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      Arsenal sell more than 38,500 North London derby tickets as club aims to break WSL crowd record

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      ARSENAL are on course to set a new WSL match attendance record after flogging over 38,500 tickets for their clash with Tottenham.The derby could become the league’s highest-attended match should every fan who bought a ticket turn up for the game at the Emirates.
      A WSL record crowd of 38,262 watched the Gunners’ 3-0 away win against Spurs in November 2019Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Arsenal hope to draw a WSL record crowd to their duel with Tottenham at the Emirates in SeptemberCredit: Getty
      The 1:30 pm fixture – to be broadcast live on BBC One – will take place on September 24.
      The current record for the biggest crowd at a women’s top-flight game was set when Spurs took on the Gunners at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November 2019.
      Back then 38,262 match goers turned up to watch the game with the visitors winning 3-0 courtesy of goals from Beth Mead and Caitlin Foord.  
      Gunners head coach Jonas Eidevall said: “It’s been incredible to see the demand for tickets for the North London Derby,
      “You can really feel the excitement around the game at the moment so it’s amazing to see that translate into a record-breaking attendance.  
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      “Now it’s our job to repay that enthusiasm with a big performance in this crucial clash for our supporters.”
      Arsenal are among a number of top-flight sides experiencing a surge in ticket sales following the Women’s Euros.
      And the club says it has sold its full allocation of season ticket sales this term.
      Elsewhere Brighton are reported to have seen a 249 per cent rise in ticket sales.  
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      Arsenal, who finished second in the top tier last season, will play two more WSL games at the Emirates this season.
      And the North London giants plan to hold all their Champions League group stage home fixtures at the stadium should they progress to that phase.
      The Gunners will go up against Dutch side Ajax in the second round of qualifiers with both rivals seeking a place in this season’s group stage.
      Last term the club reached the quarter-finals of the competition before being knocked out by Wolfsburg.
      They are currently the only English side to have won a Champions League crown when they triumphed in the contest in 2007. More

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      ‘We’ve got a target on our backs now we’re European champions’, says England ace Rachel Daly

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      RACHEL DALY joked about feeling like a Big Brother contestant when leaving England’s camp for the first time after their Euros win.And the Harrogate-born WSL star reckons the team have a target on their backs after becoming Europe’s top dogs.
      Rachel Daly and her team-mates are targeting World Cup qualifying wins against Austria and LuxembourgCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses need a point against Austria to claim a place in the 2023 World CupCredit: PA
      Daly, who has 57 caps, admits that life has changed greatly for the team, who take on Austria in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
      The match is the first Sarina Wiegman’s aces will play since their historic triumph at Wembley on July 31.
      Reflecting on how life has shifted for the Lionesses, Daly, 30, said: “During the Euros, we were in a bubble.
      “I don’t think we were fully aware of how much of an impact we had on the nation.
      “So, coming out, it was a whirlwind. It was almost like you’d been on Big Brother or Love Island.
      “It was unbelievable to see we’d inspired the nation.”
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      A draw with their Austrian opponents would see England seal qualification for next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      Daly believes the Lionesses – unbeaten under Wiegman in 20 games – instil fear in their opponents.
      The defender, who sealed a summer switch to Aston Villa from American top-flight side Houston Dash, added: “England are a team that is feared.
      “We are now European champions and that is something you have got to look at with a great deal of respect.
      “The pressure is all on our backs. Football in England is taking off.
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      “But pressure is a privilege, and we have to see it as that. Right now, we’re focused on qualifying for the World Cup.
      “We’re European champions of course, but our focus is on the World Cup qualification stage. We know what we need to do.”
      England’s duel with Austria will be the first fixture the team will play following the retirements of Ellen White and Jill Scott.
      And while their presence will be missed, Daly acknowledges there is also an opportunity for the squad’s younger players and rising stars to shine.
      Daly joked: “It’s definitely quieter without Jill.
      “They are missed as people and players, but again, it opens up a new opportunity to the youngsters to come through and shine.”
      Ebony Salmon is among the rising stars aiming to make their mark for the LionessesCredit: Getty
      “They’re two massive characters, great football but honestly even better humans.
      “When you are with them every day you’d feel the empowerment, you’d feel the support, and they’re just fantastic people.
      “They deserve the world for what they’ve done for the women’s game in England and not just here but for the women’s game in general.”
      Austria vs England will be aired on ITV on Saturday 3 September. The game kicks off at 4:00 pm More

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      Lionesses Leah Williamson & Beth Mead top list of female role models for kids – ahead of Kate Middleton & Ariana Grande

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      LIONESSES Leah Williamson and Beth Mead have topped a list of female role models for youngsters.After their ground-breaking success in the Women’s Euros, the pair took first and second place in the 20 most confidence boosting icons – ahead of Harry Potter star Emma Watson and the Duchess of Cambridge.
      Lioness captain Leah Williamson has topped the list list of female role models for kidsCredit: Getty
      Kate Middleton came in at number four in the 20 most confidence boosting iconsCredit: Getty
      Other role models include football stars Lucy Bronze and Alex Scott, and Olympian Laura Kenny.
      The poll of 1,000 parents, carers and guardians of children aged three to six also found 72 per cent feel their young children are, or were, worried about starting school, with 51 per cent of parents also sharing this anxiety.
      As a result, 74 per cent are looking for tips to help build their children’s confidence, while 65 per cent of parents are seeking role models for their kids.
      The research was commissioned to mark the launch of Ultimate Princess Celebration: Time to Shine – a new role model-led initiative created by Disney Princess and educational charity The Female Lead.
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      Fronted by Lioness captain, Leah Williamson, the campaign aims to inspire and grow the confidence of young children as they prepare to start school – and during the early years that follow.
      Leah, who led her team to Euros 2022 victory and made history by becoming the first English female football team to win the international title, said: “Early years at school are exciting.
      “I remember it as a time where I really started to recognise my love for football and how much I loved to play.
      “Having the confidence to pursue endeavours are at the heart of all Disney Princess stories – so what better way to inspire young girls than through practising self-belief and perseverance, they can be anything they want to be.”
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      Disney Princess and The Female Lead have also created a series of pep talk videos and self-affirmation mantras featuring the stories of Disney’s Princess characters.
      The Princess Pep Talks cover the themes of adventure, confidence and self-potential to prepare three to six-year-old children for their early school years.
      They use stories based on qualities like Tiana’s perseverance and Rapunzel’s bravery, and are told by teen YouTubers and authors, Kirsten and Aiyven Mbawa, from Northampton.
      The sisters, who also run Happier Every Chapter, a monthly book subscription service they crowdfunded on Kickstarter to promote literacy and diversity for children, have become the first official Young Female Leaders for the charity.
      Parenting expert, Sue Atkins, who helped co-develop the programme said: “It’s clear that children are experiencing a crisis in confidence, and our ambition is to help navigate this in those at the start of the early years of education, offering the tools needed to tackle the issue from the get-go.
      “Given children are inspired by trusted role models and stories of kindness and bravery, I hope this campaign will help them as they enter what can be an overwhelming stage of life.”
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      Sarah Fox, VP marketing and communications, Disney Consumer Products, Games & Publishing EMEA, added: “We know that starting school can be an emotional time for both parents and children.
      “We hope Ultimate Princess Celebration: Time to Shine and its incredible line-up of female role models inspire kids to find the confidence they possess as they start a new chapter of their very own story – just like Disney Princesses.”
      TOP 10 ADULT CONFIDENCE ROLE MODELS FOR KIDS
      1.            Leah Williamson
      2.            Beth Mead
      3.            Emma Watson
      4.            Kate, Duchess of Cambridge
      5.            Lucy Bronze
      6.            Emma Raducanu
      7.            Laura Kenny
      8.            Sky Brown
      9.            Alex Scott
      10.          Ariana Grande

      Beth Mead, of England Women’s team, took the second spotCredit: Getty
      Kirsten and Aiyven Mbawa have been chosen as the first ever Young Female Leads as part of Disney’s new campaign, Ultimate Princess Celebration: Time to ShineCredit: Credit: Mikael Buck, free for editorial use
      They join Lioness captain Leah Williamson as the charity’s newest recruitsCredit: Credit: Mikael Buck, free for editorial use
      Harry Potter star Emma Watson stole bronzeCredit: Getty More

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      England’s heroic Lionesses meet up for international duty for first time since Euro 2022 at St George’s Park

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      SARINA WIEGMAN and England’s stars were still on a Euro 2022 high as they met up for the World Cup qualifying clashes with Austria and Luxembourg.The Lionesses’ boss and her players were gathering for training for the first time since winning the European Championship in July.
      Sarina Wiegman’s players are looking to extend their unbeaten run under their bossCredit: Getty
      Ella Toone, Alessia Russo and their team-mates face Austria and Luxembourg in their next two World Cup qualifying gamesCredit: Getty
      A point for England against Austria would see them book their place in next year’s World Cup in Australia and New ZealandCredit: Getty
      And they arrived at St George’s Park with some of its windows adorned with stunning black and white photos of their goal celebrations during the tournament.
      Images include Ella Toone’s ecstatic celebration after her iconic chipped opener during the team’s 2-1 defeat of Germany in the final
      This Saturday the Lionesses take on Austria away ahead of a duel with Luxembourg at a sold-out Stoke City Stadium on September 6.
      The Euros title-holders are looking to pick up their second competitive win against their rivals this year when the sides at Wiener Neustadt stadium.
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      One point from the encounter will be enough for the Lionesses to book a place in the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      Among the Lionesses making their return for international duty is Arsenal star, Jordan Nobbs.

      The Gunners’ ace, 29, is one of five midfielders named in Wiegman’s 23-strong squad having returned to full fitness following a knee injury.
      And Chelsea’s Lauren James and Houston Dash ace Ebony Salmon are among the forwards included.
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      Salmon is targeting a second senior England appearance with James after her first cap.
      England are top of their World Cup qualifying group after eight games with a five-point lead over Austria who are currently second.
      The Lionesses are yet to lose a match under Wiegman since she took charge of the side last September
      And they hope to extend their unbeaten run under their head coach to 21 games with a victory against Austria on Friday. More

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      England boss Wiegman named Uefa Women’s Coach of the Year following Lionesses’ Euros triumph

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      SARINA WIEGMAN has won Uefa’s women’s coach of the year gong after guiding England to their first Euros crown.This evening it was announced the Lionesses’ boss had been chosen ahead of Germany gaffer Martina Voss-Tecklenburg and Lyon chief Sonia Bompastor.
      Sarina Wiegman was named Uefa’s women’s coach of the year after England’s Euros win this summerCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses chief and her players hope to add the 2023 World Cup to their trophy collectionCredit: Getty
      England are yet to lose a match under their Netherlands-born head coach who took charge of the team last September.
      Since then, the Lionesses have gone on a 19-game unbeaten run with the players winning the Euros after beating Germany 2-1 at Wembley last month.
      And their historic triumph comes five years on from Wiegman steering the Netherlands to Euros glory.
      Wiegman, 52, said: “It’s really nice to receive this great award, I’m very honoured and humbled.
      “Thank you for voting and I would like to congratulate Sonia and Martina for their nominations and their great achievement with their teams.
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      “This award is really for everyone involved with the England team, the FA, the staff and of course, most of all, the players. Thank you very much.
      “Things have been set in place and gone very well since I started with the team in September.
      “We’ve really enjoyed it and we’ve performed at our highest level.
      “Our fans have been very great too, so thank you to all the fans for supporting us so much. Now we are looking forward again.
      “Hopefully, we qualify for the World Cup and then next year we go to the World Cup and try to improve the game, perform ourselves and enjoy the game of course.”
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      Wiegman was named this year’s award winner during the Champions League group stage draw in Turkey this evening.
      And Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti won the Uefa men’s coach of the year prize following his club Champions League trophy triumph last season.
      England’s Euros heroics under Wiegman saw them win their first major tournament in 56 years.
      And the Dutch head coach is set to discuss a new contract with the FA after the team face Austria and Luxembourg in next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
      Earlier this month it was reported football chiefs were keen to extend her current deal which runs until 2025.  
      The Lionesses will play Austria and Luxembourg in two World Cup qualifiers in SeptemberCredit: Reuters
      Wiegman added: “I still have a contract for three years so we don’t have to do it tomorrow, but we will do it in a short while.
      “But first, it’s about the squad and the games and then we’ll have a conversation.
      “I really appreciate they’re reaching out to me and that they are happy with me and with the rest of the staff.” More

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      Chelsea ace Lauren James and Houston Dash star Ebony Salmon called up to Lionesses squad

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      LAUREN JAMES has been named in England’s squad before the Euros winners’ World Cup qualifying duels with Austria and Luxembourg. Ebony Salmon – who has been in clinical form for US club Houston Dash – is also included in the 23-strong group.
      Lauren James has been named in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad ahead of games against Austria and LuxembourgCredit: Getty
      Ebony Salmon has been included in the Lionesses senior squad following her efforts for England’s Under-23sCredit: Getty
      James, 20, – who is the sister of Blues and Three Lions full-back Reece – received her first senior international call-up ahead of an England camp in November 2020.
      The Kingsmeadow starlet netted a classy goal during Chelsea’s pre-season clash with Lyon this month, which the French side eventually won on penalties.
      The forward made five top-flight appearances for the WSL champs last term and is yet to make her senior Lionesses debut.
      England boss Wiegman, 52, said: “We have been following her since I came in and my former colleagues too.
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      “She didn’t play that much but she did play some. We know she’s a very talented player.
      “She also had a very good prep with Chelsea, playing minutes, and we wanted to give her a chance to show what she can do with the national team.
      Salmon, 21, who skippered England’s Under-23s to a 3-0 victory against the Netherlands in April, has one senior international cap.
      The forward made her debut as a second-half sub in a 6-0 friendly defeat of Northern Ireland last year.
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      The former Bristol City and Racing Louisville striker has been on fire for Houston Dash, netting eight goals in eight top-flight appearances this year.
      Wiegman added: She had her spot in the Under-23s. She moved to Houston Dash, she did so well there.
      “She’s just a real goalscorer, that’s what she has shown over the summer.
      “We really want to see where she’s at now. She’s done so well so we really want to give her a chance and show where she’s at with our team.”
      Katie Zelem makes her return to the England squad along with Arsenal star Jordan Nobbs who is now fit following a knee injury.
      Manchester City keeper Sandy MacIver also returns with Hannah Hampton absent due to some personal issues.
      But Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby both miss England’s September clashes with Austria and Luxembourg due to injury.
      Wiegman said: “Chloe’s (injury) is just a small thing but it’s too early to bring her in and let her play.
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      “She needs a little bit more time but it’s not too bad. Fran has a foot injury.
      “I think she’ll be alright but she hasn’t had that much training at all so she needs a little bit more time.”
      Jordan Nobbs will be part of England’s camp after battling her way back to fitnessCredit: GettyEngland Squad for World Cup qualifiers in September

      Goalkeepers:
      Mary Earps (Manchester United), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City), Sandy MacIver (Manchester City)
      Defenders:
      Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal) Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City) Demi Stokes (Manchester City).
      Midfielders:
      Ella Toone (Manchester United) Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal) Katie Zelem (Manchester United) Keira Walsh (Manchester City).
      Forwards:
      Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Beth England (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Ebony Salmon (Houston Dash), Lauren James (Chelsea), Nikita Parris (Manchester United). More

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      Chelsea ace Berger reveals recurrence of thyroid cancer with WSL player set for more treatment

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      ANN-KATRIN BERGER will be receiving treatment this week after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer for a second time.The Chelsea goalkeeper, 31, shared details of the recurrence in a written statement published on her Twitter page.
      Ann-Katrin Berger is set to receive treatment after revealing a recurrence of thyroid cancerCredit: Getty
      It comes almost five years after the player was initially diagnosed with the condition in November 2017, during her spell at Birmingham City.
      The WSL ace went on to make a full recovery and was named in the PFA’s Team of the Year in 2018, before sealing a January 2019 move to the Blues.
      In her statement, Berger said: “I’ve said before that as a sportsperson, you have to fight every day to be the best you can be and that’s something I will continue to do.
      “I hope by sharing my journey I can help others that find themselves in a similar situation.
      “I am working closely with my club doctor and specialist in London, and my treatment will start this week.
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      “I remain positive that my treatment will be as effective as last time, and I’m looking forward to returning to the pitch and seeing you all at Kingsmeadow and Stamford Bridge.”
      In a message of support on their website, Chelsea wrote: “Everyone at Chelsea is behind her during this difficult time.
      “The club will provide any support we can to help her make a speedy recovery.
      “We look forward to seeing her back between the posts for the Blues as soon as possible.”
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      Berger has been a solid presence in goal for the Blues over the past three years.
      The Kingsmeadow ace helped the club win eight major trophies – including three league crowns following her 2019 arrival.
      And she won the WSL’s Golden Glove award in May 2021 after keeping 12 clean sheets in the 2020-21 season.
      Berger also helped her team to a league title and FA Cup double last term. More

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      Kansas City ace LaBonta jokingly feigns injury before celebrating her NWSL goal with a twerk

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      LO’EAU LABONTA wowed fans with a comical goal celebration during a National Women’s Soccer League game on Saturday.The Kansas City Current star pretended to have a hurt hamstring before doing a celebratory twerk after netting an equaliser against Angel City.
      Lo’eau LaBonta drilled a late leveller in for Kansas against Angel City in the NWSL
      The Kansas City Current star prompted laughs from her team-mates with her goal celebration
      The memorable moment occurred after LaBonta walloped the ball in from the spot in the 82nd minute.
      Kansas, who are fourth in the women’s top flight in the USA, earned the pen after Angel City’s Paige Nielsen fouled her in the box.
      LaBonta fired her side level in the second spell after sending goalkeeper Dijana Haracic the wrong way.
      After bagging her goal LaBonta did a limping jog towards the corner flag whilst clutching her hamstring and looked to be in discomfort.
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      Seconds later the California-born player can be seen grinning and twerking much to the amusement of her team-mates and commentators covering the game.
      LaBonta’s eye-catching antics grabbed fans’ attention on social media including the National Women’s Soccer League’s official Twitter account.
      They described the midfielder, who has made 19 appearances for her side, as “living life and having fun.”
      Elsewhere one Twitter user gave her celebration “ten out of ten”.
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      Kansas shared points with Angel City after Cari Roccaro put their rivals, who are seventh, ahead in the 78th minute.
      A home clash with North Carolina Courage is up next for LaBonta and her team-mates.  
      The club are two points behind Portland Thorns, Houston Dash and San Diego Wave who currently occupy the league’s top three spots.
      The trio are on 28 points each in the NWSL. More