Women’s World Cup 2023

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      Lucy Bronze reflects on World Cup ‘heartbreak’ and driving standards with England after Barcelona success

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      LUCY BRONZE believes her Barcelona move has boosted her England form following her Champions League triumph with the club. And the full-back admits she is still “heartbroken” by the Lionesses’ World Cup semis loss four years ago.  
      Lucy Bronze is hungry for more silverware success following Euros and Champions League wins in the past yearCredit: Getty
      The England full-back helped Barcelona win their second Champions League trophy when they beat Wolfsburg 3-2 in JuneCredit: Getty
      Bronze and her England team-mates are continuing their preparations ahead of their first group stage match in this year’s World CupCredit: Getty
      Bronze and her team-mates will take to the field against Haiti on July 20 in their Group D opener at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      The Euros champs were put through their paces in training on Saturday in Queensland, following a 0-0 warm-up draw with Canada on Friday.
      Their upcoming clash with the tournament debutants in Brisbane, comes seven weeks after Bronze celebrated her fourth Champions League trophy win.
      The Lioness, 31, who joined Barcelona last term along with team-mate Keira Walsh, said: “I think the pair of us drive a different kind of standard now at England training.
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      “We’ve been able to add that when we’ve come back into camps.
      “It’s not the style of play necessarily.
      “It’s the expectation and the quality you expect from a team that wins trophies like Champions Leagues and playing with the best players in the world.
      “It gives myself and Keira massive confidence.
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      “It was her first Champions League win and while it was my fourth, it’s something that gives you a lot of confidence going into the World Cup.”
      Bronze, who moved Barca last June after a two-year spell at Manchester City, is playing in a World Cup for the third time in her career.
      The full-back was part of a Phil Neville-managed England side that lost 2-1 to the United States in the contest’s semis in France in 2019.
      Bronze used the word “heartbroken” to describe the feeling that result evokes.
      Of her past England experiences in the tournament, she said: “Every World Cup that I’ve played in we’ve been so close.
      “The difference between us and the US on the day that we played them was a VAR decision, a penalty save.
      “That’s two things in one game, it was crazy, crazy close.”
      A finish in the top two spots in Group D would see England enter the World Cup’s knockout phase for the first time under head coach Sarina Wiegman.
      The team have been hit by injuries to three of their biggest stars from last year’s Euros.
      Skipper and centre-back Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Euros Golden Boot winner Beth Mead are all battling their way back from knee issues.
      On the need to step up in their absence, Bronze added: “I’ve played that role in the majority of the tournaments I’ve played in.
      “The team and the manager expect that from me because I’ve always had to bring high level performances.
      “Although Leah is a huge part of the team, in the run-up to the Euros last year she didn’t play in the back four.
      Sarina Wiegman hopes to lead the Lionesses to their second major trophy win and first Women’s World Cup triumphCredit: PA
      “We played with Alex (Greenwood) and Millie (Bright) as our centre half partnership the whole year under Sarina and we didn’t lose a game then.
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      “Anybody that has watched Alex and Millie play in the WSL knows that they’re two of the best centre halves in the world.
      “Leah is a huge miss but I wouldn’t say it’s a reshuffle, we’re just going back to a different team which has already played together.” More

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      Vera Pauw says Republic of Ireland players ‘feared for their bodies’ in Women’s World Cup practice game with Colombia

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      VERA PAUW insists her Republic of Ireland aces feared they would be crocked during their World Cup warm-up game against Colombia.The Friday night duel in Brisbane, Australia was halted after 20 minutes after Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital with a shin injury.  
      Vera Pauw’s Republic of Ireland side put an early end to their World Cup practice duel with Colombia due overly physical playCredit: Sportsfile
      Pauw’s side next game will see them take on Australia in their Group B opening clash on Thursday 20 JulyCredit: Sportsfile
      Earlier today the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) revealed the midfielder was left with some bruising during the behind-closed-doors fixture.
      However O’Sullivan had suffered no fracture following an X-Ray and CT scan
      The North Carolina Courage ace is set to work with medical staff in an effort to swiftly return to action ahead of her team’s World Cup tournament debut.
      Of the game deemed as “overly physical” by referees, Pauw, 60, told the Off the Ball podcast: “After a few minutes it just started up in a way that it had almost no turnaround.  
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      “There was first a huge challenge on Ruesha [Littlejohn] with a lot of emotions around that of course because that was already a challenge out of the laws of the game.
      “We do not fear any physical contact. We are ourselves a team, that within the rules of the game, we are a very tough-playing team.
      “We always challenge within the rules of the game. This (the challenge on Denise) was out of the rules of the game.
      “Within two minutes there was a challenge on Denise.
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      “It was a build-up of ‘this is going wrong, this is going really wrong’.
      “She [O’Sullivan] was in awful pain of course, potentially a very serious injury, she was on the ground.
      “I stayed calm. I went calmly to the bench of the opponent and I asked the coach ‘I need your help.
      “We all want to go to the World Cup, how do we calm this down?’
      “He only said one sentence: “it’s both sides”, but we did not make any fouls. He went back [to the bench] and did not take any responsibility.
      “Then their team manager came and I said: ‘We all want to go to the World Cup, can you help me to calm things down?’
      “She said ‘it’s not intentional’. I got no help from them.
      “The bench of Colombia was very calm, they did not instigate things, I want to highlight that.
      ‘It was developing on the pitch, the players of course were upset.
      “So I decided to, for the first time in my life, go to the medical team and to Denise and they confirmed it was potentially a very serious injury.
      “The players, [for] the first time since I am coaching them, they feared for their bodies.
      ‘I took them away, calmed everybody down.
      “Fortunately my technical director had just arrived. We discussed it.
      “He took charge of it with the FAI, the CEO, and his decision was in-line with what I felt and what the players felt.”
      The Republic of Ireland will face Canada and Jamaica as well as tournament co-hosts Australia in the World Cup groups stagesCredit: Sportsfile
      Pauw’s side will face contest co-hosts Australia in a highly-anticipated Group B clash on the World Cup’s opening day on July 20.
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      The game, which kicks off at 10:00am UK time is one of two openers for the tournament.
      Co-hosts New Zealand facing Norway two hours earlier on Thursday. More

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      Fans praise insanely ‘clever’ ad for Women’s World Cup with unexpected twist that has them ‘forever questioning reality’

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      FANS have praised a Women’s World Cup advert that has left them “questioning reality”.The tournament is set to kick off in Australia next week, with England among the teams aiming to bring home the trophy.
      Antoine Griezmann was shown performing a piece of skillCredit: Orange France x Equipe de France Féminine
      Aurelien Tchouameni was depicted netting a free-kickCredit: Orange France x Equipe de France Féminine
      Griezmann was prominent in the advertCredit: Orange France x Equipe de France Féminine
      Also vying for glory will be European heavyweights France, who will hope to put troubles of recent years behind them to have a shot at glory.
      In partnership with Orange, the French Football Federation have put together a brilliant advert for the tournament.
      The two minute advert kicks off by showing a series of clips featuring men’s team superstars including Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni.
      In the series of highlights, players can be seen producing tricks, flicks and brilliant strikes.
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      Halfway through, however, the ad produces a killer twist.
      A message on screen reads: “Only Les Bleus can give us these emotions. But that’s not them you’ve just seen.”
      The video then rewinds to the beginning, and reveals that all of the clips shown were actually from France’s women’s team matches – edited with VFX to look like their male counterparts.
      It then proceeds to show the real clips, with Delphine Cascarino and Co producing moments of magic.
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      It turned out that visual effects had been used on the clipsCredit: Orange France x Equipe de France Féminine
      All of the highlights were actually from France women’s matchesCredit: Orange France x Equipe de France Féminine
      Seeing the advert on Reddit, fans praised its originality.
      One wrote: “I’m tricked. Going to question the rest of my reality now.”
      While a second commented: “Absolutely bamboozled me. Great ad.”
      A third admitted: “Pretty clever that. Can’t wait for the WC to start.”
      Another added: “That’s actually really awesome.”
      While a further social media user joked: “Knew it was fake when I saw Griezmann beat a man but great ad.”
      France enter the tournament having sacked head coach Corinne Diacre in March.
      The 48-year-old was said to have caused a “a very significant divide” within the squad.
      Her tenure was littered with high-profile feuds with some of her most high-profile players – including Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Amandine Henry and Eugenie Le Sommer.
      The final straw came earlier this year, when skipper Wendie Renard announced that she would no longer be available for her country because she “can no longer support the current system”.
      After Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani followed – Diacre was finally dispensed of her duties.
      France will have a familiar face in the dugout, with Herve Renard having succeeded Diacre.
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      The 54-year-old has been a distinctive figure in the men’s international game for a number of years – most recently managing Saudi Arabia at last year’s men’s World Cup in Qatar.
      He has previously coached Zambia and Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations glory.
      France are aiming to win the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New ZealandCredit: Orange France x Equipe de France Féminine More

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      ‘I hope more women start to coach’, says Lionesses chief Sarina Wiegman as she reflects on her managerial journey

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      SARINA WIEGMAN never dreamed the Women’s World Cup would become a showpiece event after playing in an experimental version. The experience set the England boss, 53, on a journey that now sees her aiming to lead the Lionesses to glory in this summer’s contest.
      Sarina Wiegman’s England will be begin their campaign to win the World Cup when they take on Haiti in Brisbane, Australia on July 22Credit: Getty
      The two-time Euros-winning boss has been reflecting on her journey in the game including playing in a Women’s World Cup test tournament in China in her teensCredit: Getty
      In 1988, an 18-year-old Wiegman was part of a Dutch women’s side that battled in a 12-team test event in China during a heatwave.
      That competition was a far cry from the 32-team spectacle kicking off in Australia and New Zealand on July 20.
      Back then some national players having to cover the cost of their flights and equipment.
      Wiegman, whose Lionesses will play Haiti in their group stage opener next Saturday, said: “That experience taught me ‘this is what I want’.  

      “As the Netherlands we weren’t great (at the time), but when we got into the tournament we actually did really well.
      “I think at that point we could have beaten Brazil, and I thought ‘this is what I want to do’, but there weren’t very many opportunities then.
      “I just really loved that tournament, I will never forget it.”
      Born in the Hague,  Wiegman, who is a mother-of-two, recalls growing up in an era where there was “nothing for women in football”.
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      Despite this challenge her parents supported her enthusiasm for the game.
      Fourteen years before Wiegman’s birth Dutch Ladies Soccer sides were banned from playing on fields belonging to men’s clubs linked with the Netherlands FA.   
      She adds: “When I was six years old or five years old, girls were not allowed to play football, but I just liked it.
      “My parents never made any (fuss), they just said ‘if you want to play football, you’re going to play’.
      “I knew in elementary school that I wanted to be a PE teacher. I just wanted to be involved in sports.
      “I didn’t even know I could be a coach because there was nothing for women in football.
      “I couldn’t see it so I didn’t think it was an opportunity.”
      It was at Fifa’s invitational contest in 1988 where Wiegman met Anson Dorrance, the trailblazing coach of North Carolina Tar Heels.
      The US college side are famous for nurturing elite players including England trio Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Lotte Wubben-Moy.
      Wiegman, who led the Netherlands to the Women’s World Cup final four years ago, wants to see more women coaching at football’s highest levelsCredit: Getty
      Wiegman spent 1989 playing for Tar Heels under Dorrance who went on to guide the USA to their first Women’s World Cup win in 1991.
      She said: “In the Netherlands (at the time), we (female players) were not accepted.
      “I’d heard in the US that it was a sport that was accepted, and that the level was high.
      “I thought (to myself) ‘that’s where I want to be’.
      Following a 16-year playing career including two top-tier titles wins with Dutch side Ter Leede, Wiegman entered management in 2006.
      From doing my job I hope more women come into football. I want more females to start to coach.Sarina Wiegman
      She made history guiding the Netherlands to Euros glory in 2017 before doing the same with England last summer.
      A Women’s World Cup win has so far eluded Wiegman.
      She and the Netherlands endured heartbreak in four years ago when they were beaten in the final in France by the USA.
      That result has made her even more determined to win this year’s contest with her Lionesses.
      She adds: “I always want to win, we want to be the best.
      “We have so many talented players in the team and my job is to get clarity on how we play together.”
      Wiegman’s World Cup quest comes in the month Hannah Dingley made history by becoming the first female manager of an English Football League club.
      And she hopes to see more women becoming coaches.
      The England gaffer adds: “From doing my job I hope more women come into football.
      “I hope more females start to coach or take the next step and go to the highest level.
      “If I can push (this) a little more doing extra things, then I will.”
      The next few weeks will see the Lionesses face their biggest challenge to date under their boss just a year on from lifting a Euros trophy at Wembley.
      While the Lionesses’ success on the field made Wiegman proud, she takes even more pride in her players campaign.
      Wiegman says the social consciousness of England’s players makes her proudCredit: PA
      In particular England lobbying politicians to introduce equal access to football for girls in schools.
      The head coach said: “I’m incredibly proud of their social consciousness. 
      “They really want to have a positive impact on society and a positive change.
      “Now what we try to do is keep performing, keep being visible and keep using our voices to also sustain and make positive changes.”
      While there has been much change in the Women’s World Cup since the Fifa test tournament three decades ago, Wiegman acknowledges there is still much to do. 
      Squad pay, poor training facilities and lack of financial support for teams were among the concerns flagged by scores of players competing in this summer’s contest. 
      The Lionesses drew 0-0 with Canada in a practice game eight days before their World Cup Group D opening match against Haiti on July 22Credit: PA
      They includes WSL stars competing for sides such as Jamaica and Canada. 
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      Of the World Cup’s evolution she added: “Twenty years ago I would not have expected to be in this situation or women’s football would be where  it is now.
      “I’m grateful things have changed, but there’s still a long way to go.” More

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      Why are England Women called the Lionesses?

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      ENGLAND’S Women’s football team have become renowned to the name Lionesses, but where does it come from?Here we look at a very simple and short story…
      England’s Women’s football team nicknamed the LionessesCredit: Getty
      Why is England Women’s football team called the Lionesses?
      The name, Lionesses, helped to differentiate the men’s team from the women’s back in 2012.
      #Lionesses was used when the women’s team played in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2013 qualifier, while the men’s team played in the UEFA 2012 Euro.
      The hashtag allowed people to follow the women’s team more easily without getting caught up with men’s #ThreeLions branding at the time. 
      In 2015 ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup the FA adopted the name as an official brand identity.
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      When is the Women’s World Cup 2023?
      The Women’s World Cup gets underway next Thursday, July 20 in Australia and New Zealand.

      New Zealand will be playing the opening match against Norway, while Australia play against Ireland.
      England will begin their campaign against Haiti, Saturday, July 22 at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia
      The game is scheduled to start at 10:30 am BST- 7:30 pm local time.
      The Lionesses are one of the favourites for the tournament, aiming to beat 4-time world cup champions USA.

      USA won the last world cup back in 2019 and are 4-time Women’s World Cup Champions.Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Where can I watch the Women’s World Cup 2023?

      England vs Haiti will be broadcast LIVE on ITV1 in the UK.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the match live through the ITVX website or app.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the entire game including build-up and the post-match reaction.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes!
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      As long as you hold a TV license in the UK, England vs Haiti will be available to watch for FREE.
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      Sarina Wiegman’s 23-squad that will be playing has a strong selection of players.

      Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Man Utd), Ellie Roebuck (Man City), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa).
      Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Esme Morgan (Man City), Alex Greenwood (Man City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).
      Midfielders: Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Man Utd), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Laura Coombs (Man City), Katie Zelem (Man Utd).
      Forwards: Alessia Russo (Man Utd), Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Man City), Chloe Kelly (Man City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Katie Robinson (Brighton), Bethany England (Tottenham).
      Standby players: Maya Le Tissier (Man Utd), Jess Park (Man City), Emily Ramsey (Man Utd). More

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      Why isn’t Leah Williamson playing for England at the Women’s World Cup?

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      ENGLAND are one of the favourites for the Women’s World Cup over in Australia and New Zealand next week. But, Lioness captain Leah Williamson will be out of action for the whole tournament.
      Leah Williamson is currently not playing for EnglandCredit: AFP
      England will begin their World Cup campaign down under next Saturday, July 22, against Haiti.
      Lioness manager, Sarina Wiegman’s 23-women’s squad are aiming for a win again after their victory at the Euros last year.
      However, only 16 of the Euro 2022 squad will return next week, as a number of big names including Leah Williamson missed the cut.
      The Arsenal defender suffered a major injury earlier this year wiping out her chances of playing.
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      Why is Leah Williamson NOT playing for England?
      Williamson, 26 is currently out of the England squad with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
      Williamson suffered an ACL injury back in AprilCredit: Alamy
      Back in April the Arsenal captain went down in the first half against their 1-0 loss to Manchester United.
      The Lioness star has since undergone knee surgery, missing the Champions League and now the World Cup.
      Williamson is one of three major England players alongside Beth Mead and Fran Kirby who will be absent from the squad.
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      She will still be watching the Lionesses from the sidelines in Australia while recovering from her injury.
      Who is playing in the Women’s World Cup England Squad?
      Sarina Wiegman’s 23-squad will play next week at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

      Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Man Utd), Ellie Roebuck (Man City), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa).
      Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Esme Morgan (Man City), Alex Greenwood (Man City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).
      Midfielders: Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Man Utd), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Laura Coombs (Man City), Katie Zelem (Man Utd).
      Forwards: Alessia Russo (Man Utd), Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Man City), Chloe Kelly (Man City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Katie Robinson (Brighton), Bethany England (Tottenham).
      Standby players: Maya Le Tissier (Man Utd), Jess Park (Man City), Emily Ramsey (Man Utd). More

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      Spain and Holland stars blasted for appearing to mock the Haka after arriving in New Zealand

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      PLAYERS from the Spain and Netherlands national teams have come under fire for appearing to mock the Maori Haka ahead of the Women’s World Cup.The two squads arrived in New Zealand last week to prepare for the tournament, which is set to kick off in Auckland next Thursday.
      Four Spain stars appeared to mock the haka during training
      A Holland player was also filmed seemingly mimicking the traditional danceCredit: Instagram / @oranjeleeuwinnen
      However, just days into their respective training camps, two separate video clips emerged on social media showing some players appearing to mimic the Haka, a ceremonial Maori dance.
      A video of four Spain players attempting the traditional dance briefly appeared on the national team’s social media channels on Saturday evening before being taken down.
      The Dutch national team also received heavy criticism for posting a similar clip, which showed one player appearing to attempt the dance, on Instagram before deleting it.
      Following severe backlash, the Royal Dutch Football Association were quick to defend the video.
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      A spokesperson told The Telegraph: “The clip from the video online is part of a training [session] the team recently had in the Netherlands.
      “At the physical part of the training, the team did an exercise that was focused on channeling your inner strength and was absolutely not referring to the Haka or mimicking it.
      “There was no intention of showing disrespect to anyone.
      “In sports the Haka is known and admired by all professional athletes. The Dutch women’s football team is no exception to this.
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      “Our visit to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will provide us with the opportunity to get to know more about both host countries. We look forward to our stay and the pōwhiri ceremony that awaits us.”
      Fifa refused to comment on the issue.
      A short statement from football’s governing body read: “As this is a team matter we won’t be making any comment.”
      Spain kick off their World Cup campaign on Friday July 21 against Costa Rica, while Netherlands face Portugal two days later. More

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      Jordan Nobbs opens up on fightbacks from ‘difficult’ injuries and getting back to her best before World Cup

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      JORDAN NOBBS admits there were “difficult” moments when knee injuries thwarted her dreams of playing in three big tournaments.But now the Aston Villa ace is ready to aid Lionesses’ quest to lift the World Cup for the first time in their history.
      Jordan Nobbs says being back with the Lionesses ahead of the World Cup feels “unbelievable”Credit: Getty
      Like Bethany England, Nobbs sealed a high-profile January transfer in search of more game before this year’s tournamentCredit: Getty
      Nobbs shone for Aston Villa this term alongside France star Kenza Dali (left) and her England team-mate Rachel DalyCredit: Getty
      Nobbs involvement in this year’s contest, hosted by Australia and New Zealand, comes 14 months after a strained knee ligament derailed her Euros squad selection hopes.
      That injury was sustained during her spell as an Arsenal star with the Gunners’ drubbing Villa 7-0.
      Since that result last May Nobbs has helped the Villans register their highest ever finish in the WSL.
      Past knee problems for the former Arsenal ace also kiboshed her chances of playing in the 2019 World Cup for the Lionesses and the Tokyo Olympics for Team GB in 2021.
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      Of her journey back from injuries, Nobbs said: “I think you do go into a place where you do self-sabotage and sit and mope around for a bit.
      “Then, once you’re up and going again, your goal is to get back on that pitch.
      “It’s a difficult time but that feeling of you getting back is what you need.
      “You have the hype of the tournament. That’s everywhere, you can’t get away from it.
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      “For me, it took a long time to get that motivation to get going.”
      A lack of first team action at Arsenal last term spurred Nobbs’ move to Aston Villa this January following 200 Gunners appearances over 12 years.
      The switch paid off with Nobbs helping Carla Ward’s side finishing fifth in the WSL with England team-mate Daly winning the league’s Golden Boot.
      The Durham-born football star, who has 71 senior Lionesses caps, adds: “I knew with regular game time I could get back to my best.
      “And having a manager like Carla who gave me a licence to play and enjoy my football again.
      “I kind of had that weight off my shoulders of ‘am I going to play, or not going to play?’
       “Fifth spot was our aim at Villa and that was huge for us. That was the mentality I went with.”
      Nobbs’ Villa move was also partly spurred by her wish to regain her spot in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses’ squad.
      Of her transfer and Gunners departure, said: “It was a risk to a certain extent but with the limited game-time I was getting, I had nothing to lose as well.
      “Naturally, there were a lot of tears and it was difficult to leave a club that I loved and owe a lot to.
      “But when it comes to wanting to drive towards another major tournament I think I had to do everything possible.
      “When you have missed out or not been available for selection your mentality is: ‘I need to do everything to get there.’
      Nobbs’ efforts for Villa, who knocked Man City out of the FA Cup last season, saw her named in Wiegman’s 23-strong World Cup squad.
      And she hopes to make her mark when England face Group D rivals Haiti on July 22 eight days after their warm-up against Canada. 
      The midfielder, who scored on her senior Lionesses debut back in 2013, added: “Everyone knows the journey I’ve been on
      “To be part of this one and such a talented squad it’s an unbelievable feeling.
      “I’ve got to respect what the girls have done and achieved over the past few years.
      “Whenever I’ve come into a squad I’ve tried to my best on and off the pitch, work as hard as I can and be as professional as possible.
      “I think there’s still a lot of experience, regardless of caps but I’m going into the older category now.
      Nobbs reckons playing for Carla Ward and Villa has boosted her confidenceCredit: Getty
      “With England you are with the best of the best. I need to perform, train as well as I can and be available for selection.
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      “Carla gave me that confidence to go again and allow me to be in the position I am now.
      “She gave me a lot of love, and game time. Sometimes, it’s the small things that allow you to shine on the pitch.” More