Women’s World Cup 2023

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      Harry Redknapp: I expect Serena Wiegman to follow Alf Ramsey in 1966 as England boss faces huge selection call

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      ALF RAMSEY made the biggest call of his life and it won him the World Cup — how we’re praying the same happens to Sarina Wiegman today.England’s Lionesses are one game away from following in the footsteps of those 1966 heroes.
      Sarina Wiegman faces a team selection headache for the World Cup finalCredit: Getty
      Lauren James is available for selection again after serving a suspensionCredit: Getty
      And, just like 57 years ago, the manager faces a massive decision.
      Back then, Alf — he wasn’t a Sir at that stage — had to choose whether to recall Jimmy Greaves or go with Geoff Hurst in the final against West Germany.
      This morning in Sydney, Sarina has a similar problem . . . does Lauren James go straight back into the side following her two-match suspension or should she stick with Ella Toone?
      It is the sort of head-scratcher any manager would love to have — picking a team to play in the World Cup final. Ultimately, only one thing decides if you’ve got it right and that is whether you’re dancing around on a lap of honour or slumped in the dressing room.
      Read more Lionesses news
      There are loads who think Lauren should face Spain, following her sensational performances before her red card against Nigeria.

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      Personally, I would go with the same side that beat Australia 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final — and that means Ella, who hit an absolute screamer for the Lionesses’ opener, gets the nod.
      Most people would probably disagree but I don’t see any reason to change a winning team.
      It’s about getting the job done one more time and that line-up gives us the best chance.
      Most read in Football
      In 1966, the general feeling was that Jimmy would be back for the final. I certainly thought so and I played with Geoff at West Ham.
      Greavesie was the greatest goalscorer in the world, there wasn’t a player to touch him.
      It looked the obvious call for Alf to make.
      Geoff had only made his England debut that February, didn’t play in the group games and probably wouldn’t have come in at all if Jimmy hadn’t been injured against France.
      But then he scored the  winner against Argentina in the quarter-finals and set up the winner for Bobby Charlton in the semi with Portugal.
      That was enough for Alf.
      Geoff got the thumbs-up — and we all know what  happened next. It couldn’t have gone better for him or the manager . . . or the whole country.
      What a day that was. Even now, I remember walking into West Ham’s dressing room for pre-season training and seeing Geoff, Martin Peters and, of course, Bobby Moore.
      I’d only really broken into the first team the year before and now I was playing alongside three World Cup winners.
      No wonder I couldn’t win a regular place!
      Ella Toone celebrates scoring against AustraliaCredit: Alamy
      But enough of all our yesterdays. This is all about the here and now — and England’s chance to be World Cup winners again.
      And I honestly think that, just like Alf did, Sarina will go with the same team — and have the same outcome.
      The one big difference, though, is when Alf stuck  with Geoff, that was it for Greavesie.
      There were no subs back then. Not being picked meant not getting on the pitch, end of.
      At least now Sarina has the safety net of being able to make a change if things aren’t going well.
      And what an ace Lauren is to have up your sleeve.
      If the Lionesses are in trouble, Sarina can turn to her for the last half hour, get her running against tired legs in the last few minutes, inject energy into extra-time or whatever.
      It does give England the chance to throw on a real impact player — although, touch wood, any subs will be coming on to see out the game, rather than save it.
      In Mary Earps, England have got a shotstopper they can depend onCredit: Getty
      Harry Redknapp expects England’s Lionesses to be celebrating at the final whistle on SundayCredit: Getty
      Of course, it won’t be that easy, though. The bookies can’t really split the teams and the Spanish side is packed with talent.
      Ballon d’Or-winner Alexia Putellas, 19-year-old Salma Paralluelo and arguably the world’s best right-back in Ona Batlle . . . they’re certainly not short of star quality.
      But England have plenty of their own and if a great keeper is the basis for any great team, then the Lionesses have the best in Mary Earps.
      Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo give us the top striking partnership and Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh are the female equivalent of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield.
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      Millie Bright is an absolute rock in defence and alongside her Alex Greenwood would walk into any team for any country.
      Read More on The Sun
      It might take extra-time, maybe even penalties but just like the Boys of ’66, the Girls of ’23 are a special, special side.
      And I really believe I’ll be raising a glass of wine to England’s World Cup winners when I sit down for my  Sunday dinner. More

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      I endured the worst sexism when I started out in football, I’m so proud of our Lionesses and how far we’ve come

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      WIN or lose in today’s World Cup final, we should all  say thank you to our heroic Lionesses for giving us reason to be so hopeful, happy and proud this summer.What a massive achievement to go all the way and put England’s women’s football on the global map in the process.
      Whatever happens in the World Cup final, Sarina Wiegman and the England Lionesses are heroesCredit: Getty
      A peak audience of 7.3million tuned in to see England beat Australia on Wednesday, the BBC revealed, even though the time difference meant an 11am kick-off.
      And their thrilling performance was worth the watch.
      The Lionesses are an exceptionally talented bunch and they play brilliantly to each other’s strengths.
      But it’s not just about skills and teamwork. Female footballers who have come as far as these girls must be particularly determined and tenacious.
      READ MORE KARREN BRADY
      And in the excellent Sarina Wiegman they have a coach worthy of their talents.
      Despite playing for the Dutch national champions and representing her country, for most of her own football career she had to work as a PE teacher to supplement her income.
      No seamless lucrative hop from multimillion-pound player’s contract to multimillion- pound manager’s deal for Sarina.
      She had to graft to make her way as a manager. But along the way, she became a gifted and in- spirational leader.
      Most read in Football
      Within three years of gaining her full coaching licence, she led the Dutch women’s team to victory at the 2017 Euros and the final of the 2019 World Cup. Sound familiar?
      Last year, she took the Lionesses to victory at the European Women’s Championship and now our women’s team is in its first World Cup final.
      No wonder the FA are considering her as a potential successor to Gareth Southgate for the men’s national team.But for all her success, she is in a minority.
      Spain, who England will play today, have a male manager, as do many other women’s teams.
      Just 12 out of the 32 squads in this year’s World Cup are headed by female coaches, despite clear evidence that women leading women in sport adds up to success.
      And you have to ask — why are there so many blokes in charge, given that no women manage men’s teams?
      I was the first woman to hold a top-flight role in English football at Birmingham City, after joining the club as managing director aged 23.
      When I started out, I was subjected to the most overt sexist chauvinism.
      A chairman of a fellow football club claimed that I would do a “Sharon Stone” in a football tribunal to get out of a Football Association fine.
      I was banned from boardrooms — which had a “no women allowed” policy — and was once chanted at by 30,000 football fans with words too rude to print in a family newspaper.
      It was a slog and, at times, depressing. I always say that the boardroom door was the first door I kicked down, and I have held that door open as long and as wide as possible to get as many other women as possible through it over the past 30 years.
      So, whatever happens today, I’m proud of how far we have come.
      Women’s football in England has come a long way and a World Cup win would take it to the next levelCredit: PA
      A nation is gripped. And proud. And excited. We are in the finals and bossing it!
      As a result, people are taking women’s football more seriously than they ever have. For which I give a giant hurrah.
      These women deserve to be celebrated, and I back The Sun on Sunday’s calls to give out gongs to the Lionesses.
      But there is still some major catching up to do when it comes to parity with men’s football.
      First, there’s the economics of it. Forget making a profit, or even breaking even.
      Every Women’s Super League club loses money.
      The interest in the game is there on a national level, which is obviously wonderful.
      FIERCE AND FABULOUS
      But it does not yet filter down to domestic leagues.
      So, the truth is that the men’s teams are funding the women’s game.
      Domestic leagues can’t even think about equal pay at this stage as the broadcast, sponsorship and gate revenue of the WSL doesn’t add up to a hill of beans. But this is expected to change.
      The latest figures from 2022 show that the 12 WSL clubs boosted their revenue by 60 per cent in one year — and that’s before the inevitable World Cup effect.
      Nike have not made Mary Earps’ England goalkeeper replica jersey available to fansCredit: AP
      So it’s a shame that sponsors Nike have yet to notice this team is breaking the mould, and they need to address that.
      How ridiculous that fans can’t buy a replica of Mary Earps’ goalkeeper’s shirt because the sportswear giant doesn’t think it’s worth manufacturing one.
      Then there’s the massive disparity in prize money.
      This summer is the ninth Women’s World Cup and each member of the winning team will get £213,000 from a total tournament purse of £88.5million.
      Meanwhile, the men’s purse has grown to £345million.
      In my view, it’s time for FIFA to take the lead. The women’s World Cup earns almost £1billion.
      They rake in SO much money from all these ever-expanding tournaments and yet, from their accounts, which I have studied, it’s hard to work out what they do with it all.
      It would be great if they made it their business to redress the balance by paying female footballers more money from their gate and broadcasting revenue.
      This is something domestic leagues can’t do because their revenue just can’t support it.
      After all, if FIFA can afford to pay their President Gianni Infantino more than £3million a year, surely they can afford to equal the women and men’s prize money?
      Unfortunately, as fierce and fabulous as the Lionesses are, when it comes to women’s football there is still too much uncomfortable mirroring with the world of regular work, where men run the show, get paid more and are taken more seriously than women.
      But the success of Sarina and her team is a great reminder that if you want something done right, get a woman to do it.
      After all, football could be coming home today.
      Read More on The Sun
      If it does, it’s the women’s team who will be carrying it.
      Come on England!
      Attitudes towards women in football used to be archaic, says KarrenCredit: Caters News Agency More

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      England vs Spain LIVE – Women’s World Cup final: Latest updates from Sydney as Lionesses chase history

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      ENGLAND are gearing up to face Spain in their blockbuster Women’s World Cup final in Sydney.Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses are on the cusp of history, but must first face a Spain side who have been in stunning form despite off-field disarray.
      All is now set for what will be an epic final Down Under for the biggest prize.

      Kick-off: 11am BST
      TV channel: BBC 1 and ITV 1
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer and ITV X
      England XI: Team to follow…
      Spain XI: Team to follow…

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Where can I buy an England Women’s shirt?
      If you want to show your support for England’s women’s national team at the final of the World Cup, it is possible to buy a shirt.
      Lioness shirts can be bought through on the official England website and through the Nike website.
      The kits are also available through Foudys, which describes itself as “the first and only official store in the world dedicated to women’s football.”
      Shirts are priced at £79.95 each, though the England store has strips that are personalised with the names of the players which cost a little more, at £94.95.
      Credit: GETTY
      PM Bank Holiday pressure
      Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has since been placed under mounting pressure to give the people what they want.
      However, the Government have not announced any plans to grant an additional day off for the public.
      A Government spokesperson said: “The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established and there are no plans to change this.”
      Extra bank holidays have been granted by previous governments to mark special occasions, such as the Millennium, special events and royal weddings.
      Australia’s Prime Minister had backed calls for a public holiday if the Matildas won the trophy.
      Credit: PA
      Sarina Wiegman on Bank Holiday
      England’s women’s coach Sarina Wiegman is also backing calls for a bank holiday should the team secure the win.
      Speaking before the semi-final against Australia, Wiegman said: “Yes, I can see all the English here want it! I’m focusing on football and the game tomorrow.
      “Let’s do everything to win the game tomorrow.”
      Will there be a bank holiday if England win the Women’s World Cup?
      Football fans in the UK are excited as the England Lionesses have progressed to the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
      After a nail-biting semi-final against hosts Australia, the Lionesses came away the victors with a 3-1 win.
      England took on Australia at Sydney’s Stadium Australia which was sold out.
      This is the first time that the England Ladies will have played in a World Cup final.
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo helped to seal the Lioness’s place in the World Cup final.
      In a similar reaction, the public is calling for the government to give a bank holiday should the ladies bring home the trophy.
      More on Sarina Wiegman
      As an international player she gained 104 caps for the Netherlands but her most high-profile job has been her manager role with England.
      The Lionesses beat Spain in the quarter-finals at Euro 2022 before dismantling Sweden in the semi-finals.
      Wiegman then went on to clinch her second Women’s Euros title with two different nations when England beat Germany 2-1.
      Who is England manager Sarina Wiegman?
      Wiegman was born on October 26, 1969, in the Hague.
      She began playing football when she was a kid and went on to have a long career in the sport.
      Her playing career began at KFC 71 in 1987.
      Wiegman also played alongside football legends Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly while at the North Carolina Tar Heel’s soccer team at the University of North Carolina.
      Who is Spain manager Jorge Vilda Rodriguez?
      Jorge Vilda Rodriguez is a Spanish football coach and manager.
      He was born on July 7, 1981, in Madrid and has been head coach of Spain’s women’s national football team since 2015.
      Vilda was once a football player himself, having been a part of Real Madrid, Rayo Vallecano and FC Barcelona’s youth teams.
      But after two major knee injuries at the age of 17, he moved into coaching instead.
      Much of Vilda’s coaching career has seen him involved with Spain’s women’s youth squads.
      He took on the role of assistant coach at WU17 and WU19 level before becoming the head coach for Spain’s WU17s in 2009, a position he held for five years.
      Vilda is married to his wife María, who he reportedly shares two children with.
      Can Lauren James play for England in the Women’s World Cup final?
      England’s player of the tournament so far, Lauren James was sent off deep into the second half of standard time in the Lionesses’ last-16 clash with Nigeria.
      James got into a scuffle on the floor with Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, electing to stamp on her while she got off the deck herself.
      The referee immediately went to look at the VAR screen before brandishing her red card in James’ direction.
      James was handed an extended TWO game ban, missing the quarter-finals and the semi-finals.
      But this means she is now free to play in the World Cup final against Spain.
      “Lauren is really sorry for her actions which led to the red card and is full of remorse,” an England statement read.
      “It is wholly out of character for her. We will be supporting Lauren throughout and will be putting forward representation on her behalf. We fully respect FIFA disciplinary process and will not be making any further comment until after any decision.”
      Credit: GETTY
      Spain’s route to final
      Spain 3-0 Costa Rica (Group stage)
      Spain 5-0 Zambia (Group stage)
      Japan 4-0 Spain (Group stage)
      Switzerland 1-5 Spain (Last-16)
      Spain 2-1 Netherlands (Quarter-final)
      Spain 2-1 Sweden (Semi-final)
      England’s route to the final
      England 1-0 Haiti (Group stage)
      England 1-0 Denmark (Group stage)
      China 1-6 England (Group stage)
      England 0-0 Nigeria (Last-16)
      England 2-1 Colombia (Quarter-final)
      Australia 1-3 England (Semi-final)
      Credit: Alamy
      Women’s World Cup 2023 top scorers

      Hinata Miyazawa – Japan – 5
      Kadidiatou Diani – France – 4
      Alexander Popp – Germany – 4
      Jill Roord – Netherlands – 4
      Amanda Ilestedt – Sweden – 4
      Lauren James – England – 3
      Aitana Bonmati – Spain – 3
      Alba Redondo – Spain – 3
      Ary Borges – Brazil – 3
      Rebecka Blomqvist – Sweden – 3
      Jenni Hermoso – Spain – 3
      Eugenie Le Sommer – France – 3
      Sophie Haug – Norway – 3
      Hayley Raso – Australia – 3

      Credit: Getty
      SunSport’s prediction
      England have already beaten Spain once, and we expect them to do the same again on Sunday.
      The Lionesses have continued to prove that they are more than capable of winning when it really matters.
      And there is no bigger game than a World Cup final.
      Prediction: England 2-1 Spain
      Who will be England’s star player?
      Lauren Hemp was by far England’s stand-out player in the semi-finals.
      The forward has grown in confidence throughout the tournament and is now firmly in the race for the Golden Boot.
      Credit: Rex
      Jorge Vilda’s pre-match thoughts
      Vilda insists that Spain have grown in strength throughout the tournament.
      He said: “At the end of the day it has been a learning process, and I think it has made all of us stronger.
      “Now we can file it (any off-pitch issues) away and put it behind us and think about the future, and think that we deserve to be where we are.”
      Credit: REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
      How could the Lionesses line up?
      Sarina Wiegman faces the dilemma of whether to change her semi-final winning team to include World Cup star Lauren James.
      James has missed the last two games due to suspension after being shown a red card for stamping on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie in the Lionesses’ last-16 clash.
      Here is how we think England will line-up:

      Final team news
      Sarina Wiegman will have a full 23-woman squad to pick from on Sunday.
      Lauren James is set to return to the fold following her two-game suspension, but it remains to be seen whether or not she will slot straight back into the starting line-up.
      The England boss will likely stick with Ella Toone in midfield following her excellent performance against Australia.
      Spain manager Jorge Vilda also has a full squad to pick from.
      Star players Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati are both expected to start.
      Credit: Getty
      Lionesses chasing history
      Good evening and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of the Women’s World Cup final!
      England’s Lionesses booked their spot on the bill with a thrilling 3-1 win over Australia this week.
      But now Sarina Wiegman has her eyes firmly set on the prize.
      This will be England’s first-ever Women’s World Cup final, but the Lionesses are approaching the game with confidence.
      They are set to face Spain – one of the teams they beat on their way to Euro 2022 glory last summer.
      England earned a 2-1 win over La Roja under the lights at the Amex Stadium, but it was a nail-biting affair.
      And with the biggest trophy in women’s football at stake, Sunday’s final is set to be just as tense.
      Load more entries… More

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      Give Lionesses gongs for their heroics in Women’s World Cup, MPs demand as King Charles urges them to ‘roar to victory’

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      SUPER Sarina Wiegman and her roar-some Lionesses should get damehoods for their Women’s World Cup heroics, MPs demanded yesterday.The call came as Bobby Moore’s widow urged the England team to summon the spirit of 1966 and win the ­trophy just like the men did.
      England players celebrate the team’s victory against NigeriaCredit: Getty
      King Charles and Queen Camilla sent the England team a good luck messageCredit: Getty
      Prince William and Princess Charlotte also sent a personal message to the LionessesCredit: Instagram
      As King Charles and Prince William — together with Princess Charlotte — sent the squad best wishes, Stephanie Moore hailed the “once in a lifetime” opportunity in this morning’s final against Spain in Sydney.
      And England captain Millie Bright, 29, preparing for the biggest game of her life, said yesterday playing in the final was a dream come true for the players.
      Chelsea star Millie added: “Everyone knows how big this is.
      “As a group we’d like to say thank you, not only to the fans back home but the fans that are here as well. Stick with us one more game.”
      Read More on Lionesses

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      An audience of up to 15million back home is expected to watch on the BBC or ITV — with bookies slashing odds that it will be the year’s most viewed sporting event.
      Supporters will also cram into public fan zones across England.
      Ministers had urged councils to relax licensing laws so pubs can open for the 11am kick-off.
      England men’s boss Gareth Southgate, captain Harry Kane and ex-skipper David Beckham sent good luck messages.
      Most read in Football
      And PM Rishi Sunak — set to watch in a pub in his constituency in Richmond, North Yorks — wrote to Dutch coach Sarina and the team praising their “lasting legacy”.
      It came amid a growing clamour for the team and manager to be honoured. Tory MP for Mid-Derbyshire Pauline Latham said: “They should all be honoured — win or lose. They absolutely deserve it.”
      Fellow Tory MP Kevin Foster added: “The Lionesses have inspired the whole nation and done us all proud. Well-earned gongs should be swiftly awarded.”
      And Labour MP Chris Evans said: “Bobby Moore died without a gong because it took them so long to honour the 1966 side. Let’s not make the same mistake.
      “Win or lose, let’s recognise the incredible achievement of the Lionesses getting this far.”
      After manager Wiegman, 53, led England to their Euros triumph at Wembley last year, only selected players got gongs.
      Captain Leah Williamson, 26, who has missed the World Cup through injury, was made an OBE.
      Team-mates Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze and Ellen White were made MBEs.
      Yesterday, Cabinet Office sources said the whole team and manager were likely to be honoured — if they win.
      But another Tory MP Caroline Nokes, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee in Parliament, said: “Win or Lose we should designate the late August bank holiday ‘Lioness Day’.”
      Stephanie, 72, who set up the Bobby Moore fund after his death from bowel cancer, said: “What a wonderful journey the Lionesses have been on, with success at the Euros on home turf and now this once in a lifetime chance to lift the World Cup.”
      She added: “I think they have been a credit to themselves, to football and to the country.”
      The King last night gave the team his support in a social media message. It was timed at 10pm so the Lionesses saw it as they woke up in Sydney.
      In it, Charles said: “Good luck today and may you roar to victory.”
      He signed off the message — alongside an image of a lioness — with his royal cypher, Charles R.
      Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 76, were set to watch the game at home on the Balmoral estate.
      FA president William, 41, has faced flak for not attending the final — but is said to have opted not to travel to keep down his carbon footprint.
      Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has been scrambled to represent the Government there amid criticism over the absence of the PM and senior ministers.
      William sent a good luck message to the squad last night, with Princess Charlotte melting hearts as she joined her dad.
      Sitting on a bench together, he placed his arm around his daughter, eight, as he spoke.
      ‘Keep believing’
      The Prince of Wales said: “Lionesses, we want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow. We are sorry we can’t be there in person but we are so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you have inspired here and around the world. So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
      Charlotte, with a football on her lap, added on the social media video: “Good luck Lionesses.”
      One follower on X/Twitter said: “Lovely message of support, and wonderful to see Princess Charlotte.”
      Another added: “What an adorable video. Princess Charlotte is such a beautiful little girl.”
      Southgate’s message said: “You’re doing a brilliant job. I wish you the very best for the final and we hope you can bring that trophy back.”
      And ex-Tottenham striker Kane said: “Hi Lionesses — best of luck for the World Cup final. Amazing journey so far, you should be really proud of yourselves.
      “We’re all behind you, so go and get that World Cup win and bring that trophy home.”
      Ex-England and Man Utd superstar Beckham shared pictures online of the Lionesses as children.
      And he said: “These young footballers never stopped believing and grew up to become our incredible Lionesses. Good luck — whatever happens the whole country is so proud of everything you’ve achieved to get to this historic moment.
      “Keep believing, play with the amazing passion and team spirit you show every time you take to the pitch.”
      An army of 6,000 England fans will roar on the Lionesses in Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
      Some have flown out just for the match. Law boss Harriet Leach, 38, of London said: “I got off the plane on Friday. I came in especially.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s a 24-hour flight and it’s expensive — but what the girls are doing on the pitch is absolutely incredible.”
      Additional reporting: Ryan Sabey
      Rishi Sunak is set to watch the match in a pub in his constituency in Richmond, North YorksCredit: Getty
      The PM wrote to Dutch coach Sarina and the team praising their ‘lasting legacy’
      England captain Millie Bright said playing in the final was a ‘dream come true’ for the playersCredit: Getty
      Mel B sent the Lionesses this message: ‘Best of luck to you fabulous women !! I’m behind you all the way! GOAL POWER!’Credit: Getty
      Simon Cowell wrote: ‘Best of luck to the Lionesses in the World Cup Final. You have already made your country proud, now we are all dreaming you bring that Cup home’Credit: Getty
      Amanda Holden said: ‘You’re smashing it Girls! The whole country loves you and is so proud. Good luck and bring it home’Credit: AFP
      King Charles and Queen Camila sent the Lionesses this roarring messageCredit: Instagram’Keep believing’

      David Beckham said: “These young footballers never stopped believing and grew up to become our incredible Lionesses… and now they will play in a game that dreams are made of.
      “Good luck to the @lionesses ahead of the World Cup final – whatever happens the whole country is so proud of everything you’ve achieved to get to this historic moment.
      “Keep believing, play with the amazing passion and team spirit you show every time you take to the pitch. More

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      I’m England’s ‘TikTok Queen’ and made my own clothes brand to take on Nike – now I’m hoping to win the Women’s World Cup

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      ENGLAND’s No1 Mary Earps is her country’s TikTok queen, who has an eye for business.The 30-year-old goalkeeper looks set to start between the sticks in Sunday’s World Cup final when the Lionesses face Spain.
      Mary Earps launched her own clothing brand after a row with NikeCredit: Instagram @1maryearps
      Earps is known as the ‘TikTok Queen’ thanks to her hilarious videosCredit: TikTok @1maryearps
      But off the pitch she has her own clothing brand.
      Earlier this year, Earps set up MAE27 to allow fans an alternative shirt to buy after Nike failed to deliver one.
      The motto for the label is ‘Be unapologetically yourself’, as the shotstopper aims to cap off an incredible achievement of being a World Cup winner.
      Thinking ahead
      Back in 2016, Earps completed a degree in Information Management and Business Studies.
      Read more Lionesses news
      That encouraged her to think about a career after football, so she turned to fashion.
      Her row with Nike increased her desire as she produced her own T-shirts with her brand name Mae27 plastered on them.
      The American brand shamefully revealed in July that England fans would be unable to buy her jersey.
      Fans took to a petition – which gathered almost 50,000 signatures.
      Most read in Football
      “It’s a very scary message that’s being sent to goalkeepers worldwide that ‘you’re not important,” Earps said.
      “It’s hugely disappointing and very hurtful.”
      Nike, finally, decided they had to act and FA chief Mark Bullingham revealed there is a plan in place for shirts to be able to buy before England’s game against Spain.
      Nike failed to make Earps’ shirt for saleCredit: Getty
      Social media star
      Such acts have made Earps a popular figure online.
      But it’s on TikTok where her personality has really shone.
      Alongside team-mate Millie Bright, she’s not afraid to show off her dance moves and love of music.
      That’s interspersed with training clips and more clowning around with her football pals, including Ella Toone and Alessia Russo.
      Her fellow Lionesses call her the ‘TikTok Queen’, and it’s easy to understand why.
      She has amassed a staggering 750,000 followers on the platform and drawn a remarkable 11.4million likes on the video sharing site.
      Funny Earps provides some light relief on TikTok
      She’s come a long way
      Earps made her debut when she was just 17 with Doncaster in the WSL.
      At the same time, she was working part-time in a cinema.
      Back in February, she scooped the ‘Best Goalkeeper’ at the Fifa awards. She has come a long way.
      “I’m grateful for every single part of my journey because it’s made me the character and person I am,” Earps told Mail Sport last year.
      “You know when to demand more from certain situations that aren’t acceptable.”
      But, it wasn’t always this way. In 2020, she couldn’t dislodge regular keepers Carly Telford, Ellie Roebuck, Hannah Hampton and Sandy MacIver in the England pecking order.
      “I got to a point where I felt I had sort of reached my limits,’ Earps said.
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      Back in February, Earps was crowned best goalkeeper at the Fifa awardsCredit: Getty
      “I had given football a good go, but wasn’t quite good enough. I had responsibilities, I had a mortgage and it wasn’t adding up.”
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      Throughout the World Cup, Earps has stood firm when England have needed her and is the calming influence on the Lionesses defence.
      Sunday, she will be hoping to be a World Cup winner, alongside ‘TikTok Queen’ and fashion designer. More

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      Who is footballer Alba Redondo?

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      ALBA REDONDO has enjoyed huge success at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and will now represent her country in the final.The Spanish football player will take on England as part of Jorge Vilda’s squad at the FIFA tournament.
      Alba Redondo is part of Spain’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squadCredit: Alex Grimm – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
      Who is Alba Redondo?
      Alba Redondo is a Spanish professional footballer.
      She was born on August 27, 1996 in Albacete, Spain.
      According to La Liga’s official website, the sports star is 169cm tall.
      Redondo is in a relationship with girlfriend Cristina Monleón.
      Read More on Women’s World Cup
      Monleón was seen kissing her partner in the stand at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      The pair also regularly share pictures of themselves together on social media.
      Redondo’s football career began in the youth system of her hometown club Fundación Albacete.

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      She then worked her way up to play for the senior team.
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      In June 2019, after scoring 53 goals for Albacete, Redondo signed for Valencian club Levante.
      In 2023 it was reported that the club had renewed the striker’s contract until June 2024.
      Redondo has been linked to a number of other clubs, such as Real Madrid, but in an August 2023 interview she seemed to put the transfer rumours to rest.
      Speaking to The Athletic, Redondo said she feels “at home” at Levante, adding: “It’s been a magnificent season for me in every way”.
      The football star has a tattoo on her arm with the phrase: “Arriba los corazones,” which translates to “up with hearts”.
      The inking is a tribute to her late uncle, who died in 2003 while serving in the Spanish army. 
      Redondo can be seen kissing the tattoo every time she scores a goal.
      When did Alba Redondo join the Spanish national team?
      Redondo made her debut for Spain’s senior national team in November 2018.
      She joined the squad after being spotted by talent scouts.
      Redondo was chosen by Spain manager Vilda to be a part of his FIFA Women’s World Cup squad.
      The forward scored three goals in four matches at the competition, which was held in Australia and New Zealand.
      She scored twice against Zambia and once against Switzerland.
      What is Alba Redondo’s salary?
      Redondo’s salary has not been disclosed publicly but she is thought to be worth around £300,000.
      Read More on The Sun
      As well as her football salary, Redondo also earns money from her sponsorship deals.
      The star is an ambassador for Puma and can often be seen wearing the Puma Future Ultimate boots. More

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      Who is Barcelona and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas?

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      ALEXIA PUTELLAS is widely regarded as one of the best female footballers in the world.The sports star will represent Spain at the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup when her team take on Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses.
      Alexia Putellas of Spain will represent her country at the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World CupCredit: Maja Hitij – FIFA
      Who is Alexia Putellas?
      Alexia Putella is a Spanish and Catalan professional football player.
      She was born on February 4, 1994 in Mollet del Vallès, Barcelona.
      Putellas played basketball as a child but became interested in football when she started school and joined a club when she was seven years old.
      She played for Sabadell from 2001 until 2005, moving to Barcelona girls’ youth team for a year afterwards.
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      From 2006 until 2011 she was a part of the Espanyol girls’ team before moving to Valencian club Levante.
      In 2012 she joined Barcelona’s senior team and has remained with the squad ever since.
      Sadly, Putella’s father Jaume Putellas Rota passed away shortly before she joined Barcelona.
      With the La Liga side Putellas has won seven league titles, seven Copas de la Reina, and two UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies.
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      In 2021 the star won the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Award, the Ballon d’Or Féminin, and The Best FIFA Women’s Player, becoming the first player to win all three in the same year.
      She achieved this feat once again in 2022.
      Nike-sponsored Putellas has gained the nickname “La Reina”, meaning the Queen, from fans.
      She has been awarded the Creu de Sant Jordi, one of the highest civilian orders in Catalonia, making her one of only three footballers to receive the honour.
      Lionel Messi and Johan Cruyff are the other players to achieve this.
      When did Alexia Putellas join the Spanish national team?
      Putellas has played for the Spanish national team since she was a teen.
      She began playing for Spain’s youth national team at 15 and earned her first cap for the senior team in 2003, when she was 19 years old.
      Putellas has represented her country at the 2013 European Championship finals, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2017 UEFA Women’s Euros and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      In 2022 she became the first player to reach 100 caps with Spain’s national women’s team.
      Putellas was one of fifteen Spanish players who wrote letters to Spain’s football federation in September 2022, threatening to quit if manager Jorge Vilda was not fired.
      Despite the revolt against Vilda, she was called up by the coach for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
      What is Alexia Putellas’ salary?
      Putellas reportedly earns around £300,000 annually.
      She has an estimated net worth of almost £1.2million.
      Read More on The Sun
      Putellas has amassed this fortune through her career as a player and as her sponsorship and brand deals.
      As well as her deal with Nike, the player has been a brand ambassador for big names like Oakley, Spotify and Mango. More

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      Prince William & Charlotte send good luck message to England’s Lionesses – and apologise for missing historic final

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      PRINCE William and adorable Princess Charlotte have wished England’s Lionesses good luck in a heartfelt video. The royal pair sent their best wishes to the woman’s team ahead of the historic World Cup final tomorrow.
      The Prince of Wales wished the Lionesses good luck and apologised they couldn’t be thereCredit: Instagram
      In a clip posted on Instagram, the Prince of Wales said: “Lionesses we want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
      “We’re sorry we can’t be there in person but we’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world.
      “So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
      “Good luck Lionesses,” added Princess Charlotte, holding a football in her show of support for the inspiring team.

      This comes as England’s World Cup final on Sunday is odds-on to smash UK viewing figures and become this year’s most-watched sporting event.
      The Lionesses roared into the final after beating hosts Australia 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final.
      Their amazing win came thanks to goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
      Pubs up and down the country were packed as supporters roared the Lionesses to victory.
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      Tomorrow’s final against Spain will represent the first time an England side has made a World Cup final since 1966.
      And, the Lionesses will be hoping it’s the first time an England side has won a World Cup trophy since then too.
      England manager Sarina Wiegman led the team to European Championship last year and could now go down in history tomorrow.
      Wiegman told BBC Sport: “We achieved the final!
      “It’s unbelievable, it feels like we won [the tournament] which we didn’t, we just won this game – in an incredible stadium, an away game, the way we played – it was a hard game, but we found a way to win again.
      “Australia have had an incredible tournament, they grew into the tournament.
      “They had some setbacks, they had to win their last group-stage game and then they got better and better.
      “I just said to [assistant manager] Arjan, having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I never take anything for granted, but it’s like I’m living in a fairytale or something.”

      Princess Charlotte held a football in her show of support for the teamCredit: Instagram More