women.
      But the success of Sarina and her team is a great reminder that if you want something done right, get a woman to do it.
      After all, football could be coming home today.
      Read More on The Sun
      If it does, it’s the women’s team who will be carrying it.
      Come on England!
      Attitudes towards women in football used to be archaic, says KarrenCredit: Caters News Agency More

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      Give Lionesses gongs for their heroics in Women’s World Cup, MPs demand as King Charles urges them to ‘roar to victory’

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      SUPER Sarina Wiegman and her roar-some Lionesses should get damehoods for their Women’s World Cup heroics, MPs demanded yesterday.The call came as Bobby Moore’s widow urged the England team to summon the spirit of 1966 and win the ­trophy just like the men did.
      England players celebrate the team’s victory against NigeriaCredit: Getty
      King Charles and Queen Camilla sent the England team a good luck messageCredit: Getty
      Prince William and Princess Charlotte also sent a personal message to the LionessesCredit: Instagram
      As King Charles and Prince William — together with Princess Charlotte — sent the squad best wishes, Stephanie Moore hailed the “once in a lifetime” opportunity in this morning’s final against Spain in Sydney.
      And England captain Millie Bright, 29, preparing for the biggest game of her life, said yesterday playing in the final was a dream come true for the players.
      Chelsea star Millie added: “Everyone knows how big this is.
      “As a group we’d like to say thank you, not only to the fans back home but the fans that are here as well. Stick with us one more game.”
      Read More on Lionesses

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      An audience of up to 15million back home is expected to watch on the BBC or ITV — with bookies slashing odds that it will be the year’s most viewed sporting event.
      Supporters will also cram into public fan zones across England.
      Ministers had urged councils to relax licensing laws so pubs can open for the 11am kick-off.
      England men’s boss Gareth Southgate, captain Harry Kane and ex-skipper David Beckham sent good luck messages.
      Most read in Football
      And PM Rishi Sunak — set to watch in a pub in his constituency in Richmond, North Yorks — wrote to Dutch coach Sarina and the team praising their “lasting legacy”.
      It came amid a growing clamour for the team and manager to be honoured. Tory MP for Mid-Derbyshire Pauline Latham said: “They should all be honoured — win or lose. They absolutely deserve it.”
      Fellow Tory MP Kevin Foster added: “The Lionesses have inspired the whole nation and done us all proud. Well-earned gongs should be swiftly awarded.”
      And Labour MP Chris Evans said: “Bobby Moore died without a gong because it took them so long to honour the 1966 side. Let’s not make the same mistake.
      “Win or lose, let’s recognise the incredible achievement of the Lionesses getting this far.”
      After manager Wiegman, 53, led England to their Euros triumph at Wembley last year, only selected players got gongs.
      Captain Leah Williamson, 26, who has missed the World Cup through injury, was made an OBE.
      Team-mates Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze and Ellen White were made MBEs.
      Yesterday, Cabinet Office sources said the whole team and manager were likely to be honoured — if they win.
      But another Tory MP Caroline Nokes, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee in Parliament, said: “Win or Lose we should designate the late August bank holiday ‘Lioness Day’.”
      Stephanie, 72, who set up the Bobby Moore fund after his death from bowel cancer, said: “What a wonderful journey the Lionesses have been on, with success at the Euros on home turf and now this once in a lifetime chance to lift the World Cup.”
      She added: “I think they have been a credit to themselves, to football and to the country.”
      The King last night gave the team his support in a social media message. It was timed at 10pm so the Lionesses saw it as they woke up in Sydney.
      In it, Charles said: “Good luck today and may you roar to victory.”
      He signed off the message — alongside an image of a lioness — with his royal cypher, Charles R.
      Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 76, were set to watch the game at home on the Balmoral estate.
      FA president William, 41, has faced flak for not attending the final — but is said to have opted not to travel to keep down his carbon footprint.
      Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has been scrambled to represent the Government there amid criticism over the absence of the PM and senior ministers.
      William sent a good luck message to the squad last night, with Princess Charlotte melting hearts as she joined her dad.
      Sitting on a bench together, he placed his arm around his daughter, eight, as he spoke.
      ‘Keep believing’
      The Prince of Wales said: “Lionesses, we want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow. We are sorry we can’t be there in person but we are so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you have inspired here and around the world. So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
      Charlotte, with a football on her lap, added on the social media video: “Good luck Lionesses.”
      One follower on X/Twitter said: “Lovely message of support, and wonderful to see Princess Charlotte.”
      Another added: “What an adorable video. Princess Charlotte is such a beautiful little girl.”
      Southgate’s message said: “You’re doing a brilliant job. I wish you the very best for the final and we hope you can bring that trophy back.”
      And ex-Tottenham striker Kane said: “Hi Lionesses — best of luck for the World Cup final. Amazing journey so far, you should be really proud of yourselves.
      “We’re all behind you, so go and get that World Cup win and bring that trophy home.”
      Ex-England and Man Utd superstar Beckham shared pictures online of the Lionesses as children.
      And he said: “These young footballers never stopped believing and grew up to become our incredible Lionesses. Good luck — whatever happens the whole country is so proud of everything you’ve achieved to get to this historic moment.
      “Keep believing, play with the amazing passion and team spirit you show every time you take to the pitch.”
      An army of 6,000 England fans will roar on the Lionesses in Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
      Some have flown out just for the match. Law boss Harriet Leach, 38, of London said: “I got off the plane on Friday. I came in especially.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s a 24-hour flight and it’s expensive — but what the girls are doing on the pitch is absolutely incredible.”
      Additional reporting: Ryan Sabey
      Rishi Sunak is set to watch the match in a pub in his constituency in Richmond, North YorksCredit: Getty
      The PM wrote to Dutch coach Sarina and the team praising their ‘lasting legacy’
      England captain Millie Bright said playing in the final was a ‘dream come true’ for the playersCredit: Getty
      Mel B sent the Lionesses this message: ‘Best of luck to you fabulous women !! I’m behind you all the way! GOAL POWER!’Credit: Getty
      Simon Cowell wrote: ‘Best of luck to the Lionesses in the World Cup Final. You have already made your country proud, now we are all dreaming you bring that Cup home’Credit: Getty
      Amanda Holden said: ‘You’re smashing it Girls! The whole country loves you and is so proud. Good luck and bring it home’Credit: AFP
      King Charles and Queen Camila sent the Lionesses this roarring messageCredit: Instagram’Keep believing’

      David Beckham said: “These young footballers never stopped believing and grew up to become our incredible Lionesses… and now they will play in a game that dreams are made of.
      “Good luck to the @lionesses ahead of the World Cup final – whatever happens the whole country is so proud of everything you’ve achieved to get to this historic moment.
      “Keep believing, play with the amazing passion and team spirit you show every time you take to the pitch. More

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      Who is footballer Alba Redondo?

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      ALBA REDONDO has enjoyed huge success at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and will now represent her country in the final.The Spanish football player will take on England as part of Jorge Vilda’s squad at the FIFA tournament.
      Alba Redondo is part of Spain’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squadCredit: Alex Grimm – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
      Who is Alba Redondo?
      Alba Redondo is a Spanish professional footballer.
      She was born on August 27, 1996 in Albacete, Spain.
      According to La Liga’s official website, the sports star is 169cm tall.
      Redondo is in a relationship with girlfriend Cristina Monleón.
      Read More on Women’s World Cup
      Monleón was seen kissing her partner in the stand at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      The pair also regularly share pictures of themselves together on social media.
      Redondo’s football career began in the youth system of her hometown club Fundación Albacete.

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      She then worked her way up to play for the senior team.
      Most read in Football
      In June 2019, after scoring 53 goals for Albacete, Redondo signed for Valencian club Levante.
      In 2023 it was reported that the club had renewed the striker’s contract until June 2024.
      Redondo has been linked to a number of other clubs, such as Real Madrid, but in an August 2023 interview she seemed to put the transfer rumours to rest.
      Speaking to The Athletic, Redondo said she feels “at home” at Levante, adding: “It’s been a magnificent season for me in every way”.
      The football star has a tattoo on her arm with the phrase: “Arriba los corazones,” which translates to “up with hearts”.
      The inking is a tribute to her late uncle, who died in 2003 while serving in the Spanish army. 
      Redondo can be seen kissing the tattoo every time she scores a goal.
      When did Alba Redondo join the Spanish national team?
      Redondo made her debut for Spain’s senior national team in November 2018.
      She joined the squad after being spotted by talent scouts.
      Redondo was chosen by Spain manager Vilda to be a part of his FIFA Women’s World Cup squad.
      The forward scored three goals in four matches at the competition, which was held in Australia and New Zealand.
      She scored twice against Zambia and once against Switzerland.
      What is Alba Redondo’s salary?
      Redondo’s salary has not been disclosed publicly but she is thought to be worth around £300,000.
      Read More on The Sun
      As well as her football salary, Redondo also earns money from her sponsorship deals.
      The star is an ambassador for Puma and can often be seen wearing the Puma Future Ultimate boots. More

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      Who is Barcelona and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas?

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      ALEXIA PUTELLAS is widely regarded as one of the best female footballers in the world.The sports star will represent Spain at the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup when her team take on Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses.
      Alexia Putellas of Spain will represent her country at the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World CupCredit: Maja Hitij – FIFA
      Who is Alexia Putellas?
      Alexia Putella is a Spanish and Catalan professional football player.
      She was born on February 4, 1994 in Mollet del Vallès, Barcelona.
      Putellas played basketball as a child but became interested in football when she started school and joined a club when she was seven years old.
      She played for Sabadell from 2001 until 2005, moving to Barcelona girls’ youth team for a year afterwards.
      Read More on Women’s World Cup
      From 2006 until 2011 she was a part of the Espanyol girls’ team before moving to Valencian club Levante.
      In 2012 she joined Barcelona’s senior team and has remained with the squad ever since.
      Sadly, Putella’s father Jaume Putellas Rota passed away shortly before she joined Barcelona.
      With the La Liga side Putellas has won seven league titles, seven Copas de la Reina, and two UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies.
      Most read in Football
      In 2021 the star won the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Award, the Ballon d’Or Féminin, and The Best FIFA Women’s Player, becoming the first player to win all three in the same year.
      She achieved this feat once again in 2022.
      Nike-sponsored Putellas has gained the nickname “La Reina”, meaning the Queen, from fans.
      She has been awarded the Creu de Sant Jordi, one of the highest civilian orders in Catalonia, making her one of only three footballers to receive the honour.
      Lionel Messi and Johan Cruyff are the other players to achieve this.
      When did Alexia Putellas join the Spanish national team?
      Putellas has played for the Spanish national team since she was a teen.
      She began playing for Spain’s youth national team at 15 and earned her first cap for the senior team in 2003, when she was 19 years old.
      Putellas has represented her country at the 2013 European Championship finals, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2017 UEFA Women’s Euros and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      In 2022 she became the first player to reach 100 caps with Spain’s national women’s team.
      Putellas was one of fifteen Spanish players who wrote letters to Spain’s football federation in September 2022, threatening to quit if manager Jorge Vilda was not fired.
      Despite the revolt against Vilda, she was called up by the coach for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
      What is Alexia Putellas’ salary?
      Putellas reportedly earns around £300,000 annually.
      She has an estimated net worth of almost £1.2million.
      Read More on The Sun
      Putellas has amassed this fortune through her career as a player and as her sponsorship and brand deals.
      As well as her deal with Nike, the player has been a brand ambassador for big names like Oakley, Spotify and Mango. More