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    Who is Fara Williams and when did she retire from football?

    FORMER footballer Fara Williams is known as England’s most capped female player.From her success on the pitch to her career off the pitch – here’s everything you need to know.
    Fara Williams is known as England’s most-capped female playerCredit: Getty
    Who is Fara Williams?
    Fara Williams, born January 25, 1984, is a former English professional footballer from London.
    Once considered to be one of England’s leading players, Williams enjoyed an illustrious career, before retiring in 2021.
    In 2016, the former midfielder was honoured with an MBE award for her contribution to football and charity.
    A year prior to accepting the honour, Williams married former teammate Amy Kane in 2015 – however, the couple separated not long after.
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    Following the breakdown of their marriage, the pair have appeared to keep the details of their separation out of the spotlight.
    Which teams did Fara Williams play for?
    Williams’ passion for football started at the age of seven – and by the age of 17, she was a Chelsea first-teamer.
    She scored 30 goals for Chelsea’s first team in 2000–01, before signing for Charlton Athletic Ladies during the following season.
    After a successful spell at the club, which saw Williams win Charlton’s Player of the Year and the FA Women’s Young Player of the Year in her first season, she made the move to Everton in 2004 – and later became the captain of the club, scoring an incredible 70 goals in 122 appearances.
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    After eight years with Everton, she signed for local rivals Liverpool in 2012 and in 2013 she won the WSL title with the Reds and repeated the feat the following season.
    In 2015, Liverpool confirmed Williams was leaving the club to sign for Arsenal, before making her final move to join Women’s Super League (WSL) rivals Reading on a two-year deal in 2017.
    Two years later, Williams hung up her boots after announcing that she would be retiring from the game at the end of the 2020–21 season.
    The football ace said: “After much consideration & despite offers to remain within the game.
    “I have made the difficult decision to retire from professional football at the end of the season.”
    She added: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have had a career of more than 20 years within the women’s game.”
    As well as enjoying a glittering career at the above clubs, Williams has also enjoyed international success.
    She made her senior England debut aged 17 in Portugal in 2001.
    Williams enjoyed a stint as captain of the U19s, but by 2007, she was an England regular and was a key part of the squad that reached the World Cup finals in China.
    After making her senior debut in 2001, Williams earned 172 caps for the England Women’s Team, making her their highest-capped player.
    She played at the 2005, 2009, 2013, and 2017 European Championships, as well as the World Cups in 2007, 2011 and 2015.
    Williams also featured for Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics.
    What does Fara Williams do now?
    Since retiring in 2021, Williams has gone into a career in sports media, appearing as a regular pundit for BBC.
    She has also joined current and former Three Lions players who have teamed up with Bluebella lingerie to support the #StrongIsBeautiful campaign.
    The campaign, which saw the Lionesses strip down to their lingerie, aims to encourage girls to be proud of their bodies and to keep playing team sports.
    Following her endorsement of the campaign, Williams said: ”There is a big drop off in women’s football around the age of 13. I have coached girls at that age and their bodies are changing so quickly and you can see that they really struggle with that.
    “Often girls would come back after the six-week summer break and during that time they had gone through a major transition into young women, looking different and feeling different.
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    “They struggle with what their body is changing into and often just want to cover up, and sometimes don’t want to put on a football kit and be more visible.
    “I think we have to educate from a young age about the changes girls experience in sport and how we can support them during that process to make them feel more comfortable and confident.” More

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    England ace Keira Walsh reckons ‘Pep influence’ on her game has helped her in tight midfield battles for Lionesses

    KEIRA WALSH reckons the influence of Pep Guardiola has put some pep in her step in midfield battles for England.And the Lionesses star, 26, relishes boss Sarina Wiegman giving her more responsibility on the pitch at this year’s World Cup. 
    Keira Walsh believes playing in Spain’s top-flight has helped in improve her game for club and countryCredit: Getty
    Walsh and her team-mates hope to seal a second win in Group D when they take on Denmark in SydneyCredit: Getty
    Walsh says she enjoys the challenge of attempting to outdo opponents in tight midfield situationsCredit: Getty
    The Barcelona ace will resume pulling England’s strings in midfield when they take on Denmark in Australia on Friday.
    A victory for Wiegman’s side in Sydney combined with a draw between China and Haiti would see the Lionesses claim their place in the tournament’s knockout stages.
    Their duel comes six days after Walsh and her team-mates were harried by a fast-paced, counter-attacking Haiti who pushed the Lionesses all the way in their contest opener
    It was a game that saw Walsh come under pressure in midfield from the Group D minnows.
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    On whether she feels more targeted by England’s opponents, Walsh said: “I don’t necessarily think it’s just me,
    “A lot of teams are trying to stop holding midfielders in general because that’s where football is going now, a lot of teams play through midfield.
    “We have a lot of other top players so if I’m marked, that’s one less player for them in and around the space. 
    “But I want to be playing in those tighter situations and really testing myself. I enjoy the challenge.”
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    On how she handles attempts to muscle her off the ball, Walsh adds: “It’s about picking up smarter spaces and dropping into different areas and maybe not staying so set in the middle.
    “The game has changed as a whole, but I’ve got more influence from Spanish players in terms of how they’ve always played.
    “The Pep influence has always helped me in that respect.
    “In general football I think more people do try and play through the central midfielder. 
    “Maybe teams think I don’t like the physical game as much but from playing in Spain, they are more tactical like that and look to do that a bit more.
    “The training we do in the gym is a lot more focused on holding players off when you have the ball.
    “That’s something I’ve got better at and hopefully I can keep improving on.
    “When I know I’ve got Lucy (Bronze), Millie (Bright), Alex (Greenwood) and Jess (Carter) behind me it helps.
    “I know they are all so aggressive and powerful. That makes my life easier knowing if the ball goes over me, they will be there.”
    One of Walsh’s tasks against Denmark will be nullifying their attempts to control the midfield and build their attack from there.
    And the England ace, who won Champions League and LaLiga Women’s crowns in her debut term at Barcelona, is wary of seeing Pernille Harder Denmark’s biggest threat.  
    The 60-capped Lioness said: “Harder is a top player, very composed in and around the box and she’s the type of player you want to be playing against.
    “But Denmark are a top team. Everyone talks about Harder but they have some very good players and work really hard. It will be a tough game.”
    Under Wiegman Walsh’s role as one of the Lionesses most dependable players has grown.
    Last summer saw her play a significant part in England’s Euros triumph, including delivering an inch perfect assist for Ella Toone’s finish in last year’s final.
    And Walsh enjoys the responsibility that Wiegman has put on her and some of England’s longest-serving players.
    She adds: “She encourages the more experienced players to coach a bit and put more onus on us on the pitch.
    Walsh likes England chief Sarina Wiegman giving senior Lionesses more responsibility on the pitchCredit: Getty
    “If we feel things that she can’t then she is more than happy for us to help and find solutions.
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    “I’ve probably noticed that a little bit more at this tournament with her.
    “It’s nice to be pushed that way and for older players to have that responsibility.” More

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    Lauren Hemp reflects on meeting Usain Bolt after training at the stadium of the sprint king’s old club in Australia

    LAUREN HEMP wants to accelerate England’s bid for World Cup glory after swapping speed tips with Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt.And the pacy forward, 22, warns the Lionesses will battle hard to stop Pernille Harder when they take on Denmark in Group D on Friday. 
    Lauren Hemp and the Lionesses are training at Central Coast Stadium where Usain Bolt played for Central Coast MarinersCredit: Getty
    The eight-time Olympic gold medallist asked Hemp for her Man City shirt back in March after the forward impressed for City against Chelsea in the WSLCredit: PA
    Hemp and her England team-mates will take on Denmark on Friday in their second Group D match at the Women’s World CupCredit: Getty
    Hemp is training at the ground where eight-time Olympic gold medal winner Bolt spent eight weeks playing for Australian A-League side Central Coast Mariners.
    Back in March the Jamaican sprint king was in the crowd at the Academy Stadium when Hemp netted a goal that sealed a 2-0 City win against Chelsea in the WSL.
    Her standout display prompted Bolt to ask for her shirt after the game.
    And the England forward will be hoping to put in a similar shift when Sarina Wiegman’s aces face their European rivals at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. 
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    On whether she chatted about speed tactics with Bolt during their meeting, Hemp said: “Well, he actually asked for my shirt so you’ll have to ask him if he got any tips!
    “It was amazing meeting him and I think we shared some speed tactics which I won’t say now”
    England’s duel with Denmark in Sydney will see the rivals face-off for the first time since the Lionesses’ 2-0 friendly defeat of the Danes in 2019. 
    Lars Sondegaard’s side, who are currently ranked the world’s 14th best team by Fifa, have won five of their seven games since February.
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    One of the biggest threats facing Hemp and her team-mates will be their opponents’ captain Harder with the former Chelsea star aiming to dominate midfield. 
    While a hamstring injury last November saw her crocked for club and country for much of last season, she notched up eight goals in 10 WSL appearances. 
    That run helped Chelsea win a third successive top-flight crown before her free transfer to Bayern Munich. 
    Hemp said: “Denmark have got a very big attacking threat (in Harder) who we obviously know about. 
    “We are working hard in training to counteract that and be better than them. They come with different strengths to Haiti. 
    “They’ve got some fantastic players, a lot of players who play in the WSL who a lot of us are familiar with.”
    On Tuesday the Lionesses were put through their paces at an open training session at Central Coast Stadium watched by 2,500 fans. 
    The stadium in New South Wales, Australia, is located 7.4 miles away from Terrigal, where England will be based for the rest of the tournament.  
    Away from prepping to help England end their open play goalless drought, Hemp has taken to Lego building in her spare time. 
    The Euros-winning forward posted a picture on Instagram of her latest creation – a fully assembled Lego motorbike. 
    Hemp added: “I’m working on a globe at the moment. I feel like it’s really therapeutic. 
    “For me after a long training session or a hard day, I just go home and do that. I just enjoy doing it.”
    A win for England against Denmark would see them go top of Group D following their 1-0 defeat of HaitiCredit: Alamy
    Hemp, who has 39 senior international caps, has been touted as a potential player of the tournament for England by Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall. 
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    However the forward insists her focus will be getting her job done rather than individual plaudits. 
    She said: “It’s nice hearing comments from other coaches but it all comes down to focusing on yourself, focusing on the team, getting that job done and then focus on individual stuff.” More

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    Who is England striker Katie Robinson?

    KATIE Robinson is the youngest Lioness in England’s FIFA Women’s World Cup squad.Here we take a look at the striker’s successful career.
    Katie Robinson is the youngest Lioness in England’s FIFA Women’s World Cup squadCredit: Getty
    Who is England striker Katie Robinson?
    Katie Robinson, born August 8, 2002, is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward.
    Robinson hails from Newquay, Cornwall – and it was there she began her rise to the top playing in local boys’ grassroots football.
    The striker also attended the Cornwall Girls Advanced Coaching Centre and Devon Advance Coaching Centre, as well as playing for the Plymouth Argyle boys’ centre of excellence.
    Robinson remains closely connected to her grassroots beginnings – regularly visiting her school and helping to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.
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    What teams has Katie Robinson played for?
    During her youth career, Robinson rose through the ranks at Bristol City academy, before making her senior debut at the club in 2018.
    After two seasons, Robinson declined a contract extension with Bristol and departed at the end of the 2019–20 season.
    In 2020, the striker signed her first professional contract with Women’s Super League side Brighton & Hove Albion.
    However, after suffering a major cruciate ligament injury in training, Robinson was unable to play the rest of the 2020–21 season.
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    A few months after her return, she went on loan to Women’s Championship side Charlton.
    How long has Katie Robinson played for England?
    Robinson received her first call up to the England senior squad in November 2022, after impressing with the WU23 team in their autumn internationals.
    The speedy winger made her England debut against Norway in a friendly, before going on to feature in each of Sarina Wiegman’s squads in the lead-up to the summer.
    Robinson was also part of the England squad to win the Finalissima in April, before their World Cup preparations began in June.
    In 2023, Robinson was named in the England senior squad in for the Arnold Clark Cup.
    That same year, Wiegman announced her 23-woman squad for this year’s World Cup – with Robinson landing a spot alongside players such as Millie Bright and Ella Toone.
    Robinson also featured for the Young Lionesses at WU17 level, while rising through the ranks Bristol City. More

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    Who is England defender Millie Bright?

    MILLIE Bright is hoping to lead the Lionesses to glory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.Here we take a look at the defenders career and the club’s she has played for.
    Millie Bright has played for a number of clubs throughout her careerCredit: Getty
    Who is England defender Millie Bright?
    Millie Bright, born on August 21, 1993 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, is a professional footballer.
    Bright, who plays as a defender, was first introduced to the sport at the age of nine while watching a friend play – and this led to her showcasing her credentials on the pitch.
    As of July 2023, Bright is managed by Revo Sports Management – and FA licensed agency for male and female professional footballers.
    What teams has Millie Bright played for?
    Millie Bright has played for a number of clubs throughout her successful sporting career.
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    During her youth career, Bright played for Killamarsh Dynamos, a local team in Derbyshire and Sheffield United.
    The footballer started out her senior career at Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2009.
    At her own request, Bright then went on loan to Leeds United in their 2011–12 FA Women’s Premier League season, before returning to Doncaster where she had developed into a regular first team starter.
    At Doncaster she was shortlisted for the FA Women’s Super League 2 Player of the Year award in 2014, having excelled for the Belles as they narrowly missed out on promotion.
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    The defender remained at the club until 2014.
    Bright then signed with London-based club Chelsea ahead of the 2015 season and has achieved great success ever since.
    According to the club’s official website, the Chelsea player ”reads the game well, often starting attacks with a sweeping pass from the back and is a threat in the opposition box at set-pieces due to her stature” – and thunderous tackles are her calling card.
    Bright has also enjoyed international success – representing England on the senior national team, as well as numerous youth national teams, including the under-19 and under-23 national team squads.
    How long has Millie Bright played for England?
    The Lioness made her England debut in 2016.
    Bright earned her first cap for the senior England national team that year as a last-minute substitute in a 2–0 win over Belgium.
    In May 2019, she was selected to represent England at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
    Bright was also included as part of the squad which won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
    She has been described as one of the most experienced members of Sarina Wiegman’s squad due to her reliability and presence at the back.
    Why is Millie Bright captaining the England team at the Women’s World Cup?
    With the 2023 Women’s World Cup underway, all eyes are on the Lionesses – including captain, Millie Bright.
    Bright is hoping to lead the team to their first World Cup win in the Fifa contest’s 32-year history, in the absence of Leah Williamson.
    The Arsenal star’s hopes of leading the Lionesses were cruelly dashed by a knee ligament injury she suffered in April.
    Opening up on the honour of leading the team, Bright said: “There was always going to be extra pressure. 
    “This will be the biggest Women’s World Cup so far, the quality has gone up, the expectation goes up. 
    “We have to keep two feet on the ground and know the challenge ahead will be bigger than any other tournament.”
    Bright added: “I feel really grateful to be selected, let alone to be captaining the girls, it is a massive honour. 
    “But for me nothing changes, I stay the same, I’d like to think people see the same Millie.
    “I always lead for the team, that’s just natural to me. 
    “I expect standards from the group, I see myself as the driver because I am so competitive.
    “You have to keep pushing to be better year in, year out. You have younger players at a first tournament, you have to make sure they have everything they need. 
    “We just want them to be excited to go out, have their best summer and play their best football.”
    Speaking of her teammate Williamson, the footballer said: ”(I’m) Absolutely gutted (for Leah).
    “Straight away I was just in shock that she had suffered such a severe injury. 
    “I don’t think the captaincy crossed my mind at all, hand on heart. 
    “Then I got my injury so my head was just fully on my rehab and trying to make the selection.
    “That (the captaincy) was probably the last thing I thought of.
    “You don’t want to see any player go through that injury. There are too many on that topic at the minute.
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    “We’ve had check-ins, to make sure Leah is alright – when you go through that, you need a team around you. 
    “She’s also checked how I’ve been getting on, we’ve stayed in touch for sure.” More

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    Rachel Daly says ‘no one is happy to sit on bench’ but admits England boss Wiegman has a selection headache

    RACHEL DALY admits it’s tough to start on the bench for England – but acknowledged Sarina Wiegman’s World Cup selection headache.The WSL Golden Boot winner was a sub during the Lionesses’ group stage defeat of Haiti with Alessia Russo given the starting XI nod.  
    Rachel Daly admits Sarina Wiegman is facing a selection headache in terms of starters for England’s striker role at the World CupCredit: Getty
    Daly was deployed as a second half substitute during England’s 1-0 Group D defeat of Haiti in the tournamentCredit: AP
    Daly and her team-mates will take on Denmark next after sealing a group stage opening win in BrisbaneCredit: Reuters
    And team-mate Bethany England is yet to make an appearance for the Euros champs in the contest. 
    England number nine Daly entered the fray in place of Russo in the 76th minute of their clash with Haiti on Saturday in Brisbane. 
    The Aston Villa striker, who netted 22 goals in 22 WSL games last term, came close to doubling her team’s lead three minutes later.
    Had her header found the back of the net it would have seen the Lionesses end an open play scoring dry spell with the team goalless in their previous two fixtures.
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    On if it is frustrating to be on the Lionesses’ bench, Daly said: “No one is happy to sit on the bench.  
    “If you are, then you are not in the right place, not in the right career. 
    “It’s a tough place for Sarina to be in to pick the team.
    “And I respect her decisions and I will support Alessia all the way and I know Bethany (England) will do the same.
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    “That’s the beauty of having a competitive squad.
    “Everybody is digging out for a position. It’s a headache Sarina has to have in multiple positions. 
    “I wouldn’t like to be in her shoes obviously making such big decisions coming into tournaments. 
    “But she’s a fantastic manager, we respect all of her decisions. It proved tonight that it works, so we are happy.”
    Whilst having 11 shots on target to Haiti’s two, England found themselves under pressure from the contest debutants, ranked the 56th best team in the world.
    Melchie Dumornay, Nerilla Mondesir and 5ft 4in goalkeeper Kerly Theus were among Haiti’s standout performers, with Theus pulling off some stunning saves.  
    Daly, who has 70 England caps, added: “Haiti were a fantastic side and they are a force to be reckoned with. I think they will do some damage. 
    “You have got to give credit to the opposition as they were brilliant.”
    The second-half introduction of Lauren James and Daly gave Wiegman’s side more zeal in attack with James teeing up Kelly who fired wide late on. 
    However the sole goal of the game from England, who play Denmark on Friday, came from Georgia Stanway’s retaken spot-tick. 
    This means the usually clinical Lionesses have now gone 337 minutes without burying a non set-piece goal. 
    Daly added: “You could put it down to a number of things, but I think we are quite a new side, a relatively new side. 
    “We have lost a lot of players through injury and retirement.
    “We are still building, but I don’t think it’s a worry and a concern at the minute. Hopefully, more will come.”
    The result of England’s clash with Denmark is likely to play a key role in determining which side finishes top of Group D. 
    The Danes are currently in pole position after sealing a narrow 1-0 against China on Saturday.
    A duel with China on Tuesday 1 August will following England’s Group D clash with DenmarkCredit: Getty
    Some observers believe England’s slim win against Haiti is comparable to their 1-0 defeat of Austria during their march to Euros glory. 
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    Daly said: “It’s three points on the board, we will take that.
    “That’s all that matters coming out of games in the group (stage).” More

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    Ultimate Women’s World Cup rich list – highest-paid Lionesses star to Chelsea striker who bagged FIFA video game deal

    ENGLAND’S roaring Lionesses captured the heart of the nation on their way to victory at the Euros last year.But while they will be hoping to go one better at the Women’s World Cup this summer, they face stiff competition from the likes of the USA, Spain, Germany and France.
    Chloe Kelly and the team pulled in huge crowds to their games in the UK for the Women’s EurosCredit: Getty
    Marta is often considered the greatest female footballer of all timeCredit: Getty
    In the money leagues, top stars like Marta and Megan Rapinoe may earn just a fraction of their equivalents in the men’s game.
    However, the best players can still earn hundreds of thousands a year – boosted by sponsorship deals and lucrative side projects.
    Here, we reveal some of the highest earners who will be dazzling in Australia and New Zealand over the coming weeks.
    Marta
    Brazilian Marta, 37, is often regarded as the best female footballer ever, so it’s no surprise she can command one of the highest salaries.
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    The forward reportedly earns £311,000 a year at Orlando Pride, topped up by sponsorship deals with the likes of LATAM Airlines, Avon Brasil, shampoo brand Clear and pharmaceutical company Neo Quimica.
    In some of her campaigns for Clear, she has appeared with Cristiano Ronaldo. She has also had deals with Coca-Cola and Puma.
    Marta is Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer, with a record 17 World Cup goals, and has been named FIFA’s World Player of the Year five consecutive times.
    Wendie Renard
    Wendie has captained the French national team for ten yearsCredit: Getty
    French centre back Wendie, 33, has been the captain of the French women’s team for ten years.
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    As the skipper of Lyon at club level, she is one of the most decorated players in modern times, with an astonishing 15 French league titles and eight European Cups to her name.
    It’s no surprise then that she’s on a reported £298,000-a-year salary.
    One of her sponsors is Adidas and she was previously an ambassador for MasterCard alongside England’s Alex Scott, too.
    Earlier this year, she told fans she was pulling out of what will be her third World Cup.
    She said in a statement: “It is a sad day, but necessary to preserve my mental health. It is with a heavy heart that I come to inform you of my decision to step back from the French team.”
    However, after returning to the French team for friendlies against Colombia and Canada in April, she will be wearing the armband once more this tournament.
    Megan Rapinoe
    Megan has gained a huge profile for her footwork on the pitch and activism off itCredit: Getty
    Megan’s famous celebration against France at the last World CupCredit: AFP
    With her signature bleached hair and even more dazzling footwork, USA winger Megan is one of the most instantly recognisable female footballers in the world.
    At the last World Cup in 2019, her celebration against France – in which she saluted the crowd with outstretched arms – became an instant meme and even went on to be added into the FIFA video game.
    The athlete, 38, is thought to take home a salary of £348,000 from OL Reign and, according to Celebrity Net Worth, has a fortune of £3.9million.
    She tops this up with sponsorship deals and cover interviews, having appeared on the front page of Sports Illustrated, Marie Claire, and InStyle.
    Her brands deals include luxury fashion brand Loewe, Nike and Samsung.
    Alex Morgan
    Alex Morgan has topped up her earnings by writing a children’s book seriesCredit: Getty
    Her tea-sipping celebration has gone down in World Cup folkloreCredit: Rex Features
    England fans will remember USA striker Alex for her now infamous tea-drinking celebration, after scoring the winner against the Lionesses at the last World Cup.
    The San Diego Wave FC captain – who CNW estimates has a fortune of £2.3million – has played in 217 international matches and made a short-lived move to Tottenham back in 2020.
    Away from the pitch, the 34-year-old has published The Kicks, a four-book series for school children and even appeared in a music video for Maroon 5’s song “Girls Like You”, which features Cardi B.
    Her long list of sponsorship deals include Nike, Panasonic, AT&T, Chobani, McDonald’s, P&G, Mondelez International, and Coca-Cola.
    She is married to Servando Carrasco, also a football player, and they have one child together, three-year-old Charlie.
    Lucy Bronze
    Lucy is thought to be one of the UK’s wealthiest female footballersCredit: Getty
    British Lucy, 31, is one of the wealthiest Lionesses and is thought to take home around £200,000 a year for FC Barcelona.
    The right-back has played for the England team since 2013 and has also represented the country in the Olympics. She tops up her earnings with deals from Pepsi, EE, Klarna, and Visa.
    Lucy is believed to be the top-earning England player, but along with other Lionesses has slammed the FA’s decision not to pay players extra money on top of the funds dished out by FIFA this tournament.
    Speaking about it, she said: “We want to keep pushing our own standards, but also our federations’ standards, the FIFA and UEFA standards. It isn’t just about the numbers. It is the principle of what we want to improve in women’s football.
    “There is always another step the game can take. Whether that is commercial, on the pitch or off the pitch, whether it is performance based or not. It is about being rewarded for what we have done – we are the European Champions.”
    Sam Kerr
    Sam has a $1million deal with Nike among other lucrative dealsCredit: Getty
    Goal-machine Sam, 29, is believed to take home a salary of £400,000 a year at Chelsea, who she has just helped to another Women’s Super League title.
    The Australian captains her national team and will be hoping to take them all the way as the hosts.
    Her 13-year deal with Nike is thought to be worth $1million. She was also the first female player to appear on the cover of the FIFA video game.
    Sam also has sponsorship deals with luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen, Australian bank CommBank, and EA Sports.
    Chloe Kelly
    Chloe won legions of fans for her last minute goal at the EurosCredit: Getty
    England’s super-sub Chloe, 25, secured her place in the history books at last year’s Euros with her winning goal against Germany.
    It is not known how much her Man City contract is worth, but the club’s average salary for female players is thought to be around £75,000 a year.
    However, off the back of her legendary goal – and celebration – last year, Chloe remains one of England’s most marketable stars.
    The Mail on Sunday reported that she was set to sign a deal with Land Rover worth up to £2 million.
    A spokesperson for Chloe told the paper: “I can’t comment on her business dealings but… she is in demand.”
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    She has also worked with Nike, KFC and last month appeared in a Calvin Klein ad alongside Alex Morgan. More

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    Former England heroine Katie Chapman backs Millie Bright and Lauren James to shine for Lionesses at the World Cup

    KATIE CHAPMAN is backing Millie Bright and Lauren James to make their mark at the World Cup with England facing Haiti today.Their group D fixture will see them play their first game in the tournament today under boss Sarina Wiegman.
    Katie Chapman believes Lauren James and Millie Bright will shine for England at this year’s World CupCredit: Getty
    The Lionesses will play Haiti at Brisbane Stadium today with their game kicking off at 10:30 BSTCredit: Getty
    Chapman captained a Chelsea side featuring Millie Bright when the Blues won their first Women’s FA Cup in 2015Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Chapman was speaking to SunSport ahead of the opening of hybrid indoor football arena KickX in Surrey today
    England’s clash with their opponents will see them back in official international action for the first time since drawing 0-0 with Portugal on home soil earlier this month.
    With the team winless in two games since their Women’s Finalissima defeat of Brazil in March, the Lionesses are eager to get their World Cup campaign off to a flier.
    Chapman, 41, who retired from the game in 2018, played with Bright for three years at Chelsea.
    The ex-Lioness skippered a Blues team which featured the centre-back to an FA Cup win and WSL title triumph eight years ago
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    Chapman, who also lifted the FA Cup in 2018, believes Bright’s leadership and James’ potential will be key for Wiegman’s side.
    The former midfielder, who has 94 England caps, told SunSport: “Millie was unbelievable in the Euros.
    “What a big player, a big personality and a great leader to have in your team.
    “She reminds me very much of me, and I love her to pieces.
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    “Lauren is new onto the scene and Chelsea have done a great job with her with managing her (past) injuries and getting her onto the pitch.
    “She’s showing her potential. She’s a player that you can put on the pitch that can change your game for sure.
    “I’m excited to see her play in the World Cup.”
    Chapman, who is an ambassador for KickX, a hybrid indoor football arena opening at Addlestone One today in Surrey, believes England have a solid chance of going all the way.
    England are missing quite a few big names but it gives other players an opportunity to step up at the World CupKatie Chapman
    This is despite their squad missing the services of Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby, all key figures in their Euros triumph last summer.
    Chapman, whose playing career began at 14 at Millwall, adds: “They’re missing quite a few big names and players have retired.
    “But it also gives other players the opportunity to step up and take their moment within a World Cup.
    “It’s amazing to be there and to represent your country. 
    “It’s going to give those younger players (in the squad) an opportunity.
    “There are quite a few playing in their first World Cup and what an opportunity (for them) to have.
    “Sarina (Wiegman) manages the team in the right way.
    “They all look quite relaxed out there in Australia which is great.”
    Chapman’s launch of KickX, which she describes as all-age inclusive and offering a mix of football-themed games to play, comes nine days after the publication of a landmark women’s game review.
    The review, chaired by her former Chelsea and England team-mate Karen Carney, has called for a raft of changes to women’s football in England.
    This includes finding a strategic partner to invest in improving pathways and academy structures to help develop young talent.
    Chapman said: “Karen is right. There is a lot to be done lower down in the game.
    “There’s a lot to be done at a grassroots level as well.
    “To be an athlete, and to be a professional athlete, you need to train.
    Chapman played for the England team that reached the 2009 Women’s Euros final under Hope PowellCredit: AFP
    “You need to be a full time athlete, you need to be able to do that and you need to be paid to be able to do that at a reasonable level.
    “As she said, there’s a lot to be done filtering down from the top flight of the women’s game.
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    “But as we raise the profile in the game, that’s hopefully our next step to look at.”
    England’s match against Haiti in the Women’s World Cup can be watched live on ITV1 and the BBC at 10:30 BST More