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      Lionesses winning Euros last summer was wonderful – here’s three reasons why we should roar them on again at World Cup

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      IF I tell you I have a hunch about a sporting event, then have a hunch of your own that the opposite will happen. I have a terrible track record with these things.But last year I got something right.
      Alessia Russo’s stunning surprise backheel against Sweden in the semi-finalCredit: Getty
      Ace Chloe Kelly celebrates her winnerCredit: PA
      The Lionesses gatecrash the press conference and partyCredit: Getty
      I wrote in The Sun that England’s women would win the Euros.
      And they did. Thrillingly, miraculously, brilliantly, inspiringly . . . they only went and did it.
      There were a trio of Three Lionesses moments which are right up there with anything our men have done. Moments which changed everything.
      Oh the joy of Russo’s backheel in the semi-final.
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      Very occasionally a player will do something which no one sees coming. They sell a dummy which everyone buys.
      Their teammates, their opponents, the commentators, the cameras, the crowd and the TV audience all look for the ball to go one way, but it goes ­somewhere else.
      No matter how many times you watch it back, Alessia Russo’s backheel takes you by surprise.
      This was the moment even the most cynical, not-for-me women’s football refusenik went “Oof! Wow! OK.”
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      Then there was Chloe Kelly’s winner in the final. By then we were so into it.
      Earlier, as we became true believers, it dawned on us that while everything was different, it could all yet turn out the same.
      Same old England, sure to lose in the end, to Germany, inevitably.
      But no! Into the net went the ball and over her head came Chloe’s shirt. Iconic.
      This was the moment we knew the Lionesses were different.
      They were winners. And we all felt like winners too.
      And then there was the invasion of the press ­conference.
      The all-singing, all-dancing, conga of ­mischief and joy.
      This was the moment we were reminded that, at its great beating heart, football is actually about, you know, having fun.
      Total ­uninhibited happiness.
      Great, great times.
      And this week we go again.
      Conga of ­mischief and joy
      It’s going to be harder this time.
      Not just because it’s the World Cup, nor because it’s happening a world away in a land down under.
      No, it’s because now England expects.
      Success creates its own pressure.
      And this means they need us to get behind them more than ever before.
      They gave us something wonderful last summer and now, in a sense, we need to give them something back.
      Someone once said that success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan.
      True that. We need to demonstrate that we’ve not been fairweather friends to our Lionesses.
      We need to be with them all the way.
      We can’t bide our time and wait for a moment of glory to be within our grasp.
      They need us right behind them from the off. They need us now.
      Shirt-shedding
      And it’s not just about the World Cup either.
      Last week Karen Carney, former Lioness midfielder and chair of a major review into the women’s game, published her report.
      It’s not a back-patting, look-how-far-we’ve-come exercise.
      It’s much more important than that.
      Her call is for the top two tiers of women’s football to be made fully professional; for a new regular broadcast slot on television; for better investment, better facilities, higher standards all around.
      This isn’t romantic stuff about backheels, shirt-shedding or crazy congas.
      This is the gritty, tricky, challenging stuff needing to be done to get more girls playing, and more women winning, in the environments they’ve earned the right to enjoy.
      There’s 126 pages to this report, and it’s well worth a read, but Karen sums it up rather neatly for us in just a few words.
      “Nothing can take away from our great achievements,” she says.
      “But it is like Instagram vs reality, and the latter is worrying and we need to address it.”
      She’s right. The Instagram posts tell a story of shiny new success with money to match.
      The reality is huge areas of the women’s game underfunded and underloved. The poor relation.
      The seeds of failure are often sown in times of success.
      Power is in our hands
      It would be all too easy for us to say, “Oh yeah, women’s football. Love it! I get it! We’re brilliant! Job done!”
      Never mind the facilities, let’s just admire that backheel again.
      Even if the Lionesses win the World Cup and conga all the way home with the trophy, the gap between Instagram and reality won’t be closed.
      If anything, it will be wider. The ­Instagrams will look even glossier, and the reality will change barely a jot.
      A massive opportunity could go ­begging, and that would be a dreadful thing.
      So what, you might ask, can we, the fans, do to close Karen’s Instagram vs reality gap?
      Well, much of it, to do with finance and administration and business planning, we have no direct control of.
      But the power is still in our hands.
      Because if we carry on seeing the power and potential of the women’s game, and stick with it, and demand ­better, all the good stuff will follow.
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      More than ever before, at this World Cup and way beyond, everyone from the Lionesses to the little girl in the park wanting a kickabout, need our backing.
      Let’s do this. More

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      Sealing Arsenal move before start of World Cup is a ‘weight off’ shoulders of Lioness star Alessia Russo

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      ALESSIA RUSSO says having her Arsenal move wrapped up before the World Cup feels like a weight off her shoulders. And the England star, 24, is enjoying proving a former coach wrong after he joked she “couldn’t head a ball for sh**”. 
      Alessia Russo is happy to have sorted her club future ahead before the start of England’s World Cup campaignCredit: Getty
      The Lioness star joined the Gunners as a free agent in July following the expiry of her contract with Manchester United in JuneCredit: Getty
      The WSL ace and the Lionesses arrived in Brisbane, Australia on Monday ahead of the Group D opening duel with Haiti on July 22. 
      That clash comes 18 days after the former Red Devil signed for Arsenal as a free agent. 
      Russo, who joined the Gunners after a three-year Manchester United spell, said: “I’m really glad it’s all done. 
      “It feels like a little bit of a weight is off my shoulders ahead of the World Cup and that’s what I wanted. 

      “I hoped to try and get it all sorted before the tournament kicked off. 
      “Now I can fully focus on this World Cup and after that head into Arsenal. I’m really excited.”
      Russo, who began her senior career at Chelsea in 2016, is arguably one of the Gunners’ biggest signings this summer. 
      And the Kent-born Lioness featured in a video welcoming Declan Rice to Arsenal. 
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      The video, produced by the club’s kit makers Adidas, went viral on social media. 
      When asked if there would be any banter from her Man United pals in England’s camp over move, Russo said they will “always be friends”. 
      She added: “I’m still best mates with them all and I always will be. 
      “It’s nice to have this summer and have some time with them again. We’re just all enjoying Australia.”
      Russo’s involvement in a World Cup tournament for the first time in her career comes after her netting 10 goals in 20 WSL games last term. 
      One of her most memorable was a headed effort last November that led to Man United becoming the first WSL team to beat Arsenal at the Emirates. 
      And Russo, who has earned plaudits for her aerial displays in the box, recalls her former coach Anson Dorrance jokingly mocked her heading abilities. 
      The former US Women’s national team boss, who led the side to their first World Cup win, coached Russo during her two-year stint at North Carolina Tar Heels. 
      The Lioness spent some of her teenage years at the US college side renowned for spotting and nurturing rising stars of the women’s game
      Like Russo, Lucy Bronze and Lotte Wubben-Moy, are also former Tar Heels players. 
      The trio flourished under Dorrance who has been in charge of the North Carolina University team for 46 years.
      Russo, who played for Tar them from 2017 to 2019, added: “When I was in America my coach out there told me that I couldn’t head a ball for shit. 
      “That was something that I wanted to prove him wrong with.
      “I’ve still got a long way to go, but yeah I think physicality is a huge thing as a nine. “You’ve got to be strong, you’ve got to be powerful. 
      “Some centre halves are bigger and stronger than you so you’ve got to find ways to get one up on them.”
      On whether she is still in contact with legendary Tar Heels boss Dorrance, Russo said: “I still speak to Anson and his assistant Damon Nahas.
      Russo still maintains contact with her coaches at the US women’s college side North Carolina Tar HeelsCredit: Getty
      “I probably speak to them maybe once a month. It’s nice to check in with them and they played a big part in my journey and my career. 
      “They’re coaches I have huge respect for and love to speak to.”
      Russo is eager to keep developing the physical aspect of her game in particular her strength for duels with her markers.
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      The WSL ace, who has scored 11 times in 21 senior England appearances, added: “Understanding my body and how to use it best, and then just trying to be as clinical as possible in front of goal. 
      “As a nine that’s something you want to work on every single day.” More

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      Ella Toone opens up on ‘finding herself’ and shares childhood dream of scoring for England in the World Cup

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      ELLA TOONE is loving life in Australia having “found herself” Down Under ahead of England revving up for the World Cup.The forward, 23, whose stunning chip helped the Lionesses triumph at last year’s Euros, sees herself as a player who goes at a “hundred miles an hour”.
      Ella Toone says she feels like a changed woman ahead of the start of England’s campaign to win the World CupCredit: Getty
      The Lioness forward could be set to play in a World Cup tournament for the first time in her careerCredit: Getty
      Toone says she learnt about herself during England’s Euros-winning run last summerCredit: Getty
      But since arriving at England’s camp Toone, who has 32 senior caps, has enjoyed finding ways to balance intense training with switching off mentally from football.
      The Manchester United and Lioness ace said: “I’ve really found myself here. I never normally wake up early as I’m a proper sleeper.
      “But I woke up early the other day – six o’clock – I went and saw the sunrise.
      “I absolutely love walking along the beach and the other day I went into the sea.
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      “Luckily the girls got me some goggles as I can’t go in with my eyelashes (on). 
      “I was under the waves every day and I thought ‘wow this is me’. 
      “Going in the sea has definitely really made me a changed woman.”
      Like her team-mates Toone has been finding ways to make the most of her downtime away from preparation for England’s Group D opener against Haiti in five days’ time.
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      The Wigan-born Lioness, who has netted 16 goals since her senior international debut in September 2020, enjoys reading autobiographies in her spare time.  
      She adds: “I don’t actually read novels, just autobiographies. I’m reading Jamie Vardy’s autobiography at the minute. 
      “I always say it (that I’m going to) but now I’ve actually started (to take up) reading more often so that’s nice.”
      Last summer saw Toone play in a major tournament for the first time in a senior career which began with a two-year spell at Blackburn Rovers in 2015 before moves to Man City and Man United.
      The WSL star was among nine aces taking part in their first major international contest for the Lionesses.
      Her goal-scoring display at last year’s Euros final at Wembley saw her evolve from a promising England talent to a tournament-winning performer.
      Toone opened the scoring against finalists Germany in front of a record crowd a Wembley with a lofted second-half strike.
      And the forward is eager to help England’s new major contest debutants with six included in head coach Wiegman’s squad.
      Toone adds: “Going into this tournament off the back of my first major tournament with England, I’ve just got more experience now.
      “I learned so much about myself at the Euros.
      “I’ve come into this having a bit more experience and just trying to offer others that experience.
      “I think I’ve come into this tournament the same as (I did) at the Euros.
      “That’s giving my best, enjoying every moment and making sure that I work hard in training.
      “I want to give everything I can every time I put the shirt on for England.”
      England’s clash with Haiti could see Toone make her World Cup debut for her national side.
      The match at Brisbane Stadium will kick off at 10:30 am UK time this Saturday (July 22).
      And Sarina Wiegman’s team have been a bit goal shy of late having gone scoreless in the last three games. 
      Having Toone is confident the team will find their shooting boots and hopes to achieve her dream of scoring in the tournament.
      She adds: “We’re very confident and we know we’ve got a lot of goal scorers in the group so we’re definitely creating those chances. 
      “It’s now about making sure we put them in the back of the net.
      Toone and her team-mates hope to pick up their first win since beating Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima in MarchCredit: Getty
      “I manifest a lot of things before I play games. Half of them never happen but I’m having fun in my brain. 
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      “I’ve dreamt about scoring a goal in the World Cup since I was a little girl and I’ve dreamt about scoring at this one.  
      “As for the celebrations (side of things) I have absolutely no idea (what I’ll do).” More

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      Lucy Bronze reflects on World Cup ‘heartbreak’ and driving standards with England after Barcelona success

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      LUCY BRONZE believes her Barcelona move has boosted her England form following her Champions League triumph with the club. And the full-back admits she is still “heartbroken” by the Lionesses’ World Cup semis loss four years ago.  
      Lucy Bronze is hungry for more silverware success following Euros and Champions League wins in the past yearCredit: Getty
      The England full-back helped Barcelona win their second Champions League trophy when they beat Wolfsburg 3-2 in JuneCredit: Getty
      Bronze and her England team-mates are continuing their preparations ahead of their first group stage match in this year’s World CupCredit: Getty
      Bronze and her team-mates will take to the field against Haiti on July 20 in their Group D opener at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      The Euros champs were put through their paces in training on Saturday in Queensland, following a 0-0 warm-up draw with Canada on Friday.
      Their upcoming clash with the tournament debutants in Brisbane, comes seven weeks after Bronze celebrated her fourth Champions League trophy win.
      The Lioness, 31, who joined Barcelona last term along with team-mate Keira Walsh, said: “I think the pair of us drive a different kind of standard now at England training.
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      “We’ve been able to add that when we’ve come back into camps.
      “It’s not the style of play necessarily.
      “It’s the expectation and the quality you expect from a team that wins trophies like Champions Leagues and playing with the best players in the world.
      “It gives myself and Keira massive confidence.
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      “It was her first Champions League win and while it was my fourth, it’s something that gives you a lot of confidence going into the World Cup.”
      Bronze, who moved Barca last June after a two-year spell at Manchester City, is playing in a World Cup for the third time in her career.
      The full-back was part of a Phil Neville-managed England side that lost 2-1 to the United States in the contest’s semis in France in 2019.
      Bronze used the word “heartbroken” to describe the feeling that result evokes.
      Of her past England experiences in the tournament, she said: “Every World Cup that I’ve played in we’ve been so close.
      “The difference between us and the US on the day that we played them was a VAR decision, a penalty save.
      “That’s two things in one game, it was crazy, crazy close.”
      A finish in the top two spots in Group D would see England enter the World Cup’s knockout phase for the first time under head coach Sarina Wiegman.
      The team have been hit by injuries to three of their biggest stars from last year’s Euros.
      Skipper and centre-back Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Euros Golden Boot winner Beth Mead are all battling their way back from knee issues.
      On the need to step up in their absence, Bronze added: “I’ve played that role in the majority of the tournaments I’ve played in.
      “The team and the manager expect that from me because I’ve always had to bring high level performances.
      “Although Leah is a huge part of the team, in the run-up to the Euros last year she didn’t play in the back four.
      Sarina Wiegman hopes to lead the Lionesses to their second major trophy win and first Women’s World Cup triumphCredit: PA
      “We played with Alex (Greenwood) and Millie (Bright) as our centre half partnership the whole year under Sarina and we didn’t lose a game then.
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      “Anybody that has watched Alex and Millie play in the WSL knows that they’re two of the best centre halves in the world.
      “Leah is a huge miss but I wouldn’t say it’s a reshuffle, we’re just going back to a different team which has already played together.” More

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      Vera Pauw says Republic of Ireland players ‘feared for their bodies’ in Women’s World Cup practice game with Colombia

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      VERA PAUW insists her Republic of Ireland aces feared they would be crocked during their World Cup warm-up game against Colombia.The Friday night duel in Brisbane, Australia was halted after 20 minutes after Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital with a shin injury.  
      Vera Pauw’s Republic of Ireland side put an early end to their World Cup practice duel with Colombia due overly physical playCredit: Sportsfile
      Pauw’s side next game will see them take on Australia in their Group B opening clash on Thursday 20 JulyCredit: Sportsfile
      Earlier today the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) revealed the midfielder was left with some bruising during the behind-closed-doors fixture.
      However O’Sullivan had suffered no fracture following an X-Ray and CT scan
      The North Carolina Courage ace is set to work with medical staff in an effort to swiftly return to action ahead of her team’s World Cup tournament debut.
      Of the game deemed as “overly physical” by referees, Pauw, 60, told the Off the Ball podcast: “After a few minutes it just started up in a way that it had almost no turnaround.  
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      “There was first a huge challenge on Ruesha [Littlejohn] with a lot of emotions around that of course because that was already a challenge out of the laws of the game.
      “We do not fear any physical contact. We are ourselves a team, that within the rules of the game, we are a very tough-playing team.
      “We always challenge within the rules of the game. This (the challenge on Denise) was out of the rules of the game.
      “Within two minutes there was a challenge on Denise.
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      “It was a build-up of ‘this is going wrong, this is going really wrong’.
      “She [O’Sullivan] was in awful pain of course, potentially a very serious injury, she was on the ground.
      “I stayed calm. I went calmly to the bench of the opponent and I asked the coach ‘I need your help.
      “We all want to go to the World Cup, how do we calm this down?’
      “He only said one sentence: “it’s both sides”, but we did not make any fouls. He went back [to the bench] and did not take any responsibility.
      “Then their team manager came and I said: ‘We all want to go to the World Cup, can you help me to calm things down?’
      “She said ‘it’s not intentional’. I got no help from them.
      “The bench of Colombia was very calm, they did not instigate things, I want to highlight that.
      ‘It was developing on the pitch, the players of course were upset.
      “So I decided to, for the first time in my life, go to the medical team and to Denise and they confirmed it was potentially a very serious injury.
      “The players, [for] the first time since I am coaching them, they feared for their bodies.
      ‘I took them away, calmed everybody down.
      “Fortunately my technical director had just arrived. We discussed it.
      “He took charge of it with the FAI, the CEO, and his decision was in-line with what I felt and what the players felt.”
      The Republic of Ireland will face Canada and Jamaica as well as tournament co-hosts Australia in the World Cup groups stagesCredit: Sportsfile
      Pauw’s side will face contest co-hosts Australia in a highly-anticipated Group B clash on the World Cup’s opening day on July 20.
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      The game, which kicks off at 10:00am UK time is one of two openers for the tournament.
      Co-hosts New Zealand facing Norway two hours earlier on Thursday. More

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      ‘I hope more women start to coach’, says Lionesses chief Sarina Wiegman as she reflects on her managerial journey

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      SARINA WIEGMAN never dreamed the Women’s World Cup would become a showpiece event after playing in an experimental version. The experience set the England boss, 53, on a journey that now sees her aiming to lead the Lionesses to glory in this summer’s contest.
      Sarina Wiegman’s England will be begin their campaign to win the World Cup when they take on Haiti in Brisbane, Australia on July 22Credit: Getty
      The two-time Euros-winning boss has been reflecting on her journey in the game including playing in a Women’s World Cup test tournament in China in her teensCredit: Getty
      In 1988, an 18-year-old Wiegman was part of a Dutch women’s side that battled in a 12-team test event in China during a heatwave.
      That competition was a far cry from the 32-team spectacle kicking off in Australia and New Zealand on July 20.
      Back then some national players having to cover the cost of their flights and equipment.
      Wiegman, whose Lionesses will play Haiti in their group stage opener next Saturday, said: “That experience taught me ‘this is what I want’.  

      “As the Netherlands we weren’t great (at the time), but when we got into the tournament we actually did really well.
      “I think at that point we could have beaten Brazil, and I thought ‘this is what I want to do’, but there weren’t very many opportunities then.
      “I just really loved that tournament, I will never forget it.”
      Born in the Hague,  Wiegman, who is a mother-of-two, recalls growing up in an era where there was “nothing for women in football”.
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      Despite this challenge her parents supported her enthusiasm for the game.
      Fourteen years before Wiegman’s birth Dutch Ladies Soccer sides were banned from playing on fields belonging to men’s clubs linked with the Netherlands FA.   
      She adds: “When I was six years old or five years old, girls were not allowed to play football, but I just liked it.
      “My parents never made any (fuss), they just said ‘if you want to play football, you’re going to play’.
      “I knew in elementary school that I wanted to be a PE teacher. I just wanted to be involved in sports.
      “I didn’t even know I could be a coach because there was nothing for women in football.
      “I couldn’t see it so I didn’t think it was an opportunity.”
      It was at Fifa’s invitational contest in 1988 where Wiegman met Anson Dorrance, the trailblazing coach of North Carolina Tar Heels.
      The US college side are famous for nurturing elite players including England trio Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Lotte Wubben-Moy.
      Wiegman, who led the Netherlands to the Women’s World Cup final four years ago, wants to see more women coaching at football’s highest levelsCredit: Getty
      Wiegman spent 1989 playing for Tar Heels under Dorrance who went on to guide the USA to their first Women’s World Cup win in 1991.
      She said: “In the Netherlands (at the time), we (female players) were not accepted.
      “I’d heard in the US that it was a sport that was accepted, and that the level was high.
      “I thought (to myself) ‘that’s where I want to be’.
      Following a 16-year playing career including two top-tier titles wins with Dutch side Ter Leede, Wiegman entered management in 2006.
      From doing my job I hope more women come into football. I want more females to start to coach.Sarina Wiegman
      She made history guiding the Netherlands to Euros glory in 2017 before doing the same with England last summer.
      A Women’s World Cup win has so far eluded Wiegman.
      She and the Netherlands endured heartbreak in four years ago when they were beaten in the final in France by the USA.
      That result has made her even more determined to win this year’s contest with her Lionesses.
      She adds: “I always want to win, we want to be the best.
      “We have so many talented players in the team and my job is to get clarity on how we play together.”
      Wiegman’s World Cup quest comes in the month Hannah Dingley made history by becoming the first female manager of an English Football League club.
      And she hopes to see more women becoming coaches.
      The England gaffer adds: “From doing my job I hope more women come into football.
      “I hope more females start to coach or take the next step and go to the highest level.
      “If I can push (this) a little more doing extra things, then I will.”
      The next few weeks will see the Lionesses face their biggest challenge to date under their boss just a year on from lifting a Euros trophy at Wembley.
      While the Lionesses’ success on the field made Wiegman proud, she takes even more pride in her players campaign.
      Wiegman says the social consciousness of England’s players makes her proudCredit: PA
      In particular England lobbying politicians to introduce equal access to football for girls in schools.
      The head coach said: “I’m incredibly proud of their social consciousness. 
      “They really want to have a positive impact on society and a positive change.
      “Now what we try to do is keep performing, keep being visible and keep using our voices to also sustain and make positive changes.”
      While there has been much change in the Women’s World Cup since the Fifa test tournament three decades ago, Wiegman acknowledges there is still much to do. 
      Squad pay, poor training facilities and lack of financial support for teams were among the concerns flagged by scores of players competing in this summer’s contest. 
      The Lionesses drew 0-0 with Canada in a practice game eight days before their World Cup Group D opening match against Haiti on July 22Credit: PA
      They includes WSL stars competing for sides such as Jamaica and Canada. 
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      Of the World Cup’s evolution she added: “Twenty years ago I would not have expected to be in this situation or women’s football would be where  it is now.
      “I’m grateful things have changed, but there’s still a long way to go.” More

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      Spain and Holland stars blasted for appearing to mock the Haka after arriving in New Zealand

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      PLAYERS from the Spain and Netherlands national teams have come under fire for appearing to mock the Maori Haka ahead of the Women’s World Cup.The two squads arrived in New Zealand last week to prepare for the tournament, which is set to kick off in Auckland next Thursday.
      Four Spain stars appeared to mock the haka during training
      A Holland player was also filmed seemingly mimicking the traditional danceCredit: Instagram / @oranjeleeuwinnen
      However, just days into their respective training camps, two separate video clips emerged on social media showing some players appearing to mimic the Haka, a ceremonial Maori dance.
      A video of four Spain players attempting the traditional dance briefly appeared on the national team’s social media channels on Saturday evening before being taken down.
      The Dutch national team also received heavy criticism for posting a similar clip, which showed one player appearing to attempt the dance, on Instagram before deleting it.
      Following severe backlash, the Royal Dutch Football Association were quick to defend the video.
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      A spokesperson told The Telegraph: “The clip from the video online is part of a training [session] the team recently had in the Netherlands.
      “At the physical part of the training, the team did an exercise that was focused on channeling your inner strength and was absolutely not referring to the Haka or mimicking it.
      “There was no intention of showing disrespect to anyone.
      “In sports the Haka is known and admired by all professional athletes. The Dutch women’s football team is no exception to this.
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      “Our visit to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will provide us with the opportunity to get to know more about both host countries. We look forward to our stay and the pōwhiri ceremony that awaits us.”
      Fifa refused to comment on the issue.
      A short statement from football’s governing body read: “As this is a team matter we won’t be making any comment.”
      Spain kick off their World Cup campaign on Friday July 21 against Costa Rica, while Netherlands face Portugal two days later. More

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      Jordan Nobbs opens up on fightbacks from ‘difficult’ injuries and getting back to her best before World Cup

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      JORDAN NOBBS admits there were “difficult” moments when knee injuries thwarted her dreams of playing in three big tournaments.But now the Aston Villa ace is ready to aid Lionesses’ quest to lift the World Cup for the first time in their history.
      Jordan Nobbs says being back with the Lionesses ahead of the World Cup feels “unbelievable”Credit: Getty
      Like Bethany England, Nobbs sealed a high-profile January transfer in search of more game before this year’s tournamentCredit: Getty
      Nobbs shone for Aston Villa this term alongside France star Kenza Dali (left) and her England team-mate Rachel DalyCredit: Getty
      Nobbs involvement in this year’s contest, hosted by Australia and New Zealand, comes 14 months after a strained knee ligament derailed her Euros squad selection hopes.
      That injury was sustained during her spell as an Arsenal star with the Gunners’ drubbing Villa 7-0.
      Since that result last May Nobbs has helped the Villans register their highest ever finish in the WSL.
      Past knee problems for the former Arsenal ace also kiboshed her chances of playing in the 2019 World Cup for the Lionesses and the Tokyo Olympics for Team GB in 2021.
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      Of her journey back from injuries, Nobbs said: “I think you do go into a place where you do self-sabotage and sit and mope around for a bit.
      “Then, once you’re up and going again, your goal is to get back on that pitch.
      “It’s a difficult time but that feeling of you getting back is what you need.
      “You have the hype of the tournament. That’s everywhere, you can’t get away from it.
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      “For me, it took a long time to get that motivation to get going.”
      A lack of first team action at Arsenal last term spurred Nobbs’ move to Aston Villa this January following 200 Gunners appearances over 12 years.
      The switch paid off with Nobbs helping Carla Ward’s side finishing fifth in the WSL with England team-mate Daly winning the league’s Golden Boot.
      The Durham-born football star, who has 71 senior Lionesses caps, adds: “I knew with regular game time I could get back to my best.
      “And having a manager like Carla who gave me a licence to play and enjoy my football again.
      “I kind of had that weight off my shoulders of ‘am I going to play, or not going to play?’
       “Fifth spot was our aim at Villa and that was huge for us. That was the mentality I went with.”
      Nobbs’ Villa move was also partly spurred by her wish to regain her spot in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses’ squad.
      Of her transfer and Gunners departure, said: “It was a risk to a certain extent but with the limited game-time I was getting, I had nothing to lose as well.
      “Naturally, there were a lot of tears and it was difficult to leave a club that I loved and owe a lot to.
      “But when it comes to wanting to drive towards another major tournament I think I had to do everything possible.
      “When you have missed out or not been available for selection your mentality is: ‘I need to do everything to get there.’
      Nobbs’ efforts for Villa, who knocked Man City out of the FA Cup last season, saw her named in Wiegman’s 23-strong World Cup squad.
      And she hopes to make her mark when England face Group D rivals Haiti on July 22 eight days after their warm-up against Canada. 
      The midfielder, who scored on her senior Lionesses debut back in 2013, added: “Everyone knows the journey I’ve been on
      “To be part of this one and such a talented squad it’s an unbelievable feeling.
      “I’ve got to respect what the girls have done and achieved over the past few years.
      “Whenever I’ve come into a squad I’ve tried to my best on and off the pitch, work as hard as I can and be as professional as possible.
      “I think there’s still a lot of experience, regardless of caps but I’m going into the older category now.
      Nobbs reckons playing for Carla Ward and Villa has boosted her confidenceCredit: Getty
      “With England you are with the best of the best. I need to perform, train as well as I can and be available for selection.
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      “Carla gave me that confidence to go again and allow me to be in the position I am now.
      “She gave me a lot of love, and game time. Sometimes, it’s the small things that allow you to shine on the pitch.” More