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      England Lioness Chloe Kelly wows team-mates as she shows off her incredible figure in bikini

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      ENGLAND hero Chloe Kelly swapped the football pitch for some well deserved downtime and wowed her team-mates and celebs in the process. Kelly scored the extra-time winner in the Euro 2022 Women’s final to land the Lionesses their first-ever major trophy.
      Chloe Kelly enjoyed some ‘downtime’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/chloekelly/
      She posed while wearing matching white cardigan and bikiniCredit: https://www.instagram.com/chloekelly/
      As she wowed team-mate’s and celeb’s alikeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/chloekelly/
      Kelly memorably celebrated her goal in the Women’s Euros final by taking her shirt off and waving it over her headCredit: PA
      She was back in action during the inaugural Women’s Finalissima against Brazil, netting the winning penalty in the shootout.
      But after the international action finished, Kelly took the chance to relax before heading back to finish the Women’s Super League season with Manchester City.
      Kelly shared some snaps of herself in a white linen cardigan and bikini while wearing some sunglasses by a water feature.
      With 510,000 followers on Instagram, the post soon reached a wide audience, including team-mate’s and celebs.
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      England duo Alex Greenwood and Ellie Roebuck were among the first to comment.
      Greenwood said: “CkkđŸ˜đŸ”„”, while Roebuck added: “Ok ok😍.”
      Rachel Day also joined the comments, saying: “SallllyyyđŸ”„.”
      Man City team-mate Alanna Kennedy said: “BB đŸ”„.”
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      Former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here winner Vicky Pattinson joined in with the praise.
      She commented: “Wow mate 😍.”
      Fans added their own reaction to the mix too.
      One said: “Enjoy Chlo đŸ‘đŸŸđŸ”„.”
      A second said: “Stunning CK đŸ€©.”
      A third remarked: “Chloe đŸ˜đŸ˜đŸ˜đŸ”„.”

      Kelly made headlines with her wild celebration following her winning goal against Germany, swinging her top above her head as she wheeled off in ecstacy.
      Four teams remain in contention to win the WSL this season, though Kelly’s Man City are currently bottom of this pile, sitting three points behind league leaders Manchester United.
      Kelly scored the winning penalty in the recent FinalissimaCredit: Getty
      She will return to action for Man City to try and help them win the WSLCredit: Getty More

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      I’ll never forget the summer of 1996 – the country buzzed about the Euros and we need that back

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      LIKE most Sun readers, I will never forget the summer of 1996. The whole country was buzzing because of the Euros.As a teenager, I soaked up almost every second of the tournament, convinced that it would be England’s moment of glory.
      PM Rishi Sunak is backing a historic joint bid by the UK and Ireland to host the Uefa European Championships in 2028Credit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      England captain Harry Kane is joining with sides to back the bid to hold the prestigious tournament in the UK and IrelandCredit: Getty
      Scotland’s Andy Robertson is also behind the push to secure the tournament on home soilCredit: Rex
      Steven Davis, Northern Ireland captainCredit: Sportsfile
       It gave me a love of the game — its highs and lows — that I still have to this day, especially as a long-suffering Southampton fan.
      As a country, our passion for football is unparalleled. It is known the world over.
      From the Premier League to Sunday league, the game brings us together.
      Our stadia aren’t just ­sporting venues where the best players in the world want to play and fans ­everywhere dream of visiting, they are part of who we are — cultural icons at the heart of our communities, monuments to the game we love.
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      Again and again in recent years, those stadia have hosted some of the biggest games in world football.
       We have hosted Champions League finals, Euro 2020 matches — including almost all of England’s epic run  to the final — and the record-breaking 2022 Women’s Euros.
      We have got world-class sporting infrastructure and a  brilliant track record.
      So it would be fantastic to bring a full, international men’s tournament back to these shores.
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       That’s why today the UK and Ireland are launching a historic joint bid to host the Uefa European Championships in 2028.
      By bringing the whole of the UK together, along with Ireland, we will showcase our shared love of the beautiful game.
      It will be the most ambitious sporting event our islands have jointly staged — five Football Associations with Uefa united in delivering one of the best tournaments Europe has ever seen.
       The captains of each of the host nations — Harry Kane, SĂ©amus Coleman, Steven Davis, Andy Robertson and Aaron Ramsey — may be rivals on the pitch, but they are all on the same side in cheering on this effort.
      Imagine it — the best teams in Europe battling it out at the Etihad in Manchester, Hampden Park in Glasgow, the Principality in Cardiff, Casement Park in Belfast, the Aviva in Dublin, and of course, Wembley Stadium.
      Not to mention Villa Park, St James’ Park, Everton’s new ­Stadium and the Tottenham ­Hotspur Stadium.
      And imagine, just for a second, our boys following in the Lionesses’ footsteps and lifting that trophy five years from now. What a summer that would be.
      All about the future
      This year marks the 160th anniversary of the laws of the game — 160 years since they were first adopted and ­published, here in the UK.
       We are rightly proud of that unique legacy. There is so much to celebrate and savour — from Jackie Milburn to Jack Charlton, from 1966 to Euro ’96.
      Aaron Ramsey is on the same side as his rival in cheering on this effortCredit: Getty
      The Republic of Ireland’s SĂ©amus Coleman is hoping to bring the tournament to the UK and IrelandCredit: Sportsfile
       But this tournament will be all about the future.
       On a rainy day last month we held a kickabout at No 10 with the Lionesses. As Beth Mead, Jill Scott and Ellen White showed a group of excited school kids their skills and rattled some of the historic furnishings, you could see the inspirational impact of their Euro triumph last summer.
      So Euro 2028 is about inspiring even more boys and girls not just to cheer on their team but to lace up their boots and get out there themselves.
      It’s about supporting the game at the local level and lifting up our communities — together the bid partners have already committed more than £500million to improve grassroots football.
      It’s about delivering new investment to upgrade facilities — including the regeneration of Casement Park in Northern Ireland.
       It’s about harnessing the power of the tournament to drive long-term benefits through volunteering, tourism and new business opportunities.
       It’s about pubs, front rooms and fan parks filling up across these islands — friends and family coming together, in victory or defeat.
      We estimate the bid could generate benefits of up to ÂŁ2.6billion for our nations.
       It’s the ultimate win-win — a festival of football to cheer the nation and benefit us all.
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      Let’s bring people from across Europe and beyond to our host cities, to see the best football on the best stage anyone can offer.
      Let’s create new memories for a new generation. Let’s back our bid. More

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      England boss Wiegman insists Lionesses are not losing momentum after Australia end their unbeaten run

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      SARINA WIEGMAN insists she is not worried by England’s first loss during her reign, describing Australia’s 2-0 win as a “big learning” . Sam Kerr’s cstrike and Charlotte Grant’s deflected finish saw the Matildas end the Lionesses 30-game unbeaten streak.
      Sam Kerr notched up her 63rd goal for Australia giving them a 1-0 lead in the first halfCredit: Getty
      Charlotte Grant doubled the lead for the World Cup hosts with her first goal in an Australia shirtCredit: Alamy
      Wiegman says her side had some warnings from their encounters against Brazil and the Czech Republic as well as AustraliaCredit: Getty
      The England boss said: “It’s a big learning game against a very physical, well-organised, good defending Australia. 
      “We had a lot of possessions and we did create some but we struggled to speed up the game, to go forward and stretch them
      “We really wanted to get more behind the defence, and have runs behind and switch plays so they could run a little more. 
      “We made some mistakes where they became dangerous, the counter-attack was very dangerous and of course their first goal was a mistake of ours, which can happen.
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      “I’m not worried. We know we have to be at our top level and every game we get some warnings. 
      “Against Brazil we had some warnings, against the Czech Rep we had to create a little more.
      “I don’t think we’re losing momentum. It’s just a really big learning for us.”
      The Alzheimer’s Society International duel saw one in three names missing on Lionesses shirts to highlight the one in three people born in the UK who will develop dementia. 
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      England were missing the services of Alex Greenwood with the defender returning to Man City after the team’s Women’s Finalissima triumph against Brazil. 
      And Lauren Hemp, who was among the Lionesses’ better performers, came off in the 28th minute on Tuesday night with Lauren James coming on in her place.
      Despite having the bulk of shots on target the Lionesses went 1-0 down in the 32nd minute with Australia punishing an uncharacteristic error in defence.
      Kerr bagged the opener, pouncing on Leah Williamson’s misdirected header before lofting the ball over Mary Earps for her 63rd Australia goal. 
      England came close to levelling in the second spell with James forcing a parried save from Mackenzie Arnold.
      But Grant made it 2-0 latching on to a pinpoint cross from Kerr with her headed goal taking a deflection of Williamson in the 67th minute. 
      Rachel Daly almost pulled a goal back for the Euros champs moments later
      But her powerful header went wide with Australia holding out to seal the win.  
      Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson says his analysis team did a phenomenal job identifying key areas to target in England’s gameCredit: Getty
      Matildas skipper Kerr said: “They are a great team and it’s always nice to put in a good team performance and beat a top team.
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      “But we’ve got to take every win with a grain of salt before the World Cup.
      “It’s about building on our performances and where we can get better.” More

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      Lifelong Man Utd fan opens up on sharing her experiences of living with dementia with Old Trafford legend Denis Law

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      SHELAGH ROBINSON has fond memories of meeting Denis Law to talk about dementia and her love for Manchester United.In December 2021 the Old Trafford legend was left stunned when the Red Devils fan revealed she had been living with the condition for a decade. 
      Shelagh Robinson has been reflecting on meeting Denis Law ahead of England’s Alzheimer’s International game this evening
      Sarina Wiegman’s side will take on Australia tonight at 7:45 pm Brentford’s home groundCredit: PA
      Four months earlier Law, 83, had bravely revealed he had been diagnosed with mixed dementia. 
      Reflecting on their meeting Shelagh, 83, who lives in Stoke-on-Trent, said: “I was totally starstruck.
      “I still have a vivid memory of him saying to me ‘are you really sure you’ve had it for more than 10 years?’
      “He had the impression that people often have that you can’t do anything once you’ve had a diagnosis and expecting things to be over. 
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      “We got on extremely well and the question he kept on asking was, ‘have you really had it for 10 years and you’re still alert?’ 
      “As you often do, he’d thought it was the end and there is no life after your first diagnosis, which is what you often feel.
      “I’ve been tremendously lucky in that my family has supported me to be as active as I can.”
      Shelagh, who has two sons and a daughter, has been a Manchester United fan much of her life 
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      The Stoke-born grandmother of 11, who is a widow, went to her first Red Devils game at the age of seven.
      The year before she attended her very first football match when she watched Stoke City beat Bury 2-0 in a Football League North clash in April 1946. 
      Her meeting with Law came about through their work as champions of Alzheimer’s Society who are an official charity partner of the FA. 
      The duo are among approximately 900,000 people in the UK who are living with the condition. 
      This evening the Lionesses will take on Australia at Brentford’s home ground in an Alzheimer’s International clash. 
      Ticket sales proceeds from England’s duel with the World Cup co-hosts are being used to raise funds for the charity. 
      It comes just over a year after the Three Lions’ game against Switzerland in support of their work. 
      Recalling the lead up to her own diagnosis, Shelagh added: “I was beginning to have difficulty remembering where to go when I was still driving. 
      “I’d get into the car to go to Stoke-on-Trent which was a journey I have done all my life and couldn’t quite remember the way to go. 
      “It was just extraordinary. I didn’t know how to go to places I’ve always gone to.
      “And then I found that when I came to traffic lights once, I wasn’t sure what they meant.
      Of her diagnosis, Shelagh said: “The best thing that happened to me was I went to the best GP and she really listened to me. 
      “I was really very lucky as I had a firm diagnosis.
      “For some people it can take ages because you are told it’s depression or stress.
      “I had a very early diagnosis. It was devastating and you can go under the duvet for a while.
      “But I’ve got children and a family who needed me to come out from under the duvet. 
      “After I’d taken some time to come to terms with it, that’s when I found out about the Alzheimer’s Society.
      “They’ve changed my life. They’ve given me help, support and they’ve given me loads of information which you need so much. 
      “Through them I’ve made lots of friendships. I’ve met so many other people who have dementia, and there’s nothing as good as peer support.
      Last year Shelagh met Sir Geoff Hurst ahead of the Three Lions’ Alzheimer’s International match against Switzerland
      Sam Kerr is likely to feature against England after being rested for the Matildas’ game against ScotlandCredit: Getty
      “I’m part of their Three Nations dementia working group and we do so many things. 
      “We do webinars, which is how the Denis Law interview came about.
      “We provide as much information as we can from the lived experiences of people who have dementia.
      “I’d never been to Wembley until they sent me there for the England vs. Switzerland (men’s) match last year. 
      “I can’t be at the Lionesses’ game unfortunately but I will be watching on TV avidly.”
      Like many United fans, Shelagh is hoping the Red Devils’ WSL aces will prevail in their quest to win major silverware this term. 
      The team, who are currently top of the league, will face Brighton on Saturday in a bid to reach their first Women’s FA Cup final. 
      She added: “They play with such grace.
      “Of all of the United’s footballers I have seen I remember George Best being one of biggest stars who played gracefully.
      Read More on The Sun
      “But I love to see the women’s team play. They’re joyous to watch.”
      England vs Australia can be watched live on ITV4 from 7:45pm this evening
      Shelagh is hoping Man United’s WSL stars will win silverware this seasonCredit: PA More

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      Wiegman says England door is not closed to Steph Houghton but World Cup selection chances ‘are not high’

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      SARINA WIEGMAN “would never close” the door on the possibility of Steph Houghton being included in her England World Cup squad. However the serial-winning Lionesses boss admits the chances of the Manchester City captain, 34, being chosen “are not that high”. 
      Steph Houghton is aiming stay ready and professional in case of a call-upCredit: Getty
      Sarina Wiegman says she will not shut the door on Houghton but admits her World Cup selection chances ‘are not that high’Credit: Reuters
      England will take on Australia tomorrow night at the Gtech Community Stadium as part of their World Cup preparationsCredit: Alamy
      Wiegman, 53 was speaking after Houghton described contending with being left out of the national squad as “mentally tough”
      The Man City centre-back, who has 121 senior international caps, was was sharing her thoughts in a BBC Radio Five Live interview. 
      The Durham-born WSL star has not played for the Euros champions since 2021 following some spells out with injury. 
      Wiegman, whose side play Australia at Brentford’s home ground on Tuesday night, said: “It’s hard at the moment.
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      “She’s in a hard position because, as I said, I don’t want to take out the players who are in that position, because they’re doing really well, so the chances are not that high.
      “But I will never close the door.
      “When you are in international football and you are England coach, you want everyone to be available too if things happen for some players and the situation changes. 
      “But at this moment, I make other choices.”
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      Houghton, who played for the Lionesses in five major tournaments, admits she would have to “re-evaluate” things if a summer call-up does not arise. 
      While the former England captain wants to keep “knocking on that door” she acknowledges her omission will not stop her from wanting the team to succeed at the World Cup this year.
      Wiegman added: “Steph is a very good, very experienced player.
      “I have a lot of respect for what she has done for the women’s game and she has come back in the squad for Man City. 
      “But the players I have now in that position I don’t want to take out because I think they perform really well. That’s the reason why.
      “It is difficult because she has done so much for the game.
      “It’s difficult with everyone because everyone trains so hard and so does she.”
      The Lionesses’ clash with Australia comes five days after their Women’s Finalissima defeat of Brazil via a penalty shootout. 
      The victory saw them go 30 games unbeaten under Wiegman
      Tomorrow’s match could see Sam Kerr in action with the Matildas record goal scorer rested for her team’s 1-0 loss to Scotland on Friday. 
      And Leicester forward Remy Siemsen might feature having received a call-up on Sunday following Emily van Egmond and Holly McNamara’s withdrawal from Australia’s camp. 
      The game could also see Ella Toone, 23,  start alongside her Man United pal and summer transfer target Alessia Russo
      Both featuring against Brazil last Thursday with Toone netting normal time but seeing her spot-kick saved.
      Russo, who has netted 11 goals in 20 senior Lionesses appearances, has reportedly attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest sides including French giants Lyon. 
      The WSL star, whose Red Devils contract is due to expire at the end of this season, has scored eight goals in 15 top tier games this term. 
      On if she hopes to continue playing alongside Russo at club level, Toone added: “We’re joined at the hip and we’re best friends. 
      “We love each other’s company. That will never change no matter where Alessia Russo is. I love playing with her. 
      “Right now we’re at England camp, spending every minute together and playing football together.
      “So now it’s just about enjoying now and whatever happens, happens.”
      England’s clash with the Matildas comes 102 days before their World Cup group stage opener against Haiti in Brisbane, Australia
      Ella Toone hopes fans will flock to stadiums to watch World Cup games in Australia and New Zealand this summerCredit: Reuters
      This summer’s tournament is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand with England aiming to follow their Euros triumph on home soil with a World Cup win. 

      Toone said:  “For us it was so exciting knowing we were hosting a major tournament in our country. 
      “For the Australians it will be massive. Hopefully we can get loads of fans in the stadiums enjoying the football.” More

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      Chloe Kelly is England’s hero AGAIN as she strikes decisive penalty to win Finalissima for Lionesses against Brazil

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      CHLOE KELLY was the toast of Wembley AGAIN after sealing England’s glorious Finalissima triumph over Brazil.The Manchester City star struck the winning penalty to secure a 4-2 shootout triumph just eight months after her strike won Euro 2022 for the Lionesses.
      The Lionesses celebrate winning the Finalissima after beating Brazil in the finalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Chloe Kelly lets the emotion out after sealing another momentous win for EnglandCredit: Rex
      Ella Toone fires England ahead in the 1-1 draw before a 4-2 shoot-out winCredit: Rex
      Kelly said: “I looked the keeper in the eye and thought I’m going to score.”
      It extended England’s unbeaten run to a staggering 30 matches.
      Her long striding run and deadly finish saw Sarina Wiegman’s side overcome a rude awakening from a battling Brazil team.
      The delighted forward: “It’s great being back here at Wembley in front of our home fans. They were brilliant again tonight.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “This feels like home to me. It’s brilliant to be back here. It was an excellent performance from the girls and we keep moving forward.
      “I was just excited for it. I calmed myself down and was ready to take it.
      “We’re made of great people here. Staff and players. It’s about moving forward and being ready for July.
      “It was a different challenge here tonight. We are building momentum and now we have to keep moving forward.”
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      It was a result that saw them reach the 30-game unbeaten mark under Wiegman.
      The last duel between the sides at the famous ground ended in a 2-1 loss for a home team then managed by Phil Neville.
      Back then the Lionesses faced a Brazil outfit featuring Selecao legends Marta and Formiga plus rumoured Arsenal target Debinha.
      But this game was a different affair with Wiegman’s Euros winners facing a much more youthful Brazil side.
      England got off to a solid start with the Copa America Feminina champs pinned into their own for large chunks of the first half.
      The crowd roared for a penalty when Alessia Russo was fouled by Rafaelle after latching on to Lucy Bronze’s classy fifth-minute pass over Brazil’s defence.  But the  forward was waved offside.
      The first real chance fell to Barcelona star Bronze, who was among the match’s standout performers.
      The England full-back leathered the ball towards goal from just outside the 18-yard box, forcing a diving save from shot stopper Leticia in the 13th minute.
      Brazil attempted to get their attack going with Geyse’s shot deflected out for a corner.
      Kelly calmly slots the Finalissima clincher following her Euro 2022 winnerCredit: Getty
      Andressa Alves snatches Brazil’s last gasp leveller ahead of penaltiesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute when England carved the visitors backline open with Bronze teeing up Ella Toone to slam the ball home.
      And the hosts saw a goal disallowed with Lauren James flagged offside near the half-hour mark and Bronze’s header from a corner bouncing wide close to half-time.
      The second spell saw Brazil ring the changes with Andressa Alves and Adriana coming on for Lauren and Zaneratto.
      And it made the difference with Andressa pouncing in the third minute of injury time to take the duel to penalties after Mary Earps spilled the ball.
      But the Manchester United goalkeeper made amends to pull off a brilliant save from Tamires as England won the shootout 4-2 to lift a first Women’s Finalissima trophy.
      Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I love the celebrations.
      “Everyone went straight to Mary Earps, and she is just drinking it in and going and celebrating with the crowd.
      “Again, it speaks to the mentality of this team. They love winning.”
      Read More on The Sun
      ENGLAND: Earps, Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter, Stanway, Walsh, Toone, Hemp (Robinson 88), Russo (Daly 74), James  (Kelly 74). Booked: Earps, Hemp.
      BRAZIL: Leticia, Kathellen, Lauren (Andressa 46), Rafaelle, Antonia (Gabi Nunes 87), Ary (Fernanda 87), Luana  (Duda 69), Kerolin, Tamires, Zaneratto (Adriana  46), Geyse. Booked: Rafaelle.  More

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      Leah Williamson hails ‘warrior’ Brazil star Rafaelle as Arsenal pals prepare for Women’s Finalissima clash

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON reckons going up against her ‘warrior’ Arsenal team-mate Rafaelle will feel like new territory tonight. And the Brazil star suggested Williamson must be “half-Brazilian” because of her skills and joked she should take Samba lessons.
      Arsenal aces Leah Williamson and Rafaelle will be on opposing sides when England face Brazil in the first Women’s FinalissimaCredit: Getty
      The centre-back duo have been in fine form for Arsenal helping their club side to a win against Manchester City before the international breakCredit: Getty
      Rafaelle captained Brazil when the team won their eighth Copa America Feminina trophy last JulyCredit: Getty
      The Gunners central defensive duo will be on opposite sides when England face Brazil at Wembley this evening in the first Women’s Finalissima.
      Brazil ace Rafaelle, 31 ace said: “I’m not glad to play against Leah because she is so good.
      “I feel like she’s half Brazilian because she’s got the skills, she just needs to learn to Samba and she’ll be fine. 
      “She’s a good player who can play in the back or in the middle. She deserves to be here with this great team.”
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      Lionesses skipper Williamson, 26, said: “Rafa’s a bit of a warrior, as an athlete she’s head and shoulders above the rest.
      “The Brazilian way and what she can do with her feet is impressive also so I’m in awe of her to be honest, most days.”
      The sell-out Wembley duel will see the World Cup rivals face each other for the first time since their Euros and Copa America Feminina triumphs last summer.
      Tournaments in which Williamson and Rafaelle captained their national sides to trophy-winning glory. 
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      The match comes five days ahead of the Lionesses’ duel with this summer’s World Cup co-hosts Australia who play Scotland at Plough Lane tomorrow. 
      England boss Sarina Wiegman, 53, said: “We’re getting closer to the World Cup so want to get closer to our team selection, but still there are things that can happen internationally and at club (level)
      “This moment playing Brazil and Australia gives us a new opportunity. 
      “We expect to be challenged more defensively.
      “This again will gives us more information about our team and where our players are at in this moment.”
      The last Wembley duel between Brazil and the Lionesses was back in October 2019 with the hosts, then managed by Phil Neville, losing 2-1
      Seven members of the home side who featured in that game are part of Wiegman’s squad this evening. 
      Should England win it will see them go 30 games unbeaten under their head coach whose side are yet to lose a game since took charge of the team. 
      Brazil boss Pia Sundhage, 63, said: “When it comes to this game it’s part of the journey to the World Cup. 
      “I’m so appreciative and really happy to play against one of the best teams in the world with the best coach in the world. 
      “All of us will get answers after the game. I’m grateful for the opportunity”
      Tonight’s clash comes a day after Lise Klaveness failed in her bid to be elected to Uefa’s Exec Committee after receiving just 18 out of 55 potential votes.
      The Norway football chief was the first woman to go up against male candidates for a place in the group with seven spots available. 
      But Debbie Hewitt became the first female FA chair to be voted onto Fifa’s council as British vice-president.
      Reflecting on this Wiegman said: “Of course we want more women in the game. We want more women in every position.
      “We hope that’s going to change and lots of changes are on the way.
      A win for England will see them go 30 games unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman with the team yet to lose a game under their head coachCredit: Getty
      “It’s really good news that Debbie Hewitt is chosen as a vice-president of Fifa. That’s a really good thing.
      “Let’s try to make it a better place for women in football and keep moving forward.”

      Sundhage added: “We’ve been fighting all our lives, so let’s just continue to do that because we love this game, football.”
      England vs. Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima can be watched live on ITV1 from 7:45pm with coverage of the match starting at 7:30pm More

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      ‘My foot has been in ice but it still works’, says Katie McCabe after her wonder goal helps Arsenal beat Man City

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      KATIE MCCABE has a knack for scoring corkers even with a swollen foot. Her thunderous finish today may go down as the shot that reignited Arsenal’s title charge as they dented Manchester City’s with a 2-1 win. 
      Katie McCabe revealed her left foot had been in ice for four days prior to her wonder goal against Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      McCabe’s 74th-minute wonder striker saw Arsenal seal a 2-1 win against their title rivalsCredit: Getty
      Jonas Eidevall side currently have a game in hand on Man City and league leaders Man UnitedCredit: Reuters
      In a game where the Gunners suffered a fresh injury blow with Caitlin Foord crocked, McCabe’s rocket injected energy into their hopes of a first WSL crown since 2019.
      Her strike, that saw Arsenal go second before Chelsea’s duel with Aston Villa, was made more special by the fact it came off her left foot. 
      A foot that was last Wednesday covered by a protective boot with the Republic of Ireland skipper on crutches.
      That night the WSL ace hobbled off injured during the Gunners’ Champions League defeat of Bayern Munich. 
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      McCabe said: “It (my foot) wasn’t good on Wednesday.
      “It was absolutely rattled. I don’t know whether you have seen the video. 
      “Our medical team have done an unbelievable job on the quick turnarounds.
      “My foot has been in ice for the last four days trying to get the swelling down but it still works!”
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      McCabe’s winning goal ended Man City’s 14-game unbeaten run before the international break and final stretch of the title race. 
      It also saw the Gunners show their resilience after an injury to yet another key attacking player with Foord coming off in the 36th minute. 
      McCabe added: “When you get injuries to players like Kim and Caitlin, and early on in the season with Beth, Viv and Steph, unfortunately, it’s a long list for us.
      “But we’ve got the players to step-in and do a job. 
      “You have Kathrine (Kuhl) who is 19 and coming in and seeing the game out for us.
      “It’s all about staying together and I guess we showed that today.”
      On the character his side have shown in two of their biggest games, Eidevall said: “I’m lost for words.
      “This block, from my time as an Arsenal manager, has been by far the most competitive block. 
      “We played Chelsea twice, Bayern Munich twice, City, Tottenham away. 
      “The amount of games we have played, and then you look at our injury situation and how it changed during the games, managing results not going our way,  be at times not having the greatest refereeing against us either. 
      “We just kept putting our left foot in front of our right foot and thinking of the next action, of solutions and sticking in the game. 
      “These situations may have been a problem in the past, but now it feels like we’re thriving in them instead.”
      On McCabe’s performance added: “This period here is the best we’ve seen Katie McCabe since I’ve been a coach here. She has been a tremendous player
      “We didn’t even have her out kicking long balls yesterday just to save her foot. 
      “Then she manages to play 80 mins on that yellow card, which was extremely harsh, and then she tops it off with that goal.”
      The game’s first four minutes saw McCabe enter the ref’s book after her throw-in bounced off Chloe Kelly’s head.  
      Kelly provided the assist as Man City took a fifth-minute lead with Khadija Shaw’s glancing header home. 
      Khadiha Shaw put Man City 1-0 up in the first half with her 16th WSL goal this seasonCredit: Getty
      They dominated in attack early on with Arsenal looking to battle their way back. prompting a brave block from Alex Greenwood. 
      The defender took a long-range Leah Wliliamson shot face-first before Ellie Roebuck pulled off an impressive stop to deny Blackstenius in the 26th minute. 
      The second spell saw the hosts pile pressure on Gareth Taylor’s side.
      They equalised with Frida Maanum slotting home in a congested six-yard box. 
      McCabe sparked jubilant celebrations in the dugout and the stands smashing in a 74th-minute winner following a corner-kick 
      An away clash with Manchester United awaits the Gunners later this month. 
      However they will be without McCabe’s services with the player suspended for her side’s next WSL game. 
      Meanwhile Man City will host West Ham before clashes with Reading and Liverpool.
      Gareth Taylor expects there will be more twists and turns in the WSL title raceCredit: Getty
      They are then set for a Manchester derby battle with United before and end-of-season duel with Everton
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      After their loss to Arsenal, City boss Taylor said “I feel disappointed for the players and the players because we’ve given the game away.
      “But there are still important games to play including five games left for us.” More