Women’s football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Lionesses’ swanky Women’s World Cup hotel with arcade games, motivational staircase and more than 1,000 teabags

      by

      A RELAXATION room with Harry Potter novels and virtual reality headsets are among the distractions for the Lionesses at their World Cup base in Australia.The FA provided behind the scenes access to the bolt hole serving as a ‘home away home’ for Wiegman’s trophy-hungry aces.
      The games room was entirely designed and created by NIKE – the squad and staff admit this was a real ‘wow’ factor when they first arrivedCredit: Getty
      England’s number eight Georgia Stanway, getting stuck into the facilities this new base camp has to offer – an England x NIKE branded pacman machineCredit: Getty
      The base camp has interactive and creative outlets for the team to unwind in their downtimeCredit: Getty
      Football table at England base camp for Women’s World Cup 2023 in AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Georgia Stanway’s goal was enough to see off Haiti in England’s first group D game
      Sarina Wiegman’s 23-strong squad – who won their opener 1-0 against Haiti on Saturday – and backroom staff have based themselves in Terrigal, 90 minutes north of Sydney.
      The set-up at their hotel base features walls and steps adorned with motivational messages created by the Lionesses themselves.
      It also has a state-of-the-art coffee machine capable of photographing players and printing images of their faces in their beverages.
      Arcade games, table tennis and painting and drawing area among the things provided to help players relax.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      England are also said to have brought more than 1,040 Yorkshire teabags to their camp in case.
      Upon entry the first sight that greets visitors is a giant balloon model of a St George’s flag, with the word “England” featured in silver.  
      And high up on the walls in the foyer are large poster-style photographs of every single member of Wiegman’s Lionesses squad.   
      Slogans such as “real sisterhood” and “play for the shirt on the pitch, not seat on the plane” are among the affirmations splashed on hotel walls.
      Most read in Football
      Walls and steps adorned with inspirational messages created by the LionessesCredit: Getty
      Large poster style photographs of every single member of Wiegman’s Lionesses squadCredit: Getty
      England’s base camp is plastered with inspirational quotes to motivate the squad during the tournamentCredit: Getty
      FA women’s technical director Kay Cossington, who led journalists on a tour of England’s camp said: “The spaces on the walls are things that the players own.
      “These are quotes and words that have come through from the team.
      “They are not things that we’ve actually made up, that’s stuff that the team own and really believe in.”
      For Wiegman’s squad one of most poignant items at the base is a commissioned portrait featuring every single player during their childhood years wearing their old grassroots football kits.
      Cossington adds: “We all fell in love with this painting when we first saw it.
      “It’s about connecting the players back to their grassroots clubs and it’s also honouring how important grassroots football is to the journeys of our professional players.”
      Cossington and Lionesses general manager Anja van Ginhoven oversaw the selection of the World Cup base for Wiegman and her side.
      They did some of their site planning visits in May last year following conversations with Fifa.
      Another relaxation area for the LionessesCredit: Getty
      Arts and crafts on offer for the Lionesses to get creativeCredit: Getty
      The darts board at the England team basecamp in Terrigal, AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Ginhoven said: “I think we visited about 37 hotels and 23 training grounds in nine days! It was a super intense trip.”
      England’s base in Terrigal includes rooms named after domestic women’s football trailblazers and Lioness legends of the past.
      Heroines such as England Women’s first skipper Sheila Parker and Mary Phillip, the first black player to captain the side.
      And the team’ s tactical planning area has been dubbed The White Room in honour of the Lionesses’ record goal scorer Ellen White who retired last year.
      England’s “home away from home” contains the studio where Jill Scott films Lionesses Live.
      Read More on The Sun
      The stadium of Australian A-League club Central Coast Mariners, where Usain Bolt spent a two-month spell as a player, is serving as the training space for Wiegman’s side. 
      The Lionesses will play Denmark on Friday, and hope to seal a win that will take them to the top of Group D.
      England sign of respectful acknowledgement to Australia’s cultureCredit: Getty
      Nike branded coffee cups at the England team baseCredit: Getty
      Nike laces are availableCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I won over 100 England caps and starred in a Women’s World Cup for England… now I’m a hero firefighter

      by

      FORMER England full-back Rachel Unitt is now a hero firefighter.The retired defender won 102 caps for the Lionesses and starred at two Women’s World Cups.
      Rachel Unitt now works as a firefighterCredit: Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service
      Rachel Unitt played for England at two Women’s World CupsCredit: Getty
      After hanging up her boots in 2020, though, Unitt turned to a career as a firefighter with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue.
      The role has even seen her work alongside fellow ex-England star Michelle Hickmott.
      Unitt’s new job did not stop her revelling in last summer’s Euros triumph.
      England won their first major trophy by beating Germany in the final on home soil.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Discussing the importance of the win, she told the BBC at the time: “I hope the win brings more girls into the beautiful game.”
      The former Birmingham and Everton star added: “This momentous occasion will no doubt inspire so many little girls across the country who can now dream of ‘kicking it like Kirby’, as well as the lads who can ‘bend it like Beckham’.”
      Unitt, who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2017, played at five major tournaments for England.
      Those included both the 2007 and 2011 World Cups as well as the Euros in 2009, when England reached the final.
      Most read in Football
      DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
      She was also named England’s International Player of the Year in 2004.
      Unitt’s career also earned her a place in the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
      The former left-back ended her glittering career three years ago, hanging up her boots in 2020. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Lauren Hemp reflects on meeting Usain Bolt after training at the stadium of the sprint king’s old club in Australia

      by

      LAUREN HEMP wants to accelerate England’s bid for World Cup glory after swapping speed tips with Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt.And the pacy forward, 22, warns the Lionesses will battle hard to stop Pernille Harder when they take on Denmark in Group D on Friday. 
      Lauren Hemp and the Lionesses are training at Central Coast Stadium where Usain Bolt played for Central Coast MarinersCredit: Getty
      The eight-time Olympic gold medallist asked Hemp for her Man City shirt back in March after the forward impressed for City against Chelsea in the WSLCredit: PA
      Hemp and her England team-mates will take on Denmark on Friday in their second Group D match at the Women’s World CupCredit: Getty
      Hemp is training at the ground where eight-time Olympic gold medal winner Bolt spent eight weeks playing for Australian A-League side Central Coast Mariners.
      Back in March the Jamaican sprint king was in the crowd at the Academy Stadium when Hemp netted a goal that sealed a 2-0 City win against Chelsea in the WSL.
      Her standout display prompted Bolt to ask for her shirt after the game.
      And the England forward will be hoping to put in a similar shift when Sarina Wiegman’s aces face their European rivals at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. 
      Read More Football Stories
      On whether she chatted about speed tactics with Bolt during their meeting, Hemp said: “Well, he actually asked for my shirt so you’ll have to ask him if he got any tips!
      “It was amazing meeting him and I think we shared some speed tactics which I won’t say now”
      England’s duel with Denmark in Sydney will see the rivals face-off for the first time since the Lionesses’ 2-0 friendly defeat of the Danes in 2019. 
      Lars Sondegaard’s side, who are currently ranked the world’s 14th best team by Fifa, have won five of their seven games since February.
      Most read in Football
      One of the biggest threats facing Hemp and her team-mates will be their opponents’ captain Harder with the former Chelsea star aiming to dominate midfield. 
      While a hamstring injury last November saw her crocked for club and country for much of last season, she notched up eight goals in 10 WSL appearances. 
      That run helped Chelsea win a third successive top-flight crown before her free transfer to Bayern Munich. 
      Hemp said: “Denmark have got a very big attacking threat (in Harder) who we obviously know about. 
      “We are working hard in training to counteract that and be better than them. They come with different strengths to Haiti. 
      “They’ve got some fantastic players, a lot of players who play in the WSL who a lot of us are familiar with.”
      On Tuesday the Lionesses were put through their paces at an open training session at Central Coast Stadium watched by 2,500 fans. 
      The stadium in New South Wales, Australia, is located 7.4 miles away from Terrigal, where England will be based for the rest of the tournament.  
      Away from prepping to help England end their open play goalless drought, Hemp has taken to Lego building in her spare time. 
      The Euros-winning forward posted a picture on Instagram of her latest creation – a fully assembled Lego motorbike. 
      Hemp added: “I’m working on a globe at the moment. I feel like it’s really therapeutic. 
      “For me after a long training session or a hard day, I just go home and do that. I just enjoy doing it.”
      A win for England against Denmark would see them go top of Group D following their 1-0 defeat of HaitiCredit: Alamy
      Hemp, who has 39 senior international caps, has been touted as a potential player of the tournament for England by Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall. 
      Read More on The Sun
      However the forward insists her focus will be getting her job done rather than individual plaudits. 
      She said: “It’s nice hearing comments from other coaches but it all comes down to focusing on yourself, focusing on the team, getting that job done and then focus on individual stuff.” More

    • 75 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is England striker Katie Robinson?

      by

      KATIE Robinson is the youngest Lioness in England’s FIFA Women’s World Cup squad.Here we take a look at the striker’s successful career.
      Katie Robinson is the youngest Lioness in England’s FIFA Women’s World Cup squadCredit: Getty
      Who is England striker Katie Robinson?
      Katie Robinson, born August 8, 2002, is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward.
      Robinson hails from Newquay, Cornwall – and it was there she began her rise to the top playing in local boys’ grassroots football.
      The striker also attended the Cornwall Girls Advanced Coaching Centre and Devon Advance Coaching Centre, as well as playing for the Plymouth Argyle boys’ centre of excellence.
      Robinson remains closely connected to her grassroots beginnings – regularly visiting her school and helping to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.
      Read More in Sport
      What teams has Katie Robinson played for?
      During her youth career, Robinson rose through the ranks at Bristol City academy, before making her senior debut at the club in 2018.
      After two seasons, Robinson declined a contract extension with Bristol and departed at the end of the 2019–20 season.
      In 2020, the striker signed her first professional contract with Women’s Super League side Brighton & Hove Albion.
      However, after suffering a major cruciate ligament injury in training, Robinson was unable to play the rest of the 2020–21 season.
      Most read in Football
      A few months after her return, she went on loan to Women’s Championship side Charlton.
      How long has Katie Robinson played for England?
      Robinson received her first call up to the England senior squad in November 2022, after impressing with the WU23 team in their autumn internationals.
      The speedy winger made her England debut against Norway in a friendly, before going on to feature in each of Sarina Wiegman’s squads in the lead-up to the summer.
      Robinson was also part of the England squad to win the Finalissima in April, before their World Cup preparations began in June.
      In 2023, Robinson was named in the England senior squad in for the Arnold Clark Cup.
      That same year, Wiegman announced her 23-woman squad for this year’s World Cup – with Robinson landing a spot alongside players such as Millie Bright and Ella Toone.
      Robinson also featured for the Young Lionesses at WU17 level, while rising through the ranks Bristol City. More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      England vs Denmark – Women’s World Cup 2023: Lionesses look to build on cagey Haiti win against Danes – FREE stream, TV

      by

      ENGLAND opened up their Women’s World Cup campaign with a win over Haiti – and they’ll be hoping for the same against Denmark. The Lionesses secured a nervy 1-0 triumph courtesy of Georgia Stanway’s retaken penalty.
      Georgia Stanway led the Lionesses to their 1-0 win against HaitiCredit: Alamy
      However, England boss Sarina Wiegman will know that the squad has to be more in control if they want to achieve World Cup glory this summer.
      Furthermore, the Danes also held out to win by a single goal in their opening Group D match against China so they’ll be full of confidence.
      But the Lionesses have the better head-to-head record between the two huge nations.
      BETTING SPECIAL – ENGLAND vs DENMARK TIPS AND FREE BETS
      Read More Women’s World Cup
      When is England vs Denmark? 

      The Lionesses’ next group stage game will commence on Friday, 28 July.
      Kick-off is scheduled at 9:30am BST and 6:30pm local time.
      Sydney Football Stadium in Australia is the allocated arena for this match and it can host approximately 42,000 fans.

      What TV channel is England vs Denmark on and can it be live-streamed?

      The match will be broadcasted live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can also watch a live stream of the game via the BBC iPlayer website or app.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes!
      If you hold a valid TV license in the UK you can watch the game for FREE
      Most read in Football
      What is the team news?
      Weigman is not expected to change her starting XI too much as her back four Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Jessica Carter and Alex Greenwood need more playing time together.
      The relatively new Lioness side still has much to show as they face injury absences from Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby.
      Meanwhile, the second-half introduction of WSL Golden Boot winner Rachel Daly and Lauren James in the match against Haiti made Wiegman’s side more threatning in attack.
      Tottenham forward, Bethany England is yet to make an appearance for the Euro champs in the contest. More

    • 75 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is England defender Millie Bright?

      by

      MILLIE Bright is hoping to lead the Lionesses to glory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.Here we take a look at the defenders career and the club’s she has played for.
      Millie Bright has played for a number of clubs throughout her careerCredit: Getty
      Who is England defender Millie Bright?
      Millie Bright, born on August 21, 1993 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, is a professional footballer.
      Bright, who plays as a defender, was first introduced to the sport at the age of nine while watching a friend play – and this led to her showcasing her credentials on the pitch.
      As of July 2023, Bright is managed by Revo Sports Management – and FA licensed agency for male and female professional footballers.
      What teams has Millie Bright played for?
      Millie Bright has played for a number of clubs throughout her successful sporting career.
      Read More in Sport
      During her youth career, Bright played for Killamarsh Dynamos, a local team in Derbyshire and Sheffield United.
      The footballer started out her senior career at Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2009.
      At her own request, Bright then went on loan to Leeds United in their 2011–12 FA Women’s Premier League season, before returning to Doncaster where she had developed into a regular first team starter.
      At Doncaster she was shortlisted for the FA Women’s Super League 2 Player of the Year award in 2014, having excelled for the Belles as they narrowly missed out on promotion.
      Most read in Football
      The defender remained at the club until 2014.
      Bright then signed with London-based club Chelsea ahead of the 2015 season and has achieved great success ever since.
      According to the club’s official website, the Chelsea player ”reads the game well, often starting attacks with a sweeping pass from the back and is a threat in the opposition box at set-pieces due to her stature” – and thunderous tackles are her calling card.
      Bright has also enjoyed international success – representing England on the senior national team, as well as numerous youth national teams, including the under-19 and under-23 national team squads.
      How long has Millie Bright played for England?
      The Lioness made her England debut in 2016.
      Bright earned her first cap for the senior England national team that year as a last-minute substitute in a 2–0 win over Belgium.
      In May 2019, she was selected to represent England at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
      Bright was also included as part of the squad which won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
      She has been described as one of the most experienced members of Sarina Wiegman’s squad due to her reliability and presence at the back.
      Why is Millie Bright captaining the England team at the Women’s World Cup?
      With the 2023 Women’s World Cup underway, all eyes are on the Lionesses – including captain, Millie Bright.
      Bright is hoping to lead the team to their first World Cup win in the Fifa contest’s 32-year history, in the absence of Leah Williamson.
      The Arsenal star’s hopes of leading the Lionesses were cruelly dashed by a knee ligament injury she suffered in April.
      Opening up on the honour of leading the team, Bright said: “There was always going to be extra pressure. 
      “This will be the biggest Women’s World Cup so far, the quality has gone up, the expectation goes up. 
      “We have to keep two feet on the ground and know the challenge ahead will be bigger than any other tournament.”
      Bright added: “I feel really grateful to be selected, let alone to be captaining the girls, it is a massive honour. 
      “But for me nothing changes, I stay the same, I’d like to think people see the same Millie.
      “I always lead for the team, that’s just natural to me. 
      “I expect standards from the group, I see myself as the driver because I am so competitive.
      “You have to keep pushing to be better year in, year out. You have younger players at a first tournament, you have to make sure they have everything they need. 
      “We just want them to be excited to go out, have their best summer and play their best football.”
      Speaking of her teammate Williamson, the footballer said: ”(I’m) Absolutely gutted (for Leah).
      “Straight away I was just in shock that she had suffered such a severe injury. 
      “I don’t think the captaincy crossed my mind at all, hand on heart. 
      “Then I got my injury so my head was just fully on my rehab and trying to make the selection.
      “That (the captaincy) was probably the last thing I thought of.
      “You don’t want to see any player go through that injury. There are too many on that topic at the minute.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We’ve had check-ins, to make sure Leah is alright – when you go through that, you need a team around you. 
      “She’s also checked how I’ve been getting on, we’ve stayed in touch for sure.” More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Man Utd fan Rachel Riley dance on stage and copy both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to help set world record

      by

      MAN UTD fan and Strictly star Rachel Riley has helped set a new world record for the largest synchronised goal celebration – with the help of hundreds of Lionesses fans.The TV presenter used her dancing know-how to lead more than 500 fans in a synchronised mash-up of popular goal celebrations as England defeated Haiti.
      Rachel Riley helped set the world record for the largest synchronised goal celebrationCredit: Alamy
      She copied Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Suiii’ celebrationCredit: Alamy
      Among the celebrations featured were Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siuuu’, Peter Crouch’s robot dance, and Lionel Messi’s two fingers to the sky.
      It took place at Wembley Stadium’s BOXPARK fan zone which has been renamed ‘WeetaBOXPARK’ for England’s first two matches following a partnership with Weetabix.
      The 37-year-old, who teamed-up with the cereal brand to help set the new record, said: “As a nation, we all love a good goal celebration – it unites us in support.
      “This record break was the perfect way to bring football fans together to have some fun and show the Lionesses and how proud we are of them.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “I learnt a lot during my time on Strictly, but this routine was a different dance sequence altogether – I hope I did Crouchy proud!”
      The mass-dance follows a study commissioned by Weetabix into the greatest football goal celebrations of all-time – with Peter Crouch’s robot dance coming top.

      Paul Gascoigne’s dentist chair finished in second place and Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siuuu’ secured third spot.
      Other notable goal celebrations included Jürgen Klinsmann’s dive, Eric Cantona’s boss man stance, and Jimmy Bullard’s half time team talk.
      Most read in Football
      Celebrations from the women’s game made the cut too – including Chloe Kelly swinging her top overhead, and Ellen White’s goggles celebration.
      Rachel added: “I loved that Chloe Kelly’s iconic goal celebration came out as 10th in the most iconic moves of all time.
      “It really shows how football fans have moved on and that the Lionesses are now seen as rivals to the major men’s players.”
      It also emerged 60 per cent of the 1,000 football fans polled believe a truly great celebration can make a goal “even better.”
      Chloe Kelly had an instantly iconic celebration after scoring a last gasp winner for the Lionesses in the European Championships and made the top tenCredit: Reuters
      Peter Crouch’s iconic robot was voted as the best celebration everCredit: PA:Press Association
      While 62 per cent believe goal celebrations have the power to unite countries when cheering on their side.
      And an iconic celebration can also get more people playing football – as 39 per cent believe Chloe Kelly’s at England’s European Championship win in 2022 inspired more young girls to take up the sport.
      Rachel said: “As a mum to two girls, I love that the Lionesses are such incredible role models.
      “And I’m sure they will inspire my two little ones to want to lace up their football boots in the future.
      “Weetabix have been championing women’s football for years.
      “And I love that they’re on a mission to inspire more young girls to get into the beautiful game through their Weetabix Wildcats initiative, where young girls aged 5-11 can play, have fun and find a new sense of confidence.
      “I wish something like that existed when I was younger!”
      England’s Lionesses started their World Cup journey with a 1-0 victory over HaitiCredit: EPA
      Georgia Stanway’s penalty was the difference between the two sidesCredit: EPA
      The study also found 77 per cent of fans polled follow the women’s game, with 35 per cent putting it down to just enjoying all football.
      While 24 per cent believe the game is more family friendly, and 40 per cent think it’s inspiring for young girls.
      Carried out through OnePoll, the study identified the Lionesses fans are most excited to see play over the coming weeks – with Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo, and Chloe Kelly the top three.
      Hannah Shorley, senior brand manager for Weetabix, said: “As a nation we love to cheer on goal celebrations. “Whether it’s the robot or ‘Siuuu’, we cheer on our favourite footballers as they bust a move.
      “And it’s clear we love to replicate these iconic moves ourselves – helping us to feel a part of the action and more connected.”
      England vs Denmark will be shown at WeetaBOXPARK on Friday July 28 at 9.30am – to book your free tickets click here.
      TOP 25 GOAL CELEBRATIONS OF ALL-TIME:
      1.    Peter Crouch’s robot dance
      2.    Paul Gascoigne’s dentist chair
      3.    Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siuuu’ spread
      4.    Jürgen Klinsmann’s dive
      5.    Eric Cantona’s boss man stance
      6.    Alan Shearer’s one arm raise/hand
      7.    Roger Milla’s corner flag dance
      8.    Lionel Messi’s two fingers to the sky
      9.    Wayne Rooney’s boxing knockout punch
      10.   Chloe Kelly swinging her top overhead
      11.   Jimmy Bullard’s half time team talk
      12.   Mario Balotelli’s “why always me?”
      13.   Fabrizio Ravanelli’s shirt over head
      14.   Erling Haaland’s Zen pose
      15.   Daniel Sturridge’s arm wave dance
      16.   Luis Suárez’s three kisses
      17.   Edinson Cavani’s archer
      18.   Megan Rapinoe’s pose with her outstretched arms
      19.   Kylian Mbappé’s two hands across the chest
      20.   Alex Morgan’s exaggerated sip of tea
      21.   Ellen White’s goggles
      22.   Brandi Chastain’s shirtless celebration
      23.   Samuel Eto’o’s old man pose
      Read More on The Sun
      24.   Emile Heskey’s DJ set
      25.   Jesse Lingard’s milly rock More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Rachel Daly says ‘no one is happy to sit on bench’ but admits England boss Wiegman has a selection headache

      by

      RACHEL DALY admits it’s tough to start on the bench for England – but acknowledged Sarina Wiegman’s World Cup selection headache.The WSL Golden Boot winner was a sub during the Lionesses’ group stage defeat of Haiti with Alessia Russo given the starting XI nod.  
      Rachel Daly admits Sarina Wiegman is facing a selection headache in terms of starters for England’s striker role at the World CupCredit: Getty
      Daly was deployed as a second half substitute during England’s 1-0 Group D defeat of Haiti in the tournamentCredit: AP
      Daly and her team-mates will take on Denmark next after sealing a group stage opening win in BrisbaneCredit: Reuters
      And team-mate Bethany England is yet to make an appearance for the Euros champs in the contest. 
      England number nine Daly entered the fray in place of Russo in the 76th minute of their clash with Haiti on Saturday in Brisbane. 
      The Aston Villa striker, who netted 22 goals in 22 WSL games last term, came close to doubling her team’s lead three minutes later.
      Had her header found the back of the net it would have seen the Lionesses end an open play scoring dry spell with the team goalless in their previous two fixtures.
      Read More Football Stories
      On if it is frustrating to be on the Lionesses’ bench, Daly said: “No one is happy to sit on the bench.  
      “If you are, then you are not in the right place, not in the right career. 
      “It’s a tough place for Sarina to be in to pick the team.
      “And I respect her decisions and I will support Alessia all the way and I know Bethany (England) will do the same.
      Most read in Football
      “That’s the beauty of having a competitive squad.
      “Everybody is digging out for a position. It’s a headache Sarina has to have in multiple positions. 
      “I wouldn’t like to be in her shoes obviously making such big decisions coming into tournaments. 
      “But she’s a fantastic manager, we respect all of her decisions. It proved tonight that it works, so we are happy.”
      Whilst having 11 shots on target to Haiti’s two, England found themselves under pressure from the contest debutants, ranked the 56th best team in the world.
      Melchie Dumornay, Nerilla Mondesir and 5ft 4in goalkeeper Kerly Theus were among Haiti’s standout performers, with Theus pulling off some stunning saves.  
      Daly, who has 70 England caps, added: “Haiti were a fantastic side and they are a force to be reckoned with. I think they will do some damage. 
      “You have got to give credit to the opposition as they were brilliant.”
      The second-half introduction of Lauren James and Daly gave Wiegman’s side more zeal in attack with James teeing up Kelly who fired wide late on. 
      However the sole goal of the game from England, who play Denmark on Friday, came from Georgia Stanway’s retaken spot-tick. 
      This means the usually clinical Lionesses have now gone 337 minutes without burying a non set-piece goal. 
      Daly added: “You could put it down to a number of things, but I think we are quite a new side, a relatively new side. 
      “We have lost a lot of players through injury and retirement.
      “We are still building, but I don’t think it’s a worry and a concern at the minute. Hopefully, more will come.”
      The result of England’s clash with Denmark is likely to play a key role in determining which side finishes top of Group D. 
      The Danes are currently in pole position after sealing a narrow 1-0 against China on Saturday.
      A duel with China on Tuesday 1 August will following England’s Group D clash with DenmarkCredit: Getty
      Some observers believe England’s slim win against Haiti is comparable to their 1-0 defeat of Austria during their march to Euros glory. 
      Read More on The Sun
      Daly said: “It’s three points on the board, we will take that.
      “That’s all that matters coming out of games in the group (stage).” More