Women’s World Cup 2023

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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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      England 1 Denmark 0: Lauren James’ stunning strike sees Lionesses all but through but win marred by serious Walsh injury

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      KEIRA WALSH’S knee injury heartbreak cast a shadow over England’s 1-0 defeat of Denmark – dealing a fresh fitness blow to the World Cup chasers.In a clash that saw Lauren James reward Sarina Wiegman’s faith with a wonder goal – the world’s most expensive female player was stretchered off.  
      England made it two wins from two as they beat DenmarkCredit: EPA
      Keira Walsh went off on a stretcher with a knee injuryCredit: AFP
      England’s Lauren James, right, celebrates a first half goal with teammate England’s Ella Toone
      Walsh was seen clutching her knee and looking in considerable pain after going over on it while attempting to halt a Denmark counter
      The Lioness appeared to look tearful with Georgia Stanway and her other team-mates looking concerned before she was carried off in the 37th minute.
      The midfielder, signed by Barcelona for a £450,000 fee last year, was later spotted on crutches near England’s bench.  
      The injury to Walsh, who sealed her record-breaking transfer from Manchester City last September, has come at the worst possible time for Wiegman’s squad. 
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      The team are already without the services of Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby who are all recovering from long-term knee ligament concerns. 
      It now leaves head coach Wiegman without FOUR of her most trusted and influential players from England’s march to Euros glory last summer. 
      Before the game, Wiegman faced questions as to whether she would stick or twist with her line-up after her side found themselves pressurised in their Group D opener against Haiti.  
      The Dutch coach made no changes to her starting elevens at last year’s Euros steering the Lionesses to their first major tournament win.
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      Today’s match saw the England chief, whose team face China next, make a minor gamble.  
      In came James in place of Lauren Hemp on the wing. 
      But perhaps the biggest surprise was WSL golden boot winner Rachel Daly starting at left-back with Jess Carter dropping to the bench. 
      However Wiegman’s gamble paid off with James opening her World Cup tournament goals account in fine style. 
      The Chelsea starlet drove past her marker before unleashing a curled stunner from distance after Daly’s assist in the sixth minute. 
      James came close to doubling England’s lead with a flicked effort before Denmark almost levelled. 
      Pernille Harder’s low shot prompted a comfortable save from Mary Earps with half an hour gone after Lucy Bronze’s stray pass.
      Then disaster struck for England with Walsh hurting her knee after attempting to stop a misplaced James pass reaching a Danish player.
      The sight of her being stretchered off close to half-time soured the atmosphere in the stadium before Laura Coombs came on in her place. 
      The second spell saw Ella Toone fire an effort over the bar in the 48th minute.
      This was moments before Alex Greenwood’s well-timed interception stopped Denmark going through on goal after Millie Bright’s loose pass. 
      Arsenal’s Kathrine Kuhl saw a flicked effort comfortably claimed by Earps moments later.
      However, England almost saw their lead disappear before bagging three points.
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      Amalie Vansgaard’s header hit the post in the closing minutes before Wiegman’s battlers saw out the win.
      A draw between Haiti and China later – or a victory for the latter – will see England reach the World Cup’s last 16.
      Lauren James fired in the opener with just six minutes on the clockCredit: Getty
      James justified her selection in the starting XICredit: Getty
      Mary Earps had to be alert with some smart savesCredit: Reuters
      Chloe Kelly attempted an ambitious overhead kickCredit: AP
      Keira Walsh of England had to be stretchered off the pitch after her injury
      Walsh was on the touchline with a knee brace and crutches during the second halfCredit: Getty
      Sarina Wiegman’s side have made a perfect start to the World Cup campaignCredit: Getty More

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      England 1 Denmark 0 LIVE RESULT – Women’s World Cup 2023: Lauren James’ STUNNER claims win for Lionesses in second game

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      ENGLAND have beaten Denmark in Sydney – and the Lionesses have all but confirmed their place in the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup.Lauren James’ screamer gave the Lionesses the lead against the Danes after just six minutes.
      Keira Walsh was stretchered off after going down with a knee injury on 35 minutes.
      The Lionesses managed to hang on to secure a 1-0 win despite Denmark hitting the post late on.

      Kick off time: 9:30am BST
      TV channel: BBC One
      FREE live stream: BBC iPlayer
      England team: Earps, Bronze, Walsh, Greenwood, Bright, James, Stanway, Daly, Toone, Kelly, Russo
      Denmark team: Christensen, Hasbo, Ballisager, Sevecke, Boye, Holmgaard, Harder, Veje, Kuhl, Madsen, Thomsen

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      Stay up to date with all the action from the Sydney Football Stadium…
      That’s all from the Sydney Football Stadium
      England have almost confirmed their spot in the knockout stages with a 1-0 win over Denmark.
      The Lionesses will now have to wait for this afternoon’s match between China and Haiti to conclude before they find out where they stand in Group D.
      It wasn’t England’s best performance, but they showed glimpses of excellence during the first half before a devastating injury to Keira Walsh killed all momentum.
      Nevertheless, the Lionesses are still undefeated in this year’s tournament and they are yet to concede a goal.
      The race for the World Cup is still well and truly alive.
      Thanks for reading!
      Rachel Daly on Walsh’s injury
      Speaking to BBC Sport, Day said: “It’s not nice to see anyone go off injured but Keira is Keira and she is an integral part of the team.
      “I am really really hoping with everything that it isn’t anything too serious. She is a special player an special person.
      “Let’s hope it isn’t as bad as it looked and it was only a precaution.”
      Credit: AP
      Reece James reacts to Lauren’s goal
      Lauren James scored her first World Cup goal just six minutes into her first World Cup start today.
      Her brother, Chelsea’s Reece James, simply tweeted: “Proud.”
      Credit: Twitter / @ReeceJames
      ‘It’s serious’
      It did look serious so if you can’t walk off the pitch it’s serious. I don’t know, we’ve just finished the game.Sarina WiegmanReacting to Walsh’s injury on BBC Sport
      Worry for Walsh
      Keira Walsh was spotted on crutches and with her right knee in a brace during the second half.
      England lost all momentum after the midfielder was forced off shortly before half time.
      Walsh will now likely miss the rest of the tournament with what could potentially be an ACL injury.
      Her absence will be a devastating blow for the Lionesses.
      Walsh is irreplaceable in the England squad, so Wiegman may have to switch the structure of the team around to compensate for her absence.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Sarina Wiegman reacts
      Speaking to BBC Sport, the England manager said: “We started well, we played well and scored the goal and then we had a little stage in the first half [where] we lost balls we didn’t have to lose.
      “Then we had the horrible moment with Keira. Second half was a fight and the team showed we adapted to the new situation and we had to fight to win. I am very proud of the team.”
      On James’ goal, she added: “For me it doesn’t matter who scores the goals. They played well, they started well and yes, LJ scored a beautiful goal.”
      Lauren James reacts
      Speaking to BBC Sport, the England winger said: “Yeah definitely [it was a great feeling to score]. It was a dream and something I’ve been thinking about but most importantly I’m happy to help us win.
      “I kind of had a thought and then as soon as it hit the net it was just relief.”
      “They [teammates] were just really happy for me and they said it before the game they had a good feeling about me. I am happy to have good people around me.”
      “I am calm all around the pitch. I am happy to bring that on the pitch.”
      Credit: PA
      Full Time – England 1-0 Denmark
      Lauren James’ world-class early strike was overshadowed by the devastating injury to Keira Walsh.
      Walsh has played more minutes for England than anyone else since Euro 2022, meaning she is one of the most important players in the heart of the team.
      The Lionesses fell flat after the midfielder went off, and their intensity dropped significantly which allowed Denmark to get back into the game.
      Full Time – England 1-0 Denmark
      England claim all three points… just.
      The Lionesses have all-but confirmed their spot in the knockout stages!
      Credit: PA
      90. England 1-0 Denmark
      Four minutes have been added on.
      Denmark are growing in momentum.
      England need to kill this game now while they still have the advantage.
      88. England 1-0 Denmark
      England are playing in slow-motion and they are almost punished for it!
      Bronze fails to close down Sorensen before the midfielder crosses the ball into the box.
      Vangsgaard powers above Daly to head the ball towards goal, but it rattles the post!
      A huge let-off for the Lionesses.
      85. England 1-0 Denmark
      Greenwood picks up the ball in defence before carrying it forward and setting it to James in the No.10 position.
      James then skips past Holmgaard before sending a perfect through-ball to Kelly, who passes it back to Bronze.
      Bronze attempts a long-range strike, but her effort is off-target.
      82. England 1-0 Denmark
      The Lionesses come close again as Daly sends a long ball through to England in the box, who heads it towards goal, but her effort narrowly loops over the ball.
      78. England 1-0 Denmark
      Denmark make some more changes.
      Sorensen is on to replace Madsen.
      Thogersen is on to replace Ballisager.
      76. England 1-0 Denmark
      England make two more changes.
      Russo is replaced by England.
      Toone is replaced by Hemp.
      Hemp moves out onto the wing, leaving James to move inside to fill the void left by Toone.
      72. England 1-0 Denmark
      Huge chance for England as Russo drives forward.
      She unleashes a strike from the edge of the box, but her effort runs wide.
      Credit: AP
      71. England 1-0 Denmark
      Denmark make their first change.
      Hasbo is replaced by Vangsgaard.
      68. England 1-0 Denmark
      The Lionesses are starting to make some sloppy mistakes now.
      They got away with it last week against Haiti, but Denmark – a much more experienced side – will likely punish them move.
      65. England 1-0 Denmark
      Thomsen receives a warning from the referee for a push on Daly.
      Denmark are gradually growing into this game and they are beginning to look dangerous.
      57. England 1-0 Denmark
      The Lionesses have another corner.
      Greenwood sends it into the box for Bronze to run onto.
      The full-back heads it towards goal, but her effort flies wide.
      56. England 1-0 Denmark
      James wins a corner following a superb nutmeg on Sevecke.
      Greenwood sends it into the box, but the ball heads straight out for another corner.
      52. England 1-0 Denmark
      Denmark break through on goal as England lose the ball in midfield.
      It is eventually set to Kuhl in the box, who attempts to catch Earps out with a clever strike into the bottom-right corner, but the England keeper makes the save.
      Another warning sign for the Lionesses.
      Credit: Getty
      47. England 1-0 Denmark
      A positive start for England after the break.
      Greenwood sends a corner into the box and it is headed down by Bronze.
      Toone attempts the half-volley, but her effort flies over the crossbar.
      Kick Off – England 1-0 Denmark
      We’re back underway!
      The Lionesses are just 45 minutes away from potentially booking their spot in the knockout stages!
      Half Time – England 1-0 Denmark
      England have vastly improved performance-wise compared to last week’s opening match against Haiti.
      The Lionesses are so much more defensively solid both on and off the ball and they are offering so much more going forward.
      They just need to make the most of their chances now.
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      England ace Keira Walsh reckons ‘Pep influence’ on her game has helped her in tight midfield battles for Lionesses

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      KEIRA WALSH reckons the influence of Pep Guardiola has put some pep in her step in midfield battles for England.And the Lionesses star, 26, relishes boss Sarina Wiegman giving her more responsibility on the pitch at this year’s World Cup. 
      Keira Walsh believes playing in Spain’s top-flight has helped in improve her game for club and countryCredit: Getty
      Walsh and her team-mates hope to seal a second win in Group D when they take on Denmark in SydneyCredit: Getty
      Walsh says she enjoys the challenge of attempting to outdo opponents in tight midfield situationsCredit: Getty
      The Barcelona ace will resume pulling England’s strings in midfield when they take on Denmark in Australia on Friday.
      A victory for Wiegman’s side in Sydney combined with a draw between China and Haiti would see the Lionesses claim their place in the tournament’s knockout stages.
      Their duel comes six days after Walsh and her team-mates were harried by a fast-paced, counter-attacking Haiti who pushed the Lionesses all the way in their contest opener
      It was a game that saw Walsh come under pressure in midfield from the Group D minnows.
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      On whether she feels more targeted by England’s opponents, Walsh said: “I don’t necessarily think it’s just me,
      “A lot of teams are trying to stop holding midfielders in general because that’s where football is going now, a lot of teams play through midfield.
      “We have a lot of other top players so if I’m marked, that’s one less player for them in and around the space. 
      “But I want to be playing in those tighter situations and really testing myself. I enjoy the challenge.”
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      On how she handles attempts to muscle her off the ball, Walsh adds: “It’s about picking up smarter spaces and dropping into different areas and maybe not staying so set in the middle.
      “The game has changed as a whole, but I’ve got more influence from Spanish players in terms of how they’ve always played.
      “The Pep influence has always helped me in that respect.
      “In general football I think more people do try and play through the central midfielder. 
      “Maybe teams think I don’t like the physical game as much but from playing in Spain, they are more tactical like that and look to do that a bit more.
      “The training we do in the gym is a lot more focused on holding players off when you have the ball.
      “That’s something I’ve got better at and hopefully I can keep improving on.
      “When I know I’ve got Lucy (Bronze), Millie (Bright), Alex (Greenwood) and Jess (Carter) behind me it helps.
      “I know they are all so aggressive and powerful. That makes my life easier knowing if the ball goes over me, they will be there.”
      One of Walsh’s tasks against Denmark will be nullifying their attempts to control the midfield and build their attack from there.
      And the England ace, who won Champions League and LaLiga Women’s crowns in her debut term at Barcelona, is wary of seeing Pernille Harder Denmark’s biggest threat.  
      The 60-capped Lioness said: “Harder is a top player, very composed in and around the box and she’s the type of player you want to be playing against.
      “But Denmark are a top team. Everyone talks about Harder but they have some very good players and work really hard. It will be a tough game.”
      Under Wiegman Walsh’s role as one of the Lionesses most dependable players has grown.
      Last summer saw her play a significant part in England’s Euros triumph, including delivering an inch perfect assist for Ella Toone’s finish in last year’s final.
      And Walsh enjoys the responsibility that Wiegman has put on her and some of England’s longest-serving players.
      She adds: “She encourages the more experienced players to coach a bit and put more onus on us on the pitch.
      Walsh likes England chief Sarina Wiegman giving senior Lionesses more responsibility on the pitchCredit: Getty
      “If we feel things that she can’t then she is more than happy for us to help and find solutions.
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      “I’ve probably noticed that a little bit more at this tournament with her.
      “It’s nice to be pushed that way and for older players to have that responsibility.” More