Women’s World Cup 2023

LUCY BRONZE aims to help Lauren James find her way with the forward shining for the Lionesses ahead of the World Cup. And the Barcelona ace vowed England will step it up in the tournament after their draw with Portugal.
Lucy Bronze hit the woodwork for England against Portugal in their send-off clash before the World CupCredit: Getty
Bronze says Lauren James is eager to learn with the forward set to play in a World Cup for the first time this summerCredit: Getty
The Lionesses’ final test on home soil before the showpiece in Australia and New Zealand ended in a 0-0 stalemate at the home of MK Dons
Four years ago the team lost a World Cup send-off clash to New Zealand
However they battled their way to the semis in the 2019 contest before being beaten by the United States.
Of England’s performance on Saturday, Bronze said: “In the second half we showed a big improvement. 
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“We upped the tempo which is a good sign that we noticed we’re not doing what we should be and we can step it up.”
Among the brighter moments for the Lionesses was Lauren James pulling the strings as a number 10 in the second half. 
And Bronze is enjoying her blossoming right-flank partnership with the forward. 
She adds: “LJ and I have a good relationship off the pitch as well.
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“She’s eager to learn and for a player that’s so young and talented, people forget how much expectation there is on her.
“Because I’m the experienced player, she wants to get me in the game. 
“But I’m saying to her: ‘You’re the winger, you have it.’ It’s nice that she wants to get me involved. 
“Give her space and she will score a goal. She’s still learning when to be selfish and when not to be. I’m just there to help her find her way.”
Alongside James, Esme Morgan and Katie Robinson were among the tournament debutants who featured for boss Sarina Wiegman against Portugal.
The trio will play in the World Cup for the first time in their careers after a pre-contest duel with Canada in Australia on July 14. 
Bronze added: “The younger players who are the least experienced, Katie Robinson, Lauren and Esme, I thought all of them did really well (against Portugal) 
“You don’t see the weight of expectation on their shoulders.
“They are exciting and they don’t have fear. They slot in. They are used to doing it in the league and they do it for us now.
“I went into the 2015 (World Cup) as a young player, not expecting to do much.
Bronze reckons Esme Morgan and England’s other young stars are exciting to watchCredit: Getty
 “I ended up playing every single game, scoring goals and forced myself into the spotlight. “Anything can happen in the World Cup. 
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“We saw that last year with Chloe (Kelly) in the Euros scoring the winner in a tournament that she played very few minutes in. 
“There will be plenty of opportunities for people to shine and have their moments.” More

ALESSIA RUSSO believes the Lionesses have a bullseye on their backs as they target World Cup glory following their Euros heroics. And the WSL star, 24, is relishing the competition for the starting striker place with Bethany England and Rachel Daly. 
Alessia Russo is hoping England will bring their Euros-winning flair to the World CupCredit: PA
The WSL star reckons training for the tournament has been perfect distraction from headlines concerning her futureCredit: PA
Russo and Rachel Daly are among the Lionesses’ striker options along with Bethany EnglandCredit: Getty
England’s clash against Portugal at Satdium MK on Saturday will be their final game on home soil before the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand commences on July 20.
And Sarina Wiegman’s side, who are targeting back-to-back major tournament wins, will face Haiti two days later
Russo, who helped her team become European champions last July, said: “There’s always a target on England’s back in football. 
“We feel really good. It will be a completely different tournament.
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“The Euros is behind us now and it was an incredible summer. 
“We saw what we can do and now it’s time for us to come together on the world stage.”
Russo is one of seven WSL aces in Wiegman’s forward ranks for the World Cup with the player scoring 10 goals in 20 top-flight games last term. 
The group also includes England and Daly who were among the Women’s Super League’s top three finishers last term with Aston Villa ace Daly winning the Golden Boot. 
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Russo added: “You’re always learning as a player and when I first came in, to have the likes of Ellen White there to learn from was incredible. 
“Even now with Rach and Beth we are learning things off each other every day. 
“Competition has been so high. Rachel and Beth, we’re all competing. 
“They are top, top players so to be able to play with them and train with them every day has been great. The wingers too. 
“There is so much competition all over the pitch but as a player that’s exactly what you want in the squad.”
England’s opener on July 22 could see Russo play her first World Cup match against debutants Haiti in Group D in Brisbane, Australia. 
The game at the 52,500-seater Suncorp Stadium comes 36 days after her Manchester United departure with the player linked to Arsenal following the expiration of her club contract in June.  
Russo confirmed her Red Devils farewell in a tweet describing her exit after a three-year spell as the “hardest decision” she has ever made. 
The England ace is thought to be closing in on a switch to the Gunners who reportedly had two record-breaking bids knocked back in January. 
And aside from Arsenal Russo is also thought to have attracted interest from record Champions League winners Lyon and top tier sides in the United States
Of the speculation, she added: “Towards the end of the season it was tough.
“You don’t like things in the media about you but that’s football
 “There’s no nice time to sort things like that out.
“But now I’m here it’s nice to have a full focus on a massive tournament coming up.”
“Coming back into an environment like this is perfect because you’re competing and all your focus is on England.”
This friendship is for life now and she’ll definitely be one of my bridesmaids one day.Alessia Russo on her friendship with Ella Toone
The Lionesses’ clash with Haiti could see Russo in action with Ella Toone almost a year on from the duo helping England lift the Euros trophy at Wembley. 
That 2-1 win over Germany last July saw Toone, 23 make history becoming the first Lioness to score at a Euros final at the stadium. 
For Russo it was among the highlights of a friendship that goes back almost decade with their pair becoming during days in England’s Under-15s squad. 
The Maidstone-born forward added: “We were friends before we played at United together, we’ve been friends since we were 12 or 13.
“The friendship is for life now and she’ll definitely be one of my bridesmaids one day!
“Ella is super talented and has no ceiling. Her potential is massive, it’s really cool to see.
“We talk about the Euros all the time, about how special it is to go through a journey with someone and then achieve one of your dreams together.
Russo ranks winning the Euros alongside her team-mate and pal Ella Toone as one of her favourite memoriesCredit: Reuters
“There are loads of people who are really close in the team and that’s important because football is tough.
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“Sometimes you have a bad day and you need to lean on someone and vice versa. 
“When we are on the other side of the world it’s nice to have a little comfort there.” More

STEPH HOUGHTON described being left out of England’s squad before this year’s Women’s World Cup as “hard to take”. And the Manchester City skipper, 35, insists she did everything she had been asked in a bid to reclaim a spot in the national side. 
Steph Houghton says she ‘never turn her back on her country’ but believes she may not play for England againCredit: Alamy
The Manchester City captain was left out of Sarina Wiegman’s 23-strong squad for this year’s Women’s World CupCredit: Getty
Houghton has not played for the Lionesses since February 2021Credit: Getty
Houghton was sharing her thoughts in an interview with the Daily Mail with just under a month to go until the tournament starts in Australia and New Zealand. 
The centre-back, who shone at times last term including during City’s 2-1 defeat of Arsenal in February, was left out of Sarina Wiegman’s squad for the contest. 
Her omission follows a season which saw her net twice in 14 WSL appearances after re-establishing herself in City’s starting XI following her return from injury. 
Houghton, who has 121 senior international caps, said: “I was disappointed because of how much effort I’d put into doing the things I was asked to do which was to get back into the City team, to play well and to play well against the best players.
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“I spoke to the manager. She said firstly I need to get back into the team because I’d had a long period of time out.
“I fought my way back. The next thing was to play well and to keep your shirt. 
“From January on I’ve started every single game bar one. I feel as though I was in form, fit and ready to go. 
“But sometimes it happens that you have a manager that doesn’t see you as part of their plans.”
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Houghton, who was part of the side that reached the 2019 World Cup semis under Phil Neville, has not played for England since February 2021. 
An ankle injury sustained during a Lionesses’ training camp in September that year led to her withdrawing before Wiegman’s first game in charge of the team. 
The England captain’s armband was handed to Leah Williamson ahead of that match. 
It was a World Cup qualifier the team would win 8-0 against North Macedonia before embarking on an unbeaten run that included an Arnold Clark Cup triumph last year. 
The Arsenal defender has remained England’s captain since leading the side to a historic Women’s Euros win at Wembley last July. 
Houghton was included by Wiegman in England’s Euros warm-up camp last summer before being cut from the gaffer’s provisional squad.
And with three senior Lionesses picking up long-term knee injuries, including Gunners ace, Williamson some observers thought she may be in with a chance of a recall. 
However the defender, who signed a one-year contract extension with Man City this month, did not make the cut ahead of the World Cup. 
Of her chat with Wiegman in regard to being left out of the squad, Houghton added: “The conversation was very vague to be honest.
“I think that’s what’s hard to take. I felt as though I could have brought something to the squad. 
“I knew what the role would be — I wouldn’t be starting matches but I would have supported the girls one million per cent. 
“I’m team first. But it’s the manager’s decision. I didn’t argue but I did say, ‘I’ve done everything you’ve asked us to do.
“At that moment I think I was done with the whole situation. 
“I’d been fighting with myself for 18 months to prove I can still play at that level. 
“I think I did that but it was pretty clear from that conversation that I won’t be playing for England again.
Houghton is set to enter her tenth year as Man City player next seasonCredit: Getty
Houghton, who signed a one-year Man City contract extension this month, is approaching the tenth anniversary of her move to the club. 
On whether she is tempted to end her international career, she added: “All I’ve ever wanted to do is play for my country. 
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“It’s something I’ll have to think about over the summer.
“I’d never turn my back on my country but I don’t know if I would put myself under that kind of pressure again.” More

BETHANY ENGLAND has no regrets about her “big risk” decision to leave Chelsea for Tottenham. Her switch in January has paid off with the Spurs ace back in the Lionesses’ fold before the Women’s World Cup. 
Bethany England’s displays for Tottenham led to the striker’s inclusion in the Lionesses’ squad for the World CupCredit: Getty
England’s call-up came five months after she sealed a move Chelsea to Spurs in JanuaryCredit: Getty
The England star has impressed for Spurs. Her 12 goals in as many games helped them avoid relegation last seasonCredit: Getty
The WSL ace joined her international team-mates starting training this week before the team’s final friendlies and World Cup opener against Haiti on July 22.
Reflecting on her reaction to getting back in the squad, England said: “I tried to play it nice and cool but I hung up the phone and screamed my house down. 
“The first thing I did was ring my mum and my partner. 
“Obviously I was elated, it’s been a long time since I’ve been back in this environment.
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“It’s just a pleasure to be back here wearing the badge and I’m just excited for the summer.”
England’s return to the national side follows a season that began with her struggling for a starting spot and more game time at the Blues. 
The striker, who scooped the PFA’s women’s player of the year award in 2020, made just two starts in appearances for the WSL champions.  
This coincided with her omission from Sarina Wiegman’s squad for friendly fixtures in October and November including a 2-1 win against the USA eight months ago.  
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The Euros winner was also left out of squads that won this year’s Arnold Clark Cup and beat Brazil on penalties in the Women’s Finalissima. 
England added: “It’s difficult being part of the highs of winning the Euros (last year), to being in a camp to then not being involved for knocking up to 10 months now.
“It has been a difficult change and it’s hard because I’m seeing the team winning the Finalissma, the Arnold Clark Cup and that’s all moments I want to be a part of. 
“But equally that’s the decision that was made, that’s life. 
“Not everything goes your way. You can only control what you can control. 
 “All I could do was go to Spurs, make sure that I worked hard, trained hard and put in the performances on game day and I think I very much did that.” 
Among the memorable goals England scored during her seven-year Chelsea spell was long-range screamer against Spurs at Stamford Bridge in 2019Credit: PA:Empics Sport
Since her move after seven years at Chelsea, for a reported British transfer record fee of £250,000, England has shone for Tottenham.
At times the team flirted with relegation last term with former boss Rehanne Skinner sacked after a run of nine successive losses
However England’s 12 goals in 12 games helped Spurs win their WSL survival fight whilst paving the way for the striker’s Lionesses recall. 
And her displays saw her finish as the third highest scorer in the league last term behind Khadija Shaw and Golden Boot winner Rachel Daly. 
England said: “It was a big risk, I’d been at Chelsea for seven years, that was a big part of my professional career.
“I didn’t really like the thought of change and it all happened so quickly. 
“I could have stayed at Chelsea, I could have stayed on the bench in my comfort zone.
“But then I’d have been watching other people going out there to Australia (to the World Cup) when I know that it’s something I would have regretted looking back on.
Sarina WiegmanCredit: Reuters
“At the back of my mind the World Cup was creeping up and I’d not been selected for a couple of camps leading into Christmas.
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“Every player wants to be part of these big moments representing your country, going to big tournaments 
“Change can be scary and I’ve never dealt well with change but luckily I hit the ground running and I’m just thankful that it turned out well.” More

ENGLAND are just a month away from beginning their bid to win the Women’s World Cup with the contest kicking off on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand. A warm-up duel with Portugal on July 1 will be their final fixture on home soil before their tournament opener against Haiti 21 days later.
England wll face Haiti, Denmark and China in the World Cup’s group stagesCredit: Alamy
Lauren Hemp and other players from Sarina Wiegman’s squad have gathered for training at St George’s Park this weekCredit: Getty
Their clash with Portugal will be followed by a behind-closed-doors match against Canada on July 14.  
This year’s World Cup will kick-off with a tournament opener between Norway and contest co-hosts New Zealand.
A triumphant run would mark a huge milestone for the Lionesses. 
It would see the Euros champs become the first senior England side to win two major football tournaments back-to-back.
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Their rivals for the sport’s biggest prize includes four-time contest winners the United States.
The team are eyeing a World Cup three-peat having won the last two tournaments. 
Another major foe will be Germany who have been victorious in five of their last eight fixtures.
Results include a 2-1 friendly win against the USA last November. 
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Other favourites include France, Sweden, Spain, Canada and contest co-hosts Australia who ended England’s 30-game unbeaten run in April.
While the build-up to last summer’s Euros went smoothly, the run-up to this year’s World Cup has not been entirely plain sailing.
A club-vs-country row over the release of players for the June 19 start of their training camp threatened to disrupt their warm-up arrangements. 
The team are also without the services of Fran Kirby, skipper Leah Williamson and Euros Golden Boot winner Beth Mead.
All three are currently sidelined with knee injuries. 
But the squad have been boosted with Millie Bright on course to be tournament ready.  
How to watch England’s group stage fixtures
BBC and ITV are set to share TV coverage of all 64 World Cup games including England’s clashes with their group D rivals Haiti, Denmark and China. 
The Lionesses’ will face Haiti on July 22 at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia with the game kicking off at 10:30 UK time. 
This will be followed by a July 28 clash with Denmark at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
They will then play China on August 1 at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide.
Pernille Harder and her Denmark team-mates will be England’s highest ranked opponents in the World Cup’s group stageCredit: Getty
Wiegman’s squad
The Lionesses 23-strong squad includes six aces playing at their first major tournament including Chelsea forward Lauren James
Esme Morgan, Niamh Charles, Katie Zelem, Laura Coombs and Katie Robinson make up England’s other major contest debutants. 
With Mead and Kirby absent Wiegman’s side will be without two of their biggest hitters in attack.
Last year’s Euros saw the duo notch up eight goals and seven assists combined in often used 4-2-3-1 formation 
Rachel Daly, Alessia Russo and Bethany England will among the stars Wiegman is likely to turn to for firepower in the number nine role. 
The trio were among the WSL’s top five scorers last term with Daly bagging 22 goals in 22 games and England notching 14 in 20 appearances.
Bethany England will be in contention for the Lionesses’ number 9 spot along with Rachel Daly and Alessia RussoCredit: Getty
In midfield Wiegman is likely to turn to Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh who started every game for the Lionesses during the Euros.  
Both have impressed winning silverware during their debut seasons at Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
In defence Bright has started in almost every game under Wiegman when fit. 
The centre-back is hoping to be match ready for the World Cup following a surgical procedure on a knee injury sustained in March. 
Bright, who will captain the Lionesses, is likely to be partnered by Alex Greenwood in central defence.
Bronze and Jess Carter are like to start at full-back with Mary Earps in goal following a season that saw her keep 14 clean sheets in 22 WSL games.
England’s warm-up duel with Portugal could see Wiegman experiment and test out back-up plans in defence.
Fans may see Esme Morgan and Lotte Wubben-Moy given run outs as well as Chelsea’s Niamh Charles. 
England’s record under Wiegman
Under Wiegman England have notched up some memorable wins against heavyweights such as Germany, Spain and Sweden.
They raced to a 30-game unbeaten streak conceding just twice in six games at the Euros.
Sarina Wiegman led the Netherlands to the 2019 World Cup final prior to taking charge of the LionessesCredit: PA
And they triumphed in the first Women’s Finalissima beating Brazil via a penalty shootout in March.
However their winning run ended in April when they fell to a 2-0 friendly loss to World Cup co-hosts Australia.
They will be eager to return to winning ways when they take on Portugal at Stadium MK on Saturday 1.

Ticket sales 
The number of tickets flogged so far for this year’s showpiece has eclipsed the amount sold for the 2019 tournament in France. 
According to Fifa more than a million have been shifted with a month to go before the contest’s opening clash between Norway and co-hosts New Zealand.  More