Women’s World Cup 2023

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      How FA chiefs refuse to recognise Lionesses’ 1971 World Cup campaign – and why they punished stars when they returned

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      STEPPING out into the sweltering Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, Carol Wilson felt the ground shake as 97,000 fans went wild at the arrival of the two football teams.Aged just 19, she was the youngest player ever to captain an England team — and she was doing so with a broken foot.Manager Harry Batt with the 1971 England squad that played in the Mexico Women’s World Cup – but were shunned and punished by the Football AssociationCredit: © New Black Films ltd / MirrorpixFormer England captain Carol Wilson received a six-month suspension for taking part in the tournamentCredit: SuppliedAt the 1971 tournament Paula Raynor, above, became England’s youngest goal scorer when she netted against Argentina aged 15Credit: AlamyYet until now Carol’s heroics at the 1971 Women’s World Cup have been forgotten and the Football Association still won’t reward any of the side with a cap, the usual recognition for players who represent their country in an international match.At the same tournament Paula Raynor became England’s youngest goal scorer when she netted against Argentina aged 15.But their names are unlikely to appear in any pub quiz, as those records are very much unofficial.In Mexico we weren’t interested in the politics, all we wanted to do was play footballCarol WilsonAnd rather than being feted for representing England, the whole team which went to Mexico were BANNED from playing for between three and six months.Their crime was to have dared to stand up to the sport’s male rulers, who didn’t want women to take part in the beautiful game.But now, thanks to documentary film Copa 71, produced by tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams, their dedication to women’s football is finally being properly celebrated.Carol, 72, from Shipdham, Norfolk, tells The Sun: “I was elated to represent my country.“In Mexico we weren’t interested in the politics, all we wanted to do was play football.Most read in Football“I got injured against Argentina, but there was no way I was going to miss the game against Mexico.‘Pretty girls’“It was painful playing with a broken foot, but at times the adrenalin was so high I didn’t notice it. It was only when I came off when I went ‘Ouch’.”Paula Raynor became England’s youngest goal scorer aged 15 in the 1971 Women’s World CupWomen’s football was popular at the start of the 20th century, with fans filling stadiums. But in 1921 the game’s ruling body banned women from playing in affiliated grounds.That restriction remained in place for another half a century.At home it would only be a few friends and family watching us on the recreational pitches. We weren’t allowed in the stadiums in England Paula RaynorIt meant that neither Carol nor Paula could join a school team and had to pursue their sporting passion on park pitches in front of “one man and his dog”.Then some enterprising Mexican businessmen made plans which would change all that. They realised they could make good use of the stadiums built for the 1970 men’s World Cup in the country by holding a women’s competition the following summer.Here, Luton bus conductor Harry Batt petitioned the Women’s FA, which had only been formed in 1969, to allow him to put together a team to take to the tournament.But rather than helping, the association is said to have told female footballers they faced being black-listed if they did go to Mexico.Paula says: “The WFA restricted Harry on which players he could take. I have heard that some players were warned off going to Mexico.”But with the help of his wife June, Harry managed to convince drinks giant Martini & Rossi to sponsor the trip and found 14 women to go.Both Paula, who ran out for Chiltern Valley Ladies, and Carol, an RAF fitness instructor, had played for England at an unofficial World Cup held in Italy the previous year.Achievement ignoredThat gave them some experience of playing in proper stadiums, and Paula recalls: “We played in Milan and in Juventus (Turin).“At home it would only be a few friends and family watching us on the recreational pitches. We weren’t allowed in the stadiums in England.”The team finished third in Italy but because the tournament had been organised by the breakaway Federation of Independent European Female Football, the men’s ruling body refused to recognise the achievement.Harry’s team entered the 1971 World Cup as the British Independents to get around the FA’s rules, yet the team was listed as England by the tournament organisers and they wore the traditional all-white kit.On their arrival in Mexico the players were greeted by camera flashes as they got off the plane, with crowds outside the airport and locals throwing presents at their bus.Nearly 400 children watched their training session and the local Press wrote about England’s “pretty girls”.But nothing could have prepared them for entering Mexico City’s towering Azteca Stadium for their first match against Argentina.Paula says: “The first thing that hits you is the heat, then the noise, and then the size of the pitch. You think, ‘Oh my God’. It’s a very big pitch. It takes you by surprise, then, once the whistle goes, it blocks out.”Until Paula watched the new documentary, she could not remember scoring her equaliser.She says: “Because of how the WFA treated us, a lot of stuff was blocked because I didn’t talk about it.“I knew I scored a goal but it was not until I watched the premiere of Copa 71 that I knew I headed it in.”Carol broke her foot going for a 50-50 ball and England lost 4-1 to the South Americans.The next match against the hosts Mexico proved to be even bigger. Carol says: “I remember standing in the tunnel for Mexico and it didn’t affect me until then — my legs turned to jelly.”The 97,000-strong crowd is the biggest for an England women’s game, but sadly they lost 4-0. Yet despite the disappointment, Carol says she was not too downhearted.She recalls: “I know all the girls had tried 110 per cent and to think we had come from six people and a dog on a Sunday, I thought at the time women’s football was going to be massive.”Although they had been knocked out, England were invited to stay in Mexico until the tournament ended.They were treated as celebrities, appearing in newspapers and magazines and opening shops.The final, in which Denmark beat Mexico 3-0, had a crowd of 110,000, proving there certainly was an appetite for the women’s game.My achievements were never announced at school and because we arrived back from Mexico a week after the school term had started I got into trouble with the headmistressPaula RaynorThe tournament also showed that women could be just as hot-blooded about this physical sport as the men, because in the semi-final between Mexico and Italy play was stopped ten minutes early due to an on-field brawl. After the tournament was over, the joy for Harry’s team turned out to be short-lived.There was no one to meet them at the airport back in England and only one journalist turned up to ask them about the tournament.The WFA banned Harry from football for life, Carol received a six-month suspension and the rest of the players three months.Carol’s treatment on her return from Mexico took away the joy from playing the game she adored.The Lionesses of 1971 training in the familiar England strip – but the team’s achievements were ignored by the FACredit: MirrorpixEngland players training with coach Pat Dunn in MexicoCredit: MirrorpixWhen she attended an event at Newcastle United, the team she had supported since childhood, a compere ridiculed her on stage in front of her father.And her newlywed husband told her to give up football.Ticking off at schoolCarol recalls: “He didn’t approve. We had just been married and he didn’t think women should play football anyway and he whinged about me having to go away.”Paula, meanwhile, received a ticking off at school.She says: “My achievements were never announced at school and because we arrived back from Mexico a week after the term had started I got into trouble with the headmistress.”After leaving school she joined the RAF and kept playing until her first pregnancy at 25. Without them, and many others, the women’s game would not be where it is todayFA spokesman, 2024Today, the authorities are finally recognising these sporting pioneers.Last year a blue plaque was unveiled in Luton to honour the team and its founders Harry and June Batt.And the FA acknowledges that the players who went to Mexico changed the face of the game.A spokesman told The Sun: “The talented and courageous women who travelled to Mexico in 1971 significantly contributed to the formation of the England women’s team in 1972 and without them, and many others, the women’s game would not be where it is today.”But they still only issue caps to England’s women players who were given permission to play by the FA from November 1972 onwards.Mother-of-three Paula, 67, from Southport, Merseyside, is pleased by how much has changed for women’s football in the past few years.England’s Lionesses winning the Euros in 2022 and reaching the World Cup final last year has made modern players such as captain Leah Williamson household names.READ MORE SUN STORIESPaula says: “The women’s game is so different now, it’s fantastic. The recent growth, since the Euros, it’s phenomenal.”
      Copa 71 is in cinemas from March 8.
      Carol and team mate Yvonne Bradley arrive home from Mexico in plasterDenmark’s Inger Pedersen lifts the trophy in an echo of England’s Bobby Moore in 1966Credit: TopFotoCELEBRATE THESE COPA HEROINESBy Sandra Brobbey, Women’s Football Reporter
      IT’S a travesty that Carol Wilson, Paula Raynor and their team-mates were treated so shabbily for daring to play in a tournament worthy of more recognition than it currently gets.
      And it’s bizarre that those who chose to represent England at this unofficial women’s world cup come home to face bans and suspensions.
      While there is much to do to help the sport continue to grow, the women’s game has thankfully come a long way since England went toe-to-toe with Mexico in the Azteca stadium.
      On these shores a record crowd of more than 87,000 flocked to Wembley to watch the Lionesses win the Euros two years ago.
      The success of the 1971 tournament helped pave the way for such moments and for the women’ game to become what it is today.
      The efforts of Wilson, Raynor and all the women who competed in this contest should be more widely celebrated.
      Hopefully the release of Copa 71 will lead to that. More

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      Inside the ‘secret World Cup’ where England squad were blacklisted and ‘no one wanted to know’

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      COPA 71 is the story of women’s football miles away from the one we know today.The rise of the WSL and Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses have seen the likes of Chloe Kelly, Leah Williamson and Mary Earps become household names.
      Manager Harry Batt received a lifetime ban from football for bringing the Lionesses to a World Cup in 1971Credit: Mirrorpix
      The team became celebrities during their time in MexicoCredit: Mirrorpix
      They were mobbed wherever they travelled in MexicoCredit: Mirrorpix
      But back in 1971, with women’s football banned by the FA, England’s Lionesses were forced to compete in a women’s World Cup in secret.
      For years, nothing was known about the event in Mexico, with the FA moving to ban all the women involved in the tournament from football and the press not being interested in covering it.
      But the story of the tournament is about to have a spotlight shone on it thanks to a new documentary produced by Venus and Serena Williams called Copa 71.
      In it, we find out how a 60-year-old bus conductor from Luton named Harry Batt assembled an England team to compete in the secret tournament.
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      Batt found players by scouting playing fields and parks, and managed to cobble together 14 talented female players to fly to the tournament in Mexico.
      While there was zilch about it in the UK press at the time, the women who played in the tournament spoke about the experience to the Sunday Times.
      Trudy McAffrey, 69, Carol Wilson, 72, and Chris Lockwood, 67, said they were treated like celebrities in Mexico – with paparazzi following their every move and the team being invited to lavish parties at foreign embassies.
      Lockwood spoke of how the tournament energised Mexico and described “all the young kids wanting autographs.”
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      McAffrey considered throwing away all her souvenirs from the tournament – including this photograph due to the shame of the banCredit: Mirrorpix
      The team were invited to embassies in Mexico during the tournamentCredit: Mirrorpix
      It was the first time many of the squad members had travelled outside of EnglandCredit: Mirrorpix
      Although England were knocked out at the group stage it did not put a dampener on the squad’s experience, with Lockwood saying: “At the end, two children came with a plaque drawn in crayons that said, ‘You might have lost the game, but you’ve won the heart of Mexico.”
      Rather than fly home, the Lionesses were invited to stay in Mexico until the final “We were invited to a cocktail party in the British Embassy — it was a grand affair,” says Wilson, who was 19 and able to drink. “I remember seeing Leah [Caleb, the youngest member of the squad] reaching for the drinks tray — she was only 13!”
      But the story takes a sad turn when McAffrey described the squad “coming home to a nothingness” when they returned to England.
      Mary Earps, Lauren Hemp and Millie Bright given gongs as sport & music stars celebrated in New Year’s Honours list
      “Only a few weeks before, we had been playing football at a packed-out stadium,” she said. “No one wanted to know. It was bizarre.”
      The FA blacklisted manager Harry Batt for life and all the women were handed bans ranging between three months and 12 from playing football.
      The shame of being shunned by the FA led to the squad losing touch. “I think because it was banned, it made it feel like we did something wrong,” McCaffery says. “Not that long ago, I came close to just chucking my stuff [souvenirs from the tournament] away. I thought, who’s interested in this? It doesn’t mean anything to anybody.”
      It wasn’t until 47 years later that the squad were reunited after Lockwood, McCaffery and Wilson went on BBC Radio 4 and The One Show to launch a call-out to reunite the squad.
      The documentary also sees women from the Danish, Mexican and Italian teams interviewed, with many of them needing a lot of convincing to talk on the record.
      Co-director of Copa 71, Rachel Ramsay said: “The women are traumatised. The shame that they were made to feel was so intense. Many of them hadn’t even told their families they’d taken part.”
      The players were asked for autographs wherever they went in MexicoCredit: Mirrorpix
      But described coming back to ‘nothingness’ in EnglandCredit: Mirrorpix
      Jan Emms spoke of her pride at seeing the Lionesses reach the women’s World Cup final last yearCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
      As well as shining a light on the England team, the documentary highlights just how much the development of women’s football was stilted by bans on women playing football across multiple countries.
      With national teams becoming celebrities in Mexico, the final at the Azteca was a sell-out, attended by 112,500 spectators.
      Despite this being the highest ever attendance recorded for a women’s football game, FIFA only recently officially acknowledged this due to the tournament not being officially sanctioned.
      One of the members of the England squad, Jan Emms, the mother of badminton star Gail told the Sun last year that she was full of joy to see England’s Lionesses make the final of the women’s World Cup, this time in one sanctioned by FIFA.
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      She said: “This World Cup final is the ultimate vindication of what we did.”
      “All 14 of us are still alive and able to see this happen. We never in our wildest dreams thought that an England women’s team would get to a World Cup final.” More

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      England 7 Austria 2: Grace Clinton nets during dream debut as Lionesses crush European rivals

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      GRACE CLINTON showed amazing grace in England’s attack with a dream debut finish in the Lionesses’ humbling of Austria on Friday. Sarina Wiegman’s faith in the Tottenham’s starlet was rewarded during the 7-2 thumping that included Beth Mead netting a brace.
      Grace Clinton impressed in her first senior appearance for England netting the Lionesses’ second goalCredit: Getty
      Beth Mead and Alessia Russo both bagged two goals each with Sarina Wiegman’s side overwhelming AustriaCredit: Getty
      Aggie Beever-Jones and Khiara Keating were unused subs for England but could be in line for some minutes against ItalyCredit: Getty
      The performance saw last summer’s World Cup finalists get their Euros qualifiers preparations off to a flier.
      The team are to begin their battle for a place in next summer’s contest in April.
      And the result of the friendly played in southern Spain, means England are yet to be beaten by their rivals who fell to a tenth loss to the Lionesses.
      Although Austria got on the scoresheet twice at the at the Estadio Nuevo Mirador, the team struggled against their opponents’ press.
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      Before the game Wiegman spoke of experimenting and her players being over the heartbreak of missing out on play-offs for a Paris Olympics football spot for Team GB.
      It took her new look side, with Clinton making her first appearance, just three minutes to get off the mark.
      It was a opening goal out of Arsenal’s playbook with Gunners aces Alessia Russo and Mead combining and Russo pouncing on rebound of Mead shot’s for a tap-in.
      Austria’s nightmare start showed no signs of easing as England punished erroneous passes out from the back.
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      A swift counter saw them double their lead with Clinton heading home in the 19th minute just moments after striking the post.
      Against the run of play Austria pulled a goal back with England caught cold from a corner kick.
      That moment saw an unmarked Virginia Kirchberger head beyond an outstretched Hannah Hampton to make it 2-1 with half an hour gone.
      But any hopes of a miraculous fight back were thwarted with Mead’s stunning curled shot flying past her Gunners goalkeeper team-mate Manuela Zinsberger.
      The second half saw Wiegman shuffle her deck with Jess Carter and Jess Park among the players entering the fray.
      And Russo bagged her second after Sarah Zadrazil was caught in possession in the 61sth minute before making way for Rachel Daly.
      Carter added to the drubbing with a flicked finish past Zinsberger late on.
      Jess Carter got in the scoring with a flicked finish following an assist from Lotte Wubben-MoyCredit: Getty
      But Kirchberger caught England cold again from a set-piece with the defender out leaping Esme Morgan before Mead fired in England’s sixth goal with a minute of normal time left.
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      And Daly’s rifled in the team’s seventh after beating Zinsberger one-on-one in injury time.
      A friendly duel with Italy is up next for the Lionesses on Tuesday. More

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      London Overground line to be named after iconic England side following £6m rebrand

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      THE new names of London’s six Overground lines have been revealed, with one set to be named after England’s Lionesses.Transport for London (TfL) has announced the changes are expected to cost about £6.3m to complete.
      TFL will name one of the new London Overground lines after the LionessesCredit: Getty
      TfL announced last summer its plan to give routes distinct names to make it easier for passengers to navigate the network.
      The new names for services will be the Lioness line, the Mildmay line, the Windrush line, the Weaver line, the Suffragette line and the Liberty line.
      Each will also have its own colour.
      With the Lioness line running from Euston to Watford Junction running through Wembley, the name is to honour the achievements of the England women’s football team.
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      On the map, it will be marked with yellow parallel lines.
      Sarena Wiegman had led England women to great success over the years.
      In 2022 the Lionesses won the European Championship at Wembley after beating Germany 2-1.
      And last year they were inches away from claiming another piece of silverware at the World Cup but lost 1-0 to Spain at the final in Sydney.
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      And they will not be able to redeem themselves at the Paris Summer Olympics in July as they failed to qualify after finishing second in their UEFA Women’s League Group.
      Despite a sensational 6-0 victory against Scotland back in December, table leaders Netherlands managed to finish above England after goal difference.
      Mary Earps wins SPOTY as Lioness makes history after England World Cup final run,
      Wiegman’s side will next face Austria in a friendly at the end of the month in Spain. More

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      Shamed ex-footie chief Luis Rubiales, 46, set to face trial over World Cup kiss scandal involving Jenni Hermoso, 33

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      SPAIN’S ex-footie chief is set to face trial over his World Cup kiss scandal.A judge ruled yesterday there was “solid evidence” the kiss Luis Rubiales, 46, gave Jenni Hermoso, 33, was “not consensual”.
      Luis Rubiales is set to face trial over his World Cup kiss scandalCredit: Talk TV
      A judge ruled there was ‘solid evidence’ the kiss Rubiales gave Jenni Hermoso was ‘not consensual’Credit: Enterprise
      Rubiales grabbed the striker’s head and kissed her after Spain’s World Cup win over England in Australia last year.
      Ms Hermoso later filed a criminal complaint.
      A Madrid judge heard evidence to decide if the former president of Spain’s football federation should be tried for sexual assault and coercion.
      Mr de Jorge, who has already quizzed the former football boss and his alleged victim separately in closed sessions at Spain’s centralised Audiencia Nacional court, said in a five-page ruling made public today: “The investigation has revealed the existence of solid evidence the kiss Luis Manuel Rubiales Bejar gave the player Jennifer Hermoso was not consensual and was a unilateral and surprise initiative on his part.
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      “Whether there was no any erotic intention or it was a result of the state of euphoria and excitement experienced as a consequence of the extraordinary sporting triumph preceding it is something that should be valued in a public trial.”
      Rubiales, facing up to four years in jail, denies criminal wrongdoing.
      Ms Hermoso’s former coach Jorge Vilda, FA marketing manager Rubén Rivera and sports director of the men’s team Albert Luque also now face trial accused of pressuring her to say the kiss had been consensual. More

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      World Cup final venue revealed with never-seen-before element for showpiece after beating rival stadiums

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      THE 2026 World Cup final is now set to be played indoors — after Fifa chiefs agreed Dallas’ AT&T Stadium will host the biggest game in football.Tournament chiefs will confirm more details about the first 48-team World Cup next month following a meeting in London this week.
      The 2026 World Cup will take place in America, Canada and MexicoCredit: AP
      The final of the tournament will take place at the AT&T Stadium in DallasCredit: GETTY
      SunSport has been told that the home of the Dallas Cowboys has beaten New York’s MetLife Stadium to host the showpiece.
      The Texan city will also be the main base for Fifa — rather than the other options of New York and Miami.
      Fifa is aiming to complete the 72-game group phase in 15 days, meaning up to five matches back to back in the first two rounds of games, with all teams guaranteed four days’ rest.
      But it remains unclear if identifying the eight third-place sides to go through to the knock-out phase will see Fifa split the tournament into two distinct halves to ensure sufficient rest for all teams.
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      The revised World Cup will feature a whopping 104 matches.
      The controversial and drastic change to the tournament format – which will be held in Mexico and Canada as well as the USA- was revealed by Fifa chiefs.
      A statement said: “Based on a thorough review that considered sporting integrity, player welfare, team travel, commercial and sporting attractiveness, as well as team and fan experience, the Fifa Council unanimously approved the proposed amendment to the Fifa World Cup 2026 competition format from 16 groups of three to 12 groups of four.
      With the top two and eight best third-placed teams progressing to a round of 32.
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      Gianni Infantino has claimed the 2026 World Cup will ‘change the balance in football’Credit: GETTY
      “The revised format mitigates the risk of collusion and ensures that all the teams play a minimum of three matches, while providing balanced rest time between competing teams.”
      After the confirmation of the hosts for the competition, Fifa bigwig Gianni Infantino said: “Congratulations for the qualification of Mexico, Canada and the United States, who already qualified for this [FIFA] World Cup last week through the FIFA Council’s decision.
      “But in addition to those three, three more Concacaf teams will qualify for sure, and possibly even five.”
      President Infantino added: “This next World Cup in North America is going to be the World Cup of America.
      “It’s going to be the World Cup that will change the balance in football, because we are going to focus our work in this part of the world.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman signs new England deal and will lead Lionesses for 2027 Women’s World Cup as fans hail ‘best news ever’

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      SARINA WIEGMAN has signed a contract extension with the England Women’s national team.The new deal will see the Lionesses boss take charge of the team for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
      Sarina Wiegman has signed a contract extension with the England Women’s teamCredit: Getty
      Wiegman won the 2022 Women’s Euros with EnglandCredit: Getty
      Wiegman has been in charge of the national team since 2021 and led them to success at the Euros the year after her arrival.
      She also got the team all the way through to the World Cup final last year before suffering heartbreak at the final hurdle in a loss to Spain.
      The Dutch boss is widely considered as one of the best managers in the women’s game and last night was voted The Best FIFA Women’s Coach for a record fourth time.
      Wiegman has explained how excited she is to continue on with the national squad in a statement released by England Football.
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      She said: “I am so happy to have the chance to lead England through to 2027 after an incredible two and a half years.
      “Looking forward, we have unfinished business and I know we are capable of even more, although nothing will come easy.
      “Our game is becoming so competitive at the top level. I relish that opportunity and can’t wait to start the EURO qualifiers, followed by the World Cup.
      “I would like to thank Mark Bullingham, Debbie Hewitt and the FA Board for their support. I also must mention Arjan Veurink. I am very delighted he has also extended his stay.
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      Wiegman has said she has ‘unfinished business’ as England boss after the Lionesses’ heartbreak in the World Cup finalCredit: PA
      “It is a fantastic job working with these amazing players and alongside great colleagues. And, of course, it is very special to be able to play a part in giving our fans such wonderful moments.”
      Wiegman will first try and defend England’s title as European champions in the 2025 Women’s Euros before taking charge for the 2025/26 Women’s Nations League too.
      Then she will have a second crack at World Cup glory for the 2027 World Cup with a host country yet to be announced.
      The 54-year-old’s contract is set to expire after the end of the tournament.
      Assistant Coach Arjan Veurink has also signed a new deal and is expected to continue aiding Wiegman.
      Fans have been left delighted at the news of an extension for the pair and took to social media to voice their opinions.
      One hailed the extension as the “best news ever”.
      While another added: “Terrific news. There’s nothing this woman cannot achieve with a fully fit squad. Players play for her, fans adore her and opponents respect her.”
      Wiegman was awarded The Best FIFA Women’s Coach for a record fourth time on Monday nightCredit: Getty More

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      Alessia Russo & Ella Toone stun in see-through outfits as Lionesses dominate Team of the Year XI at Fifa The Best awards

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      ALESSIA RUSSO and Ella Toone both rocked see-through outfits at Fifa’s The Best awards on Monday night.The England duo stunned on the green carpet as the Lionesses dominated the Fifpro Women’s World XI at the glitzy bash.
      Alessia Russo stunned in a see-through outfit at Fifa’s The Best AwardsCredit: AP
      Ella Toone also rocked a see-through look as she posed on the green carpetCredit: Getty
      Russo and Toone were both named in the Fifpro Women’s World XICredit: Rex
      Russo and Toone were pictured in striking black outfits at The Apollo Theatre.
      Arsenal forward Russo wore her hair in a bun as she posed in a glittering all-in-one dress.
      Meanwhile, best pal Toone’s sleeveless look featured feathered shoulders, which she paired with a matching bag.
      Fans praised their style choices on social media, with one writing: “Alessia Russo. That’s the tweet.”
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      Another added: “Alessia Russo, you’re everything.”
      A third fan also commented: “Ella Toone looks absolutely stunning tonight.”
      Both players were included in the Fifpro Women’s World XI alongside five of their England team-mates.
      Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh and Lauren James were also rewarded for their Women’s World Cup heroics.
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      Fans hailed Toone’s ‘stunning’ outfit at Monday’s awards ceremonyCredit: Getty
      Russo was dubbed ‘everything’ by one fan on social mediaCredit: Getty
      Spain’s Olga Carmona and Aitana Bonmati, as well as forwards Alex Morgan and Sam Kerr completed the line-up.
      The Lionesses reached the final last summer before a heart-breaking defeat to Spain.
      Russo scored three times during England’s campaign, whilst Toone opened the scoring in the semi-final win over co-hosts Australia.
      Manager Sarina Wiegman was also rewarded by being named best women’s coach for a fourth time.
      As for Earps, she won best women’s goalkeeper ahead of Spain’s Cata Coll and Australia keeper Mackenzie Arnold.
      The Manchester United stopper picked up the award for the second year running after saving a penalty in the World Cup final.
      Meanwhile, Manchester City dominated the Fifpro Men’s World XI with six of their stars making the team.
      John Stones, Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland – beaten to the main individual prize by Lionel Messi – were all included from the treble winners.
      Real Madrid trio Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr also featured alongside Kylian Mbappe and Messi.
      Mary Earps was named best women’s goalkeeper at the awards showCredit: Getty
      Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman also picked up the best women’s coach awardCredit: Getty More