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      I scored one of Women’s World Cup’s best goals then went on to become an all-time cricket great and Ashes legend

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      ELLYSE PERRY has established herself as one of the greatest athletes of all time.The 32-year-old Australian is the ultimate all-rounder, having represented her country at an elite level in both football and cricket.
      Perry has starred for Australia in both cricket and footballCredit: PA
      The defender scored a world-class goal at the Women’s World Cup in 2011Credit: Getty
      She has enjoyed some unforgettable moments throughout her career, from scoring in a 2011 World Cup quarter-final to scoring a double century in test cricket.
      Perry is one of the unsung heroes of sport.
      Born in the Sydney suburb of Wahroonga, Australia, Perry quickly became immersed in sport as a youngster.
      Throughout her school years, the budding athlete played several sports including: golf, football and cricket as well as athletics.
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      But shortly after she turned 16 in 2007, football and cricket took over when she made her Australia debut in both sports within the space of two weeks.
      Perry was fast-tracked into the Australian cricket team for a series against New Zealand in the summer of that year, making her the youngest-ever cricketer to represent the country.
      Her football debut came in a match against Hong Kong just a matter of days later and she remarkably scored two minutes after entering the pitch.
      In 2011, she was named in the Australia squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany, making her first appearance in a group game against Norway and becoming the first-ever player to appear in both ICC and FIFA World Cups.
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      Perry helped Australia to the quarter-finals of the 2011 Women’s World CupCredit: Getty
      To cap off her impressive tournament, she scored a world-class goal against Sweden at the quarter-final stage, firing the ball into the top corner from 25-yards out.
      Many people questioned if Perry would be able to continue juggling two sports, including the chief executive of her football club, Canberra United.
      Heather Reid gave her an ultimatum – football or cricket.
      However, Perry immediately took matters into her own hands by seeking a transfer to Sydney FC, where head coach Alen Stajcic allowed her to continue playing cricket alongside football.
      But with women’s sport continuing to evolve, one eventually had to give as in 2018 the defender stopped playing professional football to pursue a full-time career in cricket.
      In an interview with The Roar, she said: “Essentially, both sports have grown so much and developed so much in the last couple of years that they really demand people to be full-time professional athletes.
      “I ended up in cricket and haven’t played any football recently. I truly enjoyed my time playing football.”
      She has since enjoyed a successful five years solely in cricket, winning six T20 World Cup titles and two Cricket World Cup titles.
      Perry still represents Australia in cricketCredit: Alamy More

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      Female football fans now flock to pubs thanks to Lionesses but some too worried because of safety fears

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      MORE than half of female football fans are now more likely to head to a pub to cheer on their team. That is down to the Lionesses’ roaring success in recent years.
      England’s Lionesses ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
      A poll of 1,350 women who follow the beautiful game revealed 79 per cent believe a successful tournament for England at the Women’s World Cup will encourage even more fans to head out to the pub to watch a match. 
      They get their campaign underway against Haiti tomorrow.
      However, 36 per cent admitted they have avoided supporting their team – because they are worried about their safety heading home at full time.
      More than half (51 per cent) have avoided watching evening games so they don’t have to walk home in the dark.
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      And 59 per cent are concerned about the large crowds that congregate at the full-time whistle.
      The research was commissioned by Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, which has partnered with personal safety app WalkSafe, to empower more than 500,000 users to map a safe route home leveraging police data and safety information. 
      Emma Kay, founder of WalkSafe, said: “An exciting summer of sport is already well underway.
      “And with the incredible achievements of the Lionesses, and a raft of other inspirational sportswomen, it’s no surprise more and more want to support these stars in pubs and stadiums.
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      “But as many have unfortunately discovered, getting back following the events isn’t always the most hospitable environment.
      “That’s why it is important we continue our partnership with Budweiser Brewing Group, to help support our mission to make the world a safer place, giving our users the tools to put their personal safety first.”
      However, 63 per cent will not let safety concerns diminish their love of football.
      And 62 per cent have managed to make new friends because of their shared passion for the sport, the study conducted via OnePoll.com found.
      Brian Perkins, president of Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I said: “Everyone should be able to enjoy a football match and not worry about getting home safely at the final whistle.
      “But as the research shows, it is still a major concern for a significant number of female fans who simply want to cheer on their team.”
      England’s Millie Bright with team-mates at the Brisbane StadiumCredit: PA More

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      Lionesses star ‘hugely hurt’ that fans cannot buy shirt with her name on back for Women’s World Cup 2023

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      MARY EARPS admits to feeling “hugely” disappointed that fans cannot buy official Lionesses goalkeeper shirts if they wish.England’s top shot-stopper at this year’s World Cup, has been in talks with kit makers Nike to find a solution.
      Fans cannot a shirt with Mary Earps’ name on itCredit: Getty
      Earps’ remarks come seven months after Fifa named her the best women’s goalkeeper in the world at a glitzy Paris ceremony where she chatted with World Cup winner Emi Martinez.
      The long-sleeved tops worn by her, Ellie Roebuck and Hannah Hampton and in England games are not currently manufactured for retail sale by Nike.
      The Lionesses’ vice-captain, 30, said: “It is hugely disappointing and very hurtful.
      “It is something that I have been fighting behind closed doors, I have been trying to go through the correct channels as much as possible.
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      “This is why I have not spoken on it publicly, even though I have been asked a lot about it over the past few months because I have been desperately trying to find a solution with the FA and with Nike.
      “On a personal level, it is obviously hugely hurtful considering the last 12 months especially – and also I think there has been an incredible rise in goalkeeping participation over that year.
      “I have discussed it with Ellie Roebuck. She is incredibly disappointed. As a whole goalkeeper union, we are all tremendously disappointed.”
      Earps, who plays for Manchester United, made history in May when she became the first shot stopper to keep 50 clean sheets in the WSL
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      And Red Devils’ goalkeeper jerseys emblazoned with her name are said to be a popular-selling item at the club. 
      The England star, who has more than 665,000 TikTok followers added: “My shirt on the Manchester United website was sold out last season. 
      “It was the third best-selling shirt. That was my frustration and I ask, can there be any solution? Can there be a replica shirt that can be sold to young people?
      “I am not talking about adults respectfully, adults are important in this situation, but it is the young kids I am most concerned about.
      “They are going to say ‘mum, dad can I have a Mary Earps shirt’ and they say ‘I can’t but I can get you an Alessia Russo 23 or a Rachel Daly 9.’ 
      “And so what you are saying is that goalkeeping isn’t important, but you can be a striker if you want. 
      “That is why I am so passionate and have been desperate to change that narrative. Big businesses don’t do enough in my opinion.”
      This Saturday Earps will take to the field at Brisbane Stadium in Australia when England face Haiti in their first match of the World Cup.
      The duel with the Group D minnows comes almost a year after she became the first England keeper to lift a Women’s Euros trophy. 
      Other women’s national sides whose official goalkeeper shirts do not appear to be available for sale via their merchandise stores include the United States,
      The national kit for the four-time World Cup-winning giants is also produced by Nike who were contacted for comment.
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      Earps added: “I think [discussions with other federations] may happen post-World Cup. I would love to hear their views.”
      Nike have been contacted for comment. More

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      I suffered bone aches and mouth ulcers through cancer but beat it – now I’ve made history at Women’s World Cup

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      NEW ZEALAND and Brighton defender Rebekah Stott has bravely spoken out about her cancer diagnosis and how it inspired her World Cup dream.The 30-year-old, who played in today’s opening game of the World Cup, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in March 2021, just a few months after joining Brighton in the Women’s Super League.
      Stott made history with New Zealand on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      The defender is a key member of the New Zealand squadCredit: Getty
      Stott kept fans updated on her progress through her blogCredit: INSTAGRAM @beatitbystotty
      But just five months later, following several rounds of gruelling treatment, she entered complete remission.
      In an episode of the Discovery+ documentary, ‘World at Their Feet’, Stott opened up about her diagnosis and her incredible journey back into football.
      “Obviously, I came to Brighton all excited and ready to go,” she said.
      “I had a little bit of a lump on my neck. It kept growing and getting bigger and bigger. I had surgery, I had a needle biopsy.
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      “Finally, after about three or four months, we got the diagnosis that I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
      “‘Why did this happen to me?’, has definitely gone through my head a lot, but I know that I will never know the answer to that.
      “‘Yes, this sucks, but I have a good prognosis. In a c**p situation, I am lucky’.
      “It was all quite rushed. I was straight in for my first day of chemo. The first cycle was bad. I was throwing up everywhere.
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      “And then bone aches, headaches, dizziness, mouth ulcers, they were probably one of the worst because you were trying to eat, and it would just be impossible.”
      Despite the difficult circumstances she endured, Stott remained upbeat as she kept fans updated through social media and her blog, ‘Beat It by Stotty’.
      The defender also remained determined to return to football and used that, along with family and friends, to inspire her through months of treatment.
      She added: “My family was great. My friends were really there for me. I had a lot of people looking after me.
      “The thought of getting back to football when I finished my cancer treatment was always there and that was always my goal, to get back on the field, so that was a huge motivation for me.”
      In July 2021, just a matter of months after being diagnosed, the New Zealand star announced that she was in complete remission.
      In a blog post, she wrote: “This is the blog I’ve been hanging out to write, I’m officially in COMPLETE REMISSION. It’s surreal and I’m still not quite sure how to describe the feeling, but I’m filled with so much happiness and I’m so appreciative to everyone who has helped me along the way.”
      Within just a few months of entering remission, Stott re-joined Melbourne City before signing a two-year deal with Brighton in 2022.
      And her World Cup dream came true last month when she was named in Jitka Klimkova’s 23-woman New Zealand squad.
      Stott made history with New Zealand on the opening day of the tournament this week, helping the country to it’s first-ever World Cup win.
      The Football Ferns earned a shock 1-0 win over Norway, who are ranked 12th in the world by FIFA.
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      Hannah Wilkinson broke the deadlock just after half time following an excellent passage of team play.
      Ria Percival had the opportunity to double New Zealand’s lead late in the game, but her penalty rattled the crossbar.
      New Zealand beat Norway 1-0 in the opening game of the World CupCredit: Getty More

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      New Zealand 1 Norway 0: Hosts make history with first World Cup win EVER including the men’s team

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      HOST nation New Zealand made history on home soil by winning their first-ever World Cup match against 12th-ranked Norway.In a game where they were perhaps viewed as the underdogs, the Football Ferns dominated their disjointed opponents from the off while being roared on by 40,000 fans.
      Wilkinson’s second-half strike secured the win for New ZealandCredit: Getty
      Hannah Wilkinson’s second-half strike – which was the final product of a phenomenal passage of team play – was all that separated the two teams at the final whistle.
      New Zealand had the opportunity to extend their advantage late in the game, but Ria Percival’s penalty – which was awarded in a historic VAR check following a handball from Tuva Hansen – rattled the crossbar, leaving the host nation shaken with nerves as the clock ticked down.
      But they held on – just about. Norway had a few chances of their own, arguably the best coming from a close-range Frida Maanum strike, but each of them were ultimately wasted in the end.
      For Norway, it was supposed to be a fresh start following last year’s European Championship disappointment.
      Prior to the match, Caroline Graham Hansen emphasised that her teammates wanted to capitalise on the opportunity to progress further in the tournament.
      But if today was anything to go by, they could be left disappointed once again.

      RESULT: New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      FREE live stream: BBC iPlayer
      TV channel: BBC One
      New Zealand XI: Esson; Bott, Bowen, Ashley Stott, Riley; Hassett, Percival, Steinmetz; Paige Riley, Wilkinson, Hand
      Norway XI: Mikalsen; Bjelde, Mjelde, Harviken, Hansen; Engen, Maanum, Reiten; Graham Hansen, Hagerbeg, Blakstad

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      Follow all the action with our live blog below…
      Full Time – New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Norway will be bitterly disappointed with that performance.
      Far too many mistakes were made and New Zealand were quick to capitalise.
      The likes of Frida Maanum, Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen and Guro Reiten barely made an impact as the Grasshoppers struggled to create many goalscoring opportunities.
      Credit: Reuters
      Full Time – New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      What a performance from the hosts!
      They completely dominated from the off while being cheered on by 40,000 fans.
      Eden Park is bouncing with the energy of thousands of locals – this will surely be a night they’ll never forget.
      Credit: Getty
      Full Time – New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      They’ve done it!
      New Zealand have won their first-ever World Cup match!
      Eden Park is bouncing!
      Credit: Reuters
      90+5. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Esson is almost caught out by a wayward cross/shot from Haavi, but the ball narrowly loops over the crossbar.
      90+3. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Bjelde has been forced off with an injury.
      She has been replaced by Sonstevold.
      90. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Percival misses the spot kick!
      The ball rattles the crossbar!
      Nine minutes have been added on, we’re in for a dramatic ending!
      Credit: Getty
      87. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      PENALTY FOR NEW ZEALAND!
      After a VAR check, the referee awards the hosts with a penalty for a handball on Hansen in the box!
      86. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Another change for New Zealand as we approach the final few minutes of the match.
      Wilkinson makes way for Satchell.
      The striker receives an incredible reception from the crowd at Eden Park.
      81. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Norway come close to levelling the score!
      They’ve struggled to make the most of their chances so far in this game, but this is by far the closest the Grasshoppers have come to scoring.
      The ball is set to Hansen on the edge of the box, who unleashes a powerful strike.
      It looks to be heading into the top corner, but Esson gets her fingertips to the ball to deflect it onto the crossbar!
      76. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Wilkinson is sent through on goal again.
      She turns to hold the ball up before setting it back to Percival, who unleashes a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but her effort flies wide.
      74. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Another change for Norway.
      Boe Risa is on to replace Maanum.
      70. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      New Zealand make their first change.
      Stott is replaced by Bunge.
      67. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Haavi picks up the ball in midfield and carries it down the left before attempting to cross it into the box, but her pass flies out for a goal kick.
      Another chance wasted for Norway.
      62. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Norway go for goal again as Hegerberg receives the ball on the left and plays a short pass to Graham Hansen in the box.
      But the winger gets the ball stuck under her feet and Stott tracks back to make the tackle.
      59. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Huge chance for Norway!
      Maanum receives the ball on the edge of the six-yard box and goes for goal, but her shot runs wide!
      Credit: AP
      56. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      Norway make a change.
      Blakstad is replaced by Haavi.
      53. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      VAR check!
      The officials took a minute to check for a potential handball from Harviken in the box, but nothing is given.
      49. New Zealand 1-0 Norway
      The ball is sent through to Hand on the right, who drives down the wing before squaring it to Wilkinson.
      The striker is left completely free in the box and fires the ball past Mikalsen and into the back of the net.
      What a way to open a home tournament!
      Credit: Getty
      48. GOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL NEW ZEALAND!
      The hosts break the deadlock!
      Kick Off – New Zealand 0-0 Norway
      We’re back underway!
      Half Time – New Zealand 0-0 Norway
      Norway will be disappointed with that first half display.
      Far too many players were sloppy on the ball, causing a lack of possession.
      And the likes of Maanum, Reiten and Hegerberg were kept quiet throughout, minimising the team’s goal threat.
      Hege Riise may have to change things at the break.
      Credit: Reuters
      Half Time – New Zealand 0-0 Norway
      New Zealand have certainly had the better chances so far in this game, but the deadlock is yet to be broken.
      Credit: Getty
      44. New Zealand 0-0 Norway
      Huge chance for New Zealand just before half time as Hand flicks a first time pass through to Wilkinson, who makes an excellent run into the box.
      The striker winds up her shot, but Bjelde makes a last-gasp challenge to steer the ball clear.
      40. New Zealand 0-0 Norway
      Norway attempt an attack as Riley picks up the ball on the right.
      She sends it inside to Wilkinson, who turns and sets it back out to Hand on the left, but Graham Hansen tracks back to make the tackle before the winger reaches the final third.
      37. New Zealand 0-0 Norway
      Norway finally get another look-in at goal as Graham Hansen drives down the right before squaring the ball to Hegerberg on the penalty spot.
      The striker looks to take her shot first time, but Stott makes a fantastic last-ditch tackle to make the block.
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      England’s Lionesses ready to roar again as Women’s World Cup kicks off Down Under

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      THE Lionesses are ready to roar again as the Women’s World Cup kicks off Down Under.England’s footballing queens of Europe begin their bid to become world champions with a Group D match against Haiti at 10.30am on Saturday.
      Manchester City striker Chloe Kelly and teammate Alex Greenwood are gunning for glory Down UnderCredit: Getty
      Lauren James and Lucy Bronze also got in on the photoshoot funCredit: Getty
      Millie Bright, pictured alongside Rachel Daly, takes the captain’s armband from injured Leah WilliamsonCredit: Getty
      Manager Sarina Wiegman’s squad also face first-round clashes with China and Denmark.
      Among the stars gunning for glory in Australia and New Zealand are Manchester City striker Chloe Kelly and teammate Alex Greenwood.
      Millie Bright takes the captain’s armband from injured Leah Williamson.
      Bright was pictured making peace signs alongside left-back Rachel Daly.
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      Lauren James and Lucy Bronze also got in on the photoshoot fun — and keeper Hannah Hampton showed why she is a safe pair of hands in goal.
      Bronze has said the team feels empowered to improve standards in the women’s game after a bust-up with the FA over performance-related pay.
      A letter signed by all 24 members of the squad said: “We are disappointed that a resolution has still not been achieved.
      “We view the successful conclusions of these discussions, through player input and a transparent long-term plan, as key for the growth of women’s football in England.”
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      Keeper Hannah Hampton showed why she is a safe pair of hands in goalCredit: Getty
      Manager Sarina Wiegman’s squad face first-round clashes with Haiti, China and DenmarkCredit: GettyHERE FOR OUR GIRLS

      FOOTIE superfan Andy Milne has arrived in Australia for his first Women’s World Cup.
      The retired teacher — a dead ringer for ex-Three Lions boss Steve McLaren — claims to have attended every men’s World Cup since he was 19, and is now looking forward to his first women’s tournament.
      Andy, from Northwich, Cheshire, joined supporters for selfies near Sydney Harbour Bridge.
      Speaking ahead of kick-off, he said: “Football is coming home.” More

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      England Lionesses get their kits off as they strip down to lingerie for incredible campaign to keep girls in sport

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      ENGLAND Lionesses have stripped down to their lingerie for an incredible campaign aiming to keep girls in sport.Current and former Three Lions players have taken their kit off to support Bluebella lingerie’s #StrongIsBeautiful campaign.
      England Lionesses, including Fara Williams, have stripped down to their lingerie for an incredible campaignCredit: Bluebellla/ Cavendish Press (Man
      Reanna Blades is among the England stars aiming to keep girls in sportCredit: Bluebellla/ Cavendish Press (Man
      Williams has teamed up with Bluebella lingerieCredit: Bluebellla/ Cavendish Press (Man
      The brand is hoping to encourage teenage girls not to drop out of school.
      New research from Women In Sport shows that 64 per cent of secondary school girls stop playing sport before they turn 16.
      This is in part down to insecurities about their bodies during puberty.
      England’s most capped female player Fara Williams and under-19 international Reanna Blades have endorsed the campaign.
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      The pair have posed in lingerie in a bid to encourage girls to be proud of their bodies and to keep playing team sports.
      Williams won 177 caps for the Lionesses during her 18-year international career, scoring 40 goals from midfield in that time.
      She also played at the 2012 Olympics for Team GB, as well as at seven major tournaments for England.
      Those included three World Cups, with Williams’ extra-time penalty at the 2015 tournament securing a third place finish for England.
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      Chelsea’s Reanna Blades is also involved in the campaignCredit: Bluebellla/ Cavendish Press (Man
      Fara Williams and Reanna Blades are aiming to encourage girls to be proud in their bodiesCredit: Bluebellla/ Cavendish Press (Man

      Since retiring in 2021, she has gone into a career in sports media, appearing as a pundit.
      As for Blades, the 18-year-old forward currently plays for Chelsea and has also represented England at youth level.
      The Lionesses are set to begin their World Cup campaign against Haiti in Brisbane on Saturday morning.
      Sarina Wiegman’s side will then face Denmark before concluding the group stage against China on August 1.
      The campaign has been launched ahead of the Women’s World CupCredit: Bluebellla/ Cavendish Press (Man
      Fara Williams is England’s most capped female playerCredit: Bluebellla/ Cavendish Press (Man More

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      Meet the ‘BAPs’ cheering on England’s Lionesses as World Cup kicks off – including German keeper who beat cancer twice

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      ENGLAND’S Lionesses kick off their World Cup bid on Saturday with an opening match against Haiti.The European champions will be looking to do the double and take home football’s biggest prize.
      England players Hannah Hampton, Georgia Stanway, Katie Zelem, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Bethany England, Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hem pose for a photo during a training session in Brisbane this weekCredit: Getty
      Some big names are missing from the team – notably captain Leah Williamson, who was ruled out of the tournament in April after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
      Her Arsenal team-mate Beth Mead has the same injury, while Chelsea midfielder Fran Kirby underwent knee surgery.
      But it’s paved the way for some new faces – and their loved ones will be spurring them on along with the rest of the nation.
      Here we take a look at the BAPs – that’s boyfriends and partners – cheering on Sarina Wiegman’s squad as the competition in Brisbane, Australia gets underway.
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      Chloe Kelly
      Chloe Kelly is dating Scott MooreCredit: Instagram/@chloekelly
      Chloe, 25, from Hanwell, west London was hailed a hero when she scored the winning goal in the 110th minute in the Euros final against Germany, after coming off the bench.
      The Manchester City forward – who recently posed in her underwear for a stunning Calvin Klein ad – is dating Scott Moore, a greenkeeper at a golf club.
      The couple – often seen in loved-up snaps on Instagram – have been together for four years and share a cute cockapoo called Otis.
      After England’s Euros victory Scott was seen wearing an England shirt with his girlfriend’s name emblazoned on the back.
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      Ella Toone
      Ella and her boyfriend Joe Bunney are both footballersCredit: Instagram/@joebunney
      Awkwardly for Man Utd player Ella, 23, her proud boyfriend Joe Bunney, 29, is a devoted City fan.
      But he’s his girlfriend’s “biggest cheerleader”, with a source previously telling The Sun: “Ella and Joe are very much in love and have been together for a while now.
      “They are both from Manchester and have mutual friends who introduced them. Those who know them think they are the perfect pairing.”
      Joe, who has two children from a previous relationship, is also a footballer, having played for EFL clubs including Bolton, Northampton Town and then-League side Rochdale. He currently plays for Stalybridge Celtic.
      Millie Bright
      Millie and Levi have been together for over three yearsCredit: Instagram
      Chelsea defender and England captain Millie, 29, is currently dating American performance-enhancing coach Levi Crew.
      The couple went ‘Instagram official’ with their relationship in October 2020, with Millie calling Levi her “rock and best buddy”.
      She upgraded him to her “king” in a message marking his 30th birthday in 2021.
      It’s not known how they met, but Millie often shares romantic snaps of them holidaying together – and recently posted an Instagram tribute praising his coaching skills.
      Alex Greenwood
      Alex is dating childhood sweetheart Jack O’ConnellCredit: @jackoconnell22
      Man City fullback Alex, 29, is known as the glamour puss of the Lionesses, who’s “very big into her heels, her dresses and her eyelashes” according to teammate Jordan Nobbs.
      She is dating fellow footballer Jack O’Connell, 32, who plays for Sheffield united.  
      The couple both grew up in Merseyside and are childhood sweethearts, having met at Savio Salesian College in Bootle.
      Bethany England
      Beth England and girlfriend Stephanie Williams, with their poochesCredit: Instagram/@bethanyengland4
      As classic example of nominative determinism, Beth England, 29, worked night shifts in a chippy while playing semi-pro before hitting the big time with Chelsea and getting a call up to the national squad.
      She now plays as a forward for Tottenham Hotspur and is in a relationship with footballer Stephanie Williams, 30.
      The pair are believed to have met through the beautiful game and recently enjoyed a luxurious cruise holiday together.
      Though Stephanie does have to share Beth with their beloved pair of Golden Retrievers – Buddy and Dilys.
      Jess Carter
      Jess Carter is dating German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin BergerCredit: Getty
      Chelsea player Jess, 25, has been in a relationship with her teammate Ann-Katrin Berger since 2017, after meeting when she joined Birmingham City in 2016.
      When they met for the first time, Ann-Katrin, 32 – the national goalkeeper for Germany – admitted: “I thought she was arrogant, but as I got to know her, I became drawn into her character.”
      The glam pair, who live together in London, recently posed on the green carpet together at the FIFA Football Awards.
      Ann-Katrin – who beat cancer twice – is also heading to the World Cup, meaning the two women could face each other.
      But it’s likely to cause no drama between them, with Jess telling The Guardian last year: “There wasn’t really any direct competition [during the Euros] because we are both really chilled people.”
      Georgia Stanway
      Georgia is believed to be dating a rugby player, Olly Ashall-BottCredit: Instagram
      Georgia, a midfielder for Bayern Munich, is believed to be in a long-term relationship with rugby league player Olly Ashall-Bott.
      With Olly, 25, playing in France for Toulouse Olympique, the couple are used to long-distance – but he was there to cheer her on at Wembley when England lifted the Euros trophy.
      He wore an England shirt with her name on the back and said afterwards: “I’m just so glad that I got the chance to go see her.
      “I hadn’t caught an England game before because our fixtures didn’t align… I was buzzing and so happy for her and the team.
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      “It sounds weird but it feels like I played in it myself. Because we’re so close, I think I got the same feeling as her – maybe not quite as much but I still feel like I won as well. And sharing moments like that with her is just incredible for me.”
      The couple, who have a house in Widnes, Cheshire, both enjoy fishing in their spare time and share a chocolate brown cockapoo. More