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      England boss Wiegman says it will be a ‘hard decision’ picking Lionesses’ forwards to start against Latvia

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      SARINA WIEGMAN hinted Beth Mead’s electric form in attack has given her a selection headache before England’s clash with Latvia.The Arsenal ace’s history-making 15-minute hat-trick was amongst the goals that led the team to pole position in their World Cup qualifying group.
      Beth Mead could be in line to start against Latvia against EnglandCredit: Getty
      The Gunners’ striker became the first woman to score three times for the national side at Wembley after coming off the bench as a second-half substitute.
      When asked if she has a tough choice picking who starts up front the Lionesses boss said: “Those thoughts I’ve had from the beginning when I started (the job) in September because I think we have many good players.
      “Some players play in the same position but have different qualities and are very good. I have hard decisions to make all the time.
      “We have the game against Latvia on Tuesday, so first let’s see how everyone recovers from playing Northern Ireland and then we’ll make the decisions later.
      “Everyone just has to be ready. We’re professional players, we want to win games. And we want to qualify for the World Cup and prepare for the Euros.
      “Everyone is very excited, but they are also working on their own development within our team.”

      The Lionesses have racked up 22 goals in their first three qualifying matches for the 2023 tournament with minnows North Macedonia and Luxembourg crushed 8-0 and 10-0.
      And the team had nine different scorers in both games with Mead netting once against the Macedonians and Beth England grabbing three goals across both encounters.
      Lauren Hemp reckons the Lionesses current attacking form is inspiring her to take things up a notch on the pitch.
      Lauren Hemp believes England’s form will improve following their three World Cup qualifying winsCredit: Getty
      The Man City winger, who made her senior international debut in a 1-0 friendly 2019 win against Portugal, came close to netting against Northern Ireland.
      Hemp, 21, said: “I get to train with the best players and that only brings out the best in me so it’s exciting to see the number of threats we have going forward.
      “We’re scoring goals we’re creating lots of chances, being patient on the ball.
      “I think we will keep improving and hopefully, the results will show going forward.”
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      Sarina Wiegman puts the ‘team accomplishment’ above Beth Mead’s stunning hat-trick as England beat Northern Ireland 4-0 More

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      Doncaster Rovers Belles Scargill thanks Lineker for op donation after knee injury turned life ‘upside down’

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      DONCASTER ROVERS BELLES ace Sophie Scargill took to social media to thank Gary Lineker for contributing £3000 to her knee surgery crowdfunder.The Match of the Day presenter, 60, made the donation to help cover the cost of an operation for the Belles skipper who has ‘severe trauma’ in her knee ligaments.
      Gary Lineker donated £3000 to a crowdfunder for a knee op for Doncaster Rovers Belles captain Sophie ScargillCredit: BBC
      Scargill, 26, has been out of action since September due to rupturing ligaments in her right knee
      It is thought Doncaster-born Watford full-back Danny Rose also contributed to the midfielder’s JustGiving appeal.
      A supporter named D. Rose made a £2,500 donation whilst wishing Scargill ‘a speedy recovery’.
      This comes in the same week the former Tottenham star made a £19,000 donation to a Doncaster NHS Foundation trust.
      Lineker’s efforts on Friday along with contributions from 87 others means the player will be able to cover the costs of a private knee op.
      In a post on her Twitter page, the midfielder, who receives no salary to play, wrote: “Wow. Speechless. Can’t quite believe any of this.
      “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone that has so generously helped me reach my target.
      @GaryLineker your unbelievable donation means I can now start my recovery process.”

      The player also thanked Yorkshire Post for reporting on her crowdfund appeal prior to Lineker’s donation
      In September 2020, Scargill ruptured her lateral meniscus during a training session with the club who are currently third in the FA Women’s National League’s Midlands Division – the fourth tier of women’s game.
      According to her JustGiving page details, the 26-year-old’s life had been ‘turned upside down’ by the injury which had caused ‘severe trauma to the main ligaments’ in her right knee.
      It had left her unable to play, hardly able to walk and in need of an operation ‘to stand any chance of returning’ to playing again.
      Scargill needed to raise £5,000 to cover pay for a private operation with the midfielder reportedly only insured for up to £250 to play for the Belles.
      The player, who works full-time as a commercial executive for the former Women’s Super League side, receives no pay for playing as the club are not a professional outfit.
      It is thought going for surgery via the NHS would not have been viable for the Belles ace as it could have meant a wait of up two years for a procedure.
      In a Yorkshire Post interview, Scargill said: “I’ve not approached Rovers once, I’ve not asked for any help.

      “I was told I had insurance but that was only £250 and doesn’t even cover the MRI scan which was £350.
      “I’m not bashing the NHS at all, but I wouldn’t be able to wait two years for the surgery because my mental health would be on the floor.
      “When the doctor said it would massively increase the chances of never playing again, I panicked and went private, then realised I don’t have the £5,000.
      “Lots of people told me to do crowdfunding so I didn’t have to take out a loan.”
      On Friday, The Yorkshire Post reported that whilst Scargill was considering her options for covering treatment costs, Doncaster Rovers had promised to pay for knee and ankle surgery for men’s first-team player Joe Wright following injuries he picked up in April.
      The paper the says club had since offered to loan Scargill the £5,000 but with her Crowdfunder having already raised £2000 by that stage the player was keen to continue down the fundraiser route.
      Lineker’s donation to Scargill’s appeal was praised by football pundits Lianne Sanderson and Jacqui Oatley on social media.
      And former Arsenal ace Sanderson stated she knew of ex-team-mates who have ‘waited for over a year for NHS surgery with no help from their clubs’.

      The Belles, who are managed by Rovers’ hero Andy Butler, are currently third in the women’s fourth tier and chasing promotion.
      The team, who play Wem Town next, are one the founding members of the WSL and regarded as a trailblazing side within women’s game.
      Andy Butler’s Doncaster Rovers Belles side are currently third in the fourth tier of the women’s gameCredit: Guzelian
      The club’s talents include forwards Jasmine Saxton and Nadia Khan with Khan netting four goals in nine appearances this term and Saxton scoring five.
      The Belles, who are six-time FA Cup winners and two-time winners of the old Women’s Premier League National title, have produced some of the best players in England in the past 30 years.
      Their former stars who currently play in the WSL include Chelsea’s Millie Bright and Beth England, Brighton captain Victoria Williams and Leicester’s Jess Sigsworth and Jemma Purfield.  

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      Gary Lineker bemused after Cristiano Ronaldo is named Prem player of month over Salah ‘who should have won comfortably More

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      Everton axe Willie Kirk after nearly three years in charge of Merseyside giants’ women’s team

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      EVERTON have parted company with Willie Kirk – who was manager of the club’s Women’s Super League team.His exit comes after almost three years at the helm of the Toffees who have lost three of their five opening top-flight games this term.
      Everton are on the hunt for a new boss after parting company with Willie KirkCredit: Reuters
      And it also comes ten months after the Scot signed a new contract with the Walton Hall Park team.
      In an official statement on their website, the club said: “Everton can confirm that Willie Kirk has left his position as manager of the club’s women’s team.
      “The club would like to thank Willie for his service and wish him well for the future.
      “Willie was appointed in December 2018 and has played a key role in the progress of our women’s team and structure, making the club more competitive in the Barclays FA WSL and reaching the 2020 FA Cup final.
      “Everton is aiming to have a new manager in post ahead of the club’s next match away to Leicester City in the Continental Cup on 3 November.”
      Kirk, 43, had been Man United Women’s assistant manager for six months when he took charge of Everton in December 2018 when they were bottom of the WSL.

      And the Edinburgh-born coach, who began his coaching career in Livingstone’s academy in 2006, guided the Toffees to sixth place in the 2019-20 season and fifth spot last term.
      Everton, who reached the FA Cup finals last year where they were beaten by Manchester City, harbour ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League and competing with Europe’s elite sides.
      And some pundits had tipped the club to push for a place in the WSL’s top three.
      The Toffees have endured a challenging start to this season with the club currently eighth after three losses, including two 4-0 drubbings at home to Man City and away to Chelsea.
      Unfortunately, this season has not started the way we anticipated, due to a very tough opening fixture list and the re-building of a squad with eight new playersWillie Kirk
      However, the team did not lose to any side in the league outside of the Blues, Arsenal, Man City and Man United last term.
      Kirk said: “I am thankful to the club for the opportunity that they gave me three years ago. During that time, we have made tremendous progress both on and off the pitch and I leave the club in a better place.
      “Without a doubt, the highlight was the FA Cup final less than a year ago, a memory that will stay with me forever.
      Everton Women have lost three of their first five WSL games this termCredit: Rex
      “Unfortunately, this season has not started the way we anticipated, due to a very tough opening fixture list and the re-building of a squad with eight new players.
      “I have no doubt the talented squad that I leave behind can go on to have a very bright future.”
      Ex-Lyon boss Jean-Luc Vasseur is among the candidates in contention to take over.

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      Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin shows what he is made of on the training pitch More

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      Arsenal 4 Hoffenheim 0: Heath helps Gunners bounce back from Barca loss as Eidevall’s aces trounce Bundesliga side

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      TOBIN HEATH bagged her first Champions League goal as Arsenal got their winning groove back in Europe by beating Hoffenheim 4-0.The USA star’s first-half strike and a Vivianne Miedema tap-in were among the efforts that saw the WSL leaders nab their first group stage win.
      Tobin Heath netted on the stroke of half-time for Arsenal as the picked up their first Champions League group stage winCredit: Getty
      The Gunners will take on Brighton in the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals nextCredit: PA
      The result was in complete contrast to the 4-1 drubbing Arsenal endured away at Barcelona with the team moving up to second spot in Group C.
      After the match, Heath said: “Getting four goals today was a good response after the Barcelona game. 
      “We showed a lot of character, we came out with a singular focus. 
      “To be able to help with that to get a goal – especially the second goal – I feel like it’s an important goal to get a little bit of space, especially with the way Hoffenheim were playing.  
      “They played so direct and aggressive, so I think it was an important goal. 
      “I thought it was a good team goal too. It was a great cross and Viv (Miedema) put it into my path to be able to score. It was quality all around.”

      The Gunners began patiently with Hoffenheim getting off to a fast start with Nicole Billa sending her third-minute shot narrowly over the crossbar.
      And moments later Tine De Caigny looked to capitalise on a ball lofted in behind the hosts’ defence before being flagged offside.
      Arsenal began to take control and got off the mark in the 20th minute with Kim Little netting from the spot after Michaela Specht fouled Beth Mead in the penalty area.
      The Gunners would double their lead on the stroke of half-time with Heath slotting home in the box after Miedema nodded a ball from a Katie McCabe cross into her path.
      And the Netherlands goal machine got on the scoresheet tapping in Arsenal’s third after Jordan Nobbs’ thunderstrike stung the palms of keeper Martina TufeKovic.
      The visitors had a couple of good chances to score in the game’s closing stages.
      Katie McCabe cleared Sarai Linder’s header off the line in the 73rd minute
      Leah Williamson headed in Arsenal’s fourth goal against HoffenheimCredit: Getty
      Moments later Julie Brand forced an impressive reflex save from Manuela Zinsberger.
      And a Leah Williamson header saw Jonas Eidevall’s side wrap up a 4-0 win
      The result comes on a day the Gunners gaffer and Beth Mead won the WSL Manager and Player of the Month awards for September.

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      Tobin Heath shows off her footwork in training More

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      Everton’s Simone Magill named in Northern Ireland squad for England and Austria games

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      SIMONE MAGILL has been included in Northern Ireland’s 23-player squad ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against England and Austria.The Everton forward was out of action for the team’s 4-0 September wins against Luxembourg and Latvia due to injury.
      Simone Magill could be in line to play for Northern Ireland against England at WembleyCredit: PA:Press Association
      Kenny Shiels’ side will take on Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses at Wembley on October 23 in what will be England’s first match at the venue since a 2-1 loss to Germany in November 2019.
      The Group D clash comes eight months on from England’s 6-0 friendly defeat of Northern Ireland in February.
      Before the Wembley game Shiels, 65, said: “Our last match (against England) was at St George’s which was a much less intimidating stadium, but it was an experience  
      “We were short-staffed at that time, but it was a really good experience for everybody, and we are looking forward to this one.
      “I feel there will be a good verve about the place.
      “They (the team) will be wanting to try to keep their record in terms of what we have achieved in our last eight games. It’s been really phenomenal.”

      Northern Ireland’s duel with England will be followed by their home game against Euros 2017 semi-finalists Austria.
      Irene Fuhrmann’s side are currently second in Group D behind the Lionesses.
      And they crushed Latvia 8-1 and North Macedonia 6-0 in their first two World Cup qualifying duels
      Shiels added: “Austria were beaten on penalties in the semi-finals of the last Euros. Their academy system is the best in Europe in the girls’ game.
      “They have got a fantastic process going on over there. They are going to be one of the top teams in this group. They are going to be pushing England all the way.”
      Other WSL, Women’s Championship and National League aces in Shiels’ squad include Birmingham’s Rebecca Holloway, Durham’s Sarah McFadden, Liverpool striker Rachel Furness and Southampton duo Laura Rafferty and Ciara Watling.
      Durham’s Sarah McFadden (left) has been included in Kenny Shiels’ Northern Ireland squadCredit: Press Eye
      And Magill’s comeback could prove a welcome boost for Shiels’ side ahead of their upcoming games this month.
      The Toffees forward, 26, was on target with the winner in the first leg of a play-off victory that saw Northern beat Ukraine to qualify for the 2022 Euros.
      And the WSL ace netted six goals in 16 top-flight appearances for Everton helping them to finish fifth last term.
      Northern Ireland Squad
      Forwards: Emily Wilson (Crusaders Strikers), , Lauren Wade (Glentoran), Kerry Beattie (Glentoran) Simone Magill (Everton), Kirsty McGuinness (Cliftonville).
      Midfielders:  Ciara Watling (Southampton), Nadene Caldwell (Glentoran) Marissa Callaghan (Cliftonville), Louise McDaniel (Cliftonville), Chloe McCarron (Glentoran), Caragh Hamilton (Glentoran) and Joely Andrews (Glentoran), Rachel Furness (Liverpool), Sarah McFadden (Durham).
      Defenders: Demi Vance (Rangers), Julie Nelson (Crusaders Strikers), Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville), McKenna (Lewes), Rebecca Holloway (Birmingham City), Laura Rafferty (Southampton),
      Goalkeepers: Jackie Burns (Lee University/Glentoran), Becky Flaherty (Huddersfield Town), Maddy Harvey-Clifford (Crusaders Strikers).

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      Northern Ireland Women stars celebrate qualifying for 2022 Women’s Euros More

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      Juventus 1 Chelsea 2: Harder and Cuthbert net as Blues seal win on road in Europe against Juve

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      PERNILLE HARDER helped Chelsea thwart high-flying Juventus in an entertaining Women’s Champions League tussle in Turin.The Denmark captain and Erin Cuthbert were on target as the Blues bounced back with a 2-1 victory to nab their first win in Europe this term.
      Pernille Harder and Erin Cuthbert were both on target in Chelsea’s 2-1 win away at JuventusCredit: Getty
      Chelsea have moved to second in Group A behind Wolfsburg ahead of their game against Swiss side ServetteCredit: AFP
      On Harder’s efforts, Blues boss Emma Hayes said: “Pernille had an outstanding performance. She’s taken us to an even higher level. 
      “Her standards day-in, day-out are what every young person should look up to. I’m so glad she’s part of our squad.”
      Hayes added: “It was a difficult first half, but Erin drove inside and kept going like we know she’s capable of.
      “She’s another player who’s had a good pre-season, and took her chance and at this level, you’re not going to get a lot of chances.”
      The match in the atmospheric home of Juve’s Allianz Stadium saw ex-Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro pitting his wits against Hayes for the first time since February.
      Coming into this game the Italian side, who are second in Serie A’s Women’s division, had won their first six top-flight encounters including a 2-0 defeat of Napoli.

      And while the Turin club began brightly, it was the WSL champs who got on the score sheet first.
      They did so through Erin Cuthbert’s surging run into the box from the right with the Scotland ace latching on to a Pernille Harder pass to slot home in the 30th minute.
      However, Juve, who looked dangerous through Lina Hurtig’s pace and their lofted passes into the box, refused to be bowed.
      And they equalised with a Barbara Bonansea volley moments later prompting a huge roar from the 16,781 strong crowd.
      The opening minutes of the second half saw Juve’s Christina Girelli unsuccessfully appealing for a penalty after going down in the box following a challenge from Magda Eriksson.
      Barbara Bonansea pulled a goal back for Juventus in the first halfCredit: Getty
      And the visitors piled on the pressure with Melanie Leupolz blazing a 58th minute shot over the bar and Harder shooting narrowly wide moments later.
      However, the Ballon d’Or nominee got her second goal in the tournament.
      The midfielder latched on to a loose ball following a one-two between Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby to bury Chelsea’s second.
      The Champions League is the highest level and the reality is that the top teams find a wayJoe Montemurro
      Hayes’ players came close to snatching a third with 17 minutes of normal time remaining.
      This came with Sam Kerr’s long-range effort prompting a flying save from Pauline Peyraud-Magnin to keep the ball out of the top-left corner.
      Joe Montemurro said the match was a ‘massive learning curve’ for his playersCredit: Getty
      The Blues, who take on Servette next in Europe, saw out the win to move to second in Group A behind Wolfsburg with Juve dropping to third. 
      Following the result, Montemurro said: “The Champions League is the highest level and the reality is that the top teams find a way.
      “Chelsea found a way. We have to learn to make sure these moments don’t happen.”

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      Juventus vs Chelsea women’s clash in Champions League will have 20,000 fans present for Group A showdown

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      CHELSEA’S Women’s Champions League clash with Juventus could see one of the biggest crowds in the tournament so far this season. Tuttosport claims around 20,000 fans are expected at the clash between the WSL title-holders and one of the most feared sides in Italy’s top-flight. 
      Chelsea are looking to pick up their first win in the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: Getty
      Juventus are currently top of their Champions League groupCredit: Zuma Press
      The match will see Emma Hayes go head-to-head with ex-Arsenal chief Joe Montemurro for the first time since her Blues beat the Gunners 3-0 in the WSL in February. 
      And last season’s Champions League finalists will face a side who achieved a new record for the most consecutive Serie A wins with 30 victories on the bounce. 
      Before the game, Hayes, 44, said: “This is Italy, it’s an amazing place to play football and an opponent we haven’t played in the Champions League yet.
      “We expect a tense atmosphere. My No1 goal is winning.
      “I’m looking forward to seeing Joe in what is always an epic battle between us both.”
      Blues skipper Magda Eriksson added: “Last time we played Juventus was three or four years ago, so you don’t play them very often which makes it even more special.

      “It’s exciting to see where you’re at compared to other top teams in other top leagues, so I’m excited by that.”
      Chelsea, who take on their rivals at 8pm in Juventus Stadium, sealed a 3-3 draw with Wolfsburg in their opening group stage encounter. 
      That result left them third in group A behind the German giants and Juve who are currently top after beating Swiss side Servette. 
      We are not expected to be anywhere near the class of Chelsea, but we will go out there and play a good brand of football. Joe Montemurro
      The Turin side, who are currently second in Italy’s top tier, are yet to lose a game in their domestic division after winning their six opening matches. 
      This evening’s clash will be the first time Montemurro has taken on opponents from England since his Meadow Park departure in May.
      Joe Montemurro reckons there is ‘no pressure’ on his Juventus side in their match against ChelseaCredit: Getty
      And the Juve boss, who describes Chelsea ‘as one of the best organisations in world football’ reckons his side will face less pressure in the game with their visitors seen as match favourites. 
      Montemurro told BBC Sport: “The pressure is not on us. We are not expected to win.
      “We are not expected to be anywhere near the class of Chelsea, but we will go out there and play a good brand of football and say, ‘Juve is here’.”

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      The nominees for the 2021 Women’s Ballon d’Or from UK teams More

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      Chelsea boss Hayes talks of admiration for legendary 80s AC Milan team ahead of duel with Montemurro’s Juventus

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      EMMA HAYES spoke of her joy at watching AC Milan during childhood ahead of Chelsea’s Women’s Champions League clash with Juventus.And the Blues chief – who is half-Italian – is looking forward to her team’s test against a side coached by ex-Gunners chief Joe Montemurro.
      Chelsea boss Emma Hayes sees Italy as the ‘home of brilliant defending’ in footballCredit: Reuters
      The Chelsea boss grew up admiring the San Siro side in the late 80s and players such as Franco Baresi and Paolo MaldiniCredit: Getty
      Reflecting on her admiration of the Italian game, Hayes, 44, said: “I think Italians teams are notorious for having an unbelievable understanding of what it takes to win matches.
      “I have an Italian father and I have huge respect for Italian football.
      “I grew up with AC Milan in my house and watching the late 80s and 1990s group with [Franco] Baresi, [Mauro] Tassotti, [Paolo] Maldini and [Marco] Van Basten. Italy is the home of brilliant defending.”
      The WSL champs will take on an in-form Juventus outfit who are currently second in Italy’s top-flight behind Sassuolo.
      They have won their first six games in the Serie A Women’s division.
      Chelsea, who registered a point after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Wolfsburg, are looking to pick up their first win in the contest’s new group stage at Juventus Stadium

      Montemurro’s players are currently top of the group after their 3-0 defeat of Swiss club Servette with the Blues lying in third.
      Hayes added: “Juventus are a team that I have watched over the last few years.
      “I had a big interest when Eni [Aluko] was playing there and followed the team when Eni joined and watched their stature grow in Italian football.
      “I know with Joe’s experience they have a coach with a pedigree of working with top players.
      “This will be as tough a task as the one we faced against Wolfsburg.”
      Joe Montemurro’s Juventus are targeting their second win in the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: Rex
      Montemurro’s Juve aces have set a new Serie A Women’s record of 30 consecutive wins in the division.
      The Turin outfit come into this game off the back of a 2-0 win against Napoli in Italy’s top tier.
      But in Europe, Montemuro, who left Arsenal at the end of last season, sees Chelsea and Barcelona as the yardstick for clubs to measure themselves against.
      I’m so proud of the fact that our team has produced more Ballon d’Or nominees than any other sideEmma Hayes
      The 52-year-old told BBC Sport: “Chelsea are one of the best organisations in world football, both men’s and women’s, their expenditure is well beyond what we could dream of.
      “The players they have are of world-class status, and they are playing in a tough league.
      “We want to be on this stage and be competing against the best. The more we can have these moments and these experiences, the better we will be.”
      Chelsea’s trip to Juventus Stadium comes days after five of the club’s squad made the shortlist for this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or awards. 
      Fran Kirby, Jessie Fleming, Magda Eriksson, Pernille Harder and Sam Kerr are among seven WSL stars in contention for the award.
      Hayes is proud to see five of her players on the shortlist for this year’s Women’s Ballon d’OrCredit: Rex
      Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema and Manchester City’s Ellen White make up the other names from England’s top-flight clubs on the shortlist.
      Hayes said:  “I’m so proud of the fact that our team has produced more Ballon d’Or nominees than any other side.
      “They’re brilliant women who are exemplary at what they do and I’m glad to see them getting recognised for that and nominated.”
      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More