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      How much do England women’s footballers get paid for playing at the World Cup?

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      ENGLAND’S Lionesses could earn nearly a quarter of a million pounds each if they win the Women’s World Cup.FIFA have boosted this year’s pool to £88.5million – more than three times the amount of the £24m prize fund at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
      The Euro 2022 winners are competing at the Women’s World Cup next week.Credit: Getty
      Sarina Wiegman’s squad are aiming to go big and win this year’s World Cup.
      FIFA will not pay the prize money directly to individual associations such as the English FA as they did before.
      Now each squad member will receive a specific amount depending on what stage they reach during the tournament.
      However, the prize money is still a lot less than the men who take home £313m.
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      Individual fees have been introduced by FIFA for this year’s World CupCredit: Getty
      How much money do footballers get at the Women’s World Cup?
      Each player will receive £10,000 to aid their families to attend the games in Australia and New Zealand.
      England are certain to earn £24,000 for reaching the group stages.
      The prize money then increases to £47,000 for the round of 16, then to £70,000 for the last eight.
      Meanwhile, the big aim for England this year is the £213,000 for the winners of the World Cup.
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      Women’s World Cup 2023 prize money (in U.S. dollars)

      Group stage: $30,000
      Round of 16: $60,000
      Quarterfinal: $90,000
      Fourth place: $165,000
      Third place: $180,000
      Second place: $195,000
      Winners: $270,000

      When is the Women’s World Cup 2023?

      The Women’s World Cup 2023 will take place in the summer of 2023.
      It will begin THIS WEEK – on July 20, 2023, and finish a month later on August 20.
      The World Cup will take place in Australia and New Zealand and there has been a team expansion from 24 to 32.
      The games will be spread across nine different cities.
      Stadium Australia in Sydney will host the final. More

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      Ella Toone opens up on ‘finding herself’ and shares childhood dream of scoring for England in the World Cup

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      ELLA TOONE is loving life in Australia having “found herself” Down Under ahead of England revving up for the World Cup.The forward, 23, whose stunning chip helped the Lionesses triumph at last year’s Euros, sees herself as a player who goes at a “hundred miles an hour”.
      Ella Toone says she feels like a changed woman ahead of the start of England’s campaign to win the World CupCredit: Getty
      The Lioness forward could be set to play in a World Cup tournament for the first time in her careerCredit: Getty
      Toone says she learnt about herself during England’s Euros-winning run last summerCredit: Getty
      But since arriving at England’s camp Toone, who has 32 senior caps, has enjoyed finding ways to balance intense training with switching off mentally from football.
      The Manchester United and Lioness ace said: “I’ve really found myself here. I never normally wake up early as I’m a proper sleeper.
      “But I woke up early the other day – six o’clock – I went and saw the sunrise.
      “I absolutely love walking along the beach and the other day I went into the sea.
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      “Luckily the girls got me some goggles as I can’t go in with my eyelashes (on). 
      “I was under the waves every day and I thought ‘wow this is me’. 
      “Going in the sea has definitely really made me a changed woman.”
      Like her team-mates Toone has been finding ways to make the most of her downtime away from preparation for England’s Group D opener against Haiti in five days’ time.
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      The Wigan-born Lioness, who has netted 16 goals since her senior international debut in September 2020, enjoys reading autobiographies in her spare time.  
      She adds: “I don’t actually read novels, just autobiographies. I’m reading Jamie Vardy’s autobiography at the minute. 
      “I always say it (that I’m going to) but now I’ve actually started (to take up) reading more often so that’s nice.”
      Last summer saw Toone play in a major tournament for the first time in a senior career which began with a two-year spell at Blackburn Rovers in 2015 before moves to Man City and Man United.
      The WSL star was among nine aces taking part in their first major international contest for the Lionesses.
      Her goal-scoring display at last year’s Euros final at Wembley saw her evolve from a promising England talent to a tournament-winning performer.
      Toone opened the scoring against finalists Germany in front of a record crowd a Wembley with a lofted second-half strike.
      And the forward is eager to help England’s new major contest debutants with six included in head coach Wiegman’s squad.
      Toone adds: “Going into this tournament off the back of my first major tournament with England, I’ve just got more experience now.
      “I learned so much about myself at the Euros.
      “I’ve come into this having a bit more experience and just trying to offer others that experience.
      “I think I’ve come into this tournament the same as (I did) at the Euros.
      “That’s giving my best, enjoying every moment and making sure that I work hard in training.
      “I want to give everything I can every time I put the shirt on for England.”
      England’s clash with Haiti could see Toone make her World Cup debut for her national side.
      The match at Brisbane Stadium will kick off at 10:30 am UK time this Saturday (July 22).
      And Sarina Wiegman’s team have been a bit goal shy of late having gone scoreless in the last three games. 
      Having Toone is confident the team will find their shooting boots and hopes to achieve her dream of scoring in the tournament.
      She adds: “We’re very confident and we know we’ve got a lot of goal scorers in the group so we’re definitely creating those chances. 
      “It’s now about making sure we put them in the back of the net.
      Toone and her team-mates hope to pick up their first win since beating Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima in MarchCredit: Getty
      “I manifest a lot of things before I play games. Half of them never happen but I’m having fun in my brain. 
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’ve dreamt about scoring a goal in the World Cup since I was a little girl and I’ve dreamt about scoring at this one.  
      “As for the celebrations (side of things) I have absolutely no idea (what I’ll do).” More

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      Lucy Bronze reflects on World Cup ‘heartbreak’ and driving standards with England after Barcelona success

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      LUCY BRONZE believes her Barcelona move has boosted her England form following her Champions League triumph with the club. And the full-back admits she is still “heartbroken” by the Lionesses’ World Cup semis loss four years ago.  
      Lucy Bronze is hungry for more silverware success following Euros and Champions League wins in the past yearCredit: Getty
      The England full-back helped Barcelona win their second Champions League trophy when they beat Wolfsburg 3-2 in JuneCredit: Getty
      Bronze and her England team-mates are continuing their preparations ahead of their first group stage match in this year’s World CupCredit: Getty
      Bronze and her team-mates will take to the field against Haiti on July 20 in their Group D opener at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      The Euros champs were put through their paces in training on Saturday in Queensland, following a 0-0 warm-up draw with Canada on Friday.
      Their upcoming clash with the tournament debutants in Brisbane, comes seven weeks after Bronze celebrated her fourth Champions League trophy win.
      The Lioness, 31, who joined Barcelona last term along with team-mate Keira Walsh, said: “I think the pair of us drive a different kind of standard now at England training.
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      “We’ve been able to add that when we’ve come back into camps.
      “It’s not the style of play necessarily.
      “It’s the expectation and the quality you expect from a team that wins trophies like Champions Leagues and playing with the best players in the world.
      “It gives myself and Keira massive confidence.
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      “It was her first Champions League win and while it was my fourth, it’s something that gives you a lot of confidence going into the World Cup.”
      Bronze, who moved Barca last June after a two-year spell at Manchester City, is playing in a World Cup for the third time in her career.
      The full-back was part of a Phil Neville-managed England side that lost 2-1 to the United States in the contest’s semis in France in 2019.
      Bronze used the word “heartbroken” to describe the feeling that result evokes.
      Of her past England experiences in the tournament, she said: “Every World Cup that I’ve played in we’ve been so close.
      “The difference between us and the US on the day that we played them was a VAR decision, a penalty save.
      “That’s two things in one game, it was crazy, crazy close.”
      A finish in the top two spots in Group D would see England enter the World Cup’s knockout phase for the first time under head coach Sarina Wiegman.
      The team have been hit by injuries to three of their biggest stars from last year’s Euros.
      Skipper and centre-back Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Euros Golden Boot winner Beth Mead are all battling their way back from knee issues.
      On the need to step up in their absence, Bronze added: “I’ve played that role in the majority of the tournaments I’ve played in.
      “The team and the manager expect that from me because I’ve always had to bring high level performances.
      “Although Leah is a huge part of the team, in the run-up to the Euros last year she didn’t play in the back four.
      Sarina Wiegman hopes to lead the Lionesses to their second major trophy win and first Women’s World Cup triumphCredit: PA
      “We played with Alex (Greenwood) and Millie (Bright) as our centre half partnership the whole year under Sarina and we didn’t lose a game then.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Anybody that has watched Alex and Millie play in the WSL knows that they’re two of the best centre halves in the world.
      “Leah is a huge miss but I wouldn’t say it’s a reshuffle, we’re just going back to a different team which has already played together.” More

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      Vera Pauw says Republic of Ireland players ‘feared for their bodies’ in Women’s World Cup practice game with Colombia

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      VERA PAUW insists her Republic of Ireland aces feared they would be crocked during their World Cup warm-up game against Colombia.The Friday night duel in Brisbane, Australia was halted after 20 minutes after Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital with a shin injury.  
      Vera Pauw’s Republic of Ireland side put an early end to their World Cup practice duel with Colombia due overly physical playCredit: Sportsfile
      Pauw’s side next game will see them take on Australia in their Group B opening clash on Thursday 20 JulyCredit: Sportsfile
      Earlier today the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) revealed the midfielder was left with some bruising during the behind-closed-doors fixture.
      However O’Sullivan had suffered no fracture following an X-Ray and CT scan
      The North Carolina Courage ace is set to work with medical staff in an effort to swiftly return to action ahead of her team’s World Cup tournament debut.
      Of the game deemed as “overly physical” by referees, Pauw, 60, told the Off the Ball podcast: “After a few minutes it just started up in a way that it had almost no turnaround.  
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      “There was first a huge challenge on Ruesha [Littlejohn] with a lot of emotions around that of course because that was already a challenge out of the laws of the game.
      “We do not fear any physical contact. We are ourselves a team, that within the rules of the game, we are a very tough-playing team.
      “We always challenge within the rules of the game. This (the challenge on Denise) was out of the rules of the game.
      “Within two minutes there was a challenge on Denise.
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      “It was a build-up of ‘this is going wrong, this is going really wrong’.
      “She [O’Sullivan] was in awful pain of course, potentially a very serious injury, she was on the ground.
      “I stayed calm. I went calmly to the bench of the opponent and I asked the coach ‘I need your help.
      “We all want to go to the World Cup, how do we calm this down?’
      “He only said one sentence: “it’s both sides”, but we did not make any fouls. He went back [to the bench] and did not take any responsibility.
      “Then their team manager came and I said: ‘We all want to go to the World Cup, can you help me to calm things down?’
      “She said ‘it’s not intentional’. I got no help from them.
      “The bench of Colombia was very calm, they did not instigate things, I want to highlight that.
      ‘It was developing on the pitch, the players of course were upset.
      “So I decided to, for the first time in my life, go to the medical team and to Denise and they confirmed it was potentially a very serious injury.
      “The players, [for] the first time since I am coaching them, they feared for their bodies.
      ‘I took them away, calmed everybody down.
      “Fortunately my technical director had just arrived. We discussed it.
      “He took charge of it with the FAI, the CEO, and his decision was in-line with what I felt and what the players felt.”
      The Republic of Ireland will face Canada and Jamaica as well as tournament co-hosts Australia in the World Cup groups stagesCredit: Sportsfile
      Pauw’s side will face contest co-hosts Australia in a highly-anticipated Group B clash on the World Cup’s opening day on July 20.
      Read More on The Sun
      The game, which kicks off at 10:00am UK time is one of two openers for the tournament.
      Co-hosts New Zealand facing Norway two hours earlier on Thursday. More

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      Who is Chelsea and England striker Fran Kirby?

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      FRAN KIRBY is a successful footballer who plays for Chelsea FC and represents England internationally. Fran is known for her technical ability and form which has been instrumental in Chelsea’s success.
      The Chelsea and England striker is one of the most experienced players on the teamCredit: Getty
      Who is Chelsea and England striker Fran Kirby?
      Fran Kirby was born on June 29, 1993, in Reading, England.
      Her parents Denise and Steve had two children, Fran and her brother Jamie.
      Fran started playing football at a young age with her brother, at school, in the street or in the front garden.
      Fran’s mother suddenly died when the footballer was young, but she always believed that Fran would become a successful sportswoman.
      Read more on Fran Kirby
      Fran attended Caversham Park Primary School and Chiltern Edge, Sonning Common where she played against the boys.
      A plaque honouring Fran was put up at the Caversham Trents Club as part of the “Where Greatness Is Made” campaign.
      In February 2020 it was revealed that she had recovered from pericarditis which could have ended her career.
      Despite her health battles, she came back to playing professional football.
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      In April 2020, Fran was named in Diva magazine’s “Visible Lesbian 100” list during Lesbian Visibility Week.
      In 2023 it was confirmed that Fran would not be playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 due to requiring surgery for a knee problem.
      When did Fran Kirby join Chelsea and what other clubs has she played for?
      Fran joined Chelsea FC in 2015 and has become their all-time leading scorer.
      During the 2021/22 season, Fran scored her 100th Chealsea goal against Birmingham City.
      Before Chelsea, she used to play for her hometown club Reading.
      She made her Reading first team debut at the tender age of 16.
      She had a massively successful campaign with Reading, finishing as the division’s top scorer with 29 goals.
      When did Fran Kirby make her debut for England?
      Fran made her England debut in 2013 for the under-23 team where she made four appearances and scored one goal.
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      Her debut for the senior team was in 2014 and she remains on the England squad.
      Fran also represents Team GB internationally, appearing for Team GB in the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021. More

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      ‘I hope more women start to coach’, says Lionesses chief Sarina Wiegman as she reflects on her managerial journey

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      SARINA WIEGMAN never dreamed the Women’s World Cup would become a showpiece event after playing in an experimental version. The experience set the England boss, 53, on a journey that now sees her aiming to lead the Lionesses to glory in this summer’s contest.
      Sarina Wiegman’s England will be begin their campaign to win the World Cup when they take on Haiti in Brisbane, Australia on July 22Credit: Getty
      The two-time Euros-winning boss has been reflecting on her journey in the game including playing in a Women’s World Cup test tournament in China in her teensCredit: Getty
      In 1988, an 18-year-old Wiegman was part of a Dutch women’s side that battled in a 12-team test event in China during a heatwave.
      That competition was a far cry from the 32-team spectacle kicking off in Australia and New Zealand on July 20.
      Back then some national players having to cover the cost of their flights and equipment.
      Wiegman, whose Lionesses will play Haiti in their group stage opener next Saturday, said: “That experience taught me ‘this is what I want’.  

      “As the Netherlands we weren’t great (at the time), but when we got into the tournament we actually did really well.
      “I think at that point we could have beaten Brazil, and I thought ‘this is what I want to do’, but there weren’t very many opportunities then.
      “I just really loved that tournament, I will never forget it.”
      Born in the Hague,  Wiegman, who is a mother-of-two, recalls growing up in an era where there was “nothing for women in football”.
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      Despite this challenge her parents supported her enthusiasm for the game.
      Fourteen years before Wiegman’s birth Dutch Ladies Soccer sides were banned from playing on fields belonging to men’s clubs linked with the Netherlands FA.   
      She adds: “When I was six years old or five years old, girls were not allowed to play football, but I just liked it.
      “My parents never made any (fuss), they just said ‘if you want to play football, you’re going to play’.
      “I knew in elementary school that I wanted to be a PE teacher. I just wanted to be involved in sports.
      “I didn’t even know I could be a coach because there was nothing for women in football.
      “I couldn’t see it so I didn’t think it was an opportunity.”
      It was at Fifa’s invitational contest in 1988 where Wiegman met Anson Dorrance, the trailblazing coach of North Carolina Tar Heels.
      The US college side are famous for nurturing elite players including England trio Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Lotte Wubben-Moy.
      Wiegman, who led the Netherlands to the Women’s World Cup final four years ago, wants to see more women coaching at football’s highest levelsCredit: Getty
      Wiegman spent 1989 playing for Tar Heels under Dorrance who went on to guide the USA to their first Women’s World Cup win in 1991.
      She said: “In the Netherlands (at the time), we (female players) were not accepted.
      “I’d heard in the US that it was a sport that was accepted, and that the level was high.
      “I thought (to myself) ‘that’s where I want to be’.
      Following a 16-year playing career including two top-tier titles wins with Dutch side Ter Leede, Wiegman entered management in 2006.
      From doing my job I hope more women come into football. I want more females to start to coach.Sarina Wiegman
      She made history guiding the Netherlands to Euros glory in 2017 before doing the same with England last summer.
      A Women’s World Cup win has so far eluded Wiegman.
      She and the Netherlands endured heartbreak in four years ago when they were beaten in the final in France by the USA.
      That result has made her even more determined to win this year’s contest with her Lionesses.
      She adds: “I always want to win, we want to be the best.
      “We have so many talented players in the team and my job is to get clarity on how we play together.”
      Wiegman’s World Cup quest comes in the month Hannah Dingley made history by becoming the first female manager of an English Football League club.
      And she hopes to see more women becoming coaches.
      The England gaffer adds: “From doing my job I hope more women come into football.
      “I hope more females start to coach or take the next step and go to the highest level.
      “If I can push (this) a little more doing extra things, then I will.”
      The next few weeks will see the Lionesses face their biggest challenge to date under their boss just a year on from lifting a Euros trophy at Wembley.
      While the Lionesses’ success on the field made Wiegman proud, she takes even more pride in her players campaign.
      Wiegman says the social consciousness of England’s players makes her proudCredit: PA
      In particular England lobbying politicians to introduce equal access to football for girls in schools.
      The head coach said: “I’m incredibly proud of their social consciousness. 
      “They really want to have a positive impact on society and a positive change.
      “Now what we try to do is keep performing, keep being visible and keep using our voices to also sustain and make positive changes.”
      While there has been much change in the Women’s World Cup since the Fifa test tournament three decades ago, Wiegman acknowledges there is still much to do. 
      Squad pay, poor training facilities and lack of financial support for teams were among the concerns flagged by scores of players competing in this summer’s contest. 
      The Lionesses drew 0-0 with Canada in a practice game eight days before their World Cup Group D opening match against Haiti on July 22Credit: PA
      They includes WSL stars competing for sides such as Jamaica and Canada. 
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      Of the World Cup’s evolution she added: “Twenty years ago I would not have expected to be in this situation or women’s football would be where  it is now.
      “I’m grateful things have changed, but there’s still a long way to go.” More

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      Why are England Women called the Lionesses?

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      ENGLAND’S Women’s football team have become renowned to the name Lionesses, but where does it come from?Here we look at a very simple and short story…
      England’s Women’s football team nicknamed the LionessesCredit: Getty
      Why is England Women’s football team called the Lionesses?
      The name, Lionesses, helped to differentiate the men’s team from the women’s back in 2012.
      #Lionesses was used when the women’s team played in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2013 qualifier, while the men’s team played in the UEFA 2012 Euro.
      The hashtag allowed people to follow the women’s team more easily without getting caught up with men’s #ThreeLions branding at the time. 
      In 2015 ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup the FA adopted the name as an official brand identity.
      READ MORE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
      When is the Women’s World Cup 2023?
      The Women’s World Cup gets underway next Thursday, July 20 in Australia and New Zealand.

      New Zealand will be playing the opening match against Norway, while Australia play against Ireland.
      England will begin their campaign against Haiti, Saturday, July 22 at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia
      The game is scheduled to start at 10:30 am BST- 7:30 pm local time.
      The Lionesses are one of the favourites for the tournament, aiming to beat 4-time world cup champions USA.

      USA won the last world cup back in 2019 and are 4-time Women’s World Cup Champions.Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Where can I watch the Women’s World Cup 2023?

      England vs Haiti will be broadcast LIVE on ITV1 in the UK.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the match live through the ITVX website or app.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the entire game including build-up and the post-match reaction.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes!
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      As long as you hold a TV license in the UK, England vs Haiti will be available to watch for FREE.
      Team News
      Sarina Wiegman’s 23-squad that will be playing has a strong selection of players.

      Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Man Utd), Ellie Roebuck (Man City), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa).
      Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Esme Morgan (Man City), Alex Greenwood (Man City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).
      Midfielders: Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Man Utd), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Laura Coombs (Man City), Katie Zelem (Man Utd).
      Forwards: Alessia Russo (Man Utd), Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Man City), Chloe Kelly (Man City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Katie Robinson (Brighton), Bethany England (Tottenham).
      Standby players: Maya Le Tissier (Man Utd), Jess Park (Man City), Emily Ramsey (Man Utd). More

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      Why isn’t Leah Williamson playing for England at the Women’s World Cup?

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      ENGLAND are one of the favourites for the Women’s World Cup over in Australia and New Zealand next week. But, Lioness captain Leah Williamson will be out of action for the whole tournament.
      Leah Williamson is currently not playing for EnglandCredit: AFP
      England will begin their World Cup campaign down under next Saturday, July 22, against Haiti.
      Lioness manager, Sarina Wiegman’s 23-women’s squad are aiming for a win again after their victory at the Euros last year.
      However, only 16 of the Euro 2022 squad will return next week, as a number of big names including Leah Williamson missed the cut.
      The Arsenal defender suffered a major injury earlier this year wiping out her chances of playing.
      READ MORE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
      Why is Leah Williamson NOT playing for England?
      Williamson, 26 is currently out of the England squad with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
      Williamson suffered an ACL injury back in AprilCredit: Alamy
      Back in April the Arsenal captain went down in the first half against their 1-0 loss to Manchester United.
      The Lioness star has since undergone knee surgery, missing the Champions League and now the World Cup.
      Williamson is one of three major England players alongside Beth Mead and Fran Kirby who will be absent from the squad.
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      She will still be watching the Lionesses from the sidelines in Australia while recovering from her injury.
      Who is playing in the Women’s World Cup England Squad?
      Sarina Wiegman’s 23-squad will play next week at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

      Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Man Utd), Ellie Roebuck (Man City), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa).
      Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Esme Morgan (Man City), Alex Greenwood (Man City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).
      Midfielders: Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Man Utd), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Laura Coombs (Man City), Katie Zelem (Man Utd).
      Forwards: Alessia Russo (Man Utd), Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Man City), Chloe Kelly (Man City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Katie Robinson (Brighton), Bethany England (Tottenham).
      Standby players: Maya Le Tissier (Man Utd), Jess Park (Man City), Emily Ramsey (Man Utd). More