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      Ward wants Aston Villa to ‘seize opportunity’ in Women’s FA Cup semis clash with Chelsea

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      CARLA WARD wants Aston Villa to show respect for Chelsea but no fear as they eye a historic FA Cup upset. The Villans boss, 39, expects senior England stars such as Jordan Nobbs and Rachel Daly to step up in today’s semi-final clash. 
      Carla Ward wants her players to enjoy the challenge of attempting overcome Chelsea in the Women’s FA Cup semisCredit: Getty
      Aston Villa hope to reach the contest’s final for the first time in their historyCredit: Getty
      Ward hopes the experience of cup-winning players such as Jordan Nobbs will be a boost for her sideCredit: Getty
      They are aiming to reach their first showpiece — while the Blues are seeking a third straight trophy 
      The winners of this clash will face cup final debutants Manchester United at Wembley on May 14 after they overcame Brighton with a 3-2 semis win. 
      Villa’s home duel comes a fortnight on from their 3-0 loss to Emma Hayes’ side in the WSL.
      Ward said: “Chelsea stand in our way and that’s no easy task. We should respect them but never fear them. 
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      “That’s got to be the message because they’re an unbelievable side. 
      “They’ve got an abundance of world-class talent. We know that but this is a one-off game. 
      “The match before the international break will probably help us a lot, we’ve learned an awful lot from it. 
      “It’s about taking that now into this game and trying to seize the opportunity.” 
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      The tie is set to attract one of their biggest crowds to Bescot Stadium.
      At least three stands at the 11,300-capacity ground are expected to be filled. 
      Ward will hope to exploit the silverware-winning experience of players such as Scotland’s Rachel Corsie, Daly and Nobbs, the former Arsenal star who won four FA Cups in North London. 
      Boss Ward added: “This is a big, big occasion and we’re going to need big players to step up and do everything they can to help everyone pull through. 
      “There are also our internationals that have played on the big stage. 
      “We’ve got players that have been in this position and we’ve got players that haven’t been.
      “We’re going to need to rely on those that have been for their experience and also those that haven’t to really enjoy the moment.”
      Villa’s run has been cheered on by their Premier League counterparts with men’s boss Unai Emery stating the club “has to be proud”. 
      And the prospect of reaching the final brought back fond memories for Ward from her playing days.
      She said: “I would be lying if I say I haven’t dreamt about it. It would be a huge moment for us. 
      “I got to the third-round proper when I was at Newquay — I think we lost 9-0 to Arsenal. 
      “But it felt like the greatest day ever, in front of what then was about 2,000 people but sounded like 22,000 people. 
      “You always remember these moments in the FA Cup and now here we are with an opportunity to get ourselves there.”
      A win for Chelsea could see them move a step closer to lifting a fifth FA Cup under Hayes.
      However, they will be without defenders Millie Bright and Kadeisha Buchanan with the Canada centre-back having picked up an injury during the international break. 
      Hayes expects her side will face an aggressive challenge from Villa. 
      The Blues chief, 46, said: “Every year it gets harder because other teams get hungrier.
      Emma Hayes’ aces hope to win a third successive FA Cup having lifted trophy in 2021 and 2022Credit: Getty
      The winner’s of today’s clash will face Man United at Wembley in May after Rachel Williams’s goal helped the Red Devils reach the finalCredit: Getty
      “Carla has done a great job. She has built a team that against the top teams have been very efficient — particularly from set-pieces and transition. 
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      “I’d expect an aggressive Villa performance at home. 
      “It will be a much different game, a difficult game — and anything can happen.” More

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      England Lioness Chloe Kelly wows team-mates as she shows off her incredible figure in bikini

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      ENGLAND hero Chloe Kelly swapped the football pitch for some well deserved downtime and wowed her team-mates and celebs in the process. Kelly scored the extra-time winner in the Euro 2022 Women’s final to land the Lionesses their first-ever major trophy.
      Chloe Kelly enjoyed some ‘downtime’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/chloekelly/
      She posed while wearing matching white cardigan and bikiniCredit: https://www.instagram.com/chloekelly/
      As she wowed team-mate’s and celeb’s alikeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/chloekelly/
      Kelly memorably celebrated her goal in the Women’s Euros final by taking her shirt off and waving it over her headCredit: PA
      She was back in action during the inaugural Women’s Finalissima against Brazil, netting the winning penalty in the shootout.
      But after the international action finished, Kelly took the chance to relax before heading back to finish the Women’s Super League season with Manchester City.
      Kelly shared some snaps of herself in a white linen cardigan and bikini while wearing some sunglasses by a water feature.
      With 510,000 followers on Instagram, the post soon reached a wide audience, including team-mate’s and celebs.
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      England duo Alex Greenwood and Ellie Roebuck were among the first to comment.
      Greenwood said: “Ckk😍🔥”, while Roebuck added: “Ok ok😍.”
      Rachel Day also joined the comments, saying: “Sallllyyy🔥.”
      Man City team-mate Alanna Kennedy said: “BB 🔥.”
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      Former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here winner Vicky Pattinson joined in with the praise.
      She commented: “Wow mate 😍.”
      Fans added their own reaction to the mix too.
      One said: “Enjoy Chlo 👏🏾🔥.”
      A second said: “Stunning CK 🤩.”
      A third remarked: “Chloe 😍😍😍🔥.”

      Kelly made headlines with her wild celebration following her winning goal against Germany, swinging her top above her head as she wheeled off in ecstacy.
      Four teams remain in contention to win the WSL this season, though Kelly’s Man City are currently bottom of this pile, sitting three points behind league leaders Manchester United.
      Kelly scored the winning penalty in the recent FinalissimaCredit: Getty
      She will return to action for Man City to try and help them win the WSLCredit: Getty More

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      England boss Wiegman insists Lionesses are not losing momentum after Australia end their unbeaten run

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      SARINA WIEGMAN insists she is not worried by England’s first loss during her reign, describing Australia’s 2-0 win as a “big learning” . Sam Kerr’s cstrike and Charlotte Grant’s deflected finish saw the Matildas end the Lionesses 30-game unbeaten streak.
      Sam Kerr notched up her 63rd goal for Australia giving them a 1-0 lead in the first halfCredit: Getty
      Charlotte Grant doubled the lead for the World Cup hosts with her first goal in an Australia shirtCredit: Alamy
      Wiegman says her side had some warnings from their encounters against Brazil and the Czech Republic as well as AustraliaCredit: Getty
      The England boss said: “It’s a big learning game against a very physical, well-organised, good defending Australia. 
      “We had a lot of possessions and we did create some but we struggled to speed up the game, to go forward and stretch them
      “We really wanted to get more behind the defence, and have runs behind and switch plays so they could run a little more. 
      “We made some mistakes where they became dangerous, the counter-attack was very dangerous and of course their first goal was a mistake of ours, which can happen.
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      “I’m not worried. We know we have to be at our top level and every game we get some warnings. 
      “Against Brazil we had some warnings, against the Czech Rep we had to create a little more.
      “I don’t think we’re losing momentum. It’s just a really big learning for us.”
      The Alzheimer’s Society International duel saw one in three names missing on Lionesses shirts to highlight the one in three people born in the UK who will develop dementia. 
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      England were missing the services of Alex Greenwood with the defender returning to Man City after the team’s Women’s Finalissima triumph against Brazil. 
      And Lauren Hemp, who was among the Lionesses’ better performers, came off in the 28th minute on Tuesday night with Lauren James coming on in her place.
      Despite having the bulk of shots on target the Lionesses went 1-0 down in the 32nd minute with Australia punishing an uncharacteristic error in defence.
      Kerr bagged the opener, pouncing on Leah Williamson’s misdirected header before lofting the ball over Mary Earps for her 63rd Australia goal. 
      England came close to levelling in the second spell with James forcing a parried save from Mackenzie Arnold.
      But Grant made it 2-0 latching on to a pinpoint cross from Kerr with her headed goal taking a deflection of Williamson in the 67th minute. 
      Rachel Daly almost pulled a goal back for the Euros champs moments later
      But her powerful header went wide with Australia holding out to seal the win.  
      Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson says his analysis team did a phenomenal job identifying key areas to target in England’s gameCredit: Getty
      Matildas skipper Kerr said: “They are a great team and it’s always nice to put in a good team performance and beat a top team.
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      “But we’ve got to take every win with a grain of salt before the World Cup.
      “It’s about building on our performances and where we can get better.” More

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      Lifelong Man Utd fan opens up on sharing her experiences of living with dementia with Old Trafford legend Denis Law

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      SHELAGH ROBINSON has fond memories of meeting Denis Law to talk about dementia and her love for Manchester United.In December 2021 the Old Trafford legend was left stunned when the Red Devils fan revealed she had been living with the condition for a decade. 
      Shelagh Robinson has been reflecting on meeting Denis Law ahead of England’s Alzheimer’s International game this evening
      Sarina Wiegman’s side will take on Australia tonight at 7:45 pm Brentford’s home groundCredit: PA
      Four months earlier Law, 83, had bravely revealed he had been diagnosed with mixed dementia. 
      Reflecting on their meeting Shelagh, 83, who lives in Stoke-on-Trent, said: “I was totally starstruck.
      “I still have a vivid memory of him saying to me ‘are you really sure you’ve had it for more than 10 years?’
      “He had the impression that people often have that you can’t do anything once you’ve had a diagnosis and expecting things to be over. 
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      “We got on extremely well and the question he kept on asking was, ‘have you really had it for 10 years and you’re still alert?’ 
      “As you often do, he’d thought it was the end and there is no life after your first diagnosis, which is what you often feel.
      “I’ve been tremendously lucky in that my family has supported me to be as active as I can.”
      Shelagh, who has two sons and a daughter, has been a Manchester United fan much of her life 
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      The Stoke-born grandmother of 11, who is a widow, went to her first Red Devils game at the age of seven.
      The year before she attended her very first football match when she watched Stoke City beat Bury 2-0 in a Football League North clash in April 1946. 
      Her meeting with Law came about through their work as champions of Alzheimer’s Society who are an official charity partner of the FA. 
      The duo are among approximately 900,000 people in the UK who are living with the condition. 
      This evening the Lionesses will take on Australia at Brentford’s home ground in an Alzheimer’s International clash. 
      Ticket sales proceeds from England’s duel with the World Cup co-hosts are being used to raise funds for the charity. 
      It comes just over a year after the Three Lions’ game against Switzerland in support of their work. 
      Recalling the lead up to her own diagnosis, Shelagh added: “I was beginning to have difficulty remembering where to go when I was still driving. 
      “I’d get into the car to go to Stoke-on-Trent which was a journey I have done all my life and couldn’t quite remember the way to go. 
      “It was just extraordinary. I didn’t know how to go to places I’ve always gone to.
      “And then I found that when I came to traffic lights once, I wasn’t sure what they meant.
      Of her diagnosis, Shelagh said: “The best thing that happened to me was I went to the best GP and she really listened to me. 
      “I was really very lucky as I had a firm diagnosis.
      “For some people it can take ages because you are told it’s depression or stress.
      “I had a very early diagnosis. It was devastating and you can go under the duvet for a while.
      “But I’ve got children and a family who needed me to come out from under the duvet. 
      “After I’d taken some time to come to terms with it, that’s when I found out about the Alzheimer’s Society.
      “They’ve changed my life. They’ve given me help, support and they’ve given me loads of information which you need so much. 
      “Through them I’ve made lots of friendships. I’ve met so many other people who have dementia, and there’s nothing as good as peer support.
      Last year Shelagh met Sir Geoff Hurst ahead of the Three Lions’ Alzheimer’s International match against Switzerland
      Sam Kerr is likely to feature against England after being rested for the Matildas’ game against ScotlandCredit: Getty
      “I’m part of their Three Nations dementia working group and we do so many things. 
      “We do webinars, which is how the Denis Law interview came about.
      “We provide as much information as we can from the lived experiences of people who have dementia.
      “I’d never been to Wembley until they sent me there for the England vs. Switzerland (men’s) match last year. 
      “I can’t be at the Lionesses’ game unfortunately but I will be watching on TV avidly.”
      Like many United fans, Shelagh is hoping the Red Devils’ WSL aces will prevail in their quest to win major silverware this term. 
      The team, who are currently top of the league, will face Brighton on Saturday in a bid to reach their first Women’s FA Cup final. 
      She added: “They play with such grace.
      “Of all of the United’s footballers I have seen I remember George Best being one of biggest stars who played gracefully.
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      “But I love to see the women’s team play. They’re joyous to watch.”
      England vs Australia can be watched live on ITV4 from 7:45pm this evening
      Shelagh is hoping Man United’s WSL stars will win silverware this seasonCredit: PA More

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      Wiegman says England door is not closed to Steph Houghton but World Cup selection chances ‘are not high’

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      SARINA WIEGMAN “would never close” the door on the possibility of Steph Houghton being included in her England World Cup squad. However the serial-winning Lionesses boss admits the chances of the Manchester City captain, 34, being chosen “are not that high”. 
      Steph Houghton is aiming stay ready and professional in case of a call-upCredit: Getty
      Sarina Wiegman says she will not shut the door on Houghton but admits her World Cup selection chances ‘are not that high’Credit: Reuters
      England will take on Australia tomorrow night at the Gtech Community Stadium as part of their World Cup preparationsCredit: Alamy
      Wiegman, 53 was speaking after Houghton described contending with being left out of the national squad as “mentally tough”
      The Man City centre-back, who has 121 senior international caps, was was sharing her thoughts in a BBC Radio Five Live interview. 
      The Durham-born WSL star has not played for the Euros champions since 2021 following some spells out with injury. 
      Wiegman, whose side play Australia at Brentford’s home ground on Tuesday night, said: “It’s hard at the moment.
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      “She’s in a hard position because, as I said, I don’t want to take out the players who are in that position, because they’re doing really well, so the chances are not that high.
      “But I will never close the door.
      “When you are in international football and you are England coach, you want everyone to be available too if things happen for some players and the situation changes. 
      “But at this moment, I make other choices.”
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      Houghton, who played for the Lionesses in five major tournaments, admits she would have to “re-evaluate” things if a summer call-up does not arise. 
      While the former England captain wants to keep “knocking on that door” she acknowledges her omission will not stop her from wanting the team to succeed at the World Cup this year.
      Wiegman added: “Steph is a very good, very experienced player.
      “I have a lot of respect for what she has done for the women’s game and she has come back in the squad for Man City. 
      “But the players I have now in that position I don’t want to take out because I think they perform really well. That’s the reason why.
      “It is difficult because she has done so much for the game.
      “It’s difficult with everyone because everyone trains so hard and so does she.”
      The Lionesses’ clash with Australia comes five days after their Women’s Finalissima defeat of Brazil via a penalty shootout. 
      The victory saw them go 30 games unbeaten under Wiegman
      Tomorrow’s match could see Sam Kerr in action with the Matildas record goal scorer rested for her team’s 1-0 loss to Scotland on Friday. 
      And Leicester forward Remy Siemsen might feature having received a call-up on Sunday following Emily van Egmond and Holly McNamara’s withdrawal from Australia’s camp. 
      The game could also see Ella Toone, 23,  start alongside her Man United pal and summer transfer target Alessia Russo
      Both featuring against Brazil last Thursday with Toone netting normal time but seeing her spot-kick saved.
      Russo, who has netted 11 goals in 20 senior Lionesses appearances, has reportedly attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest sides including French giants Lyon. 
      The WSL star, whose Red Devils contract is due to expire at the end of this season, has scored eight goals in 15 top tier games this term. 
      On if she hopes to continue playing alongside Russo at club level, Toone added: “We’re joined at the hip and we’re best friends. 
      “We love each other’s company. That will never change no matter where Alessia Russo is. I love playing with her. 
      “Right now we’re at England camp, spending every minute together and playing football together.
      “So now it’s just about enjoying now and whatever happens, happens.”
      England’s clash with the Matildas comes 102 days before their World Cup group stage opener against Haiti in Brisbane, Australia
      Ella Toone hopes fans will flock to stadiums to watch World Cup games in Australia and New Zealand this summerCredit: Reuters
      This summer’s tournament is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand with England aiming to follow their Euros triumph on home soil with a World Cup win. 

      Toone said:  “For us it was so exciting knowing we were hosting a major tournament in our country. 
      “For the Australians it will be massive. Hopefully we can get loads of fans in the stadiums enjoying the football.” More

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      Philippe Coutinho’s Wag in awe of ‘beautiful’ Aston Villa Women’s star Alisha Lehmann after latest glamorous pictures

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      PHILIPPE COUTINHO’S wife has hailed Aston Villa’s “beautiful” star Alisha Lehmann.Aine was in awe of the WSL ace after she posted pics from her recent appearance for Switzerland.

      Aine Coutinho praised the pictures of Alisha LehmannCredit: Instagram / @ainee.c
      Lehmann is a star in the WSLCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alishalehmann7/?hl=en
      The forward plays for Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      She has over 12million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Lehmann, 24, played the full 90 minutes as the Swiss drew 0-0 with China on Thursday.
      She posted three pictures on her Instagram account from the fixture, which led to Aine’s comment.
      She wrote: “Ma Belle.. you are suuuuuch a beautiful woman 😍👏.”
      Lehmann is determined to keep growing the women’s game.
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      She recently told The Times: “A lot of people only see the social side [of my life, via Instagram] and not actually how I play football.
      “About this, I’m sometimes disappointed because I work hard every day. I train every day and I want to be the best player I can be. 
      “They don’t really know how I play. I’m always saying, ‘Watch a game please’ — and then they’re surprised.”
      She split from Villa men’s star Douglas Luiz in November last year.
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      The fairytale didn’t last long despite being smitten from the moment they met in 2021.
      They are believed to have broken up after a row about her raunchy calendar.
      Before Luiz, she had dated fellow Swiss women’s star, Ramona Bachmann.
      Lehmann is incredibly popular on social media for her football skills and good looks.
      For which she gained tens of millions of followers across all social media platforms.
      Lehmann is also a Swiss internationalCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alishalehmann7/?hl=en
      She recently split from Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz More

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      Chloe Kelly is England’s hero AGAIN as she strikes decisive penalty to win Finalissima for Lionesses against Brazil

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      CHLOE KELLY was the toast of Wembley AGAIN after sealing England’s glorious Finalissima triumph over Brazil.The Manchester City star struck the winning penalty to secure a 4-2 shootout triumph just eight months after her strike won Euro 2022 for the Lionesses.
      The Lionesses celebrate winning the Finalissima after beating Brazil in the finalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Chloe Kelly lets the emotion out after sealing another momentous win for EnglandCredit: Rex
      Ella Toone fires England ahead in the 1-1 draw before a 4-2 shoot-out winCredit: Rex
      Kelly said: “I looked the keeper in the eye and thought I’m going to score.”
      It extended England’s unbeaten run to a staggering 30 matches.
      Her long striding run and deadly finish saw Sarina Wiegman’s side overcome a rude awakening from a battling Brazil team.
      The delighted forward: “It’s great being back here at Wembley in front of our home fans. They were brilliant again tonight.
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      “This feels like home to me. It’s brilliant to be back here. It was an excellent performance from the girls and we keep moving forward.
      “I was just excited for it. I calmed myself down and was ready to take it.
      “We’re made of great people here. Staff and players. It’s about moving forward and being ready for July.
      “It was a different challenge here tonight. We are building momentum and now we have to keep moving forward.”
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      It was a result that saw them reach the 30-game unbeaten mark under Wiegman.
      The last duel between the sides at the famous ground ended in a 2-1 loss for a home team then managed by Phil Neville.
      Back then the Lionesses faced a Brazil outfit featuring Selecao legends Marta and Formiga plus rumoured Arsenal target Debinha.
      But this game was a different affair with Wiegman’s Euros winners facing a much more youthful Brazil side.
      England got off to a solid start with the Copa America Feminina champs pinned into their own for large chunks of the first half.
      The crowd roared for a penalty when Alessia Russo was fouled by Rafaelle after latching on to Lucy Bronze’s classy fifth-minute pass over Brazil’s defence.  But the  forward was waved offside.
      The first real chance fell to Barcelona star Bronze, who was among the match’s standout performers.
      The England full-back leathered the ball towards goal from just outside the 18-yard box, forcing a diving save from shot stopper Leticia in the 13th minute.
      Brazil attempted to get their attack going with Geyse’s shot deflected out for a corner.
      Kelly calmly slots the Finalissima clincher following her Euro 2022 winnerCredit: Getty
      Andressa Alves snatches Brazil’s last gasp leveller ahead of penaltiesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute when England carved the visitors backline open with Bronze teeing up Ella Toone to slam the ball home.
      And the hosts saw a goal disallowed with Lauren James flagged offside near the half-hour mark and Bronze’s header from a corner bouncing wide close to half-time.
      The second spell saw Brazil ring the changes with Andressa Alves and Adriana coming on for Lauren and Zaneratto.
      And it made the difference with Andressa pouncing in the third minute of injury time to take the duel to penalties after Mary Earps spilled the ball.
      But the Manchester United goalkeeper made amends to pull off a brilliant save from Tamires as England won the shootout 4-2 to lift a first Women’s Finalissima trophy.
      Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I love the celebrations.
      “Everyone went straight to Mary Earps, and she is just drinking it in and going and celebrating with the crowd.
      “Again, it speaks to the mentality of this team. They love winning.”
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      ENGLAND: Earps, Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter, Stanway, Walsh, Toone, Hemp (Robinson 88), Russo (Daly 74), James  (Kelly 74). Booked: Earps, Hemp.
      BRAZIL: Leticia, Kathellen, Lauren (Andressa 46), Rafaelle, Antonia (Gabi Nunes 87), Ary (Fernanda 87), Luana  (Duda 69), Kerolin, Tamires, Zaneratto (Adriana  46), Geyse. Booked: Rafaelle.  More

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      Leah Williamson hails ‘warrior’ Brazil star Rafaelle as Arsenal pals prepare for Women’s Finalissima clash

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON reckons going up against her ‘warrior’ Arsenal team-mate Rafaelle will feel like new territory tonight. And the Brazil star suggested Williamson must be “half-Brazilian” because of her skills and joked she should take Samba lessons.
      Arsenal aces Leah Williamson and Rafaelle will be on opposing sides when England face Brazil in the first Women’s FinalissimaCredit: Getty
      The centre-back duo have been in fine form for Arsenal helping their club side to a win against Manchester City before the international breakCredit: Getty
      Rafaelle captained Brazil when the team won their eighth Copa America Feminina trophy last JulyCredit: Getty
      The Gunners central defensive duo will be on opposite sides when England face Brazil at Wembley this evening in the first Women’s Finalissima.
      Brazil ace Rafaelle, 31 ace said: “I’m not glad to play against Leah because she is so good.
      “I feel like she’s half Brazilian because she’s got the skills, she just needs to learn to Samba and she’ll be fine. 
      “She’s a good player who can play in the back or in the middle. She deserves to be here with this great team.”
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      Lionesses skipper Williamson, 26, said: “Rafa’s a bit of a warrior, as an athlete she’s head and shoulders above the rest.
      “The Brazilian way and what she can do with her feet is impressive also so I’m in awe of her to be honest, most days.”
      The sell-out Wembley duel will see the World Cup rivals face each other for the first time since their Euros and Copa America Feminina triumphs last summer.
      Tournaments in which Williamson and Rafaelle captained their national sides to trophy-winning glory. 
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      The match comes five days ahead of the Lionesses’ duel with this summer’s World Cup co-hosts Australia who play Scotland at Plough Lane tomorrow. 
      England boss Sarina Wiegman, 53, said: “We’re getting closer to the World Cup so want to get closer to our team selection, but still there are things that can happen internationally and at club (level)
      “This moment playing Brazil and Australia gives us a new opportunity. 
      “We expect to be challenged more defensively.
      “This again will gives us more information about our team and where our players are at in this moment.”
      The last Wembley duel between Brazil and the Lionesses was back in October 2019 with the hosts, then managed by Phil Neville, losing 2-1
      Seven members of the home side who featured in that game are part of Wiegman’s squad this evening. 
      Should England win it will see them go 30 games unbeaten under their head coach whose side are yet to lose a game since took charge of the team. 
      Brazil boss Pia Sundhage, 63, said: “When it comes to this game it’s part of the journey to the World Cup. 
      “I’m so appreciative and really happy to play against one of the best teams in the world with the best coach in the world. 
      “All of us will get answers after the game. I’m grateful for the opportunity”
      Tonight’s clash comes a day after Lise Klaveness failed in her bid to be elected to Uefa’s Exec Committee after receiving just 18 out of 55 potential votes.
      The Norway football chief was the first woman to go up against male candidates for a place in the group with seven spots available. 
      But Debbie Hewitt became the first female FA chair to be voted onto Fifa’s council as British vice-president.
      Reflecting on this Wiegman said: “Of course we want more women in the game. We want more women in every position.
      “We hope that’s going to change and lots of changes are on the way.
      A win for England will see them go 30 games unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman with the team yet to lose a game under their head coachCredit: Getty
      “It’s really good news that Debbie Hewitt is chosen as a vice-president of Fifa. That’s a really good thing.
      “Let’s try to make it a better place for women in football and keep moving forward.”

      Sundhage added: “We’ve been fighting all our lives, so let’s just continue to do that because we love this game, football.”
      England vs. Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima can be watched live on ITV1 from 7:45pm with coverage of the match starting at 7:30pm More