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      ‘People get frustrated when I’m injured. To hear that reaction when I came on was special’, says England ace Kirby

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      FRAN KIRBY says England fans’ reaction to her international return from a knee injury is a “special” moment she will not forget.The forward played for the Lionesses on Friday for the first time since last October and her recovery from a “frustrating” knee problem. 
      Fran Kirby’s England comeback coincided with a 1-0 win for Sarina Wiegman’s side against Belgium in the Women’s Nations LeagueCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright is among the pundits who have been eager to see Kirby back in action in an England shirtCredit: PA
      Kirby’s return was was warmly welcomed by her former England and Chelsea team-mate Karen CarneyCredit: Reuters
      Her entry in the 65th minute of England’s 1-0 defeat of Belgium was greeted enthusiastically by a crowd of more than 28,000 at the King Power.
      Many of whom roared whenever the Chelsea ace was within shooting distance during a lively Women’s Nations League encounter. 
      Kirby’s comeback was also hailed by Lioness pal Lucy Bronze, who describes the playmaker as “one of the best players in the world on her day.”
      The forward, whose side play Belgium again on Tuesday said: “The support I’ve had over the last year has been incredible from both sets of fans, national team and from Chelsea. 
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      “I can’t fault anyone for their support for me. 
      “That’s been really pivotal for me coming back because I know people get frustrated when I’m injured and not able to be out there.
      “It’s frustrating for me, so to hear that reaction when I come on is really special and something I won’t forget. 
      “I’ve been working really hard and wanting to get back out there on the pitch as much as possible.”
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      Kirby’s battle back to fitness follows the forward suffering a knee injury in February during the Blues’ 7-0 Conti Cup semis drubbing of West Ham. 
      It led to the 66-capped England star being sidelined for the rest of last season and missing this summer’s World Cup in Australia with the Lionesses beaten by Spain in the final in August. 
      And her return to the international stage followed her long-awaited Chelsea comeback in September.
      The playmaker made a second-half substitute apearance during the Blues dramatic 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
      Kirby added: “At the beginning of my injury it was quite tough because you don’t really know when the end of the injury will be. 
      “I accepted quite early on that I wasn’t going to be part of the World Cup squad, so, not that it made it any easier. 
      “But I was able to support the girls and kind of feel the same emotions that they were going through.
      “Being able to be back with them now just means that all the hard work paid off during the summer.”
      Kirby’s return has coincided with young England starlets Khiara Keating and Grace Clinton getting their first senior call-ups. 
      Man City keeper Keating has shone in goal for her club keeping four clean sheets in five league games whilst Man United midfielder Clinton has impressed on loan for Tottenham. 
      Kirby said: “I feel like I haven’t been away and obviously I know a lot of the girls from playing against them
      “Everyone that’s come in has brought a new fresh face and a new standard.
      “It’s been nice to be in training and get to know them a bit more personally. 
      “I don’t think I need to mould in at all, I’m probably one of the oldest players here now so I think I know what I’m doing.”
      Kirby’s comeback has coincided with England returning to winning ways in the Women’s Nations League after a surprise September loss to Holland. 
      And the team hope to rack up their goal tally against Belgium in the reverse fixture after netting once following seven shots on target. 
      Kirby said: “The most important thing is getting the three points in these types of games, it’s what we set out to do. 
      “Things have been quite similar at club (with Chelsea too).
      Kirby, skipper Millie Bright and their team-mates will face the Belgium away on Tuesday in the reverse Women’s Nations League fixtureCredit: Getty
      “We’ve been creating a lot of chances but not putting the ball in the back of the net
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      “Yes, we want to score more goals, we want to make it more entertaining for everyone coming to watch.
      “But first and foremost (it’s about the) three points.” More

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      I won Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker to kickstart pro career but I had to relearn to walk after rare illness

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      ASHLEIGH GODDARD overcame strong competition to win Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker in 2009.The Londoner won Series Two of the iconic Sky One show, which was watched by 600,000 people each week, before earning a scholarship to play at an American college.
      Ashleigh Goddard won Series Two of Wayne Rooney’s Street StrikerCredit: Sky One/Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker
      After four years at DePaul University in Chicago, including two as captain, she returned to Europe and launched her pro career with Danish side FC Nordsjaelland.
      Following a stint with Cypriot team Apollon, who she helped qualify for the Champions League, Goddard returned to these shores with Crystal Palace in 2019.
      The Eagles had ambitions to be promoted to the Women’s Super League, but a freak incident left things hanging in the balance for Goddard.
      Explaining the incident that changed her life, she told the BBC: “I went to receive the ball from a throw-in and I think her forearm hit me in the back of the head or the neck and I was unconscious for a few seconds.”
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      Persistent headaches followed and in January 2020, Goddard went to hospital for a scan.
      It was then revealed that she had a brain arteriovenous malformation – which affects the blood vessels connecting arteries to veins.
      That March Goddard was told she’d need surgery, as her initial issue had developed into a terrifying brain aneurysm.
      On the stark nature of her situation, she later revealed: “They said it would burst at some point in my lifetime.
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      Goddard, 31, has suffered with terrifying health issuesCredit: INSTAGRAM @goddardashleigh
      “They couldn’t say if it would be tomorrow or in 20 years, but that I needed treatment. They said it would be either fatal or that it would cause a life-changing disability.”
      Goddard eventually went under the knife to solve the issue in 2021… only to suffer another life-altering complication.
      She continued: “I woke up and I couldn’t move my left side, I was paralysed.
      It was the worst thing other than dying that could have happenedAshleigh Goddard
      “I couldn’t talk, my face had dropped, my arm couldn’t do the most basic of movements. They told me something was wrong but I would have never guessed a stroke.
      “It was the worst thing other than dying that could have happened.”
      Incredibly, despite having to relearn how to walk following her stroke, Goddard managed to return to action for London Bees just six months later.
      On what came next, she added: “I had to learn to walk again, I had to learn how to use a knife and fork again and when it came to football I had to learn it all again.
      “I did thousands of reps of each type of pass and each touch and eventually things just started to get easier.”
      Goddard, 31, has continued to inspire with her recovery, and joined AFC Wimbledon in the summer.
      She had previously trained with the Dons as she stepped up her rehabilitation, and was delighted to be able to return.
      Upon sealing her move, she said: “When I first visited, everyone was so nice and supportive of me and what had happened, and that really stuck with me.
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      “It was a no-brainer for me that I wanted to come back here and give a good season. There’s only one aim, and that’s promotion!”
      Boss Kevin Foster then said of her: “Not only will she bring quality on the pitch, but her character is one of the best you will see in football.”
      Goddard joined AFC Wimbledon in the summer
      The 31-year-old previously played for London BeesCredit: Rex More

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      Lioness ace Keating happy to be ‘role model’ and aims to be first goalkeeper of colour to play for England Women

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      KHIARA KEATING is eyeing the chance to make history as the first goalkeeper of mixed race heritage to play for a Lionesses senior side. The England starlet hopes to inspire girls from minority ethnic communities dreaming of playing at football’s highest levels. 
      Khiara Keating has kept three clean sheets in four WSL games for Manchester City so far this seasonCredit: Getty
      Keating’s impressive Man City form led to her first senior England call-up ahead of the Lionesses’ matches against BelgiumCredit: Getty
      Keating, who has had a stunning start to this season, was speaking on Wednesday – seven days after getting her first senior international call-up from Sarina Wiegman.  
      The team are set to take on Belgium on Friday night at the King Power in the first game of a Women’s Nations League double header.
      The Manchester City starlet has kept three clean sheets in four WSL games this term
      Keating, said: “Coming from a background of colour, there’s not many of us, I think we’re starting to see a rise.
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      “I’m just happy that I could be an inspiration to anyone out there that’s thinking, ‘maybe I will get judged or maybe it’s not for me’,
      “I feel like I’m just grateful to be in a position where I can be a role model to people.”
      Keating, who has emerged as a first XI regular for Man City this season, has the highest save percentage in the top-flight this term. 
      And the Manchester-born shot stopper, who made her senior club debut last January, says her call-up brought tears to her mothers eyes. 
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      Keating added: “She was super proud when I FaceTimed her after I’d just got off the phone with Sarina. 
      “She was in denial and she was like, ‘Khiara, you’re lying, stop lying’. 
      “She (was joking) wasn’t being serious and then she obviously hit the emotional stage where she started crying. 
      Keating hopes her success for club and country will inspire girls from minority ethnic backgrounds hoping to get into footballCredit: Getty
      “She’s never going to admit it to anyone that she cried but she did. 
      “I think she is just extremely proud as are my brothers who have seen me on the sidelines at their games, to being called up to the (England) seniors.
      “They’re just so so proud.” More

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      If I hadn’t been a footballer I’d have been a pilot and played a totally different sport – now I’m chasing the title

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      LENA PETERMANN may have been reaching heights of a different kind rather than fuelling Leicester’s rise had her football career not taken off.The forward, 29, admits becoming a pilot could have been on the cards had she not followed her sporting dreams during her childhood in Germany.
      Lena Petermann has hit the ground running for Leicester scoring two goals in three WSL gamesCredit: Getty
      Petermann and her team-mates hope to continue their unbeaten run when they host Manchester City at the King Power this eveningCredit: Getty
      Petermann, whose Leicester side are second in the league, said: “I always wanted to be a pilot but that’s changed completely!  
      “I also played table tennis and I was quite good at it.
      “If football hadn’t worked out (for me) I probably would have stuck to table tennis and maybe become a pilot.
      “It was about the age of 14 that I was also playing table tennis, but I couldn’t do both (table tennis and football) anymore. 

      “I then had to make a decision and it was quite easy for me that I would stick to football.
      “That’s because by then I also started to play for a regional team so I was one hundred per cent sure that I am going follow football.”
      It was a decision that paid off for Petermann who began her senior playing career with German side Hamburg at the age of 15.
      Following three seasons there she would spend 2013 playing US women’s college football netting eight goals in 21 appearances for Florida University’s UCF Nights team.  
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      Spells at SC Freiburg, Turbine Potsdam and Montpellier, preceded a July Foxes move for the forward who scored 25 goals in 48 appearances for the French side. 
      Two goals in three WSL games – including a bullet header against Bristol – has seen her become the top scorer so far this term for Willie Kirk’s side.
      His team will face one of their toughest side who host league leaders Man City at the King Power this evening
      Petermann  added: “I really enjoy this club and the feeling of it. 
      “It was really easy for me to get into (being with) the team.
      “After a couple of weeks, it felt like I’ve been in this team for quite a long time.
      “My teammates made it so easy for me and the staff too. How they’ve treated me made it really easy for me to settle in. 
      “I think you can see it now with my first performances that I feel good here.”
      Since its inception in 2011 the WSL has seen scores of top talents from Germany make moves to the division including Chelsea trio Ann-Katrin Berger, Melanie Leupolz and Sjoeke Nusken.
      Aside from Petermann, Foxes goalkeeper Janina Leitzig and Brighton forward Pauline Bremer are among those who sealed permanent switches  
      This summer saw the duo transfer from Bayern Munich and two-time Champions League winners Wolfsburg. 
      Petermann said: “This is one of the best. It is the best I think. It has a lot of qualities and that’s why it’s so interesting for foreigners as well. 
      Goalkeeper Janina Leitzig is among Leicester’s summer signings who have impressed for the clubCredit: Getty
      “I think the German league is also at a good level but at some point it didn’t develop so much more than here in England. 
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      “This is why I think some German players want to do this move.
      “They want to perform at the best levels and this is definitely here in this league.” More

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      ‘I have too much respect for teams across Europe to talk negatively about them’, says Emma Hayes

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      EMMA HAYES believes it is arrogant to suggest Europe’s best teams are not reaching the Women’s Champions League group stages. However the Chelsea boss believes the qualifying route needs to be looked at in terms of a possible group phase expansion and Europa league. 
      Emma Hayes thinks a larger group stage similar to that in the men’s Champions League would be worth considering for the women’s contestCredit: Reuters
      Hayes’ Chelsea side are the only English team left competing in the tournament this seasonCredit: Getty
      Manchester United chief Marc Skinner believes there is scope for a “broader scale of teams” in the contestCredit: Getty
      Hayes was sharing her thoughts amid recent debate concerning the qualifying process to enter the tournament’s group stage. 
      Her comments’ follow remarks made by Manchester United boss Marc Skinner after his side were knocked out in round two of the qualifying phase by Paris Saint-Germain. 
      On Wednesday after the game, the Red Devils chief said it was “crazy” his team had to face PSG in the qualifiers. 
      He also talked of wanting to see “the best teams in the Champions League” group stage rather than a “spread of average” sides. 
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      However the Man United later apologised for” any offence taken” in response to his comment while calling for “a broader scale of teams” in the competition.
      Skinner said: “It’s easy to twist words, but if there was any offence taken then I am sorry for that. 
      “My comment was much more about the breadth and quality.
      “I believe now that there is a need for more teams to be in this competition and then we will see who is average and who is not. 
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      “We might have been average in the group stage, we don’t know that? But we played a good team (in PSG).”
      In terms of English clubs in this season’s contest only the current WSL title-holders (Chelsea) were guaranteed automatic entry to the group stage. 
      Meanwhile United who finished second last season and Arsenal who finished third had to compete in qualifiers prior to this phase.  
      Hayes said: “I don’t want to talk disrespectfully about any team in Europe, particularly knowing that we are a team that have lost to many teams in early rounds in our infancy as much as going out of a group stage two years ago. 
      “I have way too much respect for the competition and teams across Europe to talk negatively about any of them.
      “I think that’s ignorant and arrogant all at once. 
      “Roma and Benfica are two teams who won their leagues.
      “They deserve perhaps to go straight into a group competition. 
      “But this isn’t about my opinion, this is what the format is and we have to play that.
      “However, do we need to look at that? Absolutely we need to.
      “Do we need to look at that in line with the growth of the women’s game to say, ‘well, actually, there’s a lot more investment across many leagues?
      “And perhaps (whether) we should consider a format that’s similar to that of the men’s competition, where it’s group stages from the off but maybe larger?
      “But also we have to look at the smaller nations – they deserve the opportunity and the right to be in it as much as any English team does.”
      The Blues, who face Brighton at home in the WSL on Sunday, were among 16 teams involved in Friday’s group stage draw for the contest
      They have been drawn in Group D alongside Real Madrid, BK Hacken and giant killers Paris FC who knocked out Arsenal and this year’s finalists Wolfsburg. 
      Following the Gunners and United’s exits, Hayes side are the only English team left in this season’s tournament. 
      The Blues gaffer added:  “We’ve been in the Champions League a long time to know that this is a really tough competition and we’ve got a lot to prepare for.
      Chelsea have been drawn in Group D in the Women’s Champions League alongside Real Madrid (pictured), BK Hacken and Paris FCCredit: EPA
      “Everybody is a good team so we respect all the opponents that we might face and we know Real Madrid is a top team.
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      “(BK) Hacken is a top team performing really well and Paris FC have deservedly progressed into the group stage. 
      “It (the contest) needs simplifying, it needs expanding. It needs a Europa League conversation. It needs all of those things.”
      Women’s Champions League – Group stage teamsGROUP A
      Barcelona
      FC Rosengard
      Benfica
      Eintracht Frankfurt
      GROUP B
      Lyon
      Slavia Praha
      SKN St Polten
      SK Brann
      GROUP C
      Bayern Munich
      Paris Saint-Germain
      AS Roma
      Ajax
      GROUP D
      Chelsea
      Real Madrid
      BK Hacken
      Paris FC More

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      I used to work in Pizza Hut and sold football shirts to make ends meet, now I’m fighting for the WSL title

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      WOMEN’S WORLD CUP semi-finalist Alanna Kennedy is now fighting for the Women’s Super League title with Manchester City.But before she became a full-time professional footballer she led a completely different life.
      Alanna Kennedy is now fighting for the WSL title with Man CityCredit: Getty
      The defender represented Australia at the Women’s World Cup this summerCredit: Getty
      When she was living and playing football in Australia, Kennedy worked at Pizza Hut.
      She also had a job selling football shirts at a local sportswear shop.
      The defender explained: “I got to sell Socceroos jerseys. Before that I was working at Pizza Hut.”
      However, Kennedy’s time at the restaurant was cut short after her boss caught her skipping a shift to visit friend and team-mate Caitlin Foord.
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      She added: “I had a shift on a Friday night but I decided late to go down to Wollongong to see Caitlin.
      “I cancelled my shift. I called in and told my boss ‘I’m not well’. I caught a bus down there and as I’m standing at the bus stop, one of the delivery drivers drove past with my boss in the car.
      “I never worked there again.”
      Kennedy has since gone from selling Socceroos shirts to representing Australia at the Women’s World Cup in her home country.
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      The defender made five appearances for the Matildas at this summer’s tournament, scoring one goal.
      But she was ruled out of the semi-final against England due to an illness that was later deemed to be delayed concussion.
      Kennedy is now battling for the WSL title with Man City.
      The Cityzens currently sit at the top of the table with seven points from their opening three games.
      Kennedy used to sell football shirts and work in Pizza Hut before becoming a full-time footballerCredit: Getty More

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      Wiegman wants Beth Mead to build up Arsenal minutes before considering England return for Gunners star

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      SARINA WIEGMAN says Beth Mead must get her consistency back on the pitch for her club before being reconsidered for England.  The forward made a winning comeback for Arsenal on Sunday after battling back to fitness from a knee injury sustained in November. 
      England chief Sarina Wiegman wants Beth Mead to build up match minutes and consistencyCredit: PA
      Lionesses star Mead made a return to competitive match action on Sunday after recovering from a long-term knee injuryCredit: Getty
      Chelsea’s Fran Kirby has returned to England’s squad for the first time this year ahead of their games against BelgiumCredit: Reuters
      Wiegman’s squad announcement ahead of the Lionesses’ upcoming Women’s Nations League fixtures included a recall for Fran Kirby.
      The fit-again Chelsea forward is back with Lionesses for the first time this year. 
      However Mead has been left out of the head coach’s 25-strong group with the team facing Belgium in a double-header later this month. 
      Earlier today England boss Wiegman said: “Beth is in a good place now but has been out for nine months. To be honest, she was not close
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      “She had her first minutes which was nice to see, but she first has to build at (her) club, to get that consistency back and then we have an opportunity to select her.
      “She just came on the pitch (against Aston Villa) for the first time in a competitive game. She came on in the 88th minute. She needs consistency. 
      “That has to do with performance and also staying healthy.”
      Kirby’s call-up follows the playmaker’s return to match action last Saturday during the Blues 2-0 defeat of West Ham in the league. 
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      The game at Kingsmeadow was her first competitive appearance since recovering from a knee injury sustained in February 
      An injury that led her to miss this year’s Women’s World Cup and much of the second half of last season. 
      Wiegman added: “It’s very nice Fran is back on the pitch. She’s fit and healthy. 
      “I thought she played very well when she came back on the pitch. 
      “She’s been building up to those moments in the summer.
      “She has shown enough quality in her performance that I think it’s good she comes back into the team.
      “She was really happy when I called her and she’s good to go.”
      England’s duels with Belgium, which includes an away game in Leuven, comes in the same month as a suspected terror attack in Brussels. 
      Two people were shot dead in Belgium’s capital on Monday before a Euros 2024 qualifier between the nation and Sweden with the shooting prompting the game to be abandoned. 
      The incident saw the country’s terror alert raised to its highest levels with  Prime Minister Alexander De Croo describing the attack as “brutal”
      Wiegman said:  “Of course it’s an awful situation. Two people killed, very, very horrible.
      “The FA has had conversations with the Belgium FA and it’s all about safety. “I feel safe enough to go there.
      “There are conversations going on and they will do everything to make us safe.
      England’s squad includes two new young faces with Man City goalkeeper Khiara Keating, 19, and Spurs midfielder Grace Clinton, 20 – on loan from Manchester United – getting their first call-ups.
      Keating’s standout shot-stopping displays for City has seen the team concede just once in three WSL games. 
      And the teenage City starlet has started in the three WSL games City have played so far with club team-mate Ellie Roebuck on the bench last time out. 
      Khiara Keating has been called up to England’s senior squad for the first time in her careerCredit: GettyEngland Women’s Squad – Women’s Nations LeagueGoalkeepers

      Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City)
      Defenders
      Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lucy Parker (Aston Villa), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
      Midfielders
      Grace Clinton (Tottenham – on loan from Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Katie Zelem (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona).
      Forwards
      Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester City), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).

      Along with Keating, Roebuck has been included in the England squad as one of four goalkeepers including Hannah Hampton and England number one Mary Earps. 
      Both Roebuck and Chelsea shot stopper Hampton are yet to make appearances for their club sides this term with both facing a battle for minutes. 
      However Wiegman insists the duos’ calibre has earned them enough credit for national selection. 
      The head coach added: “Both of them have built a little bit of credit with us because they have been with us and trained well. 
      “I still think they are two of the best in the country but I hope in the future they get minutes. 
      Grace Clinton has also received her first senior Lionesses call-up this monthCredit: Getty
      “It does make it a little bit complicated but I still feel they are the best in the country.”
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      Barcelona ace Keira Walsh is back in the squad after missing the team’s games against Scotland in November. 
      But there were no places for Jordan Nobbs, Lucy Staniforth, Laura Coombs, and Katie Robinson with the quartet omitted.  More

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      Glamorous footballer Alisha Lehmann sends fans wild in bikini snaps as they say ‘I’ll be there in five’

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      ALISHA LEHMANN has sent fans into meltdown as she stunned in a revealing bikini.The Aston Villa star stripped down to a tight pink outfit to leave her 15.7million followers obsessed.
      Alisha Lehmann stunned in a pink bikiniCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Fans were left in awe of the glamorous footballerCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Some followers begged to join the Swiss beauty on the beachCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Alisha has 15.7m followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Lehmann uploaded four throwback summer snaps to her Instagram of her soaking up the sun on the beach in the Bahamas before enjoying a splash from the waves.
      The Swiss beauty showed off her curves in the photos and they have been a hit online, amassing close to 1.4million likes.
      Fans have been left in awe of her and begged to join the 24-year-old at the picturesque setting.
      One said: “I’ll be there in five.”
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      Another added: “Beautiful.”
      A third reacted: “Marry me?”
      More commented: “The best.”
      Lehmann is no stranger to leaving many stunned and she has been dubbed the “world’s sexiest footballer.”
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      The former West Ham and Everton forward continues to give fans a treat in her 2024 calendar.
      Her fame has seen celebs like Drake slide into her DMs and one A-lister even offered her £90,000 for sex.
      Lehmann, who used to Villa men’s team-mates Douglas Luiz, scored six goals in 31 games last term.
      Alisha Lehmann has been dubbed ‘the world’s sexiest footballer’Credit: instagram/alishalehmann7
      Lehmann featured for Switzerland at the World CupCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7
      She plays for Aston VillaCredit: Getty More