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      Fara Williams says Lucy Bronze’s Man City transfer proves WSL is best in the world – but pay gap must be addressed

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      FARA WILLIAMS reckons Lucy Bronze’s return to the Women’s Super League proves the English top-flight is the best in the world.
      But the Lionesses icon, 36, says the pay gap between the top and bottom women’s clubs MUST be addressed before searching for equality with the men’s game.

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      Lucy Bronze signed for Man City after winning three consecutive Champions League trophies with LyonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Reading ace Fara Williams believes the WSL is the best division in the world following the arrival of star signingsCredit: Rex Features
      Bronze signed for her former club Manchester City on a free transfer from European top dogs Lyon, on Tuesday.
      The 28-year-old won her third consecutive Champions League trophy with the French outfit last month.
      The result extended Lyon’s hold over the continent’s biggest women’s competition – as they nabbed the title for the seventh time in nine final appearances since 2010.
      But despite the French champ’s ever growing trophy cabinet – Bronze was tempted back to the Academy Stadium.

      She 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.
      Reading star, Williams, told SunSport: “The fact that Lucy Bronze wanted to come back highlights that our league has gone to a different level again.
      “I think she left to get better and to win trophies. And now she’s come back. I think that demonstrates where the league is at now.
      “There is a bigger attraction for those top players to want to play in our league.

      “I think we were very amateur when we started out and labelled professional really early on because people were trying to transition the game.
      “In terms of actually being professional and understanding it, I think the league was a bit behind, but now it has grown and developed.
      “You can see how professional all the teams and players now are and that attracts the big players.”
      Bronze is Gareth Taylor’s fifth summer signing, following the arrival of USA World Cup winners, Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle, Chloe Kelly from Everton, and Lyon’s Alex Greenwood.
      Chelsea bagged Denmark’s deadliest striker, Pernille Harder, for around £250,000 – a record-breaking fee in the women’s game.
      While Wales legend Jess Fishlock swapped stateside for the Madejski as part of a loan deal with Reading from OL Reign.
      But despite these new, glitzy, signings, Williams believes there are still players at smaller clubs struggling to make ends meet.

      “Before we start talking about bridging the gap between the men and the women, I think we have to bridge the gap between the top and the bottom women’s teams.
      Fara Williams

      England’s most-capped player said: “There’s a massive gap in the women’s game between salaries that are given at the top to middle and bottom clubs.
      “Before we start talking about bridging the gap between the men and the women, we have to bridge the gap between the top and the bottom women’s teams, so that females aren’t struggling.
      “I think the problem is that there’s talk about being professional, but we’ve got players on salaries that can’t afford maybe to pay for their own car, mortgage or rent.
      “Or, for example, eat the correct food away from training.
      “So there are lots of things still to be done with with the teams that have a lesser budget.
      “And if we can bridge that gap, I think we’re starting to see a real difference.”
      The Reading star featured in her side’s 6-1 loss against Arsenal last time out, having recovered since undergoing thigh surgery in February.
      The Royals are hoping to bounce back from their drubbing at Meadow Park, as prepare to host Aston Villa at Madejski on Sunday.
      This season BT Sport is showing more Barclays FA Women’s Super League matches than ever before. Sign up contract free with a BT Sport Monthly Pass for just £25 per month. 

      Watch Arsenal ace Vivianne Miedema score incredible goal against Reading More

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      Neville gives seven rising stars call-ups in preparation for World Cup

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      PHIL NEVILLE has given seven rising stars of the top two tiers of the women’s game their first senior England call-ups.
      The uncapped players are due to join Neville’s 30-strong Lionesses squad at a training camp at St George’s Park next Tuesday. 

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      Phil Neville has named ten rising stars of the Women’s Super League in his 30-strong England squad Credit: Rex Features
      Liverpool’s Rinsola Babajide, 22, Manchester United’s Katie Zelem 24, and Manchester City defender Esme Morgan, 19, are among the starlets being given their first senior caps. 
      The gathering of Neville, 43, and his players is being billed as preparation for the Lionesses’ aim to reach the 2023 World Cup.
      It is hoped the team will improve on their last outing at the tournament where they lost to the USA in the semis last July 

      Having turned to youthful options for the SheBelieves Cup this year, Neville hopes to give rising stars experience of being part of an elite international set-up 

      All the youngsters who have been given their opportunity today are extremely deserving of their senior call-ups, having performed strongly at club level
      Phil Neville

      The England chief said: “All the youngsters who have been given their opportunity today are extremely deserving of their senior call-ups, having performed strongly at club level and through England’s development teams. 

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      West Ham’s Grace Fisk is among the WSL players who will join the England squad for a seven-day training camp next weekCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      England’s newest squad members

      Manchester United’s Katie Zelem received her first England call-up

      Niamh Charles, 21, (Striker – Chelsea)
      Rinsola Babajide, 22, (Striker – Liverpool)
      Esme Morgan, 19, (Defender – Manchester City)
      Katie Zelem, 24, (Midfielder – Manchester United)
      Ella Toone, 21, (Striker – Manchester United)
      Millie Turner, 24, (Defender – Manchester United)
      Lotte Wubben-Moy, 21, (Defender)

      “It is important that we offer as many opportunities as possible for some of the country’s best young talent to stake their claim for a place in the senior England squad for this exciting three-year period. 
      “Now is their opportunity to prove themselves at senior international level and I am excited to see the blend of youthful ambition and senior experience.” 

      The Lionesses, who will be led by incoming coach Sarina Wiegman from next September, will be targeting trophy wins at the Euros as well as the World Cup in the next three years, 

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      Esme Morgan (left) has impressed England boss Neville with her recent performances for Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Their upcoming training camp, which starts on 15 September, will see players  gathering first time since the SheBelieves tournament in March this year 
      Neville added: “This is a critical moment in our development of England Women. 
      “Introducing greater competition for places and providing opportunities for young players to develop is absolutely key to taking England Women to the next level as we begin the long build towards the home EURO and FIFA Women’s World Cup.” 

      Watch Arsenal ace Vivianne Miedema score incredible goal against Reading More

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      Lucy Bronze joins Man City on free transfer as England star quits Champions League winners Lyon

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      LUCY BRONZE has rejoined Manchester City from European top dogs Lyon.
      The 28-year-old won her third consecutive Champions League trophy with the French outfit last month.

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      Bronze has decided to go back to Man City after leaving Lyon
      She arrives at the Academy Stadium on a free transfer, as her deal with Lyon expired on August 31.

      Bronze is one of the world’s best defenders and her arrival has handed Gareth Taylor’s side a major boost in their bid to reclaim the WSL title and City’s first Champions League trophy this term.
      The Northumberland girl is Taylor’s fourth summer signing, following the arrival of USA World Cup winners, Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle, and England ace Chloe Kelly.

      Bronze 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.
      The right-back said: “I’m really happy to be back here at City.

      “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.
      “I really enjoyed my time in France, but there were so many things that I missed and it’s great to be back.

      “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.”

      Watch Arsenal ace Vivianne Miedema score incredible goal against Reading More

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      Bristol City ace Ella Mastrantonio handed nickname ‘The Maestro’ after her idol Andrea Pirlo

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      BRISTOL CITY ace Ella Mastrantonio has been nicknamed “The Maestro” after her idol Andrea Pirlo.
      The Robins ace, 28, only arrived at Twerton Park in the summer, but is already hoping to channel “even the tiniest pinky toe” of the Italian legend’s skill.

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      Ella Mastrantonio (right) made her WSL debut for Bristol City on Sunday

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      Pirlo won four league titles during his time as a player for Juve 
      Bristol boss Tanya Oxtoby, 38, spent the summer recruiting after her side just about kept their heads above the danger zone last term.
      Oxtoby came calling on Mastrantonio in July from W-League club Western Sydney Wanderers – where she was first handed the nickname.
      The affectionate name is a nod to Juventus legend Pirlo for his ability to pull the strings in midfield and his sublime passing skills.
      Mastrantonio told SunSport: “The nickname came from Western Sydney last year.

      “It was mainly by my team mates and people around the club, they just gave me that nickname one or two games in.
      “I’ll take it because my favourite midfielder is Pirlo and they used to call him that so I’ll happily take that.
      “I like to get on the ball and try and pull strings and make our team tick and be an important player for the way we play so I hope that was the reason why. ”

      The Australian midfielder made her WSL debut on Sunday in the Robins’ 4-0 defeat to Everton.

      And while Mastrantonio is still a Twerton Park newbie, she hopes to continue to live up to her affectionate nickname
      The Robins ace added: “I think technically he’s just incredible.
      “His first touch, his vision and obviously his passing, it’s a very similar style to the way I like to play.
      “I like trying to see things that other players can’t maybe see on the pitch and pick out those little passes and pip into pockets.
      “I just think he was just incredible like that.
      “His set pieces, he was one of the most technically gifted players probably ever and I think one of the best holding midfielders ever to play the game.
      “If I can have any type of skill of his small pinkie toe then I’ll be happy. I just love watching him play and it’ll be interesting to see how he does at Juventus.”
      Pirlo was named the new Bianconeri manager after being selected by club president Andrea Agnelli in August.
      The retired legend replaced Maurizio Sarri, who was axed following Juve’s Champions League exit.

      Pirlo confirms Higuain’s Juventus contract will be terminated with striker free to find a new club this summer More

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      Brighton and England defender Fern Whelan announces retirement in emotional statement after two-year injury battle

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      BRIGHTON defender Fern Whelan has called time on her playing career after posting an emotional message on social media.
      The Albion Women centre-back, who has been battling with knee and ankle injuries, announced her retirement following advice from medics.

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      Brighton’s Fern Whelan, who made three appearances for England, announced her retirement after a battle with injury Credit: Rex Features
      In a Twitter post today Whelan told of her “love-hate” relationship with the game and her “amazing experiences” within it 
      The former England player, 31, also reflected on the “anger” and “loss” experienced on her “football journey” and her excitement for the future. 
      The ex-Everton defender told her followers: “It is with a heavy heart that I can finally announce my retirement from the beautiful game. 

      “This decision has not been easy, and has not been taken lightly, but I feel that now is the right time to end the ongoing love-hate relationship that myself and football have. 
      “I am thankful for the amazing experiences the sport has given me, the players I have been lucky enough to play with and against, and the friends I have made along the way. 
      “Mo Marley and Hope Powell gave me highlights I will never forget; playing for England and winning my first FA Cup.” 

      “But it’s no secret that my football journey is filled with anger, loss and what ifs due to having such a nasty injury that unfortunately kept me from the game for two years. 

      Fern has been an outstanding professional during her time with the club and we’re going to miss her ability on the field and her experience in the dressing room
      Hope Powell

      Whelan, who signed for Albion in 2017, played an influential role in their transition into a Women’s Super League side.
      The three-cap Lioness, who started out in football playing for a schoolboys team, made 17 appearances for the club scoring on two occasions. 
      And Brighton boss Hope Powell, whose side play Manchester City on Sunday,  paid tribute to the player. 

      On the club’s web site Powell said: “Fern has been an outstanding professional during her time with the club and we’re going to miss her ability on the field and her experience in the dressing room. 
      “She has played a big part in our development over the last three years.
      “I know from speaking to her that the decision to retire was not easy for Fern, but she is embarking on a new phase of her life and everyone at Brighton wishes her all the best for the future.” 

      Fans return to English football for first time in six months as Brighton host Chelsea in friendly at Amex stadium More

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      Arsenal fans joke Vivianne Miedema is ‘ice cold’ as striker barely celebrates wonder-goal against Reading

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      ARSENAL fans have been drooling over “ice cold” Vivianne Miedema – after the Dutch international scored a wondergoal against Reading and barely celebrated.
      The 24-year-old took social media by storm after bending a brilliant strike into the near corner in the Gunners’ 6-1 thrashing of the Royals.

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      Vivianne Miedema unleashed a fierce drive from the edge of the area

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      The Dutch international found the net twice as Arsenal thrashed Reading 6-1

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      She walked off casually after scoring the wonder-strike and barely celebrated

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      Miedema was last season’s WSL top scorer, hitting 16 goals before the league was curtailed amid the coronavirus crisis
      The deadly Dutch striker netted twice on Sunday, after Kim Little got the first for the three-time WSL champions, while Jill Roord completed a hat-trick.
      And fans were left in hysterics when the unfazed Netherlands ace casually walked off after scoring her second goal like nothing had happened.
      A fan wrote on Twitter: “Please when will she celebrate her goals.”
      Another jokingly said: “Ice cold.”

      One roared: “For Vivianne, it’s like a walk in the park…what a strike.”
      While another fan added: “Cold blooded.”
      And one wrote: “A nice strike. She doesn’t even look concerned, normal day in the office.”
      Miedema was last season’s WSL top scorer after hitting 16 before the top-flight was axed amid the coronavirus crisis.

      And if her performance against Reading is anything to go by, she could easily be in contention for the award again.

      For Vivianne, it’s like a walk in the park… What a strike.
      — Claude Wu (@claudewuAFC) September 6, 2020

      Reading’s Danielle Carter grabbed a late consolation when she stole the ball off Gunners keeper Manuela Zinsberger.
      Ballon d’Or winner Miedema made headlines last season for netting SIX and adding four assists in the Gunners 11-1 drubbing of Bristol City.
      However, Arsenal were knocked off their perch last term as they failed to retain their title after finishing third in the table.
      The season was axed in May and determined on points-per-game – with the Blues crowned champions and Liverpool relegated.
      Elsewhere in the WSL, Manchester United saved a point against Chelsea on Sunday thanks to Leah Galton’s late leveller.

      Gabriel Magalhaes says he is very happy to be joining Arsenal More

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      Jill Roord stars as Arsenal hammer Reading 6-1 to kick-off WSL title hunt

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      JOE MONTEMURRO hailed hat-trick hero Jill Roord’s “special” display as Arsenal’s title hunt got off to a superb start.
      The Netherlands midfielder, 23, helped her team thrash Reading after Kim Little got the first for the three-time WSL champions.

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      Jill Roord scored a hat-trick as Arsenal thrashed Reading 6-1 in the WSLCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Roord was called ‘special’ by boss Joe MontemurroCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Gunners boss Montemurro said: “When I signed Jill, I saw someone special.
      “I saw a player who had immense ability in finding space, but also her ability to play higher up, protect the ball, and find the pass.
      “And the big thing we are looking for with Jill is to find a level and ascertain that level because she can float in and out of games at times and can get complacent because she is talented.
      “So I’ve given her that challenge.”

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      The Gunners used all five substitutes after last month’s rule-change

      Among the Royals’ starters was Wales veteran midfielder Jess Fishlock, 33, and former Gunners golden girl Danielle Carter, returning from a lengthy ACL injury lay-off.
      After Little’s early volley, Ballon d’Or nominee Vivianne Miedema slotted home in the 33rd minute, while Roord clocked her first before half-time.
      Second-half goals from Roord and a 78th-minute rocket from Miedema made it a rout, before Carter hit an 89th-minute reply.

      Santi Cazorla scores stunner as Arsenal legend nets two on league debut for Qatari side Al-Sadd More

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      Georgia Stanway double downs Aston Villa but Man City boss wants more from WSL title-contenders

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      GARETH TAYLOR has urged his Manchester City aces to sharpen up if they are to win the WSL title this season.
      The Citizens ran out 2-0 winners in Saturday’s campaign opener at Aston Villa, after a double from Georgia Stanway.

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      George Stanway’s double helped Manchester City sweep aside Aston VillaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      New City boss Gareth Taylor called on his players to improve if they are to win the WSL title this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      New boss Taylor, who replaced Nick Cushing in May, said: “In some moments, I thought we didn’t play our game impressively enough or consistently enough.
      “I know what we’re capable of. I think there were nerves — it was our first game, it’s a new season, there are new players and a new manager.
      “It felt kind of like a slow game in some elements and I think that’s down to big stadium, big pitch, big spaces.”
      The Lions thought they had clawed one back when Stine Larsen tapped home after a shot from new signing Ramona Petzelberger — only to be ruled offside.

      Taylor, 47, added: “We made some errors. We gave away some and there were moments where they had opportunities.
      “And hearing that their goal was arguably offside as well . . .
      “It could have been a lot closer and I expect us to improve.”

      Villa boss Gemma Davies, 27, was thrilled with her side’s WSL debut.

      She said: “We competed really well, in both phases of the game.
      “We can take a lot of confidence and heart, going into next week.”

      Steph Houghton has revealed she is prepared to sacrifice her World Cup dream for husband Stephen Darby More