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      How Lioness Lauren James could become first female Pele and brother Reece claims she’s better than some male Prem stars

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      ONCE upon a time little girls dreamt of being fairytale princesses and finding their happy ever after with a handsome prince.Today they fantasise about becoming England centre-forwards . . . and bagging the winning goal in a World Cup final. Thank God.
      Lauren’s performance this World Cup has been nothing short of sensational. She is a household name now, but she only made her senior England debut last SeptemberCredit: Getty
      Lauren learning the games as a child, with brother ReeceCredit: Instagram @laurennjjames
      Lauren with brother Reece, 23 — of Chelsea and England fame — and former footballer dad NigelCredit: Instagram
      Lauren James is leading the charge, inspiring a whole generation of females following her very own ­foot-perfect tournament Down Under.
      “It’s what dreams are made of,” she said fittingly on Tuesday night after her two-goal, woman-of-the-match, 6-1 demolition of China, which also saw her set up three goals.
      Lauren’s performance this World Cup has been nothing short of sensational. She may be a household name now, but the 21-year-old only made her senior England debut last September — so it’s been a meteoric rise.
      For long-time followers of the ­Lionesses — of which there are now millions — her performances really aren’t that out of the blue.
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      As her big brother, Reece, 23 — of Chelsea and England fame — once declared: “I believe she is the best women’s footballer in the world and will be for the next ten to 15 years.
      “She’s technically better than some Premier League players.”

      By this, he meant the men. And he’s absolutely, categorically correct.
      The Chelsea Women’s Super League star has a technical nous, brains and feel for the game like few others.
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      She is also refreshingly down to earth. Says one pal: “Lauren doesn’t play football for fame or money — she plays because she’s been in love with the game since the age of four.
      ‘First female Pele’
      “She’s never ridden off her brother’s coat-tails or asked him for handouts or contacts. Instead, she’s quietly been ploughing her own field and doing all of this on her own.
      “She works and trains so hard and is a hugely popular figure in the changing room.
      “Lauren is only 21 and really does have the world at her feet.”
      Despite her success, she doesn’t yet have the social media presence of her male sibling.
      While Reece boasts 1.4million and nearly 3million followers on Twitter and Instagram respectively, his talented sibling has 205,000 and 550,000 which, in advertising and sponsorship revenue terms, is quite a gulf.
      But with England now through to the World Cup final 16, and facing a game against Nigeria on Monday, Lauren’s popularity and earning potential will only rise. Already Nike-sponsored, further highly lucrative endorsement deals are sure to follow.
      Celebrity agent Jonathan Shalit — who has guided the careers of stars including TV judge Simon Cowell, actor Dame Joan Collins plus singers Charlotte Church and Katherine Jenkins — tips her to become one of the game’s first multi-millionaires.
      He says: “I absolutely love Lauren, who is an incredible inspiration to young sportsmen and ladies.
      “If England win the World Cup, Lauren deserves to be the first £50,000 a week women’s player.
      “Already she is ­destined to become a multi-millionaire, but she will be by Christmas if England win the tournament.
      “She could be the first female Pele, and is young enough to compete in four World Cups for England, which is astonishing.
      “Brands will be fighting for her — Nike to keep hold of her — and H&M, Adidas, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, MAC, Urban Outfitters, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Prada, Louis Vuitton, etc to get her in their products.
      “She has vast appeal to a huge demographic and is a supremely talented young woman.”
      Unlike so many footballers, however, Lauren’s Instagram is refreshingly unflashy. Less Lamborghini on a Cannes beachfront, more grinding away on the training ground Wattbike.
       Her photos are mainly ­trackie-bum filled, or snaps of match day action.
      Lauren — promoting the World Cup in Oz, right — isn’t a fake eyelash, long-nailed, filler-filled Insta type. She’s a sportswoman. And almost every month, it seems she makes history.
       For starters, never in modern top-flight football have a brother and sister represented England.
      The offspring of former footballer dad Nigel — a defender who was on Aldershot’s books when he suffered a broken ankle in a motorbike accident and turned to coaching — the pair grew up playing the game together, alongside eldest brother Joshua.
      In an interview with The Sun last October for Black History Month, Lauren cited tennis aces Venus and Serena ­Williams as her heroes.
      Not so much as a whiff of influencer on her radar, then. Instead, Lauren is open about her ambitions — ones which extend beyond the touchlines. She explains: “To be a global icon and break down barriers is something that I also hope to do in the future. The credit has to go to the Williams women, as well as their father, who played a big ­supporting role, just like our dad.
      “My dad Nigel’s Grenadian ­heritage has been massive in our upbringing and given us a better understanding of different cultures.
      Sexist attitudes
      “I am proud to have that part of me, alongside my mum being English. It is just lovely to have it all.” Lauren is rapidly garnering a huge fanbase among impressionable kids — exactly the kind of woman they should be inspired by.
      Of their formative years growing up in south west London, dad Nigel proudly recalls: “It was just about playing. I used to set challenges in the back garden, and if they did well at that I’d give them 20p and then another 20p. Before you know, you’ve changed up £20 into 20ps and they’re all gone!
      “It became fun. The key thing was that they were doing the right things.
      “If you don’t know the standard you have to set yourself then there is no way they will improve.
      “In the end they pushed themselves to get better. I was doing it as work and they came into training with me so it was like, ‘If you want to be good at this, this is what you have to do’.”
      While many men in the game have been depressingly slow to back their female star counterparts, defender Reece has always been a big supporter. I interviewed him last October and, tellingly, he began the chat with talk of his sister.
      He called for women to be paid more in line with male footie stars and slammed outdated sexist attitudes to women’s football. He said: “I think maybe in the last five years the women’s game has come on — especially from them winning the Euros.
      “It’s put them on a much bigger stage. Most games are televised now and the women’s game is moving in the right direction. I don’t think it’s going to go backwards and that includes pay.
      Lauren in action against Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League in OctoberCredit: Getty
      Lauren won Player of the Match in England’s World Cup victory over ChinaCredit: Getty
      Lauren — promoting the World Cup in OzCredit: Getty
      “As it develops, and the teams and players and quality get higher — the pay, the fans, everything will match it.
      “It’s come a long way. It’s still got a long way to go.”
      With heroes like his sister at the fore, it won’t be long, surely, before we finally see parity between the sexes.
      Until then, it is Lauren’s time to roar.
      SIBLINGS HIT THE HEIGHTS
      LAUREN and Reece James are not the only siblings to represent their country at international level. And sometimes it is the women who outshine their brothers on the biggest stage . . .
      ENIOLA & SONE ALUKO
      England ace Eniola Aluko with Ipswich player brother SoneCredit: Getty
      ENIOLA was one of the Lionesses’ greatest forwards, scoring 33 times in 102 senior appearances for her country.
      The attacker, 36, won the Women’s Super League three times with Chelsea, the women’s Serie A with Juventus, played for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics and became a TV pundit.
      Her younger brother Sone, 34, played for England at youth level, but got seven senior caps for Nigeria. He is now with Championship side Ipswich Town.
      RIANA & RADJA NAINGGOLAN
      Siblings Riana, right, and Radja Nainggolan have both played for Roma and ItalyCredit: Twitter
      THE 35-year-old Belgian twins both played for Roma in Italy and represented their country at the highest level.
      But heavily tattooed Radja, who was criticised for smoking, played 30 times for Belgium while Riana has just one cap.
      That didn’t stop her once saying: “We kind of have the same style, only he is the male form and I’m the female form. If Radja was a girl too, I would be better.”
      SIMONA NECIDOVA & TOMAS NECID
      Simona Necidova played in the women’s Champions League for Slavia Prague and brother Tomas Necid also played for Slavia Prague’sCredit: extra.cz/fotka
      CZECH defender Simona, 29, has been capped 32 times by her country and has played in the women’s Champions League for Slavia Prague.
      Her striker brother Tomas, 33, also played for Slavia Prague and scored 12 times in 44 games for his country. The siblings both continue to play as pros in their homeland.
      MELANIA & MANOLO GABBIADINI
      Now-retired Melania, 39, played 114 times for Italy, brother Manolo, 31, had a spell at SouthamptonCredit: Twitter
      MELANIA may not have merited the huge transfer fees commanded by her younger brother Manolo – but she has enjoyed more success on the sports field.
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      During her career the now-retired Melania, 39, played 114 times for Italy and scored 45 goals.
      Manolo, 31, has 13 caps, but proved under- whelming during a spell at Southampton after signing for £14million in 2017. More

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      Millie Bright reckons this year’s World Cup battle is ‘one of the tightest’ with England set for duel with Nigeria

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      MILLIE BRIGHT is backing the Lionesses to build momentum after they charged into the World Cup knockouts Lauren James bagged a brilliant brace in the 6-1 demolition of China on Tuesday with England set for a last-16 duel with Nigeria.
      Millie Bright looked solid against China with a bulldozing display in England’s defence in their final World Cup group stage gameCredit: Getty
      Lauren James shone for England in a playmaker role with Sarina Wiegman altering her starting line-up and formationCredit: Getty
      Rachel Daly impressed in an attacking position on the wing bagging her first goal of the tournamentCredit: Getty
      Alessia Russo netted her first World Cup goal ending a run of six games without an England goal since FebruaryCredit: Getty
      Their ruthless shift in which they shredded their rivals defences, saw them equal their record for a highest World Cup match win.
      The last time England won by a 6-1 scoreline in the tournament was back in 2007 when they trounced Argentina. 
      The result in Adelaide, Australia saw them answer critics of their recent slim wins and open play scoreless run.
      Skipper Bright said: “We got a lot of criticism in the first two games but we’re not concerned at all. 
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      “I would happily take a clean sheet and a 1-0 win because when you have to grow into tournaments you get your momentum. 
      “Things start to click and you start to get your rhythm. 
      “There is no bigger emotion than leading the girls out no matter what the score is.
      “Win, lose or draw, I’m always proud to lead them.”
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      The defeat of China saw VAR controversy rear its head in either halves including decisions to award China a pen and to disallow an England goal. 
      Lucy Bronze, who hit the woodwork with a thumping header, was involved in both moments. 
      The full-back was judged to have been offside when James curled in a stunning late first half strike which was chalked off. 
      And she received a booking for a handball that led to China netting a second half spot-kick. 
      Bronze said: “I knew it hit my hand, but it wasn’t deliberate. Unless I cut my arm off I don’t know how I get my arm out the way.
      “If I was trying to hit the ball away I would have hit my hand in the air.
      “I knew it wasn’t deliberate but I guess the referee just wanted to give me a yellow card for fun.
      “I had more go against me than anyone else. It wasn’t a fun game in that respect.
      “I was quite disappointed with that game to come off with that performance.
      “But the most important thing is we won, we’re through to the next game, no one else got injured.”
      On James’ disallowed goal, Bronze added: “I feel sad for LJ because I don’t know why it’s been called offside.
      “If Hempo (Lauren Hemp) scored the cross I wouldn’t have been offside.”
      England’s hefty win at Hindmarsh Stadium saw them avoid group stage embarrassment that befell Germany and Spain.
      The European giants, among the contests favourites, found themselves on the wrong end of losses to Colombia and 2011 World Cup champs Japan.
      Futoshi Ikeda’s aces thrashed Spain 4-0 despite having just 23 per cent of posession while a late goal saw Germany beaten 2-1 on Sunday. 
      And the United States were held to a scoreless draw by stubborn Portugal.
      Katie Zelem made for first appearance for England in a World Cup tournament playing alongside Georgia Stanway in midfieldCredit: Alamy
      Bright said: “This tournament is going to be one of the tightest. It’s anyones for the taking. 
      “We’ve seen that with some of the results so far
      “It’s why we stay in our lane, focus on ourselves and make sure we are the best prepared team on the day.”
      England boss Sarina Wiegman, whose team will face Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on August 7, added: “I’m very proud of the team.
      “I think we’re really growing into the tournament.”
      The Lionesses’ Group D performances saw them concede just once across the three games with no goals netted against them in open play. 
      A penalty converted by China’s Wang Shuang saw England number one Mary Earps concede for the first time in the tournament.
      Bright added: “It’s massive first and foremost as an English team that we take pride in defending and good marking. 
      “We want to keep clean sheets and as Karen Carney once said, ‘clean sheets mean championships’. 
      England will face a tricky against Nigeria who beat tournament co-hosts Australia on their way to reaching the World Cup’s knockout stageCredit: Getty
      “We got criticism in the first two games for not scoring a goal.
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      “But I think we have shown how ruthless we can be at the other end. 
      “It is tournament football, you’re going to concede at times, but other than that I thought we were pretty tight in defence.” More

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      Rachel Daly wants to park ‘special’ Euros moment to focus on England goal of beating world’s best

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      RACHEL DALY is pushing Euros nostalgia to the back of her mind with the Lionesses laser-focused on winning football’s biggest prize. Monday will be a year to the day Daly helped England win the contest at Wembley with a dramatic 2-1 defeat of Germany.
      Rachel Daly has no intention of being distracted by nostalgia around England’s Euros winCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses’ World Cup clash with China in Adelaide will come almost a year on from their Euros win at WembleyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Daly and her team-mates aim to finish top of Group D following their 1-0 wins against Haiti and DenmarkCredit: Getty
      The Lioness, who started in all six games of that unbeaten run, sees the Women’s World Cup as a “different kettle of fish”. 
      And her team aims to finish top of Group D by beating or drawing with China in Adelaide on Tuesday.
      A first place finish for England would see them seal a last-16 clash with either Nigeria, Australia or Canada. 
      Daly, 31, said: “For me personally, I don’t want to go into a tournament thinking about another one.
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      “It’s a completely different kettle of fish as it’s the world’s biggest stage.
      “It’s a different feel with different (England) players and staff. 
      “It’s great that we won the Euros and it’s something that we do discuss now and again.
      “For me, it was a special moment. But at times like this you have to focus on what’s in front of you and push that aside.”
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      Daly, who made her senior England debut in 2016 scoring in a 7-0 Euros qualifier defeat of Serbia, is regarded as one of the leaders within the  squad. 
      The versatile Leeds-born Lioness joked she’s astounded to now be the third-oldest player following Ellen White’s and Jill Scott’s retirements. 
      The 71-capped England star added: “I’m actually shocked I’m the third oldest. I don’t act that way, I’m sure. 
      “It’s a different role for me, now we’ve lost Jill and Ellen who are older. 
      “But losing two players of their overwhelming experience is tough.
      “Some of the younger players have to step into that role and it’s nice to be able to do that. 
      “I had that when I was younger and so it’s nice to speak to the younger ones.
      “And there are players here who are experiencing their first tournament.
      “They’re over the other side of the world, away from home and not seeing family so much. It’s nice to be able to help them.”
      England’s last duel with China saw them lose 2-1 back in October 2015, five months after beating their opponents by the same scoreline at the Academy Stadium. 
      But much has changed for the Lionesses’ fortunes since then. 
      A top spot finish in Group D for England will see them play either Nigeria or Canada or Australia in the World Cup’s knockout stageCredit: Getty
      They are currently ranked the fourth best side in the world and ten places above their rivals who beat Haiti last Friday. 
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      Daly said: “We know their threats and what they’re capable of. 
      “We should be prepared the best way we can and hopefully get those next three points in the bag.” More

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      England boost as docs reveal Keira Walsh has NOT suffered ACL damage and star may only miss final World Cup group game

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      KEIRA WALSH has not sustained ACL damage following her knee injury during England’s win against Denmark on Friday.However, the midfielder has been ruled out of the Lionesses’ World Cup Group D clash with China on Tuesday.  
      Keira Walsh sustained a knee injury during England’s Group D clash with Denmark after her studs appeared to get stuck in some turf at SydneyCredit: Getty
      A medical scan revealed the England midfielder has not sustained an ACL injuryCredit: Alamy
      The update on Walsh’s condition followed initial fears the Lioness ace had ruptured her knee ligament. 
      The FA confirmed the news following a scan yesterday afternoon after Sarina Wiegman’s side’s 1-0 defeat of the Danes.
      Walsh’s knee examination was carried out a day after she was stretchered off in tears during England’s duel with Denmark at Sydney Stadium. 
      The Barcelona ace saw her involvement in the game ended after her studs appeared to get stuck in the turf. 

      Her injury occurred whilst she attempted to retain possession for the Lionesses with Denmark attempting to mount a counter attack. 
      And Walsh was spotted mouthing the words “I’ve done my knee” with England’s medics later coming to her aid.  
      The midfielder, who helped the Lionesses win last summer’s Euros, will remain at the squad’s base in Terrigal to continue her recovery. 
      England will play China next in their final Group D game in Adelaide in AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Her injury will continue to be assessed by England’s medical staff.
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      It is not yet known whether she will be able to feature for the team should they progress to the World Cup knockout stage. 
      The team are currently top of Group D and will be aiming to seal a win against China at Hindmarsh Stadium. More

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      Rachel Daly says England have ‘fingers and toes’ crossed for Keira Walsh after midfield ace’s injury at the World Cup

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      RACHEL DALY admits being filled with dread whenever the letters ‘A’, ‘C’ and ‘L’ are mentioned with England assessing Keira Walsh’s injured knee.Daly and Mary Earps are backing the World Cup chasers to bounce back from their injury woes, just like Arsenal did in the WSL last term. 
      Rachel Daly says the Lionesses have “everything crossed” for Keira Walsh following her knee injury during England’s 1-0 defeat of Denmark in the World CupCredit: Reuters
      It is thought Walsh’s knee injury is currently being assessedCredit: Getty
      England are currently top of Group D ahead of their clash with China having won their first two group gamesCredit: Getty
      Daly and shot stopper Earps have been reflecting on the knee problem that left Walsh on crutches during England’s 1-0 defeat of Denmark on Friday. 
      The FA say they have “no news” on the status of Walsh’s injury.
      The player was stretchered off close to half-time after her studs got caught in the turf at Sydney Stadium.
      The midfield star looks set to miss the Group D leaders’ clash with China in Adelaide on Tuesday.
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      An England win will secure their spot in the World Cup knockout stage.
      However, The Observer reports that it’s hoped her knee issue is not as serious as it looked amid initial fears she had sustained anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage. 
      On whether the spate of knee injuries in the women’s game is a worry, Daly said: “For me, those three letters (ACL) scare the absolute you-know-what out of me. 
      “There’s always more work to be done in and around injuries and anterior cruciate ligament (issues in the women’s game).
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      “We all have our fingers, toes, everything crossed for Keira, but that’s football isn’t it. It’s tough.
      “You have your highs and your lows and you just hope that everything is alright.”
      Walsh, 26, was stretchered off six minutes before the half-time whistle during England’s duel with Denmark.
      The Barcelona star looked tearful and is thought to have said “I’ve done my knee” as England’s medics came to her assistance.
      Earps added: “It’s always sad when you see your team-mate go down and I hope it is nothing too serious.
      “You could see it disrupted our rhythm in the first half (against Denmark).
      “Keira was with the medics so we were just concentrating on what was in front of us.
      “It’s the talk of the town – that more research can be done. Hopefully that will definitely happen.”
      England have had rotten luck with losing players to injuries ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this summer.
      Star trio Beth Mead, Fran Kirby and Leah Williamson are currently working their way to fitness following knee issues. 
      And Earps is backing the Lionesses to rally from their injury woes just as Arsenal did on the domestic stage last season. 
      The Gunners won this year’s Conti Cup without the services of Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead. 
      And they qualified for next season’s Champions League despite the absence of their star forwards as well as Williamson, full-back Laura Wienroither and skipper Kim Little. 
      Daly praised Laura Coombs’ display for England with the midfielder coming on against Denmark after Walsh’s exitCredit: Getty
      Earps said: “We saw it with Arsenal a little bit towards the end of the season. 
      “They were down and out but rallied (despite their injuries). 
      “We are a resilient group. We’re going to keep going and fighting and put our best foot forward as we always do.”
      Daly added: “This group is special, it’s got some unbelievable characters. 
      “It’s not just about what you see in performances on the pitch.
      “The girls off the pitch are special, special people and the staff are as well. 
      “Sarina (Wiegman) has built a squad around that, she doesn’t just think of the team that plays.
      “It’s everyone as a whole and there is character on and off the pitch. 
      “Coombsy (Laura Coombs) stepped in (for Keira) and did phenomenally.
      “There are other players that are ready to go and are available.”
      Daly is willing to play in “any position” for England after starting as a left-back against DenmarkCredit: Getty
      England’s game against China at Hindmarsh could see gaffer Sarina Wiegman retain Daly in a left-back role with the team keeping a clean sheet against Denmark on Saturday. 
      The Aston Villa ace, wearing the Lionesses’ No9 shirt for the World Cup, finished as the WSL’s top scorer last season.
      However, last summer Daly started as a full-back in all six of England’s Euros games, with the team winning the tournament. 
      And the WSL Golden Boot winner insists she is happy to start in any position despite playing as a striker for her club last term.  
      Daly said: “It’s an honour to put on the (England) shirt whenever I can and I’ll play in any position. 
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      “It’s not the one I’ve been playing in regularly for my club, but it’s something that’s still familiar. 
      “There are tweaks I need to make on my game in that role, but I will learn from it.” More

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

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

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

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

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      in Soccer

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

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