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    Fran Kirby ready to put Chelsea bond with team-mate Kerr on hold at Tokyo Olympics

    FRAN KIRBY says her bond with Sam Kerr will not stop her gunning for victory if Great Britain and Australia go head-to-head at the Olympics.The Chelsea playmaker made the admission after being selected to represent Team GB at the Tokyo games in July.
    Fran Kirby is ready to put her Blues bond with Sam Kerr to one side at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: Getty
    Sam Kerr will be leading Australia’s attack at the Tokyo Olympics’ football tournament in JulyCredit: Corbis – Getty
    Kirby, 27, has established a formidable partnership at Chelsea with Matildas skipper Kerr
    The duo netted 37 goals last term helping Chelsea to nab their fourth WSL title.
    And their bond has seen them compared to Manchester United legends Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, who helped lead the Red Devils to a historic treble in 1999.
    But Kirby says she is prepared to put their special on-pitch bond to one side if it would mean a for Team GB.
    Kirby told FAWSL Full-Time: “I think of course it’s always special to play against people who you play with week in, week out on a scale like that. “
    “For so many of us to be able to go there and represent our countries in the Olympics, I think it’s something that we need to celebrate, obviously, as team-mates and as friends.
    “But I think obviously, when you come into a game situation, I think that kind of just gets thrown out the window.
    “She (Kerr) knows a lot about my play and I know a lot about her play so I think we’ll be able to give a bit of info on each other.”
    “For me, it’s just exciting. I think it’s exciting for all of us to be involved and all of us to just go out there and have fun and be Olympians and be able to be in that environment together.
    Kerr and Kirby netted 37 league goals helping Chelsea win their fourth WSL titleCredit: Getty
    “I think it’s going to be really nice but I think once you get in that moment, you’re just completely focused on your team.
    “And you’re not trying to think about how you can make your friend happy. It’s about how can you win for your team.”
    Kirby is joined by her Blues pals Millie Bright and Wales skipper Sophie Ingle in a Team GB squad that consists of 11 Manchester City players.
    And they will have to be at their best if they come up against team-mate Kerr who scored an incredible 21 goals for Emma Hayes’ side last season.
    The 27-year-old also eyeing success with Australia who have former USA assistant boss Tony Gustavsson in charge for the upcoming tournament.
    And the WSL’s Golden Boot winner reckons her national side can go far with Gustavsson at the helm.
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    Kirby’s performances for Chelsea earned her a WSL Player of the Year AwardCredit: Getty

    Kerr said: “I think he’s going to fit in well not only with the team off the field, but on the field, I think he’s what we need.”
    Chelsea fans will get to see their stars in action when the tournament begins on July 21.
    Team GB are due to play Chile in their opening Olympic Group E game followed by matches against Japan and Canada in Tokyo’s Sapporo Stadium.
    Hege Riise’s Team GB side will be pushing for a Gold medal win at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: PA
    Manchester City star Caroline Weir targets Team GB Olympic glory like ‘mentor’ Andy Murray More

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    Lauren James shares touching tribute to Chelsea star brother Reece after Blues Euro win

    LAUREN JAMES shared a heartwarming photo with brother Reece holding his winner’s medal after Chelsea’s Champions League triumph. The Manchester United forward joined the ecstatic Blues defender celebrating his side’s 1-0 win against Manchester City in Portugal.
    Lauren James praised her brother Reece’s impressive performance during Chelsea’s Champions League final winCredit: Getty
    Man United ace James shared a cute childhood photo of the siblings playing football
    The WSL starlet, 19, penned an emotionally charged message to her older brother on social media after the Blues won their second Champions League trophy
    Reflecting on her sibling’s first major competition win in Europe James wrote: “Wow, incredibly proud of you. What a performance in the biggest game in your career so far.
    “Big game player! You inspire me every day and seeing you win the Champions League means I have to now do it too! Love you, @Reece James.”
    The image of the pair went viral on Twitter and received more than 150,000 likes.

    The Man United Women’s forward also showed her support for her brother before the game sharing a photo of the pair playing football as children.
    In a caption accompanying the picture, Lauren wrote: “From kicking a ball behind the house to Champions League final!!
    “Go an do your thing brother , proud sista always!”

    Blues full-back James, 21, delivered a standout performance for Chelsea during their impressive defeat of Man City at Porto’s home ground in Lisbon.
    The defender, who made 47 Blues appearances across all competitions this term, managed to nullify City forward Raheem Sterling to help his side keep a clean sheet.
    And his impressive shift at the Estadio do Dragao will no doubt be giving Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate a right-back selection headache ahead of the Euros.
    Meanwhile, James sister Lauren has also been grabbing headlines with some of her Red Devils performances.
    This year the WSL striker was named by Uefa as one of ten young female talents to watch in Europe.
    And the Man United starlet has netted eight goals in 22 WSL appearances in the past two seasons.
    And James’ efforts saw her receive her first England international call-up in November with brother Reece sharing a congratulatory post on Instagram.
    The football star siblings have publicly supported their endeavours and achievements on the pitch.
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    Lauren James has been linked with a move to WSL champions ChelseaCredit: EPA

    And some fans hope the duo could one day become the first brother and sister pairing to play for the same top tier English club.
    The transfer rumour mill has seen Lauren James heavily linked with a move to four-time WSL title-winners Chelsea.
    And speculation was fuelled by the Kingsmeadow club accidentally including her name as a choice for fans to print on the back of the new home kit. 
    Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Chelsea won their first trophy under boss Thomas Tuchel 124 days after he took chargeCredit: Matthew Ashton/AMA
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    Team GB keeper Bardsley suffers hamstring injury putting Tokyo Olympics hopes at risk

    KAREN BARDSLEY’S chances of playing at the Olympics appear to have taken a blow after she hurt her hamstring during a National Women’s Soccer League game. The Man City keeper who is on loan at OL Reign suffered the injury during their 1-0 loss to Washington Spirit in the United States. 
    Karen Bardsley sustained a hamstring injury during OL Reign’s 1-0 loss to Washington Spirit in the NWSLCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    And it comes just days after the stopper was named in Hege Riise’s Team GB football squad. 
    Bardsley’s hamstring problem will come as a concern to Riise who chose the London 2012 Olympian and Ellie Roebuck as her preferred two goalkeepers in her 18-strong squad. 
    The veteran stopper will have around seven weeks to be fully fit ahead of Great Britain’s first match at the Tokyo Games against Chile on July 21.
    Bardsley, who has 81 England caps, is one of five players in the squad who represented Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics. 
    And the US-born stopper, whose family hail from Stockport, helped the team reach the quarter finals of the 2012 Games where they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Canada. 
    Should Bardsley’s injury affect her fitness, Riise has rising Everton star Sandy MacIver as part of her reserve group. 
    The Toffees keeper is travelling to Tokyo as one of four players serving as back-ups to the squad of 18.
    MacIver, who moved to Everton in 2020 from United States college team Clemson Tigers, made her senior England international debut in March this year. 
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    Everton’s Sandy MacIver is travelling as Team GB’s reserve keeper for Bardsley and Ellie RoebuckCredit: Getty

    The Everton stopper came on as a second-half substitute during England’s 6-0 trouncing of Northern Ireland. 
    The WSL ace kept six clean sheets in 18 top tier games for Willie Kirk’s Toffees who finished fifth in the league last term. 
    And the Everton boss has tipped MacIver to become one of the world’s best keepers following her string of stunning saves during Everton’s 3-1 loss to Man City in the 2020 Women’s FA Cup final. 
    Manchester City’s Ellie Roebuck is one of two keepers named in Hege Riise’s Team GB squadCredit: Getty
    Manchester City star Caroline Weir targets Team GB Olympic glory like ‘mentor’ Andy Murray More

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    Tuchel hails the ‘strength’ of Emma Hayes’ Women’s Super League champs Chelsea

    THOMAS TUCHEL saluted the grit of Emma Hayes’ Chelsea side following their double triumph this season.The Blues boss, whose team beat Man City to claim their second Champions League crown, hailed the WSL giants’ success in England and Europe.
    Champions League-winning boss Thomas Tuchel praised Chelsea’s success in the WSLCredit: Reuters
    Tuchel, who swapped Paris Saint-Germain for Chelsea this year after two seasons and a league title in France, was speaking before his side’s 1-0 defeat of Pep Guardiola’s stars. 
    And he applauded Hayes, 44, for making history by leading her team to their first-ever Champions League final. 
    And although Blues lost 4-0 to rivals Barcelona, they picked up their fourth WSL crown to register two silverware wins before the end of the season.
    The Conti Cup-winning club, who are currently the most successful side in the Women’s Super League era, could be on course for a trophy treble should they win this year’s FA Cup.
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    Hayes’ team will face Birmingham in the quarter-finals of the contest in September.
    Tuchel, 47, said: “There’s no doubt about it that they are a strong group of women with a strong group of players and a strong leader. 
    “And they can be very proud and we are very proud they got all of these titles.”
    Hayes and Tuchel have a warm working relationship cemented by a determination to turn their sides into the most dominant footballing forces on these shores and in Europe. 
    And the Kingsmeadow gaffer praised the forward-thinking coaching approach of the former Bundesliga boss who managed Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and PSG between 2009 and 2020.
    Emma Hayes led the Blues to their fourth Women’s Super League title winCredit: PA
    An approach that helped the Stamford Bridge giants win their first Eurpean trophy under Tuchel 124 days after the German took charge of the team.
    In May,  Hayes said: “I had a lovely encounter with Thomas Tuchel, he’s a fantastic guy, really open-minded and progressive coach. 
    “There’s a reason why the men’s team are performing like they are.

    Hayes, who won this term’s Women’s Super League Manager of the Season award, is due to make her debut as an ITV Sports pundit in June. 
    The Chelsea boss will be part of a star-studded panel offering insight and opinions on this year’s Euros. 
    Other big names from the women’s game on the panel include ex-England and Blues striker Eni Aluko and PSG forward Nadia Nadim.
    Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    WSL Manager of the Season Hayes will be an ITV Sports pundit during the EurosCredit: Getty
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    Manchester City star Weir targets Team GB Olympic glory like ‘mentor’ Andy Murray

    CAROLINE WEIR recalls being left ‘devastated’ when a late Finland goal ended Scotland’s dreams of reaching the 2022 Women’s Euros.But the Man City winger reckons competing in the Olympics and emulating Andy Murray has helped ease the ‘disappointment’ of that December night. 
    Caroline Weir says Team GB are hoping for a gold medal win at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: Getty
    Weir says London 2012 gold medallist Andy Murray has been a ‘great mentor’ to herCredit: EPA
    Weir is one of two Scotland stars included in an 18-strong Team GB squad chosen by Hege Riise with the other being Arsenal skipper Kim Little.
    And the in-form playmaker, with a knack for netting wonder goals, is also targeting World Cup qualification with Scotland for the second time in her nation’s history.
    Weir, 25, said: “The fact that I’m going to the Tokyo Olympics this summer probably makes next summer and the fact I’m not going to the Euros, a little bit easier.
    “The disappointment with Scotland was a tough one to take. And it did take a little bit of time to get over it.
    “But at the same time, we have the qualifying campaign for the 2023 World Cup. 
    “It feels like a long way away, but it’s in a few months and we’ll have a Scotland camp in June and our focus will turn to that. 
    “Yes it (not qualifying for the Euros) was disappointing at the time, but I think you’ve got to move on quickly and I think we’ve all done that now.”
    Weir, who moved City in 2018 after a two-year Liverpool spell, has enjoyed a standout season with the Manchester giants including a 2020 FA Cup win. 
    The Dunfermline-born player netted eight times in 20 top-flight games last term as City took Chelsea to the wire before finishing second in the WSL title race. 
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    Weir wowed WSL fans with her performances for Man City this termCredit: Getty

    Goals include an audacious 18-yard chip in a memorable Manchester derby that went viral on social media.
    Weir, admits to being a fan of the Olympics as a spectator and taking pleasure from watching the Games’ ‘random sports’.
    The forward who began her career at the age of ten at Hibernian, is an admirer of the exploits of past Team GB Olympians.
    These include the dramatic gold-winning performances of Sir Chris Hoy and tennis ace Murray at the London 2012 Games. 
    And the Man City star, who became the first female football player to join Murray’s 77 Sports Management in March 2020, says the three-time grand slam winner has been a reliable source for advice. 
    [embedded content]
    Weir added: “Andy has been a great mentor to me over the last 12 months.
    “Any kind of questions or advice I need from him, whether that’s performance, psychological – whatever it might be – he’s at the end of the phone and he’s been really helpful.
    “And I’m sure I’ll be asking him a little bit about his Olympic experiences going forward, but he’s been great and really positive.”
    Great Britain will take on Canada, Chile and Japan in Group E of the Tokyo Olympics’ women’s football tournament in Japan in July. 
    In addition to Weir and Little, the group includes Chelsea midfielder Sophie Ingle who made history by becoming the first Wales player in a GB women’s football squad. 
    And Weir who is a ‘proud Scot’ is hoping the Scottish public will get behind the team as they bid to make history by winning gold. 
    Weir and her Scotland team-mates are aiming to qualify for the 2023 World CupCredit: The Sun
    Weir said: “It’s kind of sinking in a little bit now as the day goes on, but to put on a Team GB kit is something I never thought would happen or kind of dreamed of.
    “I’ve wanted to play in World Cups and things like that, but you just don’t necessarily think of playing at the Olympics.
    “I remember watching 2012 and I remember watching Kim and the team do so well in London.
    “To be here alongside Kim (Little) is a huge honour. I think that’s what’s great about Team GB and the fact that there are Scots here and Sophie Ingle is in the squad.
    “You also look around and you see those experienced players like Jill Scott, Steph Houghton, Kim, Karen Bardsley and Ellen White who’ve seen it all and went to London 2012.
    Arsenal star Kim Little will represent Team GB for the second time in her career after competing at the London 2012 GamesCredit: Getty
    “But we have such good young players in the squad too that will bring that youth, and excitement.
    “Hopefully that will unite the home nations, and everyone can get behind us because it’s a strong squad.
    “We really want to do a good job and hopefully bring something back.
    “We’ve got to go for gold and of course it’s going to be a tough tournament but the team is talented.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Team GB hope to go beyond the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Olympics football tournament after reaching that stage at London 2012Credit: Alan Walter – The Times
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    Arsenal ace Miedema’s agent dismisses Gunners exit rumours amid reports of a Lyon swap with Nikita Parris

    VIVIANNE MIEDEMA’s agent poured cold water on speculation of the striker leaving Arsenal for a sensational move to LyonLeoni Blokhuis shut down rumours of a swap that would see his client join the French giants in exchange for Nikita Parris becoming a Gunner.
    Dutch newspaper AD claims Vivianne Miedema’s agent has denied rumours of her leaving Arsenal this summerCredit: Getty
    But Blokius, 33, did not rule out a possible free transfer after the end of next season with Miedema’s Arsenal contract entering its final year.
    And the agent, who also represents Miedema’s Gunners team-mate, Lisa Evans, could only confirm she will see out her current deal with the North London side.
    Blokius told Dutch newspaper AD: “Vivianne will remain, as it looks now, at Arsenal next season. That is her last contract year.”
    The Flow-Sports founder’s comments come just days after reports suggested Miedema could be on her way to seven-time Champions League winners Lyon.
    The Gunners are reportedly in talks to trade former Manchester City star Parris for the Netherlands striker, 24, according to The Guardian.
    It is thought the North London side are reluctant to lose their all-time top scorer on a free transfer next summer.
    And despite all rumours surrounding her future, Miedema is yet to address them publicly.
    And while seems a move to France may not be on the cards, Miedema could be open to returning to the Netherlands in the future.
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    Arsenal are reported to be considering a swap deal that would see Nikita Parris move to North London in exchange for Miedema going to LyonCredit: Getty

    In April the forward hinted at a switch to Feyenoord, who recently announced their formation of a women’s team.
    In a post to her 288,000 Instagram followers, Miedema said: “What a great day for the club, women’s football and all the girls who have the dream of one day playing football for Feyenoord.
    “And hopefully in the future, I can also wear the Feyenoord shirt.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Miedema has not ruled out a possible future switch to Feyenoord, the club of her childhood hero Robin van PersieCredit: Instagram @ viviannemiedema
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    Man City draw Leicester in Women’s FA Cup quarters with Arsenal facing Tottenham

    MANCHESTER CITY will go head-to-head with giant-killers Leicester in the final eight of this year’s Women’s FA Cup. And Arsenal will take on North London rivals Tottenham in a derby clash to see which of the sides will reach the contest’s semi-finals. 
    Leicester will play Man City in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Women’s FA CupCredit: Rex
    Man City will hope to win the FA Cup for the second year in a row after their 2020 triumphCredit: AFP
    Both ties are the prime picks of the quarter-final round of this year’s contest with Brighton hosting Charlton and league champs Chelsea set to travel to Birmingham. 
    And the Blues, who retained their WSL crown and picked up a Conti Cup, are aiming to win their third FA Cup to notch up a trophy treble. 
    Leicester, managed by Jonathan Morgan, will compete in the women’s top flight for the first time in their history this year.
    And they will take heart from their shock defeat of Man United when they face a City side who won the 2020 trophy.
    The Foxes, who won the Women’s Championship crown, will look to pull off another surprise after beating the Red Devils 3-2 in the fifth round.
    And the newly promoted WSL outfit gave the Citizens a run for their money the last time the rivals faced each other in the competition.
    That FA Cup quarter-final encounter between City and a Foxes side skippered by Morgan’s sister Holly ended in a narrow 2-1 home loss for Leicester. 
    Meanwhile, Rehanne Skinner’s Tottenham will be looking to pick up their first win against the Gunners in a derby. 
    Before then the club will embark on a squad rebuild this summer, having released 11 of their players before the 2021-22 season.
    They will face a tough away challenge against Arsenal, who hold the record for the most trophy wins in the competition with 14 triumphs. 
    And their rivals have strengthened their attacking ranks by signing Japan forward and World Cup winner Mana Iwabuchi. 
    However the Gunners are thought to be facing a battle to keep hold of top striker Vivianne Miedema, 24,  with Lyon interested in bringing the Netherlands star to France. 
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    Arsenal will host Tottenham in their quarter-final FA Cup clash in SeptemberCredit: Rex

    And the rumoured deal could see England and Lyon goal machine Nikita Parris move to Arsenal as part of a swap.  
    However, Miedema’s agent Leoni Blokius has reportedly denied her client will leave the WSL this summer despite her having just a year left on her current contract.
    Blokius told Dutch newspaper AD: “Vivianne will remain, as it looks now, at Arsenal next season. That is her last contract year.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Vivianne Miedema’s agent has dismissed reports linking her with a summer move to European giants LyonCredit: Zuma Press
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    Man City skipper Houghton reveals she was ‘desperate’ to be in Team GB after London 2012 experience

    STEPH HOUGHTON has opened up on her desperation to be part of Team GB women’s football squad after competing in the London 2012 Games. The Manchester City and England skipper says the pride she felt in representing Great Britain is something she is eager to feel again.
    Houghton will represent Team GB for the second time at an Olympics after competing in the London 2012 GamesCredit: Getty
    Houghton is among a group of five WSL veterans who helped Britain reach the quarter-finals of the women’s football tournament at the 2012 Olympics.
    The City star and Olympians Jill Scott, Kim Little, Karen Bardsley and Ellen White hope to win a medal this time around.
    And Houghton, 33, cannot wait to help head coach Hege Riise and Team GB achieve something special at the Tokyo Games in July.
    The City skipper said: “Being part of London 2012 and experiencing what the Olympic Games was like.
    “I was so desperate to get selected for this one, not just for me but the rest of the team we’re so proud to be able to represent Team GB.
    “With the success of the last Olympics, in terms of women’s football and how it was probably a watershed moment in so many different ways.
    “In terms of how many fans came to watch us, the performances that we produced, everybody’s so excited to get to Tokyo to go and do something special.”
    Back in 2012, Houghton and her team began their quest to win an Olympic medal in stunning fashion
    Houghton is one of five 2012 Olympians included in Hege Riise’s Team GB squad of 18Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    They won their opening three group games and thumped Cameroon 3-0 in the last 16.
    But their run was cut short when they lost 2-0 in the quarters to Canada.
    But Houghton believes the Champions League experience gained by the current crop of Team GB’s football stars could help them in their bid to win a medal.
    Houghton added: “If I look back to 2012 I think we performed really well in the group stages.
    “And I look back at the game against Canada in the quarter-final back then and I know that it wasn’t the best version of us as a team.
    “I look at the squad and the individuals that we have and the mix of not just English players but Scottish and Welsh players.
    “I think it’s a squad full of quality people, that individually have played in big games, whether that’s a Champions League final or the highest games at the World Cup for their country.”

    Houghton, who has made 81 Man City appearances since her 2014 switch from Arsenal, led England to the semis of the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
    And the Olympian, who made four Team GB appearances at the 2012 Games, believes Riise’s squad has the right balance of older and younger players to excel in Tokyo.
    Houghton added: “The talent we have really excites me and I think we’ve got the perfect blend of youth and experience.
    “And for us, our expectation is always to go and win as many games as we possibly can and that doesn’t change whether I’m sitting here wearing a Team GB shirt or an England shirt.”
    Houghton is proud to see the Team GB squad feature rising stars such as Lauren HempCredit: Getty
    Manchester United forward Ella Toone and Chelsea’s Niamh Charles are among the four WSL stars travelling with Team GB as reserves.
    They will be joined by Everton keeper Sandy MacIver and Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy who are serving as back-ups for Riise’s squad of 18.
    And Houghton says she is curious to see how they will react emotionally to being at the Games in Tokyo.
    If I look back at the last year and what we’ve been all been through as people, not just as footballers, ultimately we’re just so happy to be able to go to an Olympic GamesSteph Houghton
    The Man City captain said: “I’ve actually been speaking to the likes of Ella Toone and Niamh Charles who are going to be with us for the whole tournament.
    “And I’m so excited to see how they’ll react to being in that environment because of the feelings I had as a young player at London 2012.
    “It’s such a surreal feeling to be part of something that we’ve all probably watched since we’ve been kids but we’ve never expected to be a part of.
    “I’m just so excited for them to experience what we did and for the likes of me, Jill Scott, Ellen White, Karen Bardsley and Kim Little, to go and experience that again we feel so fortunate and proud that we can do it.
    “But I think if I look back at the last year and what we’ve been all been through as people, not just as footballers, ultimately we’re just so happy to be able to go to an Olympic Games.
    Houghton is looking forward to seeing the effect the Tokyo Olympics will have on young players including Niamh CharlesCredit: Getty
    “To go and represent Team GB and even though our families and all our fans can’t be there with us I know they’ll be there with us back home.”
    Houghton won plaudits for her Team GB performances at the 2012 Games, becoming her side’s top scorer with three goals in the tournament.
    But the centre-back, who has won three FA Cups and a league title with Man City has not had the best preparation for the tournament due to an Achilles injury.
    However the City skipper, who is “100 per cent fit” is raring to start training.
    Houghton added: “It’s not been ideal preparation, in terms of our players have played a lot of games.
    “And for me to be missing just over a month and a half worth of games is unlike me.
    “But there were lots of conversations behind the scenes in terms of ultimately my aim was to represent Team GB at the Olympics.
    “I just had to listen to the doctors at England and Manchester City and the physios and the coaches.
    Hege Riise’s Great Britain squad features by ten of Houghton’s Man City team-matesCredit: Getty
    “I have also been taking my time a little bit more so that I’m ready to go and yeah I’m 100% fit.
    “I’ve been training over the last few weeks, I feel confident in my body and I just can’t wait to start training with the rest of the girls.”
    Great Britain are due to play Chile in their opening Olympic Group E game followed by clashes Japan and Canada in their Olympic group matches.
    Matches are due to commence on July 21 with their first two fixtures due to take place at the Sapporo Dome.
    Team GB will play their opening game at the Sapporo Dome Stadium where David Beckham netted England’s winner in a 2002 World Cup game against ArgentinaCredit: Reuters
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