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    Alex Scott ‘knocks it out of the park’ in trendy outfit live on BBC with fans loving her Women’s World Cup coverage

    ALEX SCOTT has left many viewers impressed with her coverage of the Women’s World Cup.The BBC presenter has been a regular sight for viewers since the start of the tournament.
    Fans declared Alex Scott was ‘knocking it out of the park’ as host for the Women’s World CupCredit: BBC
    Scott donned a trendy outfit for today’s coverageCredit: BBC
    She has been a regular sight on the BBCCredit: BBC
    And on Saturday, Scott, seen hosting coverage in a trendy blue jacket and white top, was lavished with praise online.
    One fan wrote: “Alex Scott is knocking it out of the park as the BBC anchorwoman ❤️.”
    A second said: “Loving your work on the Women’s World Cup coverage Alex. Well done! Brilliant 😀.”
    “I love Alex Scott man,” declared a third.
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    Another added: “Alex Scott on Match of the Day makes me so happy every time.
    “She’s so good, feels like she’s in a living room with some friends talking about the game and we can all watch 🥰.”
    Former England star Scott was joined on the BBC panel by former Lioness Fara Williams, Manchester City star Steph Houghton and former France star Laura Georges.
    One fan was delighted with their coverage, typing: “All doing a great job👍⚽️.”
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    She was joined by Fara Williams, Steph Houghton and Laura GeorgesCredit: BBC
    Scott donned a black dress earlier this weekCredit: BBC Sport
    Scott has previously dazzled in a black dress, while she was also present for the tournament’s opening game as a pundit while Gabby Logan opened proceedings on the presenting side.
    On ITV’s coverage, Laura Woods had fans equally enamoured as she donned a bold blue outfit.
    While she has also been seen on the punditry side of the panelCredit: BBC
    Scott is often seen in dazzling dresses when hitting the red carpetCredit: Getty More

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

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

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    Fans are only just realising iconic men’s World Cup boss is managing in Women’s World Cup and say ‘he’s been everywhere’

    MANY fans are only just realising that Herve Renard now manages the France women’s national team.The iconic boss has gained cult hero status at many men’s tournaments down the years.
    Herve Renard now manages the French women’s national teamCredit: Getty
    The 54-year-old took the France job earlier this yearCredit: Getty
    He resigned from his previous post as Saudi Arabia’s men’s team bossCredit: AFP
    Renard, who bizarrely managed Cambridge in 2004, has guided Zambia and Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations triumphs.
    More recently he has taken charge of teams at men’s World Cups, gaining fans with his crisp white shirts and suave haircuts.
    Renard managed Morocco at the 2018 World Cup, and was in charge of Saudi Arabia in Qatar last winter.
    Earlier this year, the France women’s national team job became available, following the sacking of unpopular former boss Corinne Diacre following a player mutiny.
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    Frenchman Renard subsequently quit his job with Saudi Arabia in order to manage his home country at this summer’s Women’s World Cup.
    France’s tournament got off to an underwhelming start last week when they drew 0-0 with Jamaica.
    But during this morning’s high-profile clash with Brazil, which was broadcast live on BBC One, many casual viewers that may have missed Renard’s appointment were left stunned.
    One tweeted: “Herve Renard ???”
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    While a second wrote: “Herve Renard is France manager lmfaooo.”
    A third pointed out: “Herve Renard manages the French Women’s team? That man has been everywhere.”
    And a fourth commented: “Herve Renard is really a hustler.. just saw he’s coaching the French women’s team.”
    A further social media user added: “Renard made the switch to Women’s football? This guy is never out of a job.”
    France took the lead against Brazil on 17 minutes via Eugenie Le Sommer’s header.
    Ahead of the tournament, Les Bleues received praise for an “insanely clever” advert.
    The promotion began with a series of France men’s team highlights, before halfway through revealing that they were all in fact from the women’s team’s games, with VFX used to create the illusion that the moments had been produced by Kylian Mbappe and Co.
    Renard was in charge of Saudi Arabia at last year’s men’s World CupCredit: Getty
    He quit Saudi Arabia to return home to FranceCredit: AFP More

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    England Lionesses star Beth Mead tops up tan in bikini in Ibiza with partner Vivianne Miedema during Women’s World Cup

    ARSENAL stars Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema are enjoying a holiday in Ibiza during the Women’s World Cup.The duo were both ruled out of the tournament by devastating ACL injuries.
    Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema are enjoying a holiday in IbizaCredit: Instagram / @bethmead
    Th couple have been joined by Arsenal team-mate Laura WienroitherCredit: Instagram / @bethmead
    Miedema’s orange bikini matched the colour of the boatCredit: Instagram / @viviannemiedema
    Both would likely have starred Down Under, but are instead having to watch their respective nations, England and the Netherlands, from afar.
    In a bid to still make the most of their summers, the happy couple have taken a trip to Ibiza.
    Mead, who came second in last year’s Ballon d’Or, posted a series of pictures to her Instagram account.
    The 28-year-old shared snaps of herself and Miedema topping up their tans by taking in the glorious sunshine in their bikinis.
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    Striker Miedema also posted a photo dump on Instagram.
    In one photo she wore an orange bikini aboard a boat of the same colour.
    While in another she posed alongside Mead and fellow Arsenal team-mate Laura Wienroither.
    The 27-year-old wrote: “Blended in with the boat. And plenty of Aquarius and palm trees this week.”
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    Mead posted a picture from around the dinner tableCredit: Instagram / @bethmead
    The trio have been enjoying their holidayCredit: Instagram / @bethmead
    Like Mead and Miedema, Wienroither is also recovering from a devastating ACL injury, an issue blighting the women’s game, suffered in the Champions League semi-final against Wolfsburg in April.
    While Wienroither’s Austria didn’t qualify for the World Cup, Mead and Miedema are proving to be big misses for their respective countries.
    England have won both matches 1-0 but have lacked fluency, missing Mead’s creative spark.
    And Sarina Wiegman’s side were struck by another devastating blow yesterday – losing Keira Walsh to a knee injury.
    Mead was devastated for her friend, posting “Keira” accompanied by crying and broken heart emojis.
    While Miedema called for action to be taken, tweeting: “Devastating to see the amount of injuries being picked up in this tournament so far…
    “This World Cup should have been played with a 26-player squad to reduce stress on players and to let coaches deal with injuries correctly.”
    The Netherlands, meanwhile, have also been goal shy – but have picked up a 1-0 win over Portugal and a creditable 1-1 draw with the United States.
    Mead has been injured since November, narrowly missing out on a return in time for the World Cup.
    Miedema suffered her injury in December, admitting in April that the World Cup would come too soon, but that she is hopeful of a return in time for next season.
    She told the BBC: “I’m definitely going to miss the World Cup which is a hard one, but I’m hoping to be back for the beginning of next season. That’s my focus right now – I need to be realistic.”
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    On Mead, she added: “Beth is a bit in front of me, but I think you’ve seen what Sarina said last week: it will need a miracle for her to be fit for the World Cup. But we’re both just working as hard as we can and we will see how close we can get.
    “I know what she’s feeling and she knows what I’m feeling. It’s frustrating for me because I’m a month behind so I see her doing a lot of things and I’m not there yet, but it’s very helpful and we want to push each other as much as possible, especially when we’re back on the pitch.”
    Mead had hoped to make a miracle recovery in time for the World CupCredit: Instagram / @bethmead
    The duo should be back in action for Arsenal next seasonCredit: Getty More

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    Fans convinced Women’s World Cup is ‘rigged’ after controversial decision that works against England

    FANS joked the Women’s World Cup is “rigged” after a controversial decision – that went against England.The Lionesses have started their campaign in Australia and New Zealand with 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark.
    Haiti felt they should have had a penalty for this piece of defendingCredit: ITV
    The referee checked the VAR monitor but did not give the spot-kickCredit: ITV
    And they would have booked their place in the knockout stages if China failed to beat Haiti.
    The Asian nation were leading 1-0 going into injury time thanks to Wang Shuang’s 74th-minute penalty – despite being down to ten players following  Zhang Rui’s red card just before the half-hour mark.
    But Haiti – and England fans watching on ITV at home – were convinced the Caribbean island were denied a spot-kick of their own in stoppage time.
    Haiti forward Roseline Eloissaint tried to take the ball down in the area.
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    But China defender Chen Qiaozhu clambered over her opponent and headed clear.
    Referee Marta Huerta de Aza went over to the pitchside VAR monitor – but decided there was nothing wrong with the challenge from Qiaozhu.
    Haiti had earlier seen two other penalty appeals waved away for strong challenges in the China box.
    And supporters flooded social media with claims the Fifa tournament had been fixed to help China – with comments of “robbed” and “disgrace”.
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    One said: “This World Cup is rigged – that’s the third penalty for Haiti not called.”
    Another wrote: “Nah that Haiti-China women’s game is rigged. Obvious penalty last minute.”
    A third added: “That wasn’t a penalty? The international campaign against Haiti continues.”
    A fourth commented: “Hard not to feel heartbroken for Haiti. Honestly cannot understand how they didn’t get a penalty on at least one of those three (!) possible fouls – and not even a VAR check on one.”
    And a final user replied: “The refereeing in the China-Haiti match was awful. Two or three clear penalties in that match and VAR didn’t step in at all. A shambles or match-fixing?”
    It is the latest chaos involving VAR after the referee in Spain’s win over Zambia had to publicly make a huge U-turn to announce a goal.
    China held on for nine minutes of injury time to secure their first win at the World Cup – and keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
    However, they must better Denmark’s result against Haiti when they face England on Tuesday.
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    Sarina Wiegman’s masterstroke to bring Lauren James into the starting XI reaped its rewards within six minutes against Denmark.
    But the win was marred by a serious injury to midfield star Keira Walsh, who appeared to suffer significant damage to her knee when making an interception just before half-time.
    China secured a 1-0 win to give themselves a chance of reaching the knockoutsCredit: AP More

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    Keira Walsh’s four heartbreaking words as she was stretchered off could spell doom for England Women’s World Cup hopes

    KEIRA WALSH heartbreakingly said “it’s over, it’s over” as she was stretchered off during England’s 1-0 win over Denmark this morning.The Barcelona midfielder is a key figure for the Lionesses and had been among their standout performers during the first half against the Danes.
    Keira Walsh suffered a heartbreaking injury against DenmarkCredit: Reuters
    The midfielder was stretchered off the fieldCredit: Reuters
    Walsh, 26, said ‘it’s over, it’s over’Credit: Getty
    Ten minutes before the break disaster struck, when Walsh sustained a knee injury as her foot appeared to get stuck in the turf.
    The 26-year-old immediately signalled to other players that the injury was serious, and appeared to tell the physio “I’ve done my knee”.
    She was supported by team-mates Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway.
    As she was stretchered off, she told Bronze “it’s over, it’s over”.
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    Walsh was replaced by her 32-year-old former Manchester City team-mate Laura Coombs – and was later seen returning to the bench on crutches.
    England went on to win 1-0 courtesy of Lauren James’ early strike, but never looked as fluent an outfit without Walsh.
    The midfield dynamo is among the tournament’s best players, having joined Barca for a world-record £400,000 last year.
    While the extent of Walsh’s injury is not yet known, the Lionesses have already been blighted by injuries going into this tournament.
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    Captain Leah Williamson and Ballon d’Or runner-up Beth Mead have cruelly missed out with ACL injuries, while Fran Kirby is also absent.
    After the incident, Mead tweeted “Keira” alongside crying and broken heard emojis.
    While Dutch Arsenal star Vivianne Miedema, who has also missed the tournament with an ACL year, tweeted: “Devastating to see the amount of injuries being picked up in this tournament so far…
    “This World Cup should have been played with a 26-player squad to reduce stress on players and to let coaches deal with injuries correctly.”
    In the BBC studio, former Lioness Ellen White said: “I’m devastated for her to be honest. She’s been one of the best if not the best player for England.
    “It looks bad. She knows straight away it’s not good. Who is going to replace her? We need balance, someone needs to be in that No6 to sit and hold.”
    The more you see it, the worse it looksFara Williams
    While 177-cap Fara Williams added: “The more you see it, the worse it looks.
    “We are not medics but you know it’s serious. Much of our good stuff in the Euros and friendlies ahead of the World Cup comes through her.
    “We need some discipline in that midfield.”
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    After the game, Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman said: “Of course I’m concerned because she couldn’t walk off the pitch but we don’t know yet so we can’t make any assumptions.
    “Let’s wait until we have a diagnosis then I can tell you. We brought Stanway back and brought Coombs in.”
    Walsh returned to the bench on crutchesCredit: Getty
    She watched the remainder of the match with her team-matesCredit: PA More

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    Laura Woods rocks bold outfit live on ITV as she hosts coverage of Women’s World Cup

    LAURA WOODS had the blues as she hosted the Women’s World Cup today – but gave fans plenty to smile about.The presenter is one of the faces of ITV’s coverage of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
    Laura Woods rocked a bold blue outfit as she hosted coverage of the Women’s World CupCredit: ITV
    Woods is leading ITV’s coverage of the tournamentCredit: ITV
    Siobhan Chamberlain and Karen Carney joined Woods in the studioCredit: ITV
    Following England’s win over Denmark on Thursday, Woods led the broadcast of the other match in Group D between China and Haiti.
    She was joined by pundits Siobhan Chamberlain and Karen Carney for the group stage contest.
    Prior to kick-off, though, it was Woods’ fashion choice which caught the eye as she stunned in a bright blue outfit.
    Woods rocked a bold two-piece as she discussed England’s earlier result with her two in-studio guests.
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    Her outfit choice comes after she “made fans’ Saturday morning” at the weekend with her coverage from the tournament.
    She hosted ITV’s coverage of England’s World Cup opener against Haiti, much to the delight of viewers at home.

    Woods also wore an elegant dress earlier in the tournament as she led ITV’s broadcast team.
    The 36-year-old is also set to head TNT Sports’ new presenting team for next season, making history in the process.
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    Woods stunned in a bright blue two-pieceCredit: ITV
    Woods and the pundits provided coverage of China vs HaitiCredit: ITV
    Woods, Carney and Chamberlain also discussed England’s win over DenmarkCredit: ITV
    Her bold fashion display on Thursday came after fans had been left in awe of Alex Scott earlier in the morning.
    The former Arsenal star presented the BBC’s coverage of England vs Denmark in a stylish outfit which impressed viewers.
    ITV are providing coverage from Australia and New ZealandCredit: ITV
    Woods has delighted viewers with her presentingCredit: ITV More

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    England star Keira Walsh pictured on crutches after star is stretchered off in tears in heartbreaking scenes vs Denmark

    KEIRA WALSH has been pictured on crutches after being stretchered off in tears in a major blow for England.The Lionesses midfielder went down ten minutes before half-time in the Women’s World Cup clash with Denmark.
    Keira Walsh was in tears after appearing to suffer a knee injuryCredit: PA
    The Lionesses ace was taken off on a stretcherCredit: Getty
    Midfielder Walsh subsequently returned to the bench on crutchesCredit: Getty
    Walsh, 26, stuck her right leg out to try to intercept the ball but her foot appeared to get stuck in the turf as she crumpled down in pain and immediately waved for treatment.
    The Euros champion pushed away concerned team-mates then made a signal to show the damage was serious and appeared to tell the physio: “I’ve done my knee.”
    And that could prove a massive hit for England’s World Cup hopes with the influential midfielder’s tournament potentially in tatters.
    Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway ran over to support the star who was visibly emotional, burying her head in her arm.
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    The heartbroken Barcelona star was given a rousing reception as she was carried off the field with her face covered by her shirt.
    Walsh is considered one of the best footballers on the planet and moved to Spain for a world-record £400,000 transfer fee last year after eight trophy-laden seasons with Manchester City.
    Former England striker Ellen White said: “I’m devasted for her to be honest. She’s been one of the best if not the best player for England.
    “It looks bad. She knows straight away it’s not good. Who is going to replace her? We need balance, someone needs to be in that No6 to sit and hold.”
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    Fara Williams replied on BBC TV: “The more you see it, the worse it looks.
    “We are not medics but you know it’s serious. Much of our good stuff in the Euros and friendlies ahead of the World Cup comes through her.
    “We need some discipline in that midfield.”
    Former England defender Gilly Flaherty said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “You feel sick at the thought it could potentially be another ACL.”
    And BBC reporter Emma Sanders added: “Keira Walsh being taken off on a stretcher is arguably the worst sight England fans could have seen.
    “When the stretcher goes past Sarina Wiegman she quickly gives instructions to substitute Laura Coombs then has a quick word with Walsh, stroking her head on her way past.
    “England are already missing captain Leah Williamson and Ballon d’Or runner-up Beth Mead with ACL injuries. Fran Kirby also isn’t here through injury. That’s some serious talent.”
    Manchester City’s Laura Coombs came on to replace Walsh in midfield with the England bench and fans stunned into silence.
    England led 1-0 at the time thanks to Lauren James’ early stunner.
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    The Chelsea star struck a curling effort into the back of the net with just six minutes on the clock after being brought into the starting XI by boss Sarina Wiegman.
    England went on to win the nervy encounter 1-0, making it two triumphs out of two at this summer’s World Cup.
    Walsh intercepted the ball but her foot got stuck in the turfCredit: BBC
    She instantly knew there was damage doneCredit: BBC
    Walsh could spend a lengthy spell on the sidelinesCredit: Reuters
    The midfielder was devastated on the pitchCredit: Getty
    Team-mates showed their support as she was taken offCredit: Getty More