Women’s World Cup 2023

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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

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      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.
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      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.
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      “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.
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      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.
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      “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.”
      Read More on The Sun
      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.
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      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.

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      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.
      Read More on Women’s World Cup
      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

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      Is the Women’s World Cup trophy made of gold and how much is it worth?

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      THE 2023 Women’s World Cup is set to culminate in a face-off between Spain and England.The football squads will compete at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, with the hopes of bringing home the coveted trophy for their team – and their country.
      Spain and England will compete for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup trophyCredit: Isabel Infantes/Shutterstock
      What is the Women’s World Cup trophy made of?
      According to FIFA, the Women’s World Cup trophy is made of sterling silver but is covered in 23 karat white and yellow gold.
      The trophy measures 47 centimetres and weighs 4.6 kilograms.
      The award’s design features a spiral with a football at the top.
      There is also a cone-shaped platform at the bottom of the trophy, where the names of past winners of the tournament are displayed.
      Read More on Women’s World Cup
      FIFA states that the composition of the trophy symbolises “the athleticism, dynamism and elegance of women’s football”.
      The trophy was designed by William Sawaya for the 1999 Women’s World Cup, held in the USA.
      It was handcrafted in Milan, Italy.
      The current trophy is the second iteration of the Women’s World Cup prize.
      Most read in Football
      The first trophy was only awarded at the first two Women’s World Cups in 1991 and 1995.
      It had to be replaced after it was stolen in 1997 from the Ullevaal stadium in Oslo following Norway’s 1995 win.
      How much is the trophy worth?
      According to reports, in 2015 the Women’s World Cup trophy had an estimated value of around £23,000 in 2015.
      The Men’s World Cup trophy, meanwhile, was valued at £227,000 in 2022.
      That trophy is made up of 6.175 kilograms of 18 karat gold.
      Which teams have won the most Women’s World Cup trophies?
      The United States is the team that has won the most Women’s World Cup tournaments.
      They have lifted the trophy four times, in 1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019.
      The US squad has also had the most top four finishes at the tournament, having made it to the semi-finals eight times.
      They also have made five appearances in a Women’s World Cup final, making them the team with the most final appearances.
      Germany have won the Women’s World Cup the second-most times.
      They have two victories to their name, having been crowned champions in 2003 and 2007.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Lionesses have never secured World Cup glory but have reached the semi-finals twice, in 2015 and 2019
      Their 2023 opponents, Spain, will also be winning for the first time if victorious at the World Cup final. More

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      Women’s World Cup final live stream and TV guide: How to watch England take on Spain for FREE

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      ENGLAND will be involved in their first-ever Women’s World Cup final on Sunday as they take on Spain in Sydney.The Lionesses beat co-hosts Australia in their own backyard in a thrilling semi-final.
      Alessia Russo was on the scoresheet in England’s Women’s World Cup semi-final clash against AustraliaCredit: GETTY
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo helped England to a historic 3-1 win.
      Serina Weigman’s side beat their final opponents Spain on their route to Euro 2022 glory last summer.
      SunSport has all the details so you don’t miss the Women’s World Cup final.
      How can I watch the Women’s World Cup final?
      The Women’s World Cup final will be broadcast LIVE on both ITV 1 and BBC One.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      ITV 1 will begin their coverage at 9:25am BST on Sunday morning (August 20) and BBC One’s show will start at 9:45am BST.
      Laura Woods will be on presenting duties for ITV with analysis from Karen Carney and Eni Aluko.
      For BBC, Gabby Logan will be the presenter with Alex Scott amongst the team of pundits.
      How can I watch the Women’s World Cup final FREE?
      The Women’s World Cup final will be available to watch for FREE via the ITVX app/website and the BBC iPlayer app/website, providing you have a valid TV license.
      Most read in Football
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action from Sydney by following SunSport’s live blog. More

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      I sold my home TWICE to pay for my daughter’s footy career… now she’s on verge of Women’s World Cup glory with England

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      THE mother of England star Georgia Stanway has revealed she had to sell her home twice to help her daughter’s football career. Joanne Stanway felt the immense expense of taking Georgia to and from football matches and training whilst she was an academy player.
      Joanne Stanway had to downsize her house twice to help fund her daughter Georgia’s football careerCredit: Youtube – No1Fan Club
      Georgia Stanway is now 90 minutes away from being a World Cup winnerCredit: Alamy
      Joanne, who is a teacher, was given permission to leave work early in order to take Georgia to her training sessions for Blackburn Rovers in a three-hour round trip from their home in Barrow, Cumbria.
      She spoke about the financial strain and how it led to her having to downsize their home twice.
      Speaking to The Mirror, she said: “There wasn’t a lot of money in girls’ football. In my case, I got a grant of £250 a year from the local council which covered about ten journeys to training, and then I got about £500 from the county council.
      “But it was still hard and I had a good job. I found myself really stretched financially and I downsized twice for extra money.”
      READ MORE ON LIONESSES
      But the hard work paid off with Georgia now a huge star for the Lionesses and a starting midfielder for German giants Bayern Munich.
      The former Manchester City player always seemed confident that she would make it to the very top though despite what others may have told her.
      When an academy coach suggested she should start considering a different career as “only one” player from her academy group would make it to the professional game, Georgia told her mum: “Don’t worry mum, I’ll be the one.”
      And she certainly has become a roaring success with the 24-year-old on the brink of winning the Women’s World Cup.
      Most read in Football
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      Georgia has played a part in every game as England have stormed their way through to the World Cup final after beating Australia 3-1 in the semi-final.
      She got the Lionesses’ tournament off to a winning start, scoring the only goal in their opening clash with Haiti from the spot.
      Georgia has featured in every game for the Lionesses at the World CupCredit: Getty
      She has now made 56 appearances for the England national teamCredit: Getty More