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      Everton ace Izzy Christiansen reveals how she overcame heartbreak of missing out on an England World Cup squad spot

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      IZZY CHRISTIANSEN has opened up on how she overcame the disappointment of not being part of the Lionesses squad that reached the Women’s World Cup semis. 
      And the Everton star bravely admitted to throwing “toys out of the pram’’ before embarking on a successful commentary stint in a frank BBC Sounds conversation.  

      Izzy Christiansen has opened up on how she coped with the disappointment of not playing at the 2019 World CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Christiansen, 29, who was a free-flowing attacking midfielder at Lyon in the summer of 2019, had been described as a “vital player” by Phil Neville before the tournament. 
      At the time there were some concerns over fitness with the Toffees ace battling hard to recover from surgery on an ankle injury sustained in  March that year. 
      However, Neville, 43, would later reveal the midfield star had missed out on a place in his 23-strong squad due to the impressive form of other players. 
      The experience would later lead to the Everton player joining BBC sports and eventually commentating at the 2019 World Cup final in France. 

      Christiansen has been sharing her reflections on how she recovered from her tournament upset on a BBC football series involving Toffees team-mate Hayley Raso. 
      The Macclesfield-born midfielder told The Players podcast: “I was off on a weekend or something and I got a phone call to say, ‘You’re not going to be going. You’re on standby’. 
      “I was just a mess. I threw the toys out of the pram and was like, ‘I don’t want to do anything. I’ve got this summer off, what am I going to do.
      “I don’t feel afraid to say I just want to drink. 

      “But then something kind of flicked in my head and I was just like, ‘Yeah, okay, I’ll do something’. 

      Christiansen ended up commentating at the Women’s World Cup final after missing out on an England spotCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “I think I did co-comms for a game I can’t even remember and they said I was brilliant and they wanted me to go again and it just kind of snowballed. 
      “Then it got to the point where I ended up doing  co-comms with John Murray at the BBC who for me is an absolute genius. 
      “I ended up sitting next to him at the World Cup final doing co-comms for the BBC. 
      “I was just like jeez, this is amazing.” 
      Christiansen, whose Everton side are due to play Manchester City in the league, has made an impressive start to her Toffees career this term after sealing an 18-month deal in December 2019. 

      Christiansen and her Everton team-mates are due to play Manchester City in the leagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A combination of injury and Covid-19 forcing women’s football into a temporary hiatus meant the England ace had to wait until September to make her WSL debut for the club. 
      The midfielder has enjoyed a solid run in Willie Kirk’s side, helping them to reach the 50th Women’s FA Cup finals where they were beaten by Man City. 
      And the Toffees, who are currently fourth, will be after maximum points when they face their FA Cup victors in the league for the first time this season.

      Lionesses in training More

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      Man City ace Lucy Bronze would ‘love to coach England’ one day

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      LUCY BRONZE admitted she would one day love to swap the pitch for the dugout and coach England.
      The Manchester City right-back, 29, revealed she was not ready to hang her boots up just yet but reckons she would suit life as a manager in the future.

      Lucy Bronze sees her self in the dugout one dayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Bronze said on Talksport 2: “I do like giving people orders and bossing them about,
      “I enjoy being captain because I like to tell people, ‘Get over there, get in with me’. It’s enjoyable.
      “Coaching is hopefully a long way off for me still, but I’d love to coach England and try to win trophies for England sitting on the bench as a coach, it would be fantastic.
      “We’ll see in the future where my interests go.”

      Bronze rejoined Manchester City from European top dogs Lyon in September, having lifted her third consecutive Champions League trophy with the club.
      The defender enjoyed her first stint with City in 2014 and helped the club win the WSL and Continental League Cup in 2016, as well as FA Cup a year later.
      When she arrived in the blue half of Manchester, she said: “I always had it in my mind that I would return one day and it just feels like the perfect time and opportunity right now.

      “There’s nowhere I’d rather be right now than with Manchester City and I’m really excited to see what the future holds with the exciting squad we have here.”

      She lifted the SheBelieves Cup with Lionesses last year and was left heartbroken when England crashed out of the 2019 World Cup against the USA in the semi-finals.
      The right-back was also part of the England squad who finished third in the World Cup in 2015.

      Alex Morgan pokes the Lionesses with ‘tea-sipping’ celebration after putting USA ahead against England in Women’s World Cup semi-final More

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      The amazing rise of Man City whizkid Jess Park from playing outside local boozer to chats with hero Sergio Aguero

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      JESS PARK could only have dreamt as a youngster that she would one day be chinwagging with her childhood hero Sergio Aguero on Manchester City’s open bus parade.
      The 19-year-old whizkid’s love for football began with kickabouts outside her local pub with the boys in her hometown, Brough, just outside of Hull.

      Lifelong Manchester City fan Jess Park has enjoyed a meteoric rise at the clubCredit: Instagram @jesspark_16

      City women lifted the FA Cup and League Cup in 2019 and celebrated with the men’s side on the open bus parade that yearCredit: PA:Press Association

      The Citizens forward told SunSport: “I used to play with all the boys and we actually just played outside the local pub.
      “We just used to kick the ball around and one of the dads was like ‘I’m going to start in a team, why don’t you come down?’
      “And I played from there really and fitted in.”
      Childhood City fan, Park, went to school at South Hunsley in East Yorkshire where her former PE teacher Matt Simpson inspired her to dream big.

      From there she caught scouts’ attention at York City’s girls’ talent pathway before arriving at the Citizens’ academy at the age of 16.
      It was no surprise when less than a year later she was bumped up to the first team before penning her first professional contract in April this year.
      The youngster said: “I was over the moon. All my family were really proud of me because they know how much I’ve wanted this since being a kid.
      “I kept it a bit of a secret because I knew it was being sorted.

      Sergio Aguero celebrated the THREE trophies Manchester City had bagged after the 2018-19 seasonCredit: AFP or licensors

      The Citizens paraded their honours through Manchester in May 2019 while fans let off flaresCredit: AFP or licensors

      “I went down stairs in the house and was like ‘oh I just signed a professional contract’ – my family were shocked!”
      Never in her wildest dreams did Park imagine she would be rubbing shoulders with her idol Aguero during the club’s open bus tour in May last year.
      He was part of Pep Guardiola’s 2018-19 side showing off the THREE trophies in an open-top victory bus parade after winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabo Cup.
      The women also had cause to celebrate with their shining FA Cup and League Cup silverware.
      The forward continued: “Obviously I looked up to like Messi and Ronaldo they’re the best players in the world but I really liked Augero as a kid.
      “As I followed the club I loved his style of play, it’s kind of similar to mine, so I looked at what he did in the box,
      “And how he got so many goals and tried to just like look at as many YouTube videos as possible to get there.
      “The women’s team did the tour around town and we got to go on the bus with the men’s team on the way back.
      “We (Augero) had a good conversation so I was really like overwhelmed.
      “I was chuffed really. It was just general chitchat.”

      City were the slide rulers of Wembley as they enjoyed extra-time victory over Everton in the Women’s FA Cup final thanks to Park’s late assist

      Skipper Steph Houghton held aloft the Women’s FA Cup after the 3-1 extra-time success over WSL rivals the Toffees
      City boss Gareth Taylor handed the hotshot the chance to live out her dream of playing at Wembley when he brought her on against Everton in the FA Cup final.
      With the score locked at 1-1 she produced a moment of magic, slipping an inch-perfect through-ball to Georgia Stanway to poke home the winner.
      The youngster has been clocking up more minutes this term and she is itching for another opportunity to shine against the Toffees this Sunday in the league.
      Park added: “it’s still quite unbelievable really that I’ve come as far as I have done.
      “I just want to keep progressing and I love the game. To be at probably one of the best clubs, is just phenomenal.”
      The forward has 12 goals in 13 games for the Under 19 England side and dreams of one day pulling on a senior Lionesses shirt.
      She admitted: “My biggest aim to be playing for England, because its my country.
      “I’ll just keep working hard and hopefully the minutes that I’m getting at the club will maybe give me an opportunity in the coming years with England.”

      Aguero has a dazed reaction in amazing behind-the-scenes tunnel footage after 2012 Premier League winning goal More

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      Rehanne Skinner hails Tottenham’s “ambitious” plans and targets a top-half finish in WSL

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      REHANNE SKINNER is targeting a top-half finish in the women’s top-flight for Tottenham after their challenging start to the season. 
      And the new Spurs boss has talked up the club’s “positive plans” for the future ahead of her first game at the helm. 

      Rehanne Skinner wants to see Tottenham finish in the top-half of the WSL Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Skinner took on her role as Tottenham manager following the sacking of joint head coaches Juan Amoros and Karen Hills with the team currently second from bottom in the table. 
      Prior to her appointment Phil Neville’s former England No2 had enjoyed glittering success in North London as assistant manager for local rivals Arsenal.
      Whilst working there the former Three Lions coach helped the Gunners lift two WSL trophies, two League Cups, and one FA Cup during a three-year spell from 2010. 
      And the Tottenham manager, whose team play Brighton next in the league, hopes to help her side progress whilst building on the foundations put in place by her predecessors. 

      Skinner told Tottenham’s official web site: “I think it’s important to look at where the club has come from and the foundations that were built from the previous managers that’s really important here 
      “Now we are just kind of looking to move things forward even further from what those guys put a lot of time and effort into achieving. 

      “The squad is a fantastic squad. There is an awful lot of experience here. 
      “And the biggest thing for me is trying to ensure that I tap into all of those experiences from those players and make sure that we utilise it to our benefit as a squad. 

      “That can help us move forward with where we want to get to and obviously get some results in games and start to move forward from that perspective.
      “I’m really happy to hear how the club is embracing the women’s team and how they want to move it forward in the Spurs family.” 

      Alex Morgan and her Tottenham team-mates will be after maximum points from their game against BrightonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Skinner plans to utilise the talents of Tottenham’s squad which includes England international Ashleigh NevilleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Tottenham, who claimed a respectable seventh-place finish last season, are yet to register a win in the WSL this term. 
      And the team, who made headlines in the summer after sealing a stunning temporary deal for US star striker Alex Morgan, have picked up just two points from their first seven games. 
      Skinner is optimistic that her side, which includes talents such as England defender and club player of the year Ashleigh Neville, will reverse their fortunes. 
      Skinner added: “There is always the results side of things and progressing through to the top of the table. 

      Rehanne Skinner hopes to see a reversal of fortunes for her new team in the leagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “Obviously we want to try and finish in the top-half of the table. That is something I have spoken to the players about already. 
      “It is something that would be a great step for a club that is relatively new to the WSL at this stage. 
      “But while I say the club’s relatively new, the players are incredibly experienced so we have got to kind of bring that out now and move forward and push on to be competing at the top of the table.”

      Tottenham signing Alex Morgan shows off her skills on the training pitch More

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      Birmingham City boss Carla Ward dismisses rumours about her future amid interest from West Ham after Matt Beard’s exit

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      CARLA WARD has shutdown speculation about her future as Birmingham City boss following her side’s solid start to the season. 
      The October Manager of the Month is reportedly a top target for West Ham following Matthew Beard’s departure, according to BBC Sport. 

      Carla Ward says her future is at Birmingham despite rumours linking her with West HamCredit: Rex Features

      Birmingham, who struggled towards the end of the curtailed 2019-20 season with just eight senior players in their squad, have enjoyed a decent run this term following Ward’s appointment in August. 
      And the former Sheffield United gaffer, 36, has seen her new club rise to sixth in the top-flight following their 11th place finish last season. 
      Ward’s side are three points and one place behind title runners-up Manchester City ahead of their upcoming game against Everton. 
      Meanwhile, West Ham, who are on the hunt for a new head coach, are currently winless in the league and ninth in the table. 

      Ward told Birmingham City’s web site: “Naturally when there is speculation it’s overwhelming if I’m honest because I have only been in this division a few months. 
      “For me, I came to this football club to do a job and that was to maintain WSL status.  My future is here, I don’t want to go anywhere else. 

      “The job is half done. It’s not done yet, so as far as I’m concerned right now, it’s about the players, the staff, the football club. 
      “I had great conversations with the board and I can honestly say that after those conversations we are very much on the same page and both want the same things for Birmingham City Women. 

      “They can’t get rid of me just yet!” 

      Ward has been touted as a possible replacement for Matt Beard following his West Ham departureCredit: PA:Press Association

      Ward’s Birmingham side have enjoyed a decent start to their tenth season in the WSL Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      December is set to be a tough month fixtures-wise for Birmingham with tricky pre-Christmas clashes against Arsenal,  Everton, and Manchester City. 
      But Blues keeper Hannah Hampton, 19, is optimistic about her team surprising the WSL’s big guns after claiming three wins in October and November. 
      Hampton told SunSport:  “Everybody wrote us off in the summer. 
      “Nobody thought we’d have a chance so those two wins in October really helped with the belief in the group. 

      Hannah Hampton (right) reckons Birmingham’s October wins have boosted their confidenceCredit: Rex Features
      “We’ve got a great set of girls and I think we just have to concentrate on getting as many points as possible to stay in this division. 
      “We know how much of a big job it is and how we’re going up against sides who have spent a lot of money this summer.
      “We’re going to give it everything we’ve got and see where it leaves us at the end of the season.”

      Lionesses in training More

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      Phil Neville hands Man Utd defender Abbie McManus late England call up

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      PHIL NEVILLE has handed Manchester United ace Abbie McManus a late England call-up.
      The 27-year-old is set to train with the team for the remaining few days of the November camp.

      Abbie McManus signed for United ahead of the 2019/20 seasonCredit: Rex Features

      The Red Devils defender has joined the squad at St. George’s Park and will be available for the second in-house match.
      England Women have been starved of competitive action after TWO of their friendly matches were axed amid the coronavirus crisis.
      After the latest in-house fixture, boss Phil Neville admitted he ‘tried not to think about’ the lack of matches.

      He said: “We have tried to be positive and think about how lucky we are to have camps and play in stadiums like this.
      “But the players are crying out for competitive games where they can test themselves against the best teams.
      “That’s what I really want. We’ve got [camps in] February and April where hopefully we have some exciting plans and we can play some top-quality opposition.

      “What we have had is some tough camps and have got the best out of a situation that is affecting everyone in the world.”

      United youngster Lauren James, the sister of Chelsea star Reece James, was handed her first senior international call-up by Neville.
      Other starlets who joined England’s ten-day camp included Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy and Liverpool’s Rinsola Babajide for their second senior call-ups. 

      Alex Morgan pokes the Lionesses with ‘tea-sipping’ celebration after putting USA ahead against England in Women’s World Cup semi-final More

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      Brazil heroine Marta pays heartfelt tribute to inspirational ‘God of the ball’ Diego Maradona as she shares pic of pair

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      BRAZIL icon Marta has joined footballing greats in paying tribute to Diego Maradona. 
      The Orlando Pride striker, 34,  shared an emotional post on Instagram describing the Argentina hero as one of the ‘Gods’ of the game. 

      Brazil icons Marta and Pele are among the football heroes who paid tribute to Diego Maradona Credit: Reuters

      Maradona, who is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest ever players, passed away, aged 60, after suffering a cardiac arrest.
      On Instagram Marta, who is a six-time Fifa World Player of the Year, posted a picture of herself sat next to the Argentinian icon. 
      In her message the Brazilian football heroine wrote: “We lost one of the Gods of the ball, a historical legend who inspired all of us professionals with his magic and love.”
      Maradona took the world of football by storm with his goalscoring feats for Argentina and for Napoli, with whom he won two Serie A titles.  

      The death of the striker, famous for his Hand of God and for leading his national team to World Cup glory,  has led to an outpouring of grief in his home country and in Naples. 
      And members of Napoli’s women’s team including Federico Di Criscio and Eleanora Goldoni took to social media to share their thoughts on Maradona’s passing. 

      Football fans in Naples have been mourning the passing of Maradona Credit: AP:Associated Press
      In part of her Instagram post Goldoni, 24, said: “You changed Argentina, you changed Naples, you embellished football. 
      “As a fan, as a Napoli footballer of, as a lover of football and of this city, thank you for what you did!”

      Today schools in Naples are closed in honour of the former Serie A player whose image adorns a mural in the city’s San Giovanni a Teduccio quarter. 

      Thousands of fans took to the streets of Naples and Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires where Maradona became a hero with Boca Juniors. 
      And three days of national mourning have commenced in Argentina in honour of the player.
      It has been reported that Napoli will go ahead with plans to rename their San Paolo stadium after one of their most famous stars.   

      Diego Maradona fans all around the world pay their respects to a football icon More

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      Risks of dementia could be greater for female footballers, says expert running ground-breaking study

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      WOMEN footballers are being urged to take part in a study to determine if they are at a higher risk of getting dementia than male players. 
      And its lead scientist believes female athletes heading the ball could be in greater danger of developing the condition diagnosed in five of 1966 World Cup winners. 

      University of East Anglia scientists are studying the effect heading a football has on female playersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Retired Crystal Palace ace Mark Bright and ex-Norwich City players are among the former professionals involved in the SCORES Project run by the University of East Anglia (UEA). 
      Dr Michael Grey, the study’s chief researcher, revealed his team are desperate to see more women players over the age of 40 to volunteer to take part. 
      Their call-out comes less than a month after the death of Manchester United and England hero Nobby Stiles who lived with dementia in his later years. 

      Professional female players who are 40 are being encouraged to take part in research Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      And it follows University of Glasgow research, funded by the FA, which revealed that retired male players are five times more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s compared to the average person. 

      Dr Grey told SunSport three amateur women footballers are currently involved in the study, with netballers, swimmers, tennis and badminton players making up the rest of the 37 sportswomen taking part. 
      And Sky Sports News reports the project is yet to include a single former professional female player. 
      Dr Grey said: “We know very little about how this affects female players, but we think female players are at even greater risk of developing sport-related dementia than male players.
      “We have already signed up more than 35 professional male players but we have very few women footballers in the study so far. 

      “We know that there is greater risk of dementia in former professional footballers, and we think this is related to repetitive heading of the ball.
      “We know there are physical and physiological differences between male and female players and this could be important when it comes to the impact of repeatedly heading the ball.
      “But we don’t fully understand the impact these differences could have, so we are encouraging former amateur and professional female players to come forward to help us with our project.
      “We are looking for women and men over 40, who live in the UK and do not have a diagnosis of dementia. 
      “We are tracking their brain health over time. And we hope to follow these footballers for many years to come.”

      Sir Geoff Hurst is among leading football figures calling for a ban on children heading footballsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The issue of dementia in football has become a pressing concern for the sport with some of the game’s biggest names supporting a ban on children heading the ball. 
      1966 World Cup legend Sir Geoff Hurst is among the leading figures backing the call following his England peers’ struggles with dementia. 
      And the Professional Footballers’ Association announced its plans to create a new taskforce to analyse the issue of brain injury diseases in football. More