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    England ace Lucy Bronze opens up on fight to stop online abuse as part star-studded campaign

    LUCY BRONZE has hit out at the sexist abuse she has received on social media as she teams up with football stars to tackle online hate.Bronze and top players from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are using this year’s Euros to push tech giants to clamp down on bigoted trolling.
    Lucy Bronze is among the football stars backing a campaign to help people to spot and tackle online hate and abuse
    The Man City and Lionesses star has joined forces with some of the biggest names from across the home nations as part of Hope United.
    The BT campaign, backed by Bronze, Demi Stokes, Man United’s Lauren James and Wales striker Helen Ward, is urging social media firms to encourage their users to be ‘better digital citizens’.
    It comes a month after YouGov research revealed that 1 in 10 people have been on the receiving end of hate speech and abusive comments online.
    Bronze, 29, said: “The crazy thing is that I don’t know anyone I have ever played with who has not been on the receiving end of online abuse.
    “It’s really sad when you think about it. For me, there has always been the whole ‘get back in the kitchen’ comment.
    “It’s the ‘go to’ of the unoriginal sexist comments I get online.
    “It’s kind of embarrassing for someone who sends that kind of message that they’ve resorted to that. 

    “But the really bad comments, I think, you try so hard to just block out. I think that’s the thing as well.
    “People ask, ‘does it affect you’ and you brush it off and say you’re fine. 
    “But I don’t think anyone is really fine with it. I think everyone is affected in some sort of way, whether it’s a small slice of abuse or it is daily, or hourly.
    “It’s not okay to normalise online abuse, whether it’s for us as footballers or people in society, work and school it’s not okay.
    “We want to use our platform to make change and make a difference.”
    Bronze says all the footballers she has played with have received abusive messages onlineCredit: Getty

    Bronze, who won Fifa’s Best Women’s Player award in 2020, says she is “100 per cent” behind efforts to push tech firms to educate users on how to recognise and counter hate online.
    A squad of players – led by Rio Ferdinand, Karen Carney, Eni Aluko and Robbie Savage – have been drawing on their distressing experiences to raise awareness of the effect of social media abuse.
    A day before the campaign’s launch Man United legend Ferdinand was on the receiving end of monkey chants from a Wolves fan at Molineux.
    The former England star also received an abusive post featuring banana emojis in response to his reflections on the incident which he shared on Twitter.
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    Jordan Henderson, Gareth Bale and Marcus Rashford are among the other figures involved in Hope United campaign along with para footballers Rebecca Sellar and Charlie Fogarty.
    There are people from different backgrounds, both men and women, from different teams who have all suffered online abuse or witnessed online abuseLucy Bronze
    The sports stars are featured in video guides offering people pointers on how to protect themselves from abuse on digital platforms.  
    Rio Ferdinand received a racially abusive tweet one day of ahead of the launch of Hope United
    Bronze added: “I have a huge platform in women’s football to get this message out and to be part of this team.
    “The whole point of being a part of this team is that we’re all together, it’s not just Lucy Bronze and Demi Stokes of women’s football.
    “It’s not just men’s football, it’s all of us coming together.
    “There are people from different backgrounds, both men and women, from different teams who have all suffered online abuse or witnessed online abuse.
    “We’ve come together and said enough is enough. This is a message we’ve said all year, whether it’s been about racism, homophobia.
    “As players we’ve said with online abuse, we know that there is something that can be done about it. 
    “Platforms can be held accountable to make changes.
    “People putting out abuse should be held accountable for the actions that they’re taking because online hate is a hate crime. 
    “We know that these platforms can make a difference and change can be made
    “And we want change now because we’re not accepting this anymore.”
    Hope United is rallying the UK to tackle online abuse as part of BT’s commitment to boost the nation’s digital skills. To find out more visit bt.com/hopeunited
    Helen Ward is among the Wales internationals backing BT’s campaign against online abuse during the Euros
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    Bardsley and Weir set to make Team GB squad for Tokyo Olympics according to reports

    KAREN BARDSLEY is reportedly due to be included in Great Britain’s women’s football squad for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.  Scotland aces Kim Little and Caroline Weir are also thought to be among the players who have made the group of 18 according to The Athletic. 
    Karen Bardsley is among the players reported to have made Hege Riise’s 18-strong Team GB squadCredit: Reuters
    Caroline Weir is also thought to be included the Team GB women’s football squad for the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: The Sun
    The squad who will be led by head coach Hege Riise is due to be confirmed this week.
    Man City star Bardsley, 36, who moved to the WSL giants from Lincoln in 2014 is currently on loan at OL Reign. 
    The Lionesses keeper, who has made 52 appearances across all competitions, for City endured an injury-plagued 2019-20 season. 
    A torn hamstring during England’s quarter-final win against Norway in the 2019 Women’s World Cup, would see the Lionesses keeper spend nine months in rehab before returning to training in March 2020.
    And Bardsley’s battle with injuries saw her lose her place as City’s No1 stopper to rising star Ellie Roebuck, who is also thought to have made Hege Riise’s Team GB squad.
    However, a loan switch in February to OL Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League has given the Santa Monica-born stopper’s selection chances a lift. 
    Bardsley, who has 82 caps for the Lionesses, represented Great Britain in London 2012 making five appearances for the side who lost to Canada in the Games’ quarter-finals. 
    And should the veteran stopper be included in Riise’s squad she will be one of a small group of players to have represented Team GB at London 2012 and in Tokyo. 
    Other players expected to be included in the squad who will have competed in both Olympic games include Man City captain Steph Houghton and Jill Scott who spent five months on loan at Everton from City. 
    Bardsley’s Citizen’s team-mate Lucy Bronze is also reported to have made the team along with club colleagues Demi Stokes, Georgia Stanway and Kiera Walsh
    And The Athletic claims Arsenal’s Leah Williamson is due to be part of the squad along with Chelsea’s Sophie Ingle who is rumoured to be the only Wales player included. 
    Everton stopper Sandy MacIver, Blues playmaker Erin Cuthbert and Man United duo Ella Toone and Millie Turner are rumoured to be among the WSL stars on Riise’s standby list. 
    Reports claim Sophie Ingle has made the list of players will represent Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics in JapanCredit: Getty

    Team GB’s women’s football team are due to play Chile, Japan and Canada in their Olympic group matches. 
    Games are due to commence on July 21 with their first fixture – against Chile – expected to take place at the Sapporo Dome. 
    And the squad will be hoping to go beyond the quarter-final stage which Team GB reached at the London 2012 games where they were defeated 2-0 by Canada.
    Man City Steph Houghton is also expected to be named in Team GB’s women’s football squadCredit: PA:Press Association
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    Mana Iwabuchi announces Aston Villa exit amid Arsenal transfer link to replace Jill Roord

    MANA IWABUCHI has revealed that she has left Aston Villa – fuelling rumours of a move to Arsenal.The 28-year-old broke the news on her Instagram in the week.
    Iwabuchi has announced she has left Villa amid Arsenal transfer interestCredit: Getty
    After six months at Villa, the Japanese striker has decided to move on.
    She said: “Thank you for the great 6 months in the UK. I have decided to leave Aston Villa.”
    Iwabuchi spent her time at Villa stuck in a relegation battle but helped the club secure their stay in the top-flight.
    Despite the tough challenge, she said she was grateful for the experience and wished them well in the future.
    The World Cup winner added: “It was difficult to win many games, but I had gained a lot of experiences, and learnt lot.
    “I am grateful that I have met many of great people.
    “I wish all the best for future. Thank you for everything and hope to see you soon!”
    The forward’s decision to leave Banks Stadium comes just weeks after she was heavily-linked with a move to the Gunners.

    The Gunners have reportedly identified Iwabuchi as the ideal replacement for Jill Roord, who departed for Wolfsburg earlier this month.
    And the North London side have been keen on Iwabuchi for quite some time now.
    Former boss Joe Montemurro revealed he wanted to bring her to Boreham Wood whilst he was still in charge.
    He said: “Mana was a player of interest to me for around 18 months or so.
    “Firstly we had a few challenges with her national team who wanted their players in and around Japan for the World Cup and then the (2020) Olympics.
    “Initially we had planned around that but then the Olympic games were cancelled.
    “We had to look at other alternatives but Mana is a player I have always admired and feel that she suits our style.”
    The Gunners allegedly see her as the perfect replacement for RoordCredit: Getty
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    Christen Press fuels rumours of Manchester United exit with cryptic Instagram post thanking club for incredible season

    CHRISTEN PRESS has fuelled rumours of a potential Manchester United exit with a cryptic Instagram post.The 32-year posted a pic with team-mates saying she’s “grateful” for an incredible season and for how much she’s “learned” from them.
    Press sparked fears that she’s leaving United after posting her thanks to the club for her season with themCredit: Getty
    She wrote: “Grateful for an incredible season with Man United Women.
    “I learned so much playing alongside such a humble, ambitious, and hardworking group.
    “You girls keep me young! GGMU!!”
    The post sparked panic amongst United fans who begged her not the leave the club.
    One supporter pleaded with the American to stay and wrote in bold: “PLEASE DON’T GO.”
    While another said: “PLEASE STAY IN MANCHESTER.”
    She also posted a clip in her native Los Angeles on her Instagram story with the caption “LA GIRL,” with her two dogs.
    The striker’s post comes after reports that Press and team-mate Tobin Heath are expected to return to the USA.

    The post caused panic amongst fans her begged her not leave United
    She further added to the speculation by posting a pic in LA with her dogs

    If true, it will be a huge blow for the Red Devils as the pair managed to sell more shirts than the whole of the men’s squad put together.
    The duo managed the spectacular feat after they joined the club in September 2020.
    Their impact will also be missed on the pitch as their goals helped propel United to a top-four finish last season.
    But the pairs’ futures are not entirely in their own hands as their rights are owned by National Women’s Soccer League side Racing Louisville.
    This means they could suffer the same fate as Manchester City’s Rose Lavelle, who was shipped back to the US this week.
    The American forward was sold to OL Reign when her rights were traded for £71,000 by former club Washington Spirit.
    Press could also be joined by US team-mate Heath back to their home-landCredit: Getty
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    Eni Aluko joins new US team Angel City owned by sports stars and Hollywood big shots including Eva Longoria

    ENI ALUKO has become the first-ever sporting director of newly-established women’s football side Angel City.Aluko, 34, will join the Los Angeles-based club whose high-profile female owners include Hollywood actress and producer Eva Longoria.
    Eni Aluko will oversee player recruitment and management of coaching staff at Angel CityCredit: PA
    The ex-England striker previously held the sporting director’s role at WSL side Aston Villa who won their battle to avoid relegation from the top-flight.
    But the former Lionesses star, who has 102 international caps, stepped down from her post days after the end of the 2020-21 season.
    Aluko says she is delighted to take on the challenge of helping to develop the US side who will compete in America’s National Women’s Soccer League.
    In a post on Twitter Aluko said: “I’m thrilled to join Angel City, this is an incredible opportunity to help write the club’s first chapter.
    “And to build a team that is people-focused and admired all over the world.
    “I can’t wait to get started and join a fantastic female led ownership group.”
    “The passion and determination from to make an impact both on the field and in the community was a key part of my decision to join Angel City FC.
    “Becoming the club’s first sporting director is a huge privilege.”

    Angel City is reported to have a number of influential and high-profile female financial backers including tennis superstar Serena Williams.
    And A-lister Longoria is one of the many other celebrities who have decided to invest in the team.
    The 46-year-old Desperate Housewives star is joined by fellow actresses Natalie Portman and Jennifer Garner as part-owners.
    And talk show host James Corden is reported to be among the few men with a financial stake in the club.
    As part of her new role Aluko, who has won five FA Cups and three league titles with Birmingham, Charlton and Chelsea, will be responsible for helping to grow the club during its debut NWSL season.
    Her responsibilities will include roster management, player recruitment and overseeing the work of coaching and technical staff. 
    Angel City’s founder, Julie Urhman, believes Aluko’s input will be important to help the club to evolve into to be reckoned in the top-flight women’s football in the USA.
    Urhman said: “I cannot be more thrilled to welcome Eni Aluko to the Angel City FC family as our first Sporting Director.
    “We are all beyond excited to work alongside Eni to build a world-class team we can all get behind. LFG!!!”
    Angel City are part-owned by actress and producer Eva LongoriaCredit: Getty

    Longoria, who has a passionate interest in football, has also purchased a team in Mexico.
    Alongside former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil and model Kate Upton, the Hollywood star recently bought a stake in the Mexican club Necaxa.
    The trio joined a consortium bidding to buy 50 per cent of the three-times Liga MX champions in April.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Longoria has also invested in a Mexican football team with Mesut star OzilCredit: Avalon.red
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    Chelsea 3 Everton 0: Reiten and Kerr star as Blues reach Women’s FA Cup quarters and keep treble hopes alive

    GURO REITEN helped Chelsea put their defeat in Europe to bed as the Blues beat Everton 3-0 to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.The Norway ace’s thumping opener and a Sam Kerr belter were among the goals that saw the champs avenge their loss to the Toffees in last year’s contest.
    Guro Reiten was on target for Chelsea who knocked Everton out of the Women’s FA CupCredit: Getty
    Sam Kerr got on the scoresheet to help the Blues double their lead in the second halfCredit: Getty
    And the gritty win means the WSL juggernauts’ hopes of notching up a domestic treble are still alive.
    Emma Hayes made five changes to the side that fell to a 4-0 loss to Barcelona in their first-ever Champions League final.
    Erin Cuthbert, Beth England and Reiten were among the players who made the starting line-up for the hosts at Kingsmeadow.
    And the match saw Ingrid Moe Wold pull on the Everton captain’s armband with the Norway international playing her final game before retirement.
    The champs got off to a mildly jittery start with Everton having a couple of early first-half chances.
    One of the first came through Valerie Gauvin latching on to a sixth minute Hayley Raso pass and attempting to flick the ball into Ann-Katrin Berger’s net.
    And the Toffees went close around the 20th minute with Claire Emslie’s half-volley forcing a classy fingertip save from Berger at the far post.
    But it was Chelsea who broke the deadlock a minute before the half-hour mark with Kerr teeing up Reiten.
    And the Norway star buried a fierce bottom corner shot for the champions’ opener.
    Minutes later Sandy MacIver pulled off a fine double-stop to keep the scoreline 1-0.
    The hosts thought they had a second goal with a glancing Beth England header minutes before half-time.
    Beth England netted twice for Chelsea but both her efforts were ruled offsideCredit: Sportimage

    But the Lionesses forward, who netted off the back of a fine floated pass from Kerr, was adjudged to have been offside.
    The second spell saw Chelsea maintain the pressure with Millie Bright rattling the woodwork in the 50th minute with a corker of a strike from more than 30 yards out.
    And MacIver pulled off a fine save moments later.
    This occurred with Kerr going one-on-one with the Toffees stopper who came out swiftly to block the shot at Australia skipper’s feet.
    Everton had a couple of good forays forward with Gabrielle George jetting down the left in the 62nd minute.
    However, there were no Toffees in the box to get on the end of her dangerous whipped in cross.
    The WSL champs countered almost immediately with Kerr dribbling her way to the box and unleashing a hefty right-footed effort saved by MacIver.
    Chelsea will find out who they will face in the FA Cup quarter-finals with the draw taking place on May 28Credit: Reuters
    There were a couple of nervy moments around the 74th minute when Berger saw her clearance in the penalty box blocked by a Toffees shirt and almost land at the foot of an Everton player.  
    But Kerr helped the hosts double their lead with the Blues making a swift counter and the Australia star thumping in a high strike minutes later.
    And they added a third goal with substitute Drew Spence getting her head on the end of Kerr’s lofted pass.
    The goal saw the Blues wrap up a 3-0 result to end their season with a win.
    Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Drew Spence was on target to help Emma Hayes’ side wrap up a 3-0 winCredit: PA
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    Ellen White signs new Manchester City contract just days after club lose Mewis, Lavelle and Campbell

    ELLEN WHITE has given Manchester City a boost by signing a new two-year deal with the club following the departures of a trio of senior players.The 32-year-old’s new contract will see her stay with the club until the summer of 2023.
    England striker Ellen White has signed a new deal with WSL title runners-up Manchester CityCredit: PA
    It comes in a week in which the WSL giants bid farewell to USA stars Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle, and Republic of Ireland ace Megan Campbell.
    The Lionesses forward revealed that opting to extend her City career was a straightforward choice.
    The striker, who joined Man City from Birmingham in 2019, says her working relationship with Gareth Taylor also played a part in her decision to stay.
    White said: “I’m delighted to have sorted everything. I’ve really enjoyed the last two seasons.
    “And I’m excited for what the future holds for this team and to be a part of it.
    “We’ve got some really talented players here and I’ve really enjoyed working with Gareth.
    “So I can’t wait to continue that journey for the next couple of years – it was a really easy decision for me.”
    After tasting FA Cup success with the club in 2020, White is desperate to pick up more silverware.
    The England star added: “I really want to help the team to achieve some big things in the coming years.
    Gareth Taylor says he is delighted White has penned a new deal with Manchester CityCredit: PA

    “And that’s a big part of the reason that I’ve committed my future to this club.”
    The ex-Arsenal star had a successful league season which saw her become the WSL’s all-time top scorer with 55 goals.
    White achieved this feat by pipping former record holder Vivianne Miedema by one goal.
    But the Lionesses veteran believes she can still grow as a player and that Man City have the right personnel in their squad to help her do so.
    White added: “I still want to develop. I’m 32, but I still want to learn and get better.
    “I’m surrounded by a great group of players who constantly push each other to improve in a competitive environment.”
    City boss Taylor praised White for being a leader and expressed his delight at her decision to stay at the Academy Stadium.
    Taylor, 48, said: “Ellen has been a top leader for us – she has led the line not only on the pitch but in the dressing room as well.
    “Her work ethic and everything she does is about her profession – she has been a top person to work with as well.
    “Ellen is a real shining light and the perfect example to young players of what it takes to get to the very top of the game.
    “We’re delighted to have her with us and we feel very lucky to be able to have her experience and quality for the next couple of years.”
    City fans will welcome the news of White’s stay after three of the club’s first team members left.
    White netted 10 goals in 22 WSL games this termCredit: PA
    Megan Campbell was the first to announce her departure closely followed by 2019 Women’s World Cup winners Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle.
    Campbell, 27, decided she wanted a new challenge after being side-lined with injury for most of the previous campaign.
    And American duo Mewis and Lavelle declared their plans to return to the United States,
    Mewis, 28, returns to NWSL side North Carolina Courage, while Lavelle joined their rivals OL Reign.
    Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    After tasting FA Cup success with Man City, White desperate to win more silverware with the clubCredit: PA
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    Pooch-loving Chelsea star England targets Women’s FA Cup knockout of Everton

    BETH ENGLAND reckons Chelsea are ready to right the wrongs of their Champions League heartbreak by dumping Everton out of the Women’s FA Cup.And the Blues goal machine says the WSL champs are up for a fight against the Toffees with the treble still in sight. 
    Beth England is hoping Chelsea will knock Everton out of the Women’s FA CupCredit: Rex
    England is backing a fitness campaign to help overweight dogs get trimmer
    England, who is leading an Olympics-themed campaign to help overweight pooches get fit, was speaking ahead of the Blues’ FA Cup fifth round clash with Everton.
    The Lionesses forward, 26, says her team-mates are looking to end their season on a high, following their ‘heartfelt’ Euros defeat in the Champions League final. 
    And they hope to exact Cup competition revenge on the Toffees who beat them in the quarter-final stages of the contest last term. 
    England said: “Everton have already knocked us out before so we know they are not a team to take lightheartedly.  
    “Secondly they’ve had to miss some extra time of their summer because they’ve had to wait for us to finish Champions League.
    “They’re not going to have wanted to have wasted the last two weeks without coming for a fight. 
    “We’re more than ready for a fight and I’m glad that we’ve got this game because we can try and do the things that we didn’t do in the Barcelona game. 
    “I think for myself and a lot of the girls to end the season on that defeat to Barcelona would have put a real dampener on everything that we’ve achieved.
    “Although we can’t go for the quadruple now, the treble is still on the cards and that’s definitely what we’re aiming for this evening.
    “It’s hard to reflect on what you’ve done because of coming off of such a heartfelt loss, but we’ve achieved unbelievable things this year and I know this is such a special group of players.”
    England and her Chelsea team-mates are eager to win the treble this year after losing the Women’s Champions League finalCredit: Getty

    Chelsea, who sealed a fourth WSL title this term, will be buoyed by the prospect of boss Emma Hayes reportedly gearing up to sign a new contract.
    And England, who has netted 28 goals in 51 Chelsea appearances, believes the Blues will be an even tougher force to be reckoned with next term. 
     The striker, who moved to Chelsea from Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2016 added: “We’re getting stronger every year. And I think that everyone knows that at the minute that we are the team to beat. 
    “But we’ve proven time and time again why we are the best.
    “I hope we continue to be that team that everyone’s chasing because ultimately you want to be in the best environment, you want to be in the best team and that’s what I feel Chelsea is”.  
    England says Chelsea have consistently proved they are the team to beat this seasonCredit: Prime Media
    The Blues’ final match of the season comes during a week in which England is leading a campaign to help overweight and obese dogs to get fit. 
    The WSL ace has teamed up with a pet diet firm to encourage dog owners to get their pooches involved in the Canine Games. 
    The competition – which starts on May 21 – will involve an Olympic-style challenge posted every Friday on social media for four weeks.  
    Through lockdown, we can appreciate there have been a lot of challenges where dogs aren’t getting enough walks or they’re getting overfed, which has led to a lot of obesity.Beth England
    Contests include a 100m Dash-hund with dogs and their owners racing 100m together. 
    The winner will receive a six months’ supply of dog food. 
    Statistics shared by Burns Pet Nutrition revealed 52% of people who took part in a study of 2,000 dog owners believe their furry companions are overweight. 
    They say this is the equivalent of six million of the country’s 12 million dogs.

    England enjoys the company of her Golden Retrievers Dilys and Buddy
    Chelsea star England is hoping the canine contest will create a feel-good factor around helping pooches stay fit. 
    The Blues ace is the proud owner of two dogs including an adorable Golden Retriever named Buddy with whom she shares her birthday. 
    England said: “Through lockdown, we can appreciate there have been a lot of challenges where dogs aren’t getting enough walks or they’re getting overfed, which has led to a lot of obesity. 
    “A lot of people can feed their dogs quite terrible things and just give them human foods and stuff which they’re not supposed to
    “The point of this campaign is to create a fun feel factor and to get people to join in activities that could be good for them and their pets. 

    England also feels having Buddy and Dilys in her life has been a boost for her during lockdown. 
    The Chelsea forward added: “Sometimes when you just need to go for a walk and clear your head, your dogs are there and they’re just happy, it gives you a boost. 
    “And I think having that time with them can take you away from all the stresses and things. 
    England is supporting an Olympics-themed Canine Games with a pet nutrition firmCredit: Rex
    “This job of being a footballer isn’t as easy as people think. 
    “There’s a lot of things off the pitch and on the pitch that people don’t see day-to-day, they just see the games.
    “For me having Buddy by my side throughout this last year – especially with how tough it’s been with the pandemic – has been good. He’s been my best friend.”
    Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    England says having Buddy and Dilys in her life has been boost during lockdownCredit: PA
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