Women’s World Cup 2023

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      I scored one of Women’s World Cup’s best goals then went on to become an all-time cricket great and Ashes legend

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      ELLYSE PERRY has established herself as one of the greatest athletes of all time.The 32-year-old Australian is the ultimate all-rounder, having represented her country at an elite level in both football and cricket.
      Perry has starred for Australia in both cricket and footballCredit: PA
      The defender scored a world-class goal at the Women’s World Cup in 2011Credit: Getty
      She has enjoyed some unforgettable moments throughout her career, from scoring in a 2011 World Cup quarter-final to scoring a double century in test cricket.
      Perry is one of the unsung heroes of sport.
      Born in the Sydney suburb of Wahroonga, Australia, Perry quickly became immersed in sport as a youngster.
      Throughout her school years, the budding athlete played several sports including: golf, football and cricket as well as athletics.
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      But shortly after she turned 16 in 2007, football and cricket took over when she made her Australia debut in both sports within the space of two weeks.
      Perry was fast-tracked into the Australian cricket team for a series against New Zealand in the summer of that year, making her the youngest-ever cricketer to represent the country.
      Her football debut came in a match against Hong Kong just a matter of days later and she remarkably scored two minutes after entering the pitch.
      In 2011, she was named in the Australia squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany, making her first appearance in a group game against Norway and becoming the first-ever player to appear in both ICC and FIFA World Cups.
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      Perry helped Australia to the quarter-finals of the 2011 Women’s World CupCredit: Getty
      To cap off her impressive tournament, she scored a world-class goal against Sweden at the quarter-final stage, firing the ball into the top corner from 25-yards out.
      Many people questioned if Perry would be able to continue juggling two sports, including the chief executive of her football club, Canberra United.
      Heather Reid gave her an ultimatum – football or cricket.
      However, Perry immediately took matters into her own hands by seeking a transfer to Sydney FC, where head coach Alen Stajcic allowed her to continue playing cricket alongside football.
      But with women’s sport continuing to evolve, one eventually had to give as in 2018 the defender stopped playing professional football to pursue a full-time career in cricket.
      In an interview with The Roar, she said: “Essentially, both sports have grown so much and developed so much in the last couple of years that they really demand people to be full-time professional athletes.
      “I ended up in cricket and haven’t played any football recently. I truly enjoyed my time playing football.”
      She has since enjoyed a successful five years solely in cricket, winning six T20 World Cup titles and two Cricket World Cup titles.
      Perry still represents Australia in cricketCredit: Alamy More

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      Ireland Women’s World Cup ace SNUBS handshake with Australia star after her ex was pictured on holiday with rival

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      A STAR of the Women’s World Cup SNUBBED the handshake of a rival player after her ex-girlfriend was pictured on holiday with her opponent. The pair were then seen confronting each other towards the end of the clash.
      Caitlin Foord (left) and Ruesha Littlejohn (right) were at the centre of controversy after a handshake snubCredit: Getty
      Littlejohn shockingly appeared to snub a handshake with Foord
      The incident is rumoured to have come from Littlejohn’s split with Ireland captain Katie McCabeCredit: Getty
      Ahead of kick-off in Australia and Ireland’s opening World Cup game, Ruesha Littlejohn seemed to refuse to shake the hand of Aussie counterpart Caitlin Foord.
      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.
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      The pair recently went on holiday to Ibiza with a large group of friends, with photos of the trip being shared to Instagram.
      But as co-hosts Australia were shaking hands with Ireland before kick-off, Littlejohn, 33, was seen shockingly skipping over Foord’s extended hand.
      Tensions following the incident appeared to boil over towards the end of the game.
      Littlejohn appeared to attempt to approach Foord, 28, while on the field of play, only for her to be restrained by a team-mate.
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      Littlejohn approached Foord at the end of the matchCredit: Sportsfile
      Littlejohn had to be restrained by a team-mate at the end of the match after she and Foord confronted one anotherCredit: Sportsfile
      McCabe, right, recently confirmed she and Littlejohn had separated after more than seven yearsCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      Foord, left, was pictured on holiday in Ibiza with fellow Arsenal star McCabe, rightCredit: instagram @katie_mccabe11
      McCabe and Littlejohn were together for seven yearsCredit: instagram @rueshalj
      SunSport does not imply that Foord had anything to do with the split of McCabe and Littlejohn.
      An insider from the Matildas told the Mail: “Clearly there is still some tension surrounding from Littlejohn’s side of things which looks like it spilled over a bit on Thursday night.
      “Caitlin and Katie are great friends. They play together for Arsenal. They spend a lot of time together. But there’s nothing more to it than that.”
      The outlet’s report adds that Foord declined to comment via her management on the incident after being contacted.
      In reaction to the video posted on TikTok, one user said: “Ruesha that’s too personal.”
      A second wrote: “It’s now clear that there’s some drama between Katie, Reusha and Caitlin.”
      Meanwhile, the user who posted the video added: “I know they might not be close but it [is] weird.”
      The pair were competing with one another during the gameCredit: EPA
      The incident is reminiscent of the incident between John Terry and Wayne BridgeCredit: AFP More

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      Alisha Lehmann gets cheeky request from fan after starring for Switzerland at Women’s World Cup 2023

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      ALISHA LEHMANN received a cheeky request from a fan who asked her for her shirt after playing for Switzerland at the Women’s World Cup.The Aston Villa star is hugely popular figure and boasts the most Instagram followers of any Swiss sports star, including Roger Federer.
      Alisha Lehmann came on as a sub in Switzerland’s 2-0 win over the PhilippinesCredit: Getty
      The Aston Villa star could play a key role for her country at the World CupCredit: Getty
      A fan cheekily asked for her shirt
      The 24-year-old has over 13million followers on the social media site and has also been named sport’s most fancied star.
      During the 2-0 win over the Philippines, in which Lehmann came on as a substitute, a fan held up a sign asking for the forward’s shirt.
      Lehmann is known for her good looks and she made history this week by becoming the first female cover star for SWM magazine.
      She is now the biggest commercial star in women’s football.
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      Lehmann shares her adventures, travels, bikini photos and enviable lifestyle with her fanbase, although she had to tell her mum to ignore comments on her posts because of internet trolls.
      Astonishingly, it is estimated her branded posts are worth as much as £241,314 to her.
      She often shares stunning photos on social media and recently dressed up as a real life barbie.
      But Lehmann is keen to remind fans she is a footballer and made it clear that football takes priority over everything else.
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      Lehmann was recently named sport’s most fancied star.Credit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      She is the biggest commercial star in women’s football
      The Swiss boasts 13million Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      She said: “Some people just see Instagram and social media and don’t even know I actually play football, when I don’t post a football picture for a week, people say, ‘Oh she doesn’t even play’.
      “I think sometimes it’s a bit hard because obviously I train every day, like everyone else, I play every weekend and sometimes it’s hard because they make a picture of you.
      “I’m a proper footballer. I work hard every day. I want to be the best version of myself in football and that’s my first priority in life.” More

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      Laura Woods’ elegant outfit instantly wins over fans as she leads ITV’s coverage of Women’s World Cup

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      LAURA WOODS is already winning fans over during the 2023 Women’s World Cup.The competition kicked off today with co-hosts New Zealand and Australia beating Norway as well as the Republic of Ireland respectively.
      Laura Woods will be covering the 2023 Women’s World Cup on ITVCredit: Getty
      Woods presented the first World Cup matches in style with an elegant dress
      Woods will be covering almost the entire tournament and proven she can do it in style.
      The popular broadcaster hosted the World Cup’s kick-off in an elegant black dress.
      And fans woke up with joy after realising Woodsy will be hosting the event for ITV.
      One supporter posted: “Not sure how anyone can criticise Laura Woods. Streets in front of every other presenter.”
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      Another commented: “Laura woods on my TV I’ve woken up to worse.”
      A third said: “Laura Woods all day.”
      Woods was joined by ex-Ireland keeper Emma Byrne and former Chelsea star Karen Carney.
      They analysed the opening World Cup games in a studio that looks completely different in real life.
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      Fans watching on TV saw a studio looking polished, bright and professional.
      But a new picture revealed everything but the desk and chairs is all CGI.
      Woods will also be the face of TNT Sports’ Champions League and Big Fight coverage. More

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      ITV studio for Women’s World Cup looks unrecognisable in real life as Laura Woods shares secret in behind-the-scenes pic

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      THE ITV studio for the Women’s World Cup looks completely different in real life.Fans watching on TV see a studio looking polished, bright and professional, but a new picture has revealed what it actually looks like for the presenters.
      The Women’s World Cup ITV Studio normally looks decked out, but that’s not the reality of itCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/?hl=en-gb
      The studio is actually almost entirety green screen as revealed in a new photoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/?hl=en-gb
      ITV host Laura Woods gave fans the unexpected insight into the reality of the studio when she shared a picture on her Instagram story.
      The image shows that virtually everything but the desk and chairs is all CGI.
      It appears in the photo that the surroundings of the studio are all a green screen and that what we see on TV is superimposed over it in post.
      Coverage of the tournament started this morning and fans are pleased to see Woods hosting the broadcast.
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      Fans have taken a liking to the experienced host who has also just been announced as the face of TNT Sports’ Premier League presenting team.
      The Women’s World Cup is now underway with New Zealand defeating Norway 1-0 in the tournament’s curtain raiser.
      New Zealand’s co-hosts, Australia, also won their first game against Republic of Ireland 1-0, despite being without star player Sam Kerr who has picked up an injury.
      England play their first game in the tournament on Sunday when they face off against Haiti in Group D.
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      The Lionesses will be hoping to add the World Cup to their trophy cabinet after winning the Euros at Wembley last year.
      Sarina Wiegman’s side will also face off against China and Denmark in their hopes tom progress to the knockout stages. More

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      Why is Sam Kerr not playing for Australia vs Ireland in the Women’s World Cup?

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      SAM Kerr has risen to fame showing off her football skills.The Australian star has become a fan favourite over the years, but why is she not playing for Australia vs Ireland in the Women’s World Cup?
      Sam Kerr has a calf injuryCredit: Getty
      Why is Sam Kerr not playing for Australia vs Ireland in the Women’s World Cup?
      Sam Kerr is not playing in the Australian vs Ireland Women’s World Cup match due to an injury.
      She has been ruled out for the first two matches because of a calf injury she sustained while training.
      She is set to miss the opening Group B game against the Republic of Ireland at Stadium Australia on Thursday as well as being absent against Nigeria on July 27.
      The Chelsea forward posted on Instagram: “Unfortunately I sustained a calf injury yesterday in training. I wanted to share this with everyone so there is no distraction from us doing what we came here to achieve.

      “Of course I would have loved to have been out there tonight but I can’t wait to be a part of this amazing journey which starts now.”
      A statement posted to the Australia team’s Twitter account read: “Sam Kerr is unavailable tonight after she picked up a calf injury at training on matchday minus-one.
      “Sam will be unavailable for the next two matches with the Matildas medical team to re-assess her following our second group-stage match.”
      Who will replace Sem Kerr?
      Sam is set to be replaced by Arsenal defender Steph Catley.
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      It’s hoped that Kerr will have recovered enough in order to play in Australia’s final match in Group B, against Canada on July 31.
      How long does it take to recover from a calf injury?
      Depending how serious the calf injury is, it can take up to three months to recover fully.
      A typical grade I calf strain will heal in seven to 10 days but a grade II injury can take four to six weeks.
      If you have a grade III calf strain you are looking at three months of recovery.
      The most common calf injury tends to be grade II. More

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      I suffered bone aches and mouth ulcers through cancer but beat it – now I’ve made history at Women’s World Cup

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      NEW ZEALAND and Brighton defender Rebekah Stott has bravely spoken out about her cancer diagnosis and how it inspired her World Cup dream.The 30-year-old, who played in today’s opening game of the World Cup, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in March 2021, just a few months after joining Brighton in the Women’s Super League.
      Stott made history with New Zealand on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      The defender is a key member of the New Zealand squadCredit: Getty
      Stott kept fans updated on her progress through her blogCredit: INSTAGRAM @beatitbystotty
      But just five months later, following several rounds of gruelling treatment, she entered complete remission.
      In an episode of the Discovery+ documentary, ‘World at Their Feet’, Stott opened up about her diagnosis and her incredible journey back into football.
      “Obviously, I came to Brighton all excited and ready to go,” she said.
      “I had a little bit of a lump on my neck. It kept growing and getting bigger and bigger. I had surgery, I had a needle biopsy.
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      “Finally, after about three or four months, we got the diagnosis that I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
      “‘Why did this happen to me?’, has definitely gone through my head a lot, but I know that I will never know the answer to that.
      “‘Yes, this sucks, but I have a good prognosis. In a c**p situation, I am lucky’.
      “It was all quite rushed. I was straight in for my first day of chemo. The first cycle was bad. I was throwing up everywhere.
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      “And then bone aches, headaches, dizziness, mouth ulcers, they were probably one of the worst because you were trying to eat, and it would just be impossible.”
      Despite the difficult circumstances she endured, Stott remained upbeat as she kept fans updated through social media and her blog, ‘Beat It by Stotty’.
      The defender also remained determined to return to football and used that, along with family and friends, to inspire her through months of treatment.
      She added: “My family was great. My friends were really there for me. I had a lot of people looking after me.
      “The thought of getting back to football when I finished my cancer treatment was always there and that was always my goal, to get back on the field, so that was a huge motivation for me.”
      In July 2021, just a matter of months after being diagnosed, the New Zealand star announced that she was in complete remission.
      In a blog post, she wrote: “This is the blog I’ve been hanging out to write, I’m officially in COMPLETE REMISSION. It’s surreal and I’m still not quite sure how to describe the feeling, but I’m filled with so much happiness and I’m so appreciative to everyone who has helped me along the way.”
      Within just a few months of entering remission, Stott re-joined Melbourne City before signing a two-year deal with Brighton in 2022.
      And her World Cup dream came true last month when she was named in Jitka Klimkova’s 23-woman New Zealand squad.
      Stott made history with New Zealand on the opening day of the tournament this week, helping the country to it’s first-ever World Cup win.
      The Football Ferns earned a shock 1-0 win over Norway, who are ranked 12th in the world by FIFA.
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      Hannah Wilkinson broke the deadlock just after half time following an excellent passage of team play.
      Ria Percival had the opportunity to double New Zealand’s lead late in the game, but her penalty rattled the crossbar.
      New Zealand beat Norway 1-0 in the opening game of the World CupCredit: Getty More

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      Fans say ‘I’ve woken up to worse’ after realising who is presenting ITV’s Women’s World Cup 2023 coverage

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      FANS woke up with joy after realising Laura Woods is presenting the Women’s World Cup. The tournament kicked off with co-hosts New Zealand beating Norway 1-0 on BBC.
      Laura Woods kicking off ITV’s Women’s World Cup coverageCredit: ITV
      But ITV had the rights for the second game as Australia – sharing the World Cup with New Zealand – welcomed Ireland.
      It was also ITV’s first match of the campaign, with fan-favourite Woods leading the coverage, much to viewers’ delight.
      She was joined by ex-Ireland keeper Emma Byrne and former Chelsea star Karen Carney.
      One said: “Laura Woods on my TV I’ve woken up to worse.”
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      But another asked: “I think Laura Woods just called a lie-in a lay-in? Does anyone else say lay-in? Guess it could be future tense?”
      Woods recently celebrated making history after joining TNT Sports – rebranded from BT – who will offer an all-woman football presenting team.

      Woods is heading the front of camera crew while her former talkSPORT partner Ally McCoist is a co-commentator and pundit for the channel.
      Woods will be the face of TNT Sports’ Champions League and Big Fight coverage.
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      She will be among a clutch of female presenters among the 19 “leaders” of the channel’s sports package.
      Lynsey Hipgrave will anchor the channel’s Prem coverage, with 32 Saturday 12.30 fixtures and 20 midweek games across two fixtures blocks.
      Reshmin Chowdhury will present Champions League action, while Jules Breach will present a Saturday show ahead of the big match coverage and then take on the touchline reporting role left vacant by the departure of BT’s tunnel man Des Kelly.
      Laura Woods is the new face of TNT SportsCredit: @laurawoodsy
      Laura Woods will lead ITV’s Women’s World Cup coverageCredit: Getty More