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    Gunners captain Kim Little signs new deal with Arsenal 17 years on from joining women’s top-flight giants

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    KIM LITTLE hopes to savour more special moments with Arsenal after extending her contract with the club.The new deal will see the veteran Gunners skipper continue her career with their WSL side until at least June 2026. Kim Little says playing for Arsenal has brought her many special momentsThe Gunners captain hopes to win more silverware with the club having them to win six league titles, three FA Cups and six league cupsLittle and her team-mates are due to face Tottenham the WSL on Sunday at the EmiratesIt follows the club exercising their option to extend her contract.  Little, 34, who is set to face Tottenham in the WSL North London derby this Sunday, said: “I’m delighted to extend my contract and play another year with Arsenal. “It’s quite unique to play for a club for the length of time I have, and I don’t take that for granted. “That time brings many special moments, and I look forward to making a few more of them.”Read More Football StoriesLittle, who began her senior playing career with Scottish Women’s Premier League outfit Hibernian, joined the Gunners at 17 in 2008.The former Scotland playmaker, regarded as one of the best players of her generation, has gone on to become the team’s third highest appearance maker.Her silverware wins with the club includes six league titles, three FA Cups and six Women’s League CupsThe player, who was awarded an MBE for services to football in 2023, has made 363 appearances for the team. Most read in FootballGunners women’s football director Clare Wheatley said: “Kim is one of the very best – as a player and as our captain. “She continues to help drive us forward and set standards on and off the pitch. “We value Kim’s contribution immensely, and I know our supporters will be thrilled that Kim’s Arsenal journey is continuing.”Little, who has scored 174 times for Arsenal, began her football journey playing for a primary school boys’ team in Mintlaw, the village where she grew up in Aberdeenshire. Her senior club career includes her first Gunners stint from 2008 to 2013 before two seasons with US side Seattle reign and a one-term loan spell at Australian outfit Melbourne City. After rejoining Arsenal in 2017, Little went on to help them win their fifth League Cup in March 2018. This followed the midfielder recovering from a knee ligament rupture sustained in May the year before. In 2018-19 Little played 11 times in the top tier for the Arsenal side that won the WSL title under their former gaffer Joe Montemurro. At present their chances of a title win this term look slim with the team fourth and ten points behind league leaders Chelsea. However the Gunners are eager to add more trophies to their collection having reached the quarter-final stages of the Champions League and the FA Cup. Arsenal boss Renee Slegers says Kim Little has important role to play in her team’s trophy chaseCredit: PAAnd head coach Renee Slegers insists Little has a significant role to play in Arsenal’s push for more silverware READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Gunners boss said: “Kim is a wonderful footballer and captain and has an important part to play in the goals we want to achieve. “I’ve learned so much from working with Kim and I’m looking forward to that continuing as we aim to win trophies together.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman says ‘less minutes’ at club level is behind decision to drop England ace Chloe Kelly

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      SARINA WIEGMAN hinted the door is still open for Chloe Kelly to win an England squad spot again despite the forward being dropped.  Kelly, 27, was among the high-profile omissions from the group named ahead of their Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain.Chloe Kelly will miss England’s upcoming Nations League games against Portugal and Spain after being dropped from the Lionesses squadEngland boss Sarina Wiegman insists Kelly still has a chance to make the Euros if she gets game time and impresses at Arsenal More

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      Beth Merrick says Wolves will not be counting themselves out in Women’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United

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      BETH MERRICK loves juggling her passion for education with playing for Wolves Women’s Championship promotion chasers. Tonight, the lifelong Wolves fan and secondary school PE teacher, 29, hopes to inspire the next generation in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round. Beth Merrick and her Wolverhampton team-mates are set for a huge test in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round against Man UnitedCredit: GettyPE teacher Merrick says pupils at the Staffordshire secondary school she works at are relishing seeing her in action against United’s starsCredit: GettyLifelong Wolves fan Merrick hopes to see a record turnout for their FA Cup game at SEAH Stadium in TelfordAnd that is by knocking out holders Manchester United in what would be a huge giant-killing. Merrick and her hungry third-tier Wolves pals will go for the jugular when they face a United side, whose stars include England Euros winner Ella Toone. Meanwhile her students are relishing the prospect of watching their teacher take on the Red Devils. Midfielder Merrick, who works in the Staffordshire city of Lichfield, said:Read More Football Stories”I’ve got girls who will be going to a match for the first time “Students that have never been really interested in football that are just excited to come and watch me share a pitch with people who they’ve heard are good at football. “I’ve had so much excitement (from my pupils) and Ella Toone has been the big one in terms (of the players) on everyone’s minds. “There are going to be some really happy children from my school who will be watching their football heroes and watching their teacher share a pitch with these heroes.”Most read in FootballLast year’s FA Cup final decider between United and Tottenham at Wembley, which ended as a 4-0 triumph for the Red Devils attracted a crowd of 76,082. This was just 1,302 shy of the record-breaking number of spectators that watched Chelsea beat the holders 1-0 in the final the year before. And Wolves, who are coached by RAF aircraft technician Dan McNamara, hope to see a record turnout at their 6,300-capacity SEAH Stadium in Telford at 5:15pm this evening. Merrick adds: “Our club has grown so much and women’s football has been growing anyway. “It’s an emerging sport in its own right compared to men’s football.”The way that it’s gone and the way that it’s been has changed dramatically. “At the school I work at I’ve been hearing comments in the last couple of weeks where girls are mentioning the fact of, ‘oh my God, you’ll be playing against Ella Toone!’ “Just that in itself and the fact they can name a Man United Women’s player is a really big opportunity to showcase that.”Merrick’s journey as a footballer began at the age of seven when she entered Wolves’ Centre of Excellence. After six years in their youth system she would spend a decade at Aston Villa before spells with Sheffield United and Coventry before returning to Wolverhampton. The former England Under-23 international had a chance to become a full-time player during her Villa days. She was also part of the side that competed in the Women’s Championship in 2015. But for Merrick being able to balance her teaching career with her job on the pitch is important. Man United boss Marc Skinner hopes to guide his side to back-to-back Women’s FA Cup trophy winsCredit: PAShe said: “At Villa the opportunity was there to be full-time, but I turned it down so that I could do bothREAD MORE SUN STORIES”Having students that I’ve managed to inspire and the comments I have had (from them) over the last few weeks on this game alone has been amazing. “That’s all from the growth of women’s football and the hard work that people have put in and others that have paved the way for us.” More

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      Glam footballer Alisha Lehmann poses in racy lingerie as she lands deal with major underwear brand

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      ALISHA LEHMANN took social media by storm in a racy lingerie photoshoot.Lehmann, 26, teamed up with major underwear brand Tezenis and shared pics of her shoot on Instagram.Alisha Lehmann took social media by stormCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialLehmann posed in raunchy underwearCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialLehmann shared the photos across social mediaCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialLehmann’s photos received over 500,000 likes on InstagramCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialThe forward posed in a black lace ensemble ahead of Valentine’s Day and the snaps received over 500,000 likes.Lehmann posted the following caption: “My first Valentine’s Day with @tezenisofficial.”The Switzerland international’s photos left her 16.7million followers in awe as they stormed the comments’ section.One fan commented: “Looking good.”Read More on FootballAnother posted: “You are wonderful.”A third wrote: “Always happy to see you.”This fan said: “Beautiful.”And that one gushed: “OMG.”Most read in FootballLehmann has been in a relationship with ex-Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz.The couple both left Villa for Juventus in the summer, making history as the first ever boyfriend and girlfriend transfer.Glam footballer Alisha Lehmann looks stunning as she shows off skills in a bikini leaving fans ‘jealous of Douglas Luiz’Luiz, 26, switched the Midlands for Turin in a £50million deal and reportedly signed a contract worth about £100,000-a-week.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Scroll down to see more of Alisha’s glam lifeAlisha Lehmann played for Aston VillaCredit: RexLehmann was one of the WSL’s top starsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She has amassed a loyal following onlineCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann has 16.7million Instagram supportersCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Alisha posed for her 2024 calendarCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7She regularly posts saucy snapsCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is not shy when it comes to the cameraCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She now plays for JuventusCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7Lehmann likes to travelCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Fans cheer her on across the worldCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Alisha has joined the Prime teamCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann looks delighted to be partnering KSI and Logan PaulCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is the most-followed female footballer in the world.Credit: instagramLehmann was asked if she could send Drake one of her football shirtsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She received a surprising request from rapper DrakeCredit: instagramAn A-list celebrity had offered her £90,000 for a night of passionCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7The footballer is sponsored by PrimeCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7She is also a Switzerland internationalCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal and Man City fan groups slam ‘appalling’ racist and misogynistic abuse aimed at Khadija Shaw

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      SUPPORTERS groups of Manchester City and Arsenal women’s sides have condemned the racist and misogynistic abuse directed at Khadija Shaw.The City striker was the target of abusive messages following her team’s WSL clash with the Gunners at Joie Stadium on Sunday.Manchester City say the abusive content sent to Khadija Shaw has been shared with authoritiesCredit: AlamyThe Man City striker was the target of racist and misogynistic abuse following her team’s top-flight clash with Arsenal on February 2Credit: AlamyMan City and Arsenal are set to face each other in the semi-final of the Women’s League CupCredit: PAThe club, whose side are fourth in the Women’s Super League, slammed the “disgusting treatment” of Shaw, who played her 100th game for City on February 2. The Jamaica international, who finished as the top-flight’s top scorer last season, made an appearance in the second half of the fixture which the Cityzens lost 4-3 to Arsenal. Messages sent to Shaw have been shared with authorities by Man City. The club say they are offering their full support to the striker whose team are due to face the Gunners in a Women’s League Cup semi-final clash tomorrow evening at 7pm. Read More Football StoriesShaw is in line to make her third appearance following her return to action from a lower leg injury sustained last December.In a statement yesterday, the club said: “Manchester City were appalled to learn that Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw was subjected to racist and misogynistic abuse following Sunday’s fixture.”Discrimination of any kind, either in stadiums or online, will not be tolerated and has absolutely no place inside or outside the game.”Bunny has decided not to share the messages publicly so as not to give the oxygen of publicity to the vile individuals who sent them.Most read in Football”The content has been shared with the authorities. An investigation will follow and the club offers our full support to Bunny following the disgusting treatment she’s received.”Shaw, who joined the Cityzens from French club Bordeaux in June 2021, won last season’s WSL Golden Boot after netting 21 times in 18 WSL games. The Jamaica star is currently leading this term’s scorers charts with nine goals in 11 top-flight games.Following Man City’s statement, fan groups of Arsenal and Man City took to social media to express their “disgust” at the abuse of Shaw. They were also backed by Chelsea supporters group Chelsea Pride. In a post shared via the platform X, Man City Women’s Official Supporters wrote: “We join the club in expressing the utmost disgust for this appalling abuse, and stand with both them and Bunny in condemning this type of behaviour. “Nobody should have to put up with racial or misogynistic  abuse at any time, end of!” Arsenal Women’s Supporters Trust added: “Unacceptable behaviour, and we’re deeply saddened to hear that Khadija has been targeted in such a horrible way. “There is no place for racism or discrimination at any level, yet it continues to happen. “This cannot be tolerated. We stand with Khadija and send our love and support.”And Chelsea Pride stated: “This is completely unacceptable and must be condemned by everyone across the game, clubs, governing bodies, and supporters alike.”Hate has no place in football.”Man City’s statement came a day after Chelsea skipper Millie Bright was the target of expletive-laden insults from a fan during the Blues 1-0 win against Aston Villa on Sunday. Millie Bright hopes supporters will be mindful with the comments they direct at playersCredit: GettyThe England vice-captain has called on the sport’s followers to be more “mindful” with their comments. READ MORE SUN STORIESBright said: “Every game we give our absolute all and it won’t always be pretty or perfect.”But just remember we give everything to be the best for you, so this experience was hugely disappointing especially from a fan (who was) sat in the Chelsea section.” More

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      Keira Walsh ready to ‘fight for badge’ and trophies with Chelsea after club confirm signing of ex-Barcelona star

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      KEIRA WALSH declared she is ready to fight for Chelsea’s badge after confirming her switch from Barcelona. The England midfielder has joined the WSL leaders on a four-and-a-half-year deal, for a fee thought to be around £400,000. Walsh will Chelsea’s number 30 shirt following her permanent transfer from BarcelonaCredit: GettyThe Blues midfielder has become the second England star to join the club from Barcelona following Lucy Bronze’s move in July last yearWalsh, who won eight trophies with Barcelona, sees her move to Chelsea as a “good fit” for her in terms of her ambitionsCredit: APIn doing so she sealed one of the biggest moves in the January transfer window with Chelsea boosting their squad to aid their quadruple trophy chase.Her arrival comes before the Blues’ trip to Aston Villa on Sunday with the team aiming to extend their WSL unbeaten run to 13 games this term. Of her move Walsh, who made 64 Barcelona appearances, said: “It’s unbelievable. I’m very happy to be here and very excited to get started.“You look at the history of the trophies Chelsea have won and I’m an ambitious player and person, so for me, it is a good fit.Read More Football Stories “Speaking to Paul Green (Chelsea’s head of women’s football), Sonia and Camille (Chelsea assistant manager), I just got such a good feeling from them. “It has been really positive. I want to play for this club and fight for the badge.”Walsh, who began her senior club career at Blackburn at 16, has spent the past two-and-half-years playing for Barcelona with whom she won eight trophies including two top-flight titles.Her transfer has seen the Blues strengthen their midfield options with the team hoping to go unbeaten in the top-flight this season. Most read in FootballShe is also the second England star to join the team from Spain’s title holders following Lucy Bronze’s transfer last July.Before her Chelsea switch and Barcelona stint, Walsh spent eight years at Manchester City, winning eight trophies including one WSL title. Her move to Spain came two months after she played an instrumental role in England’s European Championship triumph in July 2022. The midfielder provided an assist for Ella Toone’s goal in a 2-1 defeat of Germany at Wembley. And during her time with Barca the 80-capped Lioness helped them win two Champions League trophies in 2023 and last year.  In her first season at the helm Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide the London outfit to a Champions League tournament triumph.Today Chelsea also announced the signing of goalkeeper Femke Liefting who won the Golden Glove at last year’s Under-20s Women’s World CupCredit: GettyEurope’s biggest club prize is the one major trophy the Blues are yet to win. Walsh’s arrival comes five days after Chelsea’s swoop for USA international Naomi Girma, 24, the club forking out US$1.1million to sign the ex-San Diego Wave defender. And yesterday they also strengthened their goalkeeper ranks with 20-year-old Femke Liefting joining from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar. More

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      Chloe Kelly criticises Manchester City after sealing transfer deadline day switch to Arsenal

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      CHLOE KELLY hit out at Manchester City after completing her transfer to Arsenal, claiming the club attempted to “assassinate her character”. The Lioness star shared her thoughts in a social media post on Thursday night after sealing a loan move to the Gunners. Chloe Kelly will spend the rest of this season at Arsenal after sealing a loan move from Manchester CityCredit: AlamyThe England forward’s contract with Man City is due to expire in JuneCredit: GettyYesterday evening Arsenal announced the Euros-winning England forward had joined the club on a temporary deal running until the end of this season.Kelly, whose contract with Man City expires in June, will wear the Gunners’ number 18 jersey.Her transfer to the London giants followed a dramatic day which included Man United attempting to sign her, with the Cityzens reluctant to see her join their local rivals. It is also thought the forward had declined a chance to sign for Brighton with Sky Sports claiming her initial preference was to remain in Manchester.Read More Football Stories However Kelly would later seal a move, before yesterday’s 11pm transfer deadline, that saw her return to the team where she began her senior playing career at the age of 17. And the England international claimed Man City were “briefing journalists” against her. SunSport have approached Man City for a response. Via an Instagram story shared after her Arsenal loan move, Kelly wrote: “So disappointed to find out that people at the club  are briefing journalists against me if I am to sign at a club before the window shuts.Most read in Football”They’ve called reporters to assassinate my character and tried to plant negative stories about me in the football media, of which are false accusations.”Following her Arsenal move Kelly thanked Man City’s fans for “welcoming her with open arms” and her team-mates at the club for their support. Her transfer comes almost five years after she joined the Cityzens for whom she has scored 30 times in 109 appearances. The forward helped the team to a Women’s FA Cup triumph in 2020 and a League Cup win in 2022. And last season she made 18 top-flight appearances registering five goals and five assists with the club beaten on goal difference to the WSL title by Chelsea. This term she struggled for top-flight game time making one start in the six top tier matches. And two days ago she issued a written statement which explained that she “accepted” her future would not be at Man City beyond June. In July 2022 Kelly made history playing an instrumental role in the Lionesses’ history-making European Championship triumph.Her extra-time goal sealed England’s tournament win after a 2-1 defeat at Germany at Wembley earning the 48-capped Lioness widespread praise. Two years ago she also helped England reach the Women’s World Cup final with the team falling to a slim 1-0 loss to tournament victors Spain. And Kelly hopes to earn a place in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses squad ahead of this year’s Euros taking place in Switzerland in July. Head Coach Renée Slegers said: “Chloe is an exciting attacking player and will be a great addition to our squad as we approach the second half of the season. “She’s direct and explosive, with huge natural talent and ability. We’re all looking forward to working with Chloe as an Arsenal player in the coming months.”The completion of Kelly’s transfer comes ahead of Arsenal’s WSL trip to Man City on Sunday. Chloe Kelly will provide with more attacking options with the club battling for more trophy winsCredit: GettyThe Gunners are currently fourth in the table and one point behind the Cityzens. Both teams will also go toe-to-toe on February 6 in the semi-finals of this year’s Women’s League Cup. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal, who are the contest’s record winners, hope to win the trophy for a seventh time. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Keira Walsh closing in on sensational transfer deadline day move to Chelsea from Barcelona

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      KEIRA WALSH is set to become Chelsea’s latest high profile signing with the club closing in on a deadline day swoop for England ace. The midfielder, previously linked with Arsenal, is set to join the WSL giants four days after they signed USA defender Naomi Girma. Chelsea’s impending of signing Keira Walsh is a huge boost for the club who hope to win the Women’s Champions League for the first time in their historyCredit: GettyWalsh’s upcoming move to the WSL leaders follows a trophy-laden spell at Barcelona with whom she won two Champions League medalsCredit: APThe Blues have agreed a transfer fee of £500,000 with Walsh’s current side Barcelona, according to Sky Sports. The former Man City ace is due to have a medical with Chelsea aiming to seal their deal before today’s January transfer deadline. The England star will be eligible to feature for Sonia Bompastor’s team in the Champions League knockout phase with the quarter-finals taking place in March. Chelsea’s signing of Walsh will be a massive coup for the team who are currently top of the Women’s Super League and chasing an eighth top-flight title win. Read More Football StoriesLast September reports in Spain claimed WSL rivals had a record transfer bid for the midfielder rejectedThe Rochdale-born player, who began her senior club career at Blackburn Rovers at the age of 16, has evolved into one of the sports’s most gifted midfielders. The player, who grew up watching Spanish football, played a key role in helping Manchester City win the WSL title in 2016 in the second year of her eight-year stint at the club. And after joining Barcelona in September 2022, for a then world record £400,000 fee, Walsh has gone on to become an integral part of  the LaLiga giants. Most read in FootballIn addition to making 54 top flight appearances for the club whose stars include Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, the midfielder lifted eight major titles. Her silverware wins include two Champions League trophies, two La Liga Women’s titles and three Spanish Super Cups. The midfielder was also among the nominees for last year’s Fifa best women’s player of the year gong which was awarded to Bonmati. Since providing an assist on her senior England debut in a 5-0 World Cup qualifier defeat of Kazakhstan, Walsh has also shone on the international stage. The midfielder started in every single one of the Lionesses’ matches during the 2022 Women’s Euros. Among her tournament highlights was a standout pass that led to Ella Toone’s opening goal in their 2-1 tournament final defeat of Germany at Wembley. And she is in strong contention for a place in Sarina Wiegman’s squad ahead of this year’s Euros in July. Earlier this move Chelsea strengthened their defensive options by signing Olympic gold medal-winning USA centre-back Naomi GirmaCredit: GettyWalsh’s impending Blues move comes two and a half years on from Chelsea being linked with the player prior to her Barcelona move. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club made headlines earlier this month by signing Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave for a record breaking US$1.1million dollar feeWalsh’s switch will see her become the second England star the Blues have signed from Barcelona following Lucy Bronze joining as a free agent in July last year. More

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      England’s Georgia Stanway undergoes knee surgery ahead of Euros with midfielder expected to be ‘out for months’

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      GEORGIA STANWAY has undergone a knee operation after suffering a serious injury during training with her club Bayern Munich. The England midfielder, who underwent surgery yesterday, ruptured a lateral ligament in her right knee earlier this week.  Georgia Stanway’s last competitive game prior to her lateral knee ligament injury was against Arsenal in the Champions League in DecemberCredit: ReutersBayern Munich expect the midfielder star will be “out of action for several months” for themCredit: AlamyThe German giants expect the player, 26, to be out of action for several months for their team who are battling to win a seventh Women’s Bundesliga title. This means Stanway could miss the rest of this season and face a battle to be fit for this summer’s Euros with England hoping to retain their crown. The Bayern Munich star was part of the Lionesses side, who under boss Sarina Wiegman, became the first England team to win the contest in 2022. This year’s tournament in Switzerland is due to start on July 2 with England’s group stage opener against France taking place in Zurich three days later. Read More Football StoriesShould the 75-capped Stanway return to fitness by then, there is a chance she may have not have played in any competitive matches before the contest’s start. Her last competitive appearance for her club, who are currently second in Germany’s top tier, was on December 18. Back then the midfielder was part of the team that fell to a 3-2 group stage loss to Arsenal in the Champions League. Stanway, who joined Bayern Munich from Man City in May 2022, is a highly-regarded player for club and country. Most read in FootballShe began her senior club career at Blackburn Rovers in 2015 prior to signing for Man City later that year and then joining Bayern seven years after. Stanway, who was born in Cumbria, made an instant impact on her senior Lionesses debut scoring in a 3-0 friendly defeat of Austria in November 2018Five years later, she helped her national team make history by winning the Women’s Euros for the first time. On the way to defeating Germany in the final of the 2022 contest she scored a long-range quarter-final winner against Spain. Stanway’s injury comes a month on from Alex Greenwood damaging her medial collateral ligament whilst on Manchester City dutyCredit: ReutersStanway’s fitness blow comes just over a month after Lioness and Man City defender Alex Greenwood sustained a medial and collateral ligament injury. The Cityzens captain was stretchered off during her side’s 2-0 defeat of St Polten in the Champions League.She is currently working on her way back to fitness at the club after undergoing surgery following her MCL injury.  More