Women’s World Cup 2023

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      ‘Disappointed’ Lionesses blast FA in statement over bonus row days before England kick off Women’s World Cup campaign

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      ENGLAND have hit out at a lack of progress with talks concerning bonus pay for players at the Women’s World Cup.The Euros champs are dismayed no resolution has been reached following ongoing negotitiations with the FA over performance bonuses. 

      Skipper Millie Bright shared players’ thoughts in a written statement signed by every member of Sarina Wiegman’s squad.
      Their words, shared via social media, come just four days before England’s group D opening game against Haiti on July 22.
      And the Lionesses have decided to put talks on hold to focus on their progress at the World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
      In the statement tweeted by Bright earlier today, players wrote: “Last year we presented the FA with our concerns relating to our bonus and commercial structures.
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      “We are disappointed that a resolution has still not been achieved.
      “We view the successful conclusion of these discussions, through player input and a transparent long-term plan, as key for the growth of women’s football in England.

      “With our opening game on the horizon, we Lionesses have decided to pause discussions, with full intentions of revisiting them following the tournament.
      “We collectively feel a strong sense of responsibility to grow the game and while our focus now switches fully to the tournament ahead, we believe every tackle, pass and goal will contribute to the work we are committed to doing off the pitch.
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      “We look forward to playing for our country in this World Cup with pride, passion and perseverance. Thank you for your support.”

      England players are pausing talks with the FA over Women’s World Cup bonuses until after the tournamentCredit: Alamy
      The Lionesses’ statement comes a month after Fifa announced changes to how prize money is allocated to players at the Women’s World Cup 
      For the first time in the tournament’s history pay from the authority will go directly to squad members on each team.
      And the amount paid is based on players’ performance with the figure rising the further a team progresses in the contest. 
      Prior to Fifa’s new set-up national football bodies would choose how prize money was distributed 
      It is thought some are willing to fund additional pay to players outside Fifa’s new structure. 
      England players are believed  to be dismayed that the FA has not taken a leaf out of the book of their United States counterparts.
      The USA’s federation has a collective bargaining agreement which sees players receive bonuses in addition to prize money paid directly to them by Fifa.
      PFA chief Maheta Molango warned it would be “a massive mistake” to underestimate players’ feelings on the matter.
      Sarina Wiegman’s aces are focusing on their upcoming World Cup fixtures including a group stage opener against HaitiCredit: Getty
      The Professional Footballers’ Association boss said: “It is no coincidence this is particular issue for nations where there is no collective bargaining agreement in place for players and governing bodies.
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      “There will always be consequences when players feel they are having to come back, issue by issue, to push for parity and progress.
      “It doesn’t need to be like this.” More

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      Lionesses winning Euros last summer was wonderful – here’s three reasons why we should roar them on again at World Cup

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      IF I tell you I have a hunch about a sporting event, then have a hunch of your own that the opposite will happen. I have a terrible track record with these things.But last year I got something right.
      Alessia Russo’s stunning surprise backheel against Sweden in the semi-finalCredit: Getty
      Ace Chloe Kelly celebrates her winnerCredit: PA
      The Lionesses gatecrash the press conference and partyCredit: Getty
      I wrote in The Sun that England’s women would win the Euros.
      And they did. Thrillingly, miraculously, brilliantly, inspiringly . . . they only went and did it.
      There were a trio of Three Lionesses moments which are right up there with anything our men have done. Moments which changed everything.
      Oh the joy of Russo’s backheel in the semi-final.
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      Very occasionally a player will do something which no one sees coming. They sell a dummy which everyone buys.
      Their teammates, their opponents, the commentators, the cameras, the crowd and the TV audience all look for the ball to go one way, but it goes ­somewhere else.
      No matter how many times you watch it back, Alessia Russo’s backheel takes you by surprise.
      This was the moment even the most cynical, not-for-me women’s football refusenik went “Oof! Wow! OK.”
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      Then there was Chloe Kelly’s winner in the final. By then we were so into it.
      Earlier, as we became true believers, it dawned on us that while everything was different, it could all yet turn out the same.
      Same old England, sure to lose in the end, to Germany, inevitably.
      But no! Into the net went the ball and over her head came Chloe’s shirt. Iconic.
      This was the moment we knew the Lionesses were different.
      They were winners. And we all felt like winners too.
      And then there was the invasion of the press ­conference.
      The all-singing, all-dancing, conga of ­mischief and joy.
      This was the moment we were reminded that, at its great beating heart, football is actually about, you know, having fun.
      Total ­uninhibited happiness.
      Great, great times.
      And this week we go again.
      Conga of ­mischief and joy
      It’s going to be harder this time.
      Not just because it’s the World Cup, nor because it’s happening a world away in a land down under.
      No, it’s because now England expects.
      Success creates its own pressure.
      And this means they need us to get behind them more than ever before.
      They gave us something wonderful last summer and now, in a sense, we need to give them something back.
      Someone once said that success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan.
      True that. We need to demonstrate that we’ve not been fairweather friends to our Lionesses.
      We need to be with them all the way.
      We can’t bide our time and wait for a moment of glory to be within our grasp.
      They need us right behind them from the off. They need us now.
      Shirt-shedding
      And it’s not just about the World Cup either.
      Last week Karen Carney, former Lioness midfielder and chair of a major review into the women’s game, published her report.
      It’s not a back-patting, look-how-far-we’ve-come exercise.
      It’s much more important than that.
      Her call is for the top two tiers of women’s football to be made fully professional; for a new regular broadcast slot on television; for better investment, better facilities, higher standards all around.
      This isn’t romantic stuff about backheels, shirt-shedding or crazy congas.
      This is the gritty, tricky, challenging stuff needing to be done to get more girls playing, and more women winning, in the environments they’ve earned the right to enjoy.
      There’s 126 pages to this report, and it’s well worth a read, but Karen sums it up rather neatly for us in just a few words.
      “Nothing can take away from our great achievements,” she says.
      “But it is like Instagram vs reality, and the latter is worrying and we need to address it.”
      She’s right. The Instagram posts tell a story of shiny new success with money to match.
      The reality is huge areas of the women’s game underfunded and underloved. The poor relation.
      The seeds of failure are often sown in times of success.
      Power is in our hands
      It would be all too easy for us to say, “Oh yeah, women’s football. Love it! I get it! We’re brilliant! Job done!”
      Never mind the facilities, let’s just admire that backheel again.
      Even if the Lionesses win the World Cup and conga all the way home with the trophy, the gap between Instagram and reality won’t be closed.
      If anything, it will be wider. The ­Instagrams will look even glossier, and the reality will change barely a jot.
      A massive opportunity could go ­begging, and that would be a dreadful thing.
      So what, you might ask, can we, the fans, do to close Karen’s Instagram vs reality gap?
      Well, much of it, to do with finance and administration and business planning, we have no direct control of.
      But the power is still in our hands.
      Because if we carry on seeing the power and potential of the women’s game, and stick with it, and demand ­better, all the good stuff will follow.
      Read More on The Sun
      More than ever before, at this World Cup and way beyond, everyone from the Lionesses to the little girl in the park wanting a kickabout, need our backing.
      Let’s do this. More

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      England Lionesses given warning over World Cup 2023 hotel with stars facing sleepless nights

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      ENGLAND’s Lionesses have been warned that they could face some sleepless nights throughout this year’s World Cup.Sarina Wiegman and her squad landed in Australia earlier this month to prepare for the tournament, which is set to kick off on Thursday.
      The Lionesses are staying at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific HotelCredit: INSTAGRAM @crowneplazaterrigalpacific
      The hotel is situated on the Central Coast of New South WalesCredit: INSTAGRAM @crowneplazaterrigalpacific
      It has been closed to the public while England are thereCredit: INSTAGRAM @crowneplazaterrigalpacific
      The most expensive rooms are £270-a-nightCredit: INSTAGRAM @crowneplazaterrigalpacific
      FA chiefs selected the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific Hotel – situated on the Central Coast of New South Wales – as the team’s base earlier this year.
      However, the hotel has received several noise complaints as it is directly opposite a nightclub.
      One TripAdvisor user, named Maryanne C, gave it a scathing review, writing: “If you want to sleep don’t stay here. Paid far too much for a thumping headache and the worst night’s sleep EVER.
      “The hotel is nice enough but the nightclub downstairs is LOUD until after midnight (we were there on a Saturday night). Reception kindly moved us to another room when we queried the noise but it was no better.”

      Meanwhile, a local resident told The Mirror: “The area around the hotel can get quite rowdy at weekends. It’s popular with residents and visitors and is right next to the beach, so it’s a great place to enjoy yourself.
      “But I’m not sure that I’d recommend it if you need a perfect night’s sleep!”
      The most expensive rooms in the hotel are valued at $519AUD-a-night, which is equivalent to £270.
      The complex includes 199 rooms, a pool, fitness centre and conference rooms, which will all be shut to the public during England’s stay.
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      The hotel is directly opposite Sirens NightclubCredit: Sirens Nightclub
      Sirens describes itself as ‘the Central Coast’s best nightspot’Credit: instagram @sirensthenightclub
      Sirens, the nightclub next door to the hotel, describes itself as “the Central Coast’s best nightspot”.
      The Women’s World Cup kicks off on Thursday, when New Zealand host Norway at Eden Park in Aukland.
      England begin their campaign on Saturday against Haiti.
      The Lionesses took a 90-minute flight to Brisbane from their base camp on Sunday ahead of their opening match.
      After Saturday’s game, they will return to their hotel in New South Wales for their second group match against Denmark, which will take place in Sydney.
      The England team will then fly another two hours to Adelaide, where they will take on China. More

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      Sealing Arsenal move before start of World Cup is a ‘weight off’ shoulders of Lioness star Alessia Russo

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      ALESSIA RUSSO says having her Arsenal move wrapped up before the World Cup feels like a weight off her shoulders. And the England star, 24, is enjoying proving a former coach wrong after he joked she “couldn’t head a ball for sh**”. 
      Alessia Russo is happy to have sorted her club future ahead before the start of England’s World Cup campaignCredit: Getty
      The Lioness star joined the Gunners as a free agent in July following the expiry of her contract with Manchester United in JuneCredit: Getty
      The WSL ace and the Lionesses arrived in Brisbane, Australia on Monday ahead of the Group D opening duel with Haiti on July 22. 
      That clash comes 18 days after the former Red Devil signed for Arsenal as a free agent. 
      Russo, who joined the Gunners after a three-year Manchester United spell, said: “I’m really glad it’s all done. 
      “It feels like a little bit of a weight is off my shoulders ahead of the World Cup and that’s what I wanted. 

      “I hoped to try and get it all sorted before the tournament kicked off. 
      “Now I can fully focus on this World Cup and after that head into Arsenal. I’m really excited.”
      Russo, who began her senior career at Chelsea in 2016, is arguably one of the Gunners’ biggest signings this summer. 
      And the Kent-born Lioness featured in a video welcoming Declan Rice to Arsenal. 
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      The video, produced by the club’s kit makers Adidas, went viral on social media. 
      When asked if there would be any banter from her Man United pals in England’s camp over move, Russo said they will “always be friends”. 
      She added: “I’m still best mates with them all and I always will be. 
      “It’s nice to have this summer and have some time with them again. We’re just all enjoying Australia.”
      Russo’s involvement in a World Cup tournament for the first time in her career comes after her netting 10 goals in 20 WSL games last term. 
      One of her most memorable was a headed effort last November that led to Man United becoming the first WSL team to beat Arsenal at the Emirates. 
      And Russo, who has earned plaudits for her aerial displays in the box, recalls her former coach Anson Dorrance jokingly mocked her heading abilities. 
      The former US Women’s national team boss, who led the side to their first World Cup win, coached Russo during her two-year stint at North Carolina Tar Heels. 
      The Lioness spent some of her teenage years at the US college side renowned for spotting and nurturing rising stars of the women’s game
      Like Russo, Lucy Bronze and Lotte Wubben-Moy, are also former Tar Heels players. 
      The trio flourished under Dorrance who has been in charge of the North Carolina University team for 46 years.
      Russo, who played for Tar them from 2017 to 2019, added: “When I was in America my coach out there told me that I couldn’t head a ball for shit. 
      “That was something that I wanted to prove him wrong with.
      “I’ve still got a long way to go, but yeah I think physicality is a huge thing as a nine. “You’ve got to be strong, you’ve got to be powerful. 
      “Some centre halves are bigger and stronger than you so you’ve got to find ways to get one up on them.”
      On whether she is still in contact with legendary Tar Heels boss Dorrance, Russo said: “I still speak to Anson and his assistant Damon Nahas.
      Russo still maintains contact with her coaches at the US women’s college side North Carolina Tar HeelsCredit: Getty
      “I probably speak to them maybe once a month. It’s nice to check in with them and they played a big part in my journey and my career. 
      “They’re coaches I have huge respect for and love to speak to.”
      Russo is eager to keep developing the physical aspect of her game in particular her strength for duels with her markers.
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      The WSL ace, who has scored 11 times in 21 senior England appearances, added: “Understanding my body and how to use it best, and then just trying to be as clinical as possible in front of goal. 
      “As a nine that’s something you want to work on every single day.” More

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      Meet the Women’s World Cup stars with legions of fans raking it in on Instagram

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      WOMEN’S football is big business.The WSL grows in influence year-on-year, and the enthusiasm for the Lionesses is bigger than ever following their Euros triumph.
      Women footballers like Alisha Lehmann of Switzerland are coining it in on InstagramCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      First superstar women’s footballer Marta followed by 2.6 million on InstagramCredit: Getty
      Marta is raking in £10,070 per Instagram post according to data analysts Gracenote NielsenCredit: Getty
      This week, the World Cup kicks off – with Sarina Wiegman hoping to lead England to glory in Australia and New Zealand.
      On show will be the game’s biggest personalities, who have all become powerful influencers in their own right.
      These successful women have scored millions of followers on Instagram, as they share snippets from their day-to-day lives.
      While brands are jumping on the bandwagon and utilising them to push their products.
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      But, who gets paid the most per post? Data analysts Gracenote Nielsen have compiled a list of the top 10 at the World Cup, with estimates on how much they make.
      10. Marta, Brazil, £10,070
      The Brazilian was the first superstar women’s footballer and boasts 2.6 million followers.
      This will remarkably be Marta’s sixth World Cup and probably last at the age of 37.
      She has scored at her first five tournaments, and if she manages to score in her sixth she will create history as the first player to do so.
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      As Brazil’s record scorer with 115 strikes, you wouldn’t bank against it.
      9. Jule Brand, Germany, £11,397
      2022 Euros runner-up Brand is a growing social media star.
      She boasts over 200,000 followers and engages her audience with snaps of holidays in Greece and paid partnerships with brands including Sony Pictures.
      The 20-year-old also has plenty of time for growth and has been given the tag ‘Future of German Football’.
      She reportedly earns £11,397 per Instagram post.
      Germany’s next superstar Jule BrandCredit: INSTAGRAM @jule_brand
      Brand is the youngest in the top 10 at just 20

      8. Megan Rapinoe, £12,998
      Long-serving American star Rapinoe is one of the most famous sports stars in the States.
      Outspoken, she has won the Women’s Ballon d’Or, won a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and two World Cups.
      Away from the pitch, the 37-year-old Californian is an advocate for numerous LGBTQIA+ organisations, including the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and Athlete Ally.
      Despite her standing, she is worth just £12,998 per post.
      USA star Megan Rapinoe is an advocate for numerous LGBTQIA+ organisationsCredit: AP
      Rapinoe has won two World Cups and is aiming for a thirdCredit: AP
      7. Alessia Russo, £14,016
      Famous for her stunning back-heel goal for England against Sweden that was nominated for a Puskas Award in 2022, Russo is the Lionesses’ threat upfront.
      The forward, who just completed a move to Arsenal, is one of football’s fashionistas.
      She appeared on the cover of Women’s Health, while she is also sponsored by Beats by Dre, PlayStation, and showed off Adidas’ exclusive Gucci collaboration on social media.
      At 24 she has plenty of room for growth – and is making around £14,016 per post.
      Fashionista Alessia Russo is the Lionesses only representative in the top 10
      Russo is making over £14,000 per Instagram postCredit: Getty
      6. Sam Kerr, £17,776
      Chelsea and Australia star Kerr is one of the world’s most lethal strikers.
      She was voted 2022 PFA Player of the Season, and has cleaned up trophy-wise – winning four WSL titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and two Cup of Nations.
      Her stock is high – with a reach of 1.2 million followers on Instagram, who she shows off her glam life too, including eating out at fancy French restaurant Bagatelle in London.
      For that reason, high-end brands including IWC watches offer her paid partnerships – netting the goal-getter around £17,776 a pop.
      Sam Kerr is one of the world’s most lethal strikersCredit: Getty
      Kerr boasts high-end paid partnerships including a deal with IWC watches
      5. Sakina Karchaoui, £23,238
      France footballer Karchaoui is sponsored by Nike, has a deal with Xbox and models for Pandora jewellery.
      The 27-year-old PSG star has 723,000 followers on Instagram.
      On the pitch she was crucial for her country getting to the semi-finals of the Euros.
      Off it, she is a role model for Arabic sports women.
      She can make around £23,238 per Instagram post.
      Sakina Karchaoui is a role model for Arabic women sports stars
      Karchaoui is endorsed by Xbox
      4. Alex Morgan, USA, £43,752
      Perhaps the most famous female footballer on the planet, American Morgan, now 34, transcended her sport.
      She has appeared in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit edition three times.
      The FIFA video game put her on their cover for their 2015 game in the States alongside Lionel Messi.
      With 121 goals for her country, she is one of the USA’s most famous footballers which is backed up by her 10 million plus Instagram followers.
      USA star Alex Morgan has transcended footballCredit: The Mega Agency
      Age 34, Morgan is still big business – worth £43,752 per Instagram postCredit: AP
      3. Jordyn Huitema, £59,836
      22-year-old Canadian Huitema already has a staggering 1.6million followers. Impressive for an up and comer.
      She is endorsed by Nike, and is in a sports power couple – dating Seattle Mariners baseball star Julio Rodriguez.
      Already an Olympic champion, she has seemingly been around for years after making her international debut at 15.
      Astonishingly, given her tender years, she makes nigh on £60,000 per Instagram post.
      Canadian Jordyn Huitema is football’s next superstar
      Huitema’s lifestyle photos have earned her a staggering 1.6 million followers at just 22Credit: INSTAGRAM @jordynhuitema
      2. Alexia Putellas, £88,853
      Europe’s best player, Spain and Barcelona ace Putellas boasts 2.8million followers on Instagram.
      She was awarded the Ballon d’Or and Fifa’s Best Women’s Player award in both 2021 and 2022.
      It is believed each post she shares receives 336,000 engagements.
      For that she coins in £88,853 every time, which is amazing given she’s been injured for the past 12 months. However, she will be back in time for the World Cup.
      Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas has been one of the best players in the world in recent yearsCredit: AP
      Putellas’ posts record 336,000 engagements and can net her £88,853Credit: instagram @alexiaputellas
      1. Alisha Lehmann, £241,314
      The Switzerland and Aston Villa forward is now the biggest commercial star in women’s football.
      Lehmann has the most followers on Instagram – over 13 million.
      She is so popular she even has more followers than Roger Federer – making her the most followed Swiss sports star on the platform.
      Read More on The Sun
      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.
      Alisha Lehmann is the biggest women’s football star on Instagram with over 13 million followersCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7
      Lehmann has more Instagram followers than Roger FedererCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alishalehmann7/?hl=en
      Switzerland star Lehmann’s Instagram posts could be worth as much as £241,314 to herCredit: Getty More

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      What is the prize money at the 2023 Women’s World Cup?

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      THE Women’s World Cup commences in just a few days and the prize fund has seen a staggering increase from 2019. FIFA have boosted this year’s pool to $110million, which is more than three times the amount of the $30million prize fund at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
      The USA won the last Women’s World Cup in France.Credit: AP
      This still does not come close to the men’s winners prize fund in Qatar at $440million.
      However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated he hopes to equal the prize money between both the men’s and women’s tournaments by the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
      FIFA has blamed the unequal prize fund to broadcasters and TV networks for offering significantly less for the women’s tournament’s media rights.
      They have further clarified they are doing their bit to fight for equality in the sport and others now need to start doing the same.
      Read more in Women’s World Cup
      What is the breakdown of the prize money at the Women’s World Cup?
      It’s currently unclear how the $110million prize pot will be distributed for the Women’s World Cup.
      Here is a breakdown of what the players will earn at this year’s tournament:

      Group stage: $30,000
      Round of 16: $60,000
      Quarterfinal: $90,000
      Fourth place: $165,000
      Third place: $180,000
      Second place: $195,000
      Winners: $270,000

      When is the Women’s World Cup 2023?

      The Women’s World Cup 2023 will take place in the summer of 2023.
      It will begin THIS WEEK – on July 20, 2023, and finish a month later on August 20.
      The World Cup will take place in Australia and New Zealand and there has been a team expansion from 24 to 32.
      The games will be spread across nine different cities.
      Stadium Australia in Sydney will host the final.

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      How much do England women’s footballers get paid for playing at the World Cup?

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      ENGLAND’S Lionesses could earn nearly a quarter of a million pounds each if they win the Women’s World Cup.FIFA have boosted this year’s pool to £88.5million – more than three times the amount of the £24m prize fund at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
      The Euro 2022 winners are competing at the Women’s World Cup next week.Credit: Getty
      Sarina Wiegman’s squad are aiming to go big and win this year’s World Cup.
      FIFA will not pay the prize money directly to individual associations such as the English FA as they did before.
      Now each squad member will receive a specific amount depending on what stage they reach during the tournament.
      However, the prize money is still a lot less than the men who take home £313m.
      Read More Women’s World Cup
      Individual fees have been introduced by FIFA for this year’s World CupCredit: Getty
      How much money do footballers get at the Women’s World Cup?
      Each player will receive £10,000 to aid their families to attend the games in Australia and New Zealand.
      England are certain to earn £24,000 for reaching the group stages.
      The prize money then increases to £47,000 for the round of 16, then to £70,000 for the last eight.
      Meanwhile, the big aim for England this year is the £213,000 for the winners of the World Cup.
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      Women’s World Cup 2023 prize money (in U.S. dollars)

      Group stage: $30,000
      Round of 16: $60,000
      Quarterfinal: $90,000
      Fourth place: $165,000
      Third place: $180,000
      Second place: $195,000
      Winners: $270,000

      When is the Women’s World Cup 2023?

      The Women’s World Cup 2023 will take place in the summer of 2023.
      It will begin THIS WEEK – on July 20, 2023, and finish a month later on August 20.
      The World Cup will take place in Australia and New Zealand and there has been a team expansion from 24 to 32.
      The games will be spread across nine different cities.
      Stadium Australia in Sydney will host the final. More

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      Ella Toone opens up on ‘finding herself’ and shares childhood dream of scoring for England in the World Cup

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      ELLA TOONE is loving life in Australia having “found herself” Down Under ahead of England revving up for the World Cup.The forward, 23, whose stunning chip helped the Lionesses triumph at last year’s Euros, sees herself as a player who goes at a “hundred miles an hour”.
      Ella Toone says she feels like a changed woman ahead of the start of England’s campaign to win the World CupCredit: Getty
      The Lioness forward could be set to play in a World Cup tournament for the first time in her careerCredit: Getty
      Toone says she learnt about herself during England’s Euros-winning run last summerCredit: Getty
      But since arriving at England’s camp Toone, who has 32 senior caps, has enjoyed finding ways to balance intense training with switching off mentally from football.
      The Manchester United and Lioness ace said: “I’ve really found myself here. I never normally wake up early as I’m a proper sleeper.
      “But I woke up early the other day – six o’clock – I went and saw the sunrise.
      “I absolutely love walking along the beach and the other day I went into the sea.
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      “Luckily the girls got me some goggles as I can’t go in with my eyelashes (on). 
      “I was under the waves every day and I thought ‘wow this is me’. 
      “Going in the sea has definitely really made me a changed woman.”
      Like her team-mates Toone has been finding ways to make the most of her downtime away from preparation for England’s Group D opener against Haiti in five days’ time.
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      The Wigan-born Lioness, who has netted 16 goals since her senior international debut in September 2020, enjoys reading autobiographies in her spare time.  
      She adds: “I don’t actually read novels, just autobiographies. I’m reading Jamie Vardy’s autobiography at the minute. 
      “I always say it (that I’m going to) but now I’ve actually started (to take up) reading more often so that’s nice.”
      Last summer saw Toone play in a major tournament for the first time in a senior career which began with a two-year spell at Blackburn Rovers in 2015 before moves to Man City and Man United.
      The WSL star was among nine aces taking part in their first major international contest for the Lionesses.
      Her goal-scoring display at last year’s Euros final at Wembley saw her evolve from a promising England talent to a tournament-winning performer.
      Toone opened the scoring against finalists Germany in front of a record crowd a Wembley with a lofted second-half strike.
      And the forward is eager to help England’s new major contest debutants with six included in head coach Wiegman’s squad.
      Toone adds: “Going into this tournament off the back of my first major tournament with England, I’ve just got more experience now.
      “I learned so much about myself at the Euros.
      “I’ve come into this having a bit more experience and just trying to offer others that experience.
      “I think I’ve come into this tournament the same as (I did) at the Euros.
      “That’s giving my best, enjoying every moment and making sure that I work hard in training.
      “I want to give everything I can every time I put the shirt on for England.”
      England’s clash with Haiti could see Toone make her World Cup debut for her national side.
      The match at Brisbane Stadium will kick off at 10:30 am UK time this Saturday (July 22).
      And Sarina Wiegman’s team have been a bit goal shy of late having gone scoreless in the last three games. 
      Having Toone is confident the team will find their shooting boots and hopes to achieve her dream of scoring in the tournament.
      She adds: “We’re very confident and we know we’ve got a lot of goal scorers in the group so we’re definitely creating those chances. 
      “It’s now about making sure we put them in the back of the net.
      Toone and her team-mates hope to pick up their first win since beating Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima in MarchCredit: Getty
      “I manifest a lot of things before I play games. Half of them never happen but I’m having fun in my brain. 
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      “I’ve dreamt about scoring a goal in the World Cup since I was a little girl and I’ve dreamt about scoring at this one.  
      “As for the celebrations (side of things) I have absolutely no idea (what I’ll do).” More