Women’s World Cup 2023

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      England 1 Haiti 0 LIVE RESULT – Women’s World Cup 2023: Stanway’s retaken penalty fires Lionesses to nailbiting win

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      ENGLAND begin their Women’s World Cup adventure with a Group D win against a stubborn Haiti side. Batcheba Louis was penalised for handball in the box after a VAR review.
      And at the second time of asking, Stanway stuck her penalty in the back of the net to earn the Lionesses all three points.

      RESULT: England 1-0 Haiti
      Live stream: ITV X
      TV channel: ITV 1
      England XI: Earps; Bronze, Bright, Carter, Greenwood; Walsh, Stanway, Toone; Hemp, Kelly, Russo
      Haiti XI: Theus; Louis, Joseph, Limage, Petit; Pierre Louis, Jeudy, Dumornay; Mondesir, Borgella, Louis
      Explainer: What is the Women’s World Cup prize money?

      Follow ALL the action from Suncorp Stadium with our live blog below…
      Women’s World Cup 2023 betting preview, odds and predictions
      That’s all from Brisbane
      England claim all three points from their opening World Cup clash against a talented Haiti squad.
      The Lionesses now have six days to prepare for their next match against Denmark in Sydney.
      But until then, thanks for reading!
      Georgia Stanway reacts
      After the match, England goalscorer Stanway told BBC Sport: “You know what, they challenged us.
      “They were very dangerous on the counter-attack, so that’s something we’ll work on in training this week.
      “Mary came up with a big save and everybody played their part. Moments like that are why she’s a top keeper. The most important thing is that we’ve got three points.
      “The first penalty was a very, very good save, so credit for that but obviously she was off her line.
      “I was tempted to change sides, but you’ve got to be confident in your strategy. There’s a process I go through and I stuck to that.
      “We’ve been in camp for five or six weeks now, so it’s nice to get the first game out of the way.”
      Credit: Getty
      Full Time – England 1-0 Haiti
      They may not have won, but Haiti can take a lot from that performance.
      The Grenadiers caused England numerous problems, especially in defence and 19-year-old Melchie Dumornay ran the show in midfield.
      A great performance from a team making their World Cup debut.
      Credit: PA
      Full Time – England 1-0 Haiti
      The Lionesses take all three points from their opening group stage game…
      Just about!
      Credit: AP
      90+3. England 1-0 Haiti
      We’re into the four minutes of added time and Haiti are making another change.
      D.Joseph is on to replace Louis.
      88. England 1-0 Haiti
      Another chance missed by the Lionesses.
      The ball is drilled into the penalty area and brought down by Stanway, who sets it back to Toone.
      Toone gives it back to the Bayern Munich star, who looks to shoot, but her effort flies way wide.
      82. England 1-0 Haiti
      Wow. What a chance for Haiti!
      Eloissaint receives the ball on the edge of the box before walking straight through defensive duo Bright and Carter and attempting a shot into the bottom-right corner.
      But luckily for the Lionesses, Earps makes an outstanding save to keep the clean sheet!
      Credit: Getty
      80. England 1-0 Haiti
      Haiti have made another change.
      Borgella has been replaced by Eloissaint.
      77. England 1-0 Haiti
      James has been a breath of fresh air for England since coming on.
      Her skill and ability to unlock the Haiti defence with some clever passes has helped the Lionesses to create some more effective chances.
      Credit: Getty
      76. England 1-0 Haiti
      Another change for England.
      Daly is on to replace Russo.
      74. England 1-0 Haiti
      England come close again as Walsh finds Greenwood on the left, who crosses the ball to Russo at the back post, but Theus comes off her line to claim it.
      70. England 1-0 Haiti
      James finds Kelly with a fantastic pass out towards the right.
      The Man City star takes the ball and cuts into the box before attempting to shoot while on the turn, but her effort runs past the post.
      64. England 1-0 Haiti
      Stanway finds the ball on the right before crossing it into the box.
      Russo heads it towards goal, but her looping effort is tipped over the bar by Theus.
      A corner is then sent into the box, Bronze heads the ball down but it bounces out to Bright 15 yards away from goal, who fires her shot over the bar and into the back of the stands.
      62. England 1-0 Haiti
      The Lionesses make their first change of the match.
      Hemp is replaced by James.
      Credit: Reuters
      60. England 1-0 Haiti
      England look to press forward again as Greenwood starts with the ball in defence.
      She attempts to switch it to Kelly on the left, but she puts too much on the pass and the ball goes out for a throw-in.
      58. England 1-0 Haiti
      Louis loses the ball to Russo in the box, who shoots from around 12 yards out, but her effort is saved.
      The striker then gets another chance on goal just a few seconds later, but Theus makes another impressive stop.
      56. England 1-0 Haiti
      Another poor pass from Bright falls straight to Mondesir in midfield.
      The Haiti captain takes a touch before unleashing a wild shot which flies way over the goal and into the middle of the stands.
      51. England 1-0 Haiti
      Hemp is booked for a challenge on Mondesir, who goes to ground with what looks to be an ankle injury.
      After some treatment from the physios, she looks to play on.
      50. England 1-0 Haiti
      Huge chance for Haiti!
      Dumornay unleashes a powerful strike from the edge of the box, forcing Earps into tricky save.
      The goalkeeper parries the ball away and England can eventually clear the danger.
      46. England 1-0 Haiti
      Kelly, who has moved onto the left, picks up the ball on the wing and skips past her defender before squaring it towards the penalty spot, but her pass is intercepted and cleared.
      A good start for England after the break.
      Kick Off – England 1-0 Haiti
      We’re back underway.
      No changes have been made.
      Half Time – England 1-0 Haiti
      Wiegman could make some changes at the break.
      England have been sloppy in possession of the ball in midfield at times, so Lauren James could be introduced to replace Ella Toone as a way of improving the transition from midfield to attack.
      Alessia Russo, who has missed a fair few chances so far, could also be replaced by Rachel Daly.
      Half Time – England 1-0 Haiti
      England may have the advantage, but they will be disappointed with that first-half performance.
      The Lionesses have been far from their best, with some sloppy mistakes causing problems in the defensive third.
      Credit: EPA
      45+9. England 1-0 Haiti
      Stanway is booked for a challenge on Dumornay in midfield.
      45+6. England 1-0 Haiti
      Another chance missed for Haiti as Dumornay drives down the right before sending a cross to Borgella, but the striker’s header is off-target.
      Credit: AP
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      England fans go wild home AND away as the Lionesses win 1-0 against Haiti in the Women’s World Cup

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      ENGLAND fans are going wild at home and away – after the Lionesses won 1-0 against Haiti in the Women’s World Cup.Georgia Stanway gave England the perfect start as they began their Women’s World Cup adventure with the Group D opener.
      England fans jumped for joy in Boxpark CroydonCredit: PA
      Rachel Riley joined celebrations at Boxpark WembleyCredit: Alamy
      Youngsters react to the penalties at Boldmere St Michaels FC in Sutton ColdfieldCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
      Fans cheer on the Lionesses in RuislipCredit: PA
      One young fan combined patriotic paint with rockstar glassesCredit: Getty
      Georgia Stanway netted a penaltyCredit: EPA
      Another sported a Lionesses cowboy hatCredit: Getty
      A baby joined in celebrations in BrisbaneCredit: Getty
      Another dad turned up in styleCredit: Getty
      The stadium in Brisbane was packed with England fansCredit: PA
      She stuck her penalty in the back of the net to put the Lionesses ahead after Haiti’s Batcheba Louis gave away a handball in the box.
      Fans in Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium leapt out of their seats as the ball hit the net.

      One dad dressed in an England flag top hat, suit and waistcoat could be seen in the aisles toting his daughter, who was wrapped in a Lionesses scarf.
      Patriotic parents brought babies in full match kit to the World Cup contest – with one tot wrapped in a sheepskin coat over their shirt.
      Read More Lionesses
      At home, face-painted fans celebrated the goal at watch parties across nationwide.
      Snaps show some leaping from their tables at Boxpark Croydon – while teens and students joined in the fun at King’s College Fields in Ruislip.
      Our live blogger said that England may have come away with a win, but they will be disappointed with their performance.
      England went ahead with a penaltyCredit: Getty More

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      Laura Woods ‘makes fans’ Saturday morning’ on ITV in classy outfit as she presents England Women’s World Cup clash

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      FOOTBALL fans were pleasantly surprised to see Laura Woods on their screens as they tuned in to watch the Women’s World Cup.Woods is ITV’s main presenter for the tournament, which kicked off on Thursday.
      Fans were delighted to see Laura Woods as they tuned in to the Women’s World Cup
      Woods impressed in an elegant dress for the opening gameCredit: ITV
      Woods is a popular figure amongst fans
      England got their campaign underway against Haiti on Saturday morning with fans cheering on the Lionesses from home.
      And many were happy before the match got underway as Woods made a rare Saturday TV appearance alongside pundits Eni Aluko and Karen Carney.
      One fan said: “What an added treat on a Saturday morning. Tuned into the Women’s World Cup footy to find Laura Woods on the screen. Made my Saturday morning!!”
      Another added: “Laura Woods looking incredible as always.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      And a third wrote: “Laura Woods presenting is an absolute delight.”
      It did not take Woods long to win over fans as she dazzled in an elegant black dress while presenting coverage of the opening game between co-hosts New Zealand and Norway.

      Fans watching on TV saw a studio looking polished, bright and professional.
      But Woods revealed everything but the desk and chairs is all CGI.
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      Woods will also be the face of TNT Sports’ Champions League and Big Fight coverage.
      Meanwhile Alex Scott has also caught the eye with her outfit choices on the BBC’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup. More

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      Ultimate Women’s World Cup rich list – highest-paid Lionesses star to Chelsea striker who bagged FIFA video game deal

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      ENGLAND’S roaring Lionesses captured the heart of the nation on their way to victory at the Euros last year.But while they will be hoping to go one better at the Women’s World Cup this summer, they face stiff competition from the likes of the USA, Spain, Germany and France.
      Chloe Kelly and the team pulled in huge crowds to their games in the UK for the Women’s EurosCredit: Getty
      Marta is often considered the greatest female footballer of all timeCredit: Getty
      In the money leagues, top stars like Marta and Megan Rapinoe may earn just a fraction of their equivalents in the men’s game.
      However, the best players can still earn hundreds of thousands a year – boosted by sponsorship deals and lucrative side projects.
      Here, we reveal some of the highest earners who will be dazzling in Australia and New Zealand over the coming weeks.
      Marta
      Brazilian Marta, 37, is often regarded as the best female footballer ever, so it’s no surprise she can command one of the highest salaries.
      READ MORE ON RICH LISTS
      The forward reportedly earns £311,000 a year at Orlando Pride, topped up by sponsorship deals with the likes of LATAM Airlines, Avon Brasil, shampoo brand Clear and pharmaceutical company Neo Quimica.
      In some of her campaigns for Clear, she has appeared with Cristiano Ronaldo. She has also had deals with Coca-Cola and Puma.
      Marta is Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer, with a record 17 World Cup goals, and has been named FIFA’s World Player of the Year five consecutive times.
      Wendie Renard
      Wendie has captained the French national team for ten yearsCredit: Getty
      French centre back Wendie, 33, has been the captain of the French women’s team for ten years.
      Most read in Football
      As the skipper of Lyon at club level, she is one of the most decorated players in modern times, with an astonishing 15 French league titles and eight European Cups to her name.
      It’s no surprise then that she’s on a reported £298,000-a-year salary.
      One of her sponsors is Adidas and she was previously an ambassador for MasterCard alongside England’s Alex Scott, too.
      Earlier this year, she told fans she was pulling out of what will be her third World Cup.
      She said in a statement: “It is a sad day, but necessary to preserve my mental health. It is with a heavy heart that I come to inform you of my decision to step back from the French team.”
      However, after returning to the French team for friendlies against Colombia and Canada in April, she will be wearing the armband once more this tournament.
      Megan Rapinoe
      Megan has gained a huge profile for her footwork on the pitch and activism off itCredit: Getty
      Megan’s famous celebration against France at the last World CupCredit: AFP
      With her signature bleached hair and even more dazzling footwork, USA winger Megan is one of the most instantly recognisable female footballers in the world.
      At the last World Cup in 2019, her celebration against France – in which she saluted the crowd with outstretched arms – became an instant meme and even went on to be added into the FIFA video game.
      The athlete, 38, is thought to take home a salary of £348,000 from OL Reign and, according to Celebrity Net Worth, has a fortune of £3.9million.
      She tops this up with sponsorship deals and cover interviews, having appeared on the front page of Sports Illustrated, Marie Claire, and InStyle.
      Her brands deals include luxury fashion brand Loewe, Nike and Samsung.
      Alex Morgan
      Alex Morgan has topped up her earnings by writing a children’s book seriesCredit: Getty
      Her tea-sipping celebration has gone down in World Cup folkloreCredit: Rex Features
      England fans will remember USA striker Alex for her now infamous tea-drinking celebration, after scoring the winner against the Lionesses at the last World Cup.
      The San Diego Wave FC captain – who CNW estimates has a fortune of £2.3million – has played in 217 international matches and made a short-lived move to Tottenham back in 2020.
      Away from the pitch, the 34-year-old has published The Kicks, a four-book series for school children and even appeared in a music video for Maroon 5’s song “Girls Like You”, which features Cardi B.
      Her long list of sponsorship deals include Nike, Panasonic, AT&T, Chobani, McDonald’s, P&G, Mondelez International, and Coca-Cola.
      She is married to Servando Carrasco, also a football player, and they have one child together, three-year-old Charlie.
      Lucy Bronze
      Lucy is thought to be one of the UK’s wealthiest female footballersCredit: Getty
      British Lucy, 31, is one of the wealthiest Lionesses and is thought to take home around £200,000 a year for FC Barcelona.
      The right-back has played for the England team since 2013 and has also represented the country in the Olympics. She tops up her earnings with deals from Pepsi, EE, Klarna, and Visa.
      Lucy is believed to be the top-earning England player, but along with other Lionesses has slammed the FA’s decision not to pay players extra money on top of the funds dished out by FIFA this tournament.
      Speaking about it, she said: “We want to keep pushing our own standards, but also our federations’ standards, the FIFA and UEFA standards. It isn’t just about the numbers. It is the principle of what we want to improve in women’s football.
      “There is always another step the game can take. Whether that is commercial, on the pitch or off the pitch, whether it is performance based or not. It is about being rewarded for what we have done – we are the European Champions.”
      Sam Kerr
      Sam has a $1million deal with Nike among other lucrative dealsCredit: Getty
      Goal-machine Sam, 29, is believed to take home a salary of £400,000 a year at Chelsea, who she has just helped to another Women’s Super League title.
      The Australian captains her national team and will be hoping to take them all the way as the hosts.
      Her 13-year deal with Nike is thought to be worth $1million. She was also the first female player to appear on the cover of the FIFA video game.
      Sam also has sponsorship deals with luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen, Australian bank CommBank, and EA Sports.
      Chloe Kelly
      Chloe won legions of fans for her last minute goal at the EurosCredit: Getty
      England’s super-sub Chloe, 25, secured her place in the history books at last year’s Euros with her winning goal against Germany.
      It is not known how much her Man City contract is worth, but the club’s average salary for female players is thought to be around £75,000 a year.
      However, off the back of her legendary goal – and celebration – last year, Chloe remains one of England’s most marketable stars.
      The Mail on Sunday reported that she was set to sign a deal with Land Rover worth up to £2 million.
      A spokesperson for Chloe told the paper: “I can’t comment on her business dealings but… she is in demand.”
      Read More on The Sun
      She has also worked with Nike, KFC and last month appeared in a Calvin Klein ad alongside Alex Morgan. More

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      Inside the glam lifestyle of pals Caitlin Foord and Katie McCabe after Ireland’s star’s ex snubs World Cup handshake

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      IT’S the talk of the Women’s World Cup so far.Before Australia and Ireland went head-to-head, the players shook hands.
      Katie McCabe and Caitlin Foord are firm pals
      Foord, McCabe and pal Jordan Nobbs enjoyed a holiday in Ibiza together last monthCredit: instagram @katie_mccabe11
      Ireland’s Ruesha Littlejohn completely ignored Foord when they shook hands before their World Cup clash
      All except Caitlin Foord and Ruesha Littlejohn, with the Irish defender snubbing her Aussie counterpart in the run up to kick off.
      Fans suggested the snub – reminiscent of the incident between John Terry and Wayne Bridge – may have been motivated by Littlejohn’s split from long-term partner and Ireland captain Katie McCabe, 27.
      They separated after more than seven years together shortly before the World Cup – as confirmed by McCabe on the UK’s Player Tribune.
      According to the Daily Mail, McCabe and Foord – who play for Women’s Super League giants Arsenal – are good friends off the field.
      Read more women’s world cup news
      And, along with their Gooner pals, they live a glam lifestyle.
      The break-up
      Littlejohn and McCabe began dating in 2016, although they didn’t go public with their romance until 2019.
      Together, they took part in campaigns designed to help young people who struggle with their sexuality.
      However, earlier this week McCabe wrote a piece about life as an Ireland international.
      Most read in Football
      She discussed the moment former coach Colin Bell named her Irish captain.
      In her quotes she referred to missing a call from Bell when she was with “my partner at the time”.
      The cat was out the bag. Littlejohn and McCabe were no more and one of Ireland’s most recognised couples was no more.
      McCabe and Littlejohn were Ireland’s power footballing coupleCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      McCabe revealed that she had split from Littlejohn before the World CupCredit: Sportsfile
      Best friends
      Foord and McCabe are team-mates at Arsenal and reportedly best friends.
      The pair regularly enjoy each other’s company, seen together on the pitch celebrating goals and off the field enjoying a footballer’s lifestyle.
      Foord, herself, is recently single having split with Swiss midfielder and Arsenal teammate Lia Walti.
      However, The Sun does not suggest the Aussie forward had anything to do with McCabe and Littlejohn’s break-up.
      Both Foord and McCabe star for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Foord boasts amazing lifestyle, including flying on private jets
      Ibiza uncovered
      Although we don’t know when they split, McCabe hasn’t wasted any time in enjoying the single life.
      Last month, she joined Foord on a sun-drenched holiday to Ibiza, along with ex-Gunners star Jordan Nobbs.
      Ironically, Nobbs also plays for Aston Villa with McCabe’s ex, Littlejohn.
      They rented a stunning villa that boasted its own swimming pool, where they topped up their tans on surrounding deck chairs.
      And they dropped into Ushuaia, where they enjoyed DJ’s including Andrea Oliva and Nic Fanciulli.
      McCabe, Foord and Nobbs posed for selfies in front of the stage as they lapped up their party surroundings.
      While they also made time for a beach day, showing off their athletic physiques and bikini bodies.
      The holiday drew plenty of comments, including ex-Arsenal keeper Mat Ryan.
      Read More on The Sun
      Speaking about the Ibiza trip he joked: “A photo or two didn’t make the cut 🙈😂”.
      Amusingly, Foord replied to his comment: “@matyryan didn’t wanna break the internet with that one😅”.
      Jordan Nobbs joined McCabe and Foord in Ibiza
      The trio rented this stunning villa
      McCabe enjoys a beer on the beach
      The trio hit up Ushuaia where they partied the night awayCredit: instagram @katie_mccabe11 More

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      Former England heroine Katie Chapman backs Millie Bright and Lauren James to shine for Lionesses at the World Cup

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      KATIE CHAPMAN is backing Millie Bright and Lauren James to make their mark at the World Cup with England facing Haiti today.Their group D fixture will see them play their first game in the tournament today under boss Sarina Wiegman.
      Katie Chapman believes Lauren James and Millie Bright will shine for England at this year’s World CupCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses will play Haiti at Brisbane Stadium today with their game kicking off at 10:30 BSTCredit: Getty
      Chapman captained a Chelsea side featuring Millie Bright when the Blues won their first Women’s FA Cup in 2015Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Chapman was speaking to SunSport ahead of the opening of hybrid indoor football arena KickX in Surrey today
      England’s clash with their opponents will see them back in official international action for the first time since drawing 0-0 with Portugal on home soil earlier this month.
      With the team winless in two games since their Women’s Finalissima defeat of Brazil in March, the Lionesses are eager to get their World Cup campaign off to a flier.
      Chapman, 41, who retired from the game in 2018, played with Bright for three years at Chelsea.
      The ex-Lioness skippered a Blues team which featured the centre-back to an FA Cup win and WSL title triumph eight years ago
      Read More Football Stories
      Chapman, who also lifted the FA Cup in 2018, believes Bright’s leadership and James’ potential will be key for Wiegman’s side.
      The former midfielder, who has 94 England caps, told SunSport: “Millie was unbelievable in the Euros.
      “What a big player, a big personality and a great leader to have in your team.
      “She reminds me very much of me, and I love her to pieces.
      Most read in Football
      “Lauren is new onto the scene and Chelsea have done a great job with her with managing her (past) injuries and getting her onto the pitch.
      “She’s showing her potential. She’s a player that you can put on the pitch that can change your game for sure.
      “I’m excited to see her play in the World Cup.”
      Chapman, who is an ambassador for KickX, a hybrid indoor football arena opening at Addlestone One today in Surrey, believes England have a solid chance of going all the way.
      England are missing quite a few big names but it gives other players an opportunity to step up at the World CupKatie Chapman
      This is despite their squad missing the services of Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby, all key figures in their Euros triumph last summer.
      Chapman, whose playing career began at 14 at Millwall, adds: “They’re missing quite a few big names and players have retired.
      “But it also gives other players the opportunity to step up and take their moment within a World Cup.
      “It’s amazing to be there and to represent your country. 
      “It’s going to give those younger players (in the squad) an opportunity.
      “There are quite a few playing in their first World Cup and what an opportunity (for them) to have.
      “Sarina (Wiegman) manages the team in the right way.
      “They all look quite relaxed out there in Australia which is great.”
      Chapman’s launch of KickX, which she describes as all-age inclusive and offering a mix of football-themed games to play, comes nine days after the publication of a landmark women’s game review.
      The review, chaired by her former Chelsea and England team-mate Karen Carney, has called for a raft of changes to women’s football in England.
      This includes finding a strategic partner to invest in improving pathways and academy structures to help develop young talent.
      Chapman said: “Karen is right. There is a lot to be done lower down in the game.
      “There’s a lot to be done at a grassroots level as well.
      “To be an athlete, and to be a professional athlete, you need to train.
      Chapman played for the England team that reached the 2009 Women’s Euros final under Hope PowellCredit: AFP
      “You need to be a full time athlete, you need to be able to do that and you need to be paid to be able to do that at a reasonable level.
      “As she said, there’s a lot to be done filtering down from the top flight of the women’s game.
      Read More on The Sun
      “But as we raise the profile in the game, that’s hopefully our next step to look at.”
      England’s match against Haiti in the Women’s World Cup can be watched live on ITV1 and the BBC at 10:30 BST More

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      Lionesses captain Millie Bright insists England are focused on toppling Haiti with bonus pay concerns parked

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      MILLIE BRIGHT is “itching” to make World Cup history after declaring herself fit to go to battle for England in the contest.The Lionesses’ captain says players will be tournament-focused when they take on Group D minnows Haiti with bonus pay matters on hold.
      Millie Bright has given England a huge fitness boost with the centre-back ready to start for the Lionesses in their group stage openerCredit: Getty
      England will take on Haiti who are playing in the World Cup for the first time in their historyCredit: PA
      England’s clash with Haiti will kick off at 10:30 (BST) at Brisbane Stadium in AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Bright and her team-mates are targeting back-to-back tournament wins a year on from their triumph in the Women’s EurosCredit: Reuters
      Today’s game will see Bright on England duty for the first time since February, following a knee injury she sustained in a Champions League game for Chelsea a month later.
      It will also see the Euros champs face Haiti for the first time in a World Cup,
      Their opponents are one of the five lowest-ranked sides in the tournament and will be making their contest debut in the duel at Brisbane Stadium.
      Bright, who has been a lynchpin in England’s defence, won her race to be fit and featured in a behind-closed-doors 0-0 draw with Canada.
      Read More Football Stories
      The 66-capped Lioness, 29, said: “I was very confident in my recovery.
      “I have been given absolutely everything I needed to be in this position that I am in.
      “I am grateful that I am able to play. I am super excited to be here.” 
      Bright’s knee concerns ahead of the tournament coincide with a triple Lionesses injury blow with Willamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby all crocked.
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      Along with Bright the trio were among the most influential players for England during their dramatic charge to Euros glory last July.
      Reflecting on her journey to back to full fitness, Bright added: “Personally, I went day by day to start with.
      “It’s important to be in the moment and present, and not look too far ahead.
      “By doing that I kind of removed all the pressure of being fit almost, so day-by-day my head was in that place on that day.
      “But I’m always confident that I do absolutely everything that I can for the team, and to put myself in the best position.
      “I knew I would tick all the boxes in terms of my recovery.”
      On how she mentally managed her push to get fit with England missing Mead, Kirby and Williamson, Bright flagged the support of team-mates and Wiegman’s staff.
      Bright added: “You mentioned players not being here, but unfortunately injuries are part of football.
      “We have to look forward and move forward.
      “We’ve got an amazing group of players and staff and everyone has stepped up. We’re raring to go.”
      Off the pitch Bright and her team-mates publically revealed their World Cup bonus pay negotiations with FA chiefs are on hold until after the contest.
      On Tuesday players publicly admitted they were disappointed that talks had reached a stalemate.
      Bright said: “It’s not a situation everyone wants to be in.
      “As players we’re not just programmed to play football, sometimes we have to have these conversations.
      “But we have a very professional group and football is always at the front of everything. 
      Sarina Wiegman says England are well prepared for Haiti and that no stone has been “left unturned” in the prep work ahead of the gameCredit: PA
      “I’m aware that everyone’s seen the statement.
      “So as players now, with our heads on the game – they always have been on the game – everything is on hold.
      Read More on The Sun
      “For now it’s all about the tournament.”
      England’s game against Haiti can be watched live on ITV1 and on the BBC at 10:30 (BST). The game will kick off at 7:30 pm local time in Brisbane, Australia. More

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      England Lionesses captain Millie Bright’s tattoos explained, including an owl and a dreamcatcher on her arm

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      MILLIE BRIGHT is ready to lead her country to glory.The Lionesses centre back, 29, is fit to start for England against Haiti in the Group D opener on Saturday.
      England captain Millie Bright boasts a brilliant tattooed arm sleeve
      Bright is a regular visitor to A Star Tattoos’ Dan RossetterCredit: Instagram @astartattoos
      Although she hasn’t played a game since March after suffering a knee injury, coach Sarina Wiegman confirmed her captain could start.
      “We’re happy,” Wiegman said in a press conference. “This was the plan. The plan worked and Millie is ready to play.”
      During her time away from the game, Bright added to her tattoo collection.
      The Chelsea defender has a sleeve on her arm with ink designed by A Star Tattoos artist Dan Rossetter.
      read more lionesses news
      But what are her tattoos – and what do they mean?
      Eye of the tiger
      Found on her left outside forearm, Millie has an eye and half a tiger.
      Both have significant meaning.
      The eye is a design of her partner Levi Crew’s. While the tiger represents an important part of her game. Strength.
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       “It’s my partner’s eye and half a tiger, my core strength with me through thick and thin.” she told SunSport.
      On her left outside forearm Bright has her partner’s eye and a tiger
      The eye can be better seen nearer Bright’s wrist
      Dream big
      For her dreamcatcher tattoo, Bright turned designer.
      On the inside of her left forearm, this ink was a dedication to her mum’s inspiring words.
      Bright revealed: “I designed a dreamcatcher, my mum says dream big before every game.”
      Millie’s mum Nicola paid tribute to her daughter after the Lionesses won the Euros.
      She said: “The most heart-warming part of this journey is people like Millie like we do.”
      A dreamcatcher represents Millie’s mum’s wise words to dream big
      Owl
      Bright was born in the village of Killamarsh, on the outskirts of Sheffield.
      Her rural surroundings meant she grew up around horses as a kid.
      There were also plenty of owls, which is a throwback to her childhood.
      “An owl, memories from back home – at the stables we always had an owl which came every single year,” she said of that tattoo.
      Bright’s owl represents her rural upbringing in Yorkshire
      Sleeping on the job
      However, when she got her owl tattoo – that took five hours to complete – she embarrassingly fell asleep.
      Bright dropped into A Star Tattoos in Chessington, Greater London, back in March.
      Tattoo artist Dan Rossetter filmed the action live. Which actually turned out to be a snoozefest.
      Dan said: “At the beginning of the session we were having a chat, a catchup from when I’d last seen her – she was telling me about the football and bits and pieces.
      “I was just about to start up the conversation again and I thought, ‘oh, I’m getting no response here’. I looked down and she’d fallen asleep.
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      Bright has fallen asleep when being tattooed by artist Dan Rossetter
      “I was quite surprised. It was funny. My reaction must have been a picture to start off with.
      “She’d wake up and say, ‘sorry about that, it must be the football'”. More