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      England to face Portugal in final pre-Women’s World Cup duel on home soil before clash with Canada in Australia

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      ENGLAND will take on fellow World Cup rivals Portugal in their final game on home soil before the tournament. The  July 1 duel takes place 13 days before a sterner behind-closed-doors-test in Australia against Olympic gold winners Canada. 
      Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses will take on Portugal in the first of their final two World Cup warm-up gamesCredit: Getty
      Jessica Silva and her Portugal team-mates fell to a 2-1 loss to Japan in April in their previous internationalCredit: Getty
      Last year’s Euros winners will then face Haiti in a World Cup Group D opener on July 22 
      England’s duel with Portugal, to be aired live on ITV1, will kick-off at 3:15pm at the Stadium MK. 
      There were question marks around the Lionesses’ clash with Portugal as the timing for the start of their warm-up camp had not been finalised.
      This follows the European Clubs Association (ECA) stating players should only be available ten days before the World Cup.
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      Since then ECA later proposed an alternative release timeframe of June 23-29.  
      And FA have confirmed players will be released by their clubs for the international camp on June 19. 
      Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman said: “I am really pleased to have a competitive game for our last home fixture. 
      “We had two big games in April against Brazil and Australia where we learned so  much. 
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      “This will be another challenging match against a team that have performed well and  are going to their first World Cup.”
      The last clash between England and Portugal, who were knocked out at the group stage of last year’s Euros, ended in a 1-0 Lionesses win in October.
      Back then Beth Mead netted the only goal of the game for the side who were then managed by Phil Neville. 
      England’s opponents have won two of their last four international fixtures this year which include a 1-1 home draw with Wales.
      Other results include a 5-0 drubbing of World Cup co-hosts New Zealand in February with Sporting Lisbon striker Ana Capeta netting a brace. 
      Wiegman added: “Portugal will also want to show they can be a threat to teams in Australia, and they have  very technical players with good ability. 
      “For us, it will be important to come together again  as a team after the end of the club season and feel the support of our fans.”
      The Lionesses’ final match before they begin their quest for World Cup glory will see them face Canada. 
      The Tokyo Olympic Gold medallists are seen as one of the tournament’s favourites having won six of their last 10 games.
      Victories under Bev Priestman, who this week named a 25-strong provisional squad, include two September defeats of Australia. 
      The Durham-born manager, who was working as theLionesses assistant from 2018 to 2020, has named seven WSL players in her side. 
      Chelsea’s Kadeisha Buchanan and Jessie Fleming have been called up along with Reading forward Deanne Rose and Arsenal goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo. 
      Tottenham captain Shelina Zadorsky has also been named along with Man United’s Jayde Riviere and Adriana Leon. 
      Chelsea’s Kadeisha Buchanan is among seven WSL players included in Canada’s provisional squad before the World CupCredit: Getty
      The Canada chief said: “Picking this roster brought some incredibly difficult decisions and conversations, which I think speaks volumes to how competitive and exciting the group is.”
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      Priestman is set to name her final 23-strong squad on July 9 five days before her team’s pre-World Cup duel with England. 
      She added: “In the final twenty-three player roster, I know we will have a fantastic blend of experienced players along with World Cup debutants who are big part of the future of this programme.” More

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      Emma Hayes backs Catarina Macario to bring flair to Chelsea after USA star seals Blues move

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      EMMA HAYES reckons Catarina Macario will add more panache to Chelsea with the forward confirming her Blues switch from Lyon today. The USA ace, 23, has become the second player in a year to join from the French giants following Kadeisha Buchanan’s move last June.
      Macario impressed for Lyon becoming the first American to score in the Women’s Champions League final when they beat Barcelona last yearCredit: AP
      The USA forward has joined Chelsea on a three-year deal after spending two seasons with the French giants
      Macario netted 14 goals in 20 top-flight in her first year at LyonCredit: Getty
      The pacy Brazil-born player’s transfer follows a season which has seen her sidelined by an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
      Before then helped Lyon win their eighth Women’s Champions League crown with a 3-1 defeat of Barcelona last May.
      It was a match that saw her become the first American player to net in a final in the contest.
      Blues chief Hayes said: “Cat is one of the most intelligent, creative attacking players in the world who I think will blossom in this Chelsea team. 
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      “She brings a great deal of flair, European experience, and an unbelievable winning mentality. I think our fans will really love her.”
      Chelsea general manager Paul Green added: “She’s one of the best players in the world and will add a lot of power, pace and dynamism to our frontline. 
      “We feel that she will be a big success at Chelsea.”
      Macario, who moved to the USA from Brazil at 12, spent three years playing US college football for Stanford University, scoring 63 goals in 69 games for the Cardinals. 
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      And she sealed her first professional football move joining Lyon in January 2021.
      Macario scored 23 goals in 33 games the following season helping the team to win their 15th top-flight title and the 2022 Champions League trophy. 
      Her arrival at Chelsea follows the departure of Pernille and Magda Eriksson with the former Blues duo sealing transfers to Bayern Munich.
      Macario said: “I’ve been fortunate to have some great experiences in Europe already with Lyon, playing with many top players and of course winning the Champions League also.
      “I hope to carry on those experiences here and bring home the trophy for Chelsea as well!
      “I can play either as a No.10 or a more traditional number nine and I’m looking forward to linking up with so many good forward players such as Sam (Kerr), Lauren James and Guro (Reiten).
      Macario’s move will her reunited with Kadeisha Buchanan following her move from Lyon last JuneCredit: PA
      “It will be good to play with Kadeisha (Buchanan) again also.”
      Macario’s national side will begin their bid to win a fifth World Cup when they take on Vietnam in their group stage game in Eden Park in New Zealand. 
      However they will be without the services of the versatile forward who has not played a game since sustaining a knee ligament injury last year.  More

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      Melwood back under Liverpool ownership after Reds buy training ground for women’s side

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      LIVERPOOL have re-purchased their former training ground with the site to be used by the Reds Women’s Super League side. The club are reported to have paid £13 million for the facility which will also be used their girls’ academy and community projects. 
      Liverpool Women’s team will be training Melwood with the club buying the ground back after selling it in 2019Credit: PA
      The club’s girls’ academy will also be based at the site previously used by their Premier League playersCredit: Getty
      The ground, located in the city’s West Derby suburb, had been owned for 70 years by the club. before being sold to housing developers Torus in 2019. 
      Its sale was followed by Liverpool’s Prem team moving to their £50million AXA Training Centre in 2013. 
      The re-purchase of the ground will see the Reds’ women’s side move away from training at Tranmere’s site in the Wirral
      And officials says Melwood will serve as an “elite facility” for their women’s team and a “space for developing and retaining” top talents in the game.
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      Club managing director, Andy Hughes, said: “This is a truly historic moment for Liverpool Football Club and the continued desire of the LFC Women’s board to elevate and develop our women’s first team and category one professional game academy. 
      “We’re absolutely delighted that we’ve managed to take this opportunity to return to Melwood and to see it start a new chapter of Liverpool’s commitment to our women’s first team and academy.”
      As well as repurchasing Melwood, Liverpool says its women’s crest will move to the official club crest.
      Liverpool say Melwood will also used as a space for community outreach projectsCredit: Getty
      They also hope to use the site to provide education to young people via the Fowler Education and Football Academy, established by club legend Robbie Fowler
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      Hughes added: “We also have an opportunity to further develop the use of the site to support the local community by using it as an additional base for LFC’S Foundation. 
      “We also have an opportunity to further develop the use of the site to support the local community by using it as an additional base for LFC’S Foundation.” More

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      Amandine Henry recalled to France squad by Herve Renard ahead of Women’s World Cup

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      AMANDINE HENRY  has been recalled to France’s national side after an absence of two years. The former Le Bleues skipper, 33, has been included in Herve Renard’s provisional squad before the start of the Women’s World Cup in July. 
      Amandine Henry has been named in Herve Renard’s 26-strong provisional squad ahead of the World Cup in JulyCredit: AFP or licensors
      The Angel City midfielder was left out of France’s squad before last summer’s Euros by former boss Corinne DiacreCredit: AFP
      The midfielder’s inclusion follows her switch from Lyon to US top tier side Angel City this month after a 14-year spell at the club. 
      Following his squad announcement, Renard, 54, told reporters: “Having her (in the group) was one of my main intentions. 
      “With her little problem with Lyon, now resolved, we helped her along a lot so that she would be available for the preparation for the World Cup.”
      Renard’s 26-strong squad currently includes five WSL aces with Aston Villa’s Kenza Dali, Chelsea defender Eve Perisset and West Ham forward Viviane Asseyi all named. 

      Manchester United’s Aissatou Tounkara and Estelle Cascarino have also been called up. 
      However Irons centre-back Hawa Cissoko misses out ten months after being included in the squad before last summer’s Euros. 
      And the team will be without the services of Paris-Saint Germain striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Lyon’s Delphine Cascarino due to thigh and ACL injuries. 
      Henry’s return comes nearly three years after the midfielder described the atmosphere under former gaffer Corinne Diacre during the 2019 World Cup as “total chaos”
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      Henry’s recall comes two months after Diacre was sacked from her role as France head coachCredit: Reuters
      The France star, who has won 12 top-flight titles and seven Champions League medals with her squad, was left out of Diacre’s squad before last year’s Euros. 
      The ex-France boss was fired in March after a number of players announced their intend to stand down from international duty.
      National captain Wendi Renard, forward Kadidiatou Diani and Katoto were among the players who had temporarily stood  down. 
      In an interview with French outlet Telefoot Diani said it was important for team-mates to have “something new”.
      France will begin their campaign to win the World Cup with a Group D opening fixture against Jamaica at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia on July 23. 
      Aston Villa playmaker Kenza Dali is among five WSL stars included in Renard’s squadCredit: Getty
      It will see Renard’s side, currently ranked the fifth best in the world, play their first game in a major tournament under their new boss. 
      Henry’s return to the side comes ahead of France’s pre-World Cup friendly fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Australia on the 6th and 14th of July. 
      Their clash with the former could see Henry, who has 93 senior international caps, return to match action for France for the first time since December 2020.
      France Women’s provisional World Cup squadGoalkeepers:
      Pauline Peyraud-Magnin (Juventus), Mylene Chavas (free agent), Constance Picaud (Paris Saint-Germain), Solene Durand (Guingamp).
      Defenders: 
      Sakina Karchaoui (Paris Saint-Germain), Eve Perisset (Chelsea), Wendie Renard (Lyon), Estelle Cascarino (Manchester United), Elisa De Almeida (Paris Saint-Germain), Maelle Lakrar (Montpellier), Aissatou Tounkara (Manchester United)
      Midfielders: 
      Laurina Fazer (Paris Saint-Germain), Grace Geyoro (Paris Saint-Germain), Amandine Henry (Angel City) Kenza Dali (Aston Villa), Oriane Jean-Francois (Paris Saint-Germain), Lea Le Garrec (Fleury), Amel Majri (Lyon), Sandie Toletti (Real Madrid)
      Forwards:
      Kadidiatou Diani (Paris Saint-Germain),  Vivane Asseyi (West Ham), Eugenie Le Sommer (Lyon), Clara Mateo (Paris FC), Naomie Feller (Real Madrid), Vicki Becho (Lyon) More

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      Reading Women’s team to go part-time after their relegation from the WSL to second tier

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      READING WOMEN will go part-time following the team losing their battle for WSL survival at the end of last season.The Royals were relegated to the second tier in May after a run of 17 losses from 22 WSL games.
      Reading are switching to a part-time operating model following their drop into the Women’s ChampionshipCredit: PA
      Kelly Chambers’ Royals’ side were relegated from the WSL following their loss to Chelsea on the final day of last seasonCredit: Getty
      The club says the financial commitments needed for their women’s side to meet FA requirements has “grown exponentially in recent years”. 
      They also stated their relegation from the WSL will “result in a significant drop in broadcast fees and central funding from the FA”. 
      Last term the Royals accrued 11 points from three wins and two draws with the team returning to the Women’s Championship for the first time since 2015 
      And their drop followed Reading’s men’s side’s relegation to League One following a six-point deduction in April after a breach of EFL financial rules. 
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      Before their relegation the Royals had been the only team in the Women’s Super League who were not affiliated to a Premier League club. 
      In a statement published on their web site Reading said their owner Dai Yongge has been funding the former WSL outfit from his own pocket since 2018.
      They say the Chinese businessman “needed to provide just under £1million to finance” the women’s team last season. 
      Yongge was also stated to have personally invested £6million in the WSL outfit since 2018.
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      Royals CEO Dayong Pang said: “Difficult but necessary financial decisions are being made across the business following the club’s relegation to League One last season. 
      “After discussions with the FA, the decision to operate Reading FC Women on a part-time basis represents the most viable solution at the present time
      “We would like to acknowledge all of the hard work and unquestionable dedication to Reading Football Club of Kelly Chambers and her coaching staff, the players and all the staff.
      “The club will now be working extremely hard to build a team to proudly represent our town in the WSL Championship in the 2023-24 campaign.”

      A number of WSL stars past and present have been reacting to the news with dismay.
      In a tweet published today Lionesses legend Fara Williams stated she was “gutted for staff and players”.
      The midfielder, now a pundit who made 67 Royals appearances, also wrote she was “devastated” to see this happen to her former side. More

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      Steph Houghton signs new Manchester City contract with captain close to marking a decade at the club

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      STEPH HOUGHTON has sealed a new deal with Manchester City almost a decade on from joining the WSL giants from Arsenal.  The contract extension for the Citizens captain, 35, who is City Women’s record-appearance holder, runs until next summer. 
      Steph Houghton’s new deal will see her spell at Manchester City reach the ten-year mark in NovemberCredit: PA
      Houghton’s contract extension comes a week after team-mate Khadija Shaw penned a new deal with the club
      It will see the centre-back, left out of England’s squad for this year’s World Cup, reach her tenth anniversary at the club in November.
      Her new deal comes almost a week on from striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw committing her future to Man City for the next two years. 
      Houghton, who has made 233 City appearances, said: “When I first joined, I just wanted to be here as long as I could, and to play at the top level, so I never really put a number on it.
      “Once you get closer to that decade mark though, you do think about the idea of hitting that milestone. 

      “I feel good in myself and my body, and I’m really enjoying my football, so it was an easy decision for me in all honesty. 
      “On and off the pitch, I feel as though I’ve got a lot to give in terms of my expertise and experience with the rest of the girls, and I’ll be continuing to support everyone as much as I can.
      “Ultimately though, my happiness has always been the most important thing for me in my career.
      “I am so happy to be sitting here with another year in City blue to come.
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      “Manchester City has been my home for almost ten years, and I love everything about it – it’s my club, and to sign for another year, I’m absolutely buzzing.”
      Houghton began her senior playing career at Sunderland in 2002.
      She spent five years at the side before silverware-winning spells at Leeds and then Arsenal before her City move in 2013. 
      The Durham-born centre-back has lifted 15 major domestic trophies, including eight with the Citizens who finished fourth in the WSL last term. 
      Among Houghton’s silverware wins with Man City are one WSL title, three FA Cups and four Continental Tyres trophies. 
      Head coach Gareth Taylor added: “Steph is such a huge part of the club as a whole and the impact she has had during her time here so far – whether it be on or off the pitch – is testament to that. 
      “She is such an important member of our squad and her experience is invaluable. 
      “She is the consummate professional, with her team mentality at the forefront of everything that she does. 
      “Over 230 appearances and eight trophies show exactly how important she has been to the growth of this club.
      “The fact that she will surpass a decade of service with this new deal is thoroughly deserved. 
      “Her hunger and desire to win and succeed is something that makes her one of the game’s legends.”
      Houghton’s new contract comes five days after the former England captain was left out of Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses’ squad for the World Cup this summer. 
      The England boss said the centre-back had been the topic of conversations she had with her technical staff concerning player selection.
      Houghton and her City team-mates finished fourth in the WSL last termCredit: Reuters
      Houghton’s contract extension follows a season which has saw her net twice in 14 top-flight appearances for City.
      On the international stage the WSL ace has played in five major tournaments including the 2019 World Cup and has 121 senior caps.
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      Next term will see Houghton and her team-mates battle to reclaim a Champions League spot as well as attempting to win their first WSL title since 2016
      Last season they missed out on a top three WSL finish top required to qualify to compete in the Champions League. More

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      Bronze hails Barcelona’s ‘crazy feat’ as Guijarro shines in their Women’s Champions League final win against Wolfsburg

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      LUCY BRONZE never doubted Barcelona could pull off a second-half fightback to stun Wolfsburg in the Women’s Champions League final.After a first-half fright they stormed to a 3-2 victory with the full-back lifting the contest trophy for a fourth time. 
      Barcelona became Women’s Champions League winners for the second time following their triumph in 2021Credit: Getty
      Lucy Bronze lifted the trophy for the fourth time in her career and became the first English woman to win it with two clubsCredit: Getty
      Patri Guijarro netted twice in two minutes after Barcelona went 2-0 down against WolfsburgCredit: Getty
      Keira Walsh described Guijarro as a special player after becoming a Champions League winner for the first time in her careerCredit: Getty
      Patri Guijarro shone bagging a two-minute double with Barcelona thwarting Wolfsburg’s hopes of a hat-trick of final wins in the competition.
      Their triumph led to Bronze becoming the first Englishwoman to lift the trophy with two different clubs following three previous victories with her former club Lyon. 
      It also saw Keira Walsh win her first Champions League medal following her transfer record-breaking switch from Manchester City last September.   
      Bronze said: “I don’t think we were ever worried about us scoring three goals, which is a crazy feat to do.

      “But that’s the talent of this team. 
      “You’ve seen the two finals Barcelona have lost where they’ve been heavily beaten by Lyon.
      “Once it was two goals (down against us) we shut up shop. 
      “We made it really difficult defensively and created loads of chances in attack.”
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      Walsh added: “If there’s any team that can overturn a 2-0 deficit it’s this team and that’s what we did.
      “Patri Guijarro is a special, special player, for me the best player in the world.
      “It’s been a pretty good year, winning the Euros and the Champions League.
      “If someone was to tell me this was going to happen I wouldn’t believe them.”
      Coming into this game, Jonatan Giraldez’s team were considered the favourites having reached last year’s final brushing Wolfsburg aside in the semis. 
      But they suffered a scare in the third minute with Bronze, back in action following knee surgery in April, dispossessed by Ewa Pajor. 
      Seconds later the striker slammed the ball past goalkeeper Sandra Panos with Barcelona conceding a third minute goal – their earliest ever in the contest. 
      Ewa Pajor and Alexandra Popp both netted minutes to give Wolfsburg a 2-0 lead by the 37th minuteCredit: AP
      Stunned by that moment the Liga F champs looked to hit back immediately with Salma Paralluelo blazing over before Irena Paredes headed wide.  
      After weathering pressure, with Lena Oberdorf making some brave blocks, Wolfsburg made some rare forays forward.
      And they went 2-0 up against the run of play with Pajor teeing up Alexandra Popp’s headed finish near half time. 
      The second spell saw Barcelona turn the game on its head with Guijarro’s two-minute brace. 
      The midfielder fired home at the near post two minutes before heading in a 50th minute effort leaving their rivals shocked.
      Fridolina Rolfo rifled a shot at Wolfsburg goalkeeper Merle Frohms moments later, with Pajor testing Panos in the 70th minute. 

      And Wolfsburg’s dream start became a nightmare finish as Rolfo punished a defensive error to slam home a tournament-winning goal.
      Her finish saw the LaLiga Women’s champs title holders become the queens of club football in Europe for the second time. 
      Fridolina Rolfo fired home Barcelona’s third as they completed a second-half fightbackCredit: AP More

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      Glamorous Aston Villa star Alisha Lehmann shows off her bum in bikini as she soaks up sun on holiday

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      ASTON VILLA star Alisha Lehmann showed off her bum in a bikini while on holiday. The glamorous footballer soaked up the sun while on holiday in Miami.
      Alisha Lehmann stunned in a blue bikiniCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      The Aston Villa attacker flaunted her curvesCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Lehmann also posted a selfie while on holidayCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      She has been hailed by fans as “perfect”Credit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Lehmann took to Instagram to post a stunning snap of her in blue swimwear.
      She looked over a harbour while flaunting her incredible curves.
      The 24-year-old also uploaded two close-up selfies as fans got another treat.
      Supporters were left in awe of her, one said: “So perfect.”
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      Another commented: “The most beautiful woman.”
      Lehmann is no stranger to wowing her 13.3million followers, previously wearing a daring see-through dress.
      And she recently hit back at trolls when they questioned her footballing talents.
      The Swiss attacker netted five goals for Villa in the Women’s Super League season.
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      She used to play for West Ham and Everton.
      Lehmann has dated international team-mate Ramona Bachmann and Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
      Alisha Lehmann has been relaxing after the WSL seasonCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      She scored five goals this seasonCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7
      Alisha Lehmann has a staggering 13.3million folllowersCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7
      Lehmann plays for Aston VillaCredit: Getty More