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

    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.
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    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?

    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

    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. 
    Read More on The Sun
    “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

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

    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

    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.
    Read More on The Sun
    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’

    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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    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    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.
    Read More on The Sun
    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

    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?

    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.
    READ MORE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
    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!
    Most read in Football
    As long as you hold a TV license in the UK, England vs Haiti will be available to watch for FREE.
    Team News
    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