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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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      Georgia Stanway jokes about turning off phone if England set up World Cup quarters clash with Germany

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      GEORGIA STANWAY’S Bayern Munich switch has made her more of a leader on and off the pitch despite describing her German as “terrible”. The midfielder, 24,  joked she may have to give her Germany pals’ a swerve at the World Cup should England face them in the quarters this summer.
      Georgia Stanway says her leadership role at Bayern was unexpected but a boostCredit: Getty
      Stanway’s move to the club has helped her develop on and off the pitch ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
      Stanway notched up six league goals and three assists in 21 games for Bayern who won last term’s Women’s Bundesliga titleCredit: EPA
      The Lionesses are ramping up preparations for their Group D opener against Haiti after arriving in Australia last Friday for the tournament there and in New Zealand.
      The July 23 clash comes 15 months after Stanway’s three-year Bayern transfer which followed her becoming Man City Women’s all-time leading scorer last January. 
      The England star, who spent seven years at City, said: “I’ve developed so much on and off the pitch (going to Bayern).
      “I have a leadership role which I never expected to happen in such a short space of time
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      “The biggest thing is I do a lot more with my team-mates.
      “I don’t know if this is something I’ve just grown into but I was never the most sociable outside of football. 
      “We do so much outside of the game as a team and that has made us stronger on the pitch which is really important.”
      Whilst loving life in Germany Stanway is currently getting to grips with the language. 
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      Attempts to buy a kitchen using German has proved to be both an amusing and mildly tricky experience.
      The Lioness, who signed for Bayern last May, added: “I moved to an apartment that didn’t have a kitchen so I waited another month for one. 
       “I had to ask people to come with me to buy it 
      “Because it was a little bit difficult and because of the language barrier and things being different – trying to find a shop that sold kitchens was a nightmare! 
      “But you have to ask for help.”
      When asked how her learning of German is going, Stanway joked: “Terrible!
      “I have two lessons a week and my teacher keeps saying ‘it’s going to click, it’s going to click’ but nearly 12 months in and there’s no click yet.”
      Stanway’s first Bayern term saw her help them lift their fifth Women’s Bundesliga title in May. 
      But the midfielder admits experiencing a dip away from the pitch following the highs of her transfer and winning the Euros with England. 
      Stanway, who received her 50th England cap in June, said: “Everything was new so it was all just exciting and the season’s busy enough. 
      “In Germany you have a winter break and that’s when I kind of had my dip.
      “I was supposed to meet Keira in Barcelona for New Year but I didn’t even make it because I was just that tired. 
      “There’s an expectation that you should be on top of your game all the time.
      “Allowing people to have days off and that little dip is so important.”
      Bayern Munich ace Lina Magull is among the Germany players England might face should both sides reach the World Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty
      Stanway’s club colleagues include Germany stars Klara Buhl, 22,  and Lina Magull, 28.
      The latter was part of the team beaten 2-1 by England with Stanway amongst the standout stars in last year’s Euros decider.
      Should the Lionesses top Group D and best Group B’s runners-up, a quarter-final clash with Germany awaits. 
      The beaten Euros finalists suffered a shock 3-2 warm-up loss to Zambia on Saturday before their opener against Morocco in 14 days.
      Stanway reckons she will have to switch off her phone if England end up facing Germany in the World Cup this summerCredit: Getty
      Stanway reckons she will have to avoid contact with her Bayern pals if England were to end up facing Germany in the contest.
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      She added: “We could meet them in the quarters if things go to plan. That could be interesting.
      “I’ll probably have to stay off my phone that week!” More

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      Who is England football star Chloe Kelly?

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      CHLOE Kelly is a professional footballer who plays as a forward.Here we take a look at the attacking star’s stellar career.
      Credit: Getty
      Who is England football star Chloe Kelly?
      Chloe Maggie Kelly is a 25-year-old professional footballer from Hanwell, West London.
      She plays in the FA Women’s Super League (WSL) for Manchester City and the English national team.
      When did Chloe Kelly start playing football for England?
      Kelly has represented England at under-17, under-19 and under-20 levels. Her first appearance for the youth national football team came in the 2014 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship in England, where the team finished in fourth.
      Chloe made her debut for the senior national side as a substitute in a 3-0 friendly win over Austria in August 2018.
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      She was selected for the England squad for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, which was held in England in June 2022.
      Kelly came off the bench and scored the winning goal against Germany in the 110th minute of the final of the competition, moments later receiving a yellow card for taking her shirt off and swinging it around her head.
      On May 31 2023 the striker was named as part of the squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      How long has Chloe Kelly played for Manchester City and what other teams has he played for?
      Chloe signed a two-year deal with Manchester City, which was announced on July 3 2020.
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      In September 2020, she was selected for the PFA WSL Team of the Year.
      She scored a brace for City against Tottenham Hotspur on October 4 2020, helping the team to a 4-1 win.
      Kelly made her full debut for the Arsenal first team in the Continental Cup against Watford on July 23 2015, aged just 17.
      Chloe signed her first senior contract for Arsenal in February 2016, making one appearance in the team’s 5-1 win over Sunderland, before being sent on a three-month loan to FA WSL 2 side Everton in June of the same year.
      She returned to Arsenal in October 2016, making three appearances as the team finished the season in third place and won the FA Women’s Cup.
      In February 2017, the forward signed a new contract with Arsenal, making seven appearances and scoring two goals.
      Kelly returned to newly-promoted Everton for a second loan spell in July 2017, scoring her first senior hat-trick in the WSL Cup on November 16.
      Chloe made a permanent transfer to Everton in January 2018, playing for the club until summer 2020. More

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      ‘Reece’s advice is to just enjoy it’ says Lauren James as Lioness ace aims to make her mark in Women’s World Cup

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      LAUREN JAMES wants to etch her name into football history aside from being known as the talented sister of Three Lions ace Reece.  The forward, 21, hopes to do so by helping the Lionesses win this year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. 
      Lauren James and the Lionesses arrived at their base in Australia’s Sunshine Coast 13 days ahead of the start of the World CupCredit: Getty
      James’ brother Reece wants her to have fun at the tournament with the Lioness starlet set to make her World Cup debutCredit: Getty
      James and her England team-mates will play Haiti in Brisbane on July 22 in their group D openerCredit: Getty
      Last September the Chelsea ace earned her first senior cap coming on as a substitute in the Lionesses’ 2-0 World Cup qualifier defeat of Austria.
      In doing so she joined her sibling in becoming a full England international. 
      The pair are the only brother-sister duo to play for the same top-flight English club at the same time in the men’s and women’s sport. 
      On making a name for herself in the game, James said: “I want to carve that out and be known as ‘this is Lauren James’. 
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      “At the moment, men’s football is a lot bigger profile, it’s natural to just go, ‘oh that’s so and so’s sister’ but I think it’s just natural. 
      “But it doesn’t bother me too much because I know I have my own career.”
      This month James is set to make her Women’s World Cup debut with the Euros champs facing Haiti, Denmark, and China in Group D 
      A July 22 clash with Haiti, the tournament’s fourth lowest-ranked side, is up first for Sarina Wiegman’s aces.
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      The arrived at their Sunshine Coast base in Australia earlier today – seven days ahead of their behind-closed-doors clash with Canada.
      On if there would be any rivalry with her older brother should she win the contest, James added: “To be fair I think he’d just be proud. We’d just like best friends.
      “His advice was just enjoy it, have fun, try and score goals.”
      In the past year James has seen her career blossom for club and country under the stewardship of two serial-winning gaffers. 
      She credits Wiegman for allowing her to express herself on the pitch. 
      And she hails Emma Hayes for helping her find her feet after arriving at Chelsea two years ago with some injury issues 
      James added: “Emma managed me well, and it’s allowed me to find my feet again. I’d had two years of constant injuries.
      “At that moment everyone was like ‘why is Lauren not playing?’
      “I wanted to be playing on the pitch, but in the long run it’s obviously paid off, and it’s kept me on the pitch this season.”
      “Sarina has been brilliant with me (too), she’s just allowed me to express myself, and not tried to change me, which plays a massive role because it allows you to just play freely.”
      This past term has seen James help Chelsea win third successive league and FA Cup double. 
      James credits Emma Hayes with helping her find her feet again following her July 2021 move to ChelseaCredit: Getty
      And James hopes to follow that triumph by winning football’s biggest prize of  all. 
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      She said: going to the (Euros) final last summer made me feel like, ‘I want to make sure I’m there’ this summer.
       “It gave me more motivation and hunger. I’d like to feel the same as what they felt last summer.” More

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      Ex-Arsenal and Wolfsburg ace Jill Roord hails ‘dream’ WSL return after sealing Manchester City move

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      JILL ROORD described her Manchester City switch as the “perfect fit” after sealing a stunning WSL return.The former Arsenal ace, 26, has joined the Women’s Super League giants on a three-year deal after two years at Wolfsburg. 
      Jill Roord is set for her second spell in the WSL after signing for Manchester City
      The midfielder and her Netherlands team-mates will face Portugal on July 23 in their World Cup group stage openerCredit: AFP
      Roord was part of the Wolfsburg side beaten 3-2 by Barcelona in this year’s Champions League finalCredit: Getty
      Roord’s transfer follows Hayley Raso’s May departure from the Citizens with the Australia winger set to join Real Madrid. 
      Her move ahead of next season comes a month after she featured for Wolfsburg in this year’s Women’s Champions League final.
      The German side were beaten 3-2 by Barcelona in the contest’s decider in Eindhoven.
      Roord, who will wear Man City’s number 20 shirt, said: “I really like the way that they play, and I feel that it suits me perfectly. 
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      “There’s a lot of quality in the team, and it’s a young side with plenty of potential which is very important to me. 
      “I have always thought that this was a fantastic club with lots of quality, and I’m super excited  to start here.”
      Roord, who began her senior club career in 2013 at FC Twente at 16, helped the Dutch club to four top-flight titles. 
      She finished as the Eredivisie’s top scorer in the 2015-16 season before her one-year spell at Bayern Munich and Gunners switch in May 2019. 
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      During her two-year Arsenal stint Roord helped the club reach the Conti Cup final and finish in the WSL’s top three in back-to-back seasons.
      And she bagged 31 goals in 69 games for Wolfsburg across all competitions helping them win the 2021-22 Frauen Bundesliga title. 
      Man City chief Gareth Taylor said: “She is a player whose calibre speaks for itself with what she has achieved.
      “We believe  she will be a fantastic addition to our squad here at City.”
      Roord added: “I’ve always thought that the Women’s Super League is very competitive, so playing in England again is like a dream.
      “I feel like I have developed a lot as a player during my time in  Germany.”
      Roord, who has 86 senior international caps, was part of the Netherlands side that won the 2017 Euros under former boss Sarina Wiegman. 
      The City newbie is also part of the Dutch squad competing in this year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      They kicked off their warm-up for the contest, which starts on July 20, with a 5-0 hammering of Belgium on July 2.
      Roord and her national team-mates face Portugal in their Group E opener in Dunedin, New Zealand on July 23. 
      Roord netted seven times in 19 WSL games for Arsenal during the 2020-21 seasonCredit: Getty
      That clash will be followed by a duel with World Cup champs the United States before a game against minnows Vietnam. 
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      Taylor added: “She has proven her worth in both England and Europe during her career so far, as well on  the international stage with the Netherlands. 
      “She is no stranger to success.” More

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      Millie Bright opens up on ‘extra pressure’ on England at the World Cup and ‘ massive honour’ of leading Lionesses

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      MILLIE BRIGHT is a huge believer of dreaming big and has a tattoo of a dreamcatcher on her left arm as a reminder. The depiction is inspired by her mother telling her to ‘dream big’ before every game with the England skipper eyeing World Cup glory. 
      Millie Bright and the Lionesses fly to Australia today ahead of the start of Women’s World Cup there and in New Zealand on July 20Credit: Getty
      Bright says being given the captain’s armband before the tournament had not crossed her mindCredit: Getty
      England will play Canada in a behind-closed-doors warm-up fixture in Australia on July 14Credit: Alamy
      Football dreams don’t come any bigger than attempting to lead the Lionesses to their first World Cup win in the Fifa contest’s 32-year history. 
      And Bright, 29, recognises there are huge expectations of the team following their Euros triumph over Germany at Wembley last July. 
      The Chelsea centre-back said: “There was always going to be extra pressure. 
      “This will be the biggest Women’s World Cup so far, the quality has gone up, the expectation goes up. 
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      “We have to keep two feet on the ground and know the challenge ahead will be bigger than any other tournament.”
      Bright and her team-mates jetted off to Australia today before the tournament’s start there and in New Zealand on July 20. 
      The England defender will captain the side in the absence of Leah Williamson.
      The Arsenal star’s hopes of leading the Lionesses’ charge were cruelly dashed by a knee ligament injury she suffered in April.
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      Bright added: “(I’m) Absolutely gutted (for Leah).  
      “Straight away I was just in shock that she had suffered such a severe injury. 
      “I don’t think the captaincy crossed my mind at all, hand on heart. 
      “Then I got my injury so my head was just fully on my rehab and trying to make the selection.
      “That (the captaincy) was probably the last thing I thought of.
      “You don’t want to see any player go through that injury. There are too many on that topic at the minute.
      “We’ve had check-ins, to make sure Leah is alright – when you go through that, you need a team around you. 
      “She’s also checked how I’ve been getting on, we’ve stayed in touch for sure.”
      This year’s World Cup will be missing the talents of a number of top stars in addition to Williamson. 
      They include England and Netherlands forwards Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema and USA and Chelsea star Catarina Macario. 
      The recent spate of injuries to scores of players at the highest levels of the women’s game is an ongoing concern.
      And it has led to debate around match scheduling. 
      This summer will be the second in a row in which England’s aces have played in a major tournament following busy domestic seasons.
      The team are also due to compete in Uefa’s inaugural Women’s Nations League which kicks off in September. 
      Bright said: “I’ve been doing it for several years, when you’re doing back-to-back tournaments it’s hard, when you’re playing every single minute for your clubs. 
      “As a player it [burnout] is always in the back of your mind; after the World Cup we’ve then got a return to playing in the league.
      “There is work to be done and we are aware of the situation. 
      “A lot of people within the game have shown real concern and been very outspoken about it.
      “That in itself creates conversation. It is about everyone coming together to make sure the schedule works.
      “There is still work to be done, making sure we can compete in every competition and do back-to-back tournaments.
      “But we are not robots, we need time to recover, to perform for the fans, for our clubs and countries, we want to be at the highest level.
      “For now, we are just focusing on the summer.”
      England face Haiti in their tournament opener on July 22 followed by clashes with Denmark and China in Group D.
      And Bright will captain a squad featuring six World Cup debutants including rising stars Lauren James, Esme Morgan and Katie Robinson. 
      Bright added: “I feel really grateful to be selected, let alone to be captaining the girls, it is a massive honour. 
      “But for me nothing changes, I stay the same, I’d like to think people see the same Millie.
      “I always lead for the team, that’s just natural to me. 
      “I expect standards from the group, I see myself as the driver because I am so competitive.
      Bright wants England’s starlets to have the support they need to “play their best football” at the World CupCredit: Getty
      “You have to keep pushing to be better year in, year out.
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      “You have younger players at a first tournament, you have to make sure they have everything they need. 
      “We just want them to be excited to go out and have their best summer, play their best football.” More