Women’s World Cup 2023

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      Lionesses captain and Arsenal ace Leah Williamson to miss World Cup and rest of domestic season

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON has “had her tears and made her peace” with her season coming to an end following an injury blow. The Lionesses’ captain, 26, will miss the World Cup and the rest of Arsenal’s games this term after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage. 
      Leah Williamson’s ACL injury has brought her season to an end three months before the World CupCredit: AP
      The Arsenal centre-back and England skipper sustained a knee injury during the Gunners’ midweek loss to Man United in the WSLCredit: PA
      Williamson is set for an extended spell out of action and is due to undergo surgeryCredit: Getty
      The Gunners and England centre-back sustained the injury before her club’s crunch Champions semis clash with Wolfsburg on Sunday. 
      She limped off during the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 loss away to Manchester United on Wednesday after appearing to jar her knee whilst challenging for the ball. 
      In a statement on Friday the club said the player is set for an “extended spell on the sidelines” and would “undergo surgery in due course”. 
      Via her Instagram account, Williamson wrote: “Unfortunately the World Cup and Champions League dream is over for me.
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      “Everyone will think that’s the main focus, but it’s the day to day of what I’m about to go through that is the most draining of my thoughts.
       “I had my tears and made my peace with it the night it happened.
      “Since then I have been following the steps I’m told to, in order to best help myself in the short and long term.  
      “Ultimately, I think it’s just my time.
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      “In the past couple of years alone I have watched teammates beat serious illnesses and adversity with the biggest of smiles on their faces. 
      “I also hold perspective that globally there are much greater difficulties and therefore my circumstances right now are just that, circumstantial, and I’ve seen a lot worse.”
      Williamson joins Kim Little, Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema on the sidelines with the crocked Arsenal trio seeing their seasons ended prematurely.  
      Her injury is also a significant setback for England with Lionesses vice-captain Millie Bright currently recovering from a knee issue. 
      A number of Williamson’s club and country team-mates took to social media with messages of support for the player. 
      In a post published via her Twitter account, Mead wrote: “We are with you every step of the wayeven if I have to be quiet some days in rehab.
      “We got you, all the love and strength in the world. 
      And Man United’s Ella Toone said she “was right behind” her England team-mate. 
      Williamson, who has 41 senior international caps, pledged to continue giving her all for club and country.
      The defender, who has 41 senior Lionesses caps, added: “I haven’t had a day since last October when I’ve walked on to the pitch without a physical or mental question mark over me, and that’s professional sports. 
      “So now I have to listen to my body, give it what it needs and if everything happens for a reason, then we’ll see what road this turn sends me down.

      “I have given and will continue to give everything that my body, mind and heart possibly has to the Arsenal and Lionesses. 

      “I will still be there through thick and thin for all of my teammates and their biggest supporter.
      “I feel your love and support, so thank you! All I ask is for a little bit of time and space to deal with all that is to come.” More

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      England boss Wiegman insists Lionesses are not losing momentum after Australia end their unbeaten run

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      SARINA WIEGMAN insists she is not worried by England’s first loss during her reign, describing Australia’s 2-0 win as a “big learning” . Sam Kerr’s cstrike and Charlotte Grant’s deflected finish saw the Matildas end the Lionesses 30-game unbeaten streak.
      Sam Kerr notched up her 63rd goal for Australia giving them a 1-0 lead in the first halfCredit: Getty
      Charlotte Grant doubled the lead for the World Cup hosts with her first goal in an Australia shirtCredit: Alamy
      Wiegman says her side had some warnings from their encounters against Brazil and the Czech Republic as well as AustraliaCredit: Getty
      The England boss said: “It’s a big learning game against a very physical, well-organised, good defending Australia. 
      “We had a lot of possessions and we did create some but we struggled to speed up the game, to go forward and stretch them
      “We really wanted to get more behind the defence, and have runs behind and switch plays so they could run a little more. 
      “We made some mistakes where they became dangerous, the counter-attack was very dangerous and of course their first goal was a mistake of ours, which can happen.
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      “I’m not worried. We know we have to be at our top level and every game we get some warnings. 
      “Against Brazil we had some warnings, against the Czech Rep we had to create a little more.
      “I don’t think we’re losing momentum. It’s just a really big learning for us.”
      The Alzheimer’s Society International duel saw one in three names missing on Lionesses shirts to highlight the one in three people born in the UK who will develop dementia. 
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      England were missing the services of Alex Greenwood with the defender returning to Man City after the team’s Women’s Finalissima triumph against Brazil. 
      And Lauren Hemp, who was among the Lionesses’ better performers, came off in the 28th minute on Tuesday night with Lauren James coming on in her place.
      Despite having the bulk of shots on target the Lionesses went 1-0 down in the 32nd minute with Australia punishing an uncharacteristic error in defence.
      Kerr bagged the opener, pouncing on Leah Williamson’s misdirected header before lofting the ball over Mary Earps for her 63rd Australia goal. 
      England came close to levelling in the second spell with James forcing a parried save from Mackenzie Arnold.
      But Grant made it 2-0 latching on to a pinpoint cross from Kerr with her headed goal taking a deflection of Williamson in the 67th minute. 
      Rachel Daly almost pulled a goal back for the Euros champs moments later
      But her powerful header went wide with Australia holding out to seal the win.  
      Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson says his analysis team did a phenomenal job identifying key areas to target in England’s gameCredit: Getty
      Matildas skipper Kerr said: “They are a great team and it’s always nice to put in a good team performance and beat a top team.
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      “But we’ve got to take every win with a grain of salt before the World Cup.
      “It’s about building on our performances and where we can get better.” More

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      Wiegman says England door is not closed to Steph Houghton but World Cup selection chances ‘are not high’

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      SARINA WIEGMAN “would never close” the door on the possibility of Steph Houghton being included in her England World Cup squad. However the serial-winning Lionesses boss admits the chances of the Manchester City captain, 34, being chosen “are not that high”. 
      Steph Houghton is aiming stay ready and professional in case of a call-upCredit: Getty
      Sarina Wiegman says she will not shut the door on Houghton but admits her World Cup selection chances ‘are not that high’Credit: Reuters
      England will take on Australia tomorrow night at the Gtech Community Stadium as part of their World Cup preparationsCredit: Alamy
      Wiegman, 53 was speaking after Houghton described contending with being left out of the national squad as “mentally tough”
      The Man City centre-back, who has 121 senior international caps, was was sharing her thoughts in a BBC Radio Five Live interview. 
      The Durham-born WSL star has not played for the Euros champions since 2021 following some spells out with injury. 
      Wiegman, whose side play Australia at Brentford’s home ground on Tuesday night, said: “It’s hard at the moment.
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      “She’s in a hard position because, as I said, I don’t want to take out the players who are in that position, because they’re doing really well, so the chances are not that high.
      “But I will never close the door.
      “When you are in international football and you are England coach, you want everyone to be available too if things happen for some players and the situation changes. 
      “But at this moment, I make other choices.”
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      Houghton, who played for the Lionesses in five major tournaments, admits she would have to “re-evaluate” things if a summer call-up does not arise. 
      While the former England captain wants to keep “knocking on that door” she acknowledges her omission will not stop her from wanting the team to succeed at the World Cup this year.
      Wiegman added: “Steph is a very good, very experienced player.
      “I have a lot of respect for what she has done for the women’s game and she has come back in the squad for Man City. 
      “But the players I have now in that position I don’t want to take out because I think they perform really well. That’s the reason why.
      “It is difficult because she has done so much for the game.
      “It’s difficult with everyone because everyone trains so hard and so does she.”
      The Lionesses’ clash with Australia comes five days after their Women’s Finalissima defeat of Brazil via a penalty shootout. 
      The victory saw them go 30 games unbeaten under Wiegman
      Tomorrow’s match could see Sam Kerr in action with the Matildas record goal scorer rested for her team’s 1-0 loss to Scotland on Friday. 
      And Leicester forward Remy Siemsen might feature having received a call-up on Sunday following Emily van Egmond and Holly McNamara’s withdrawal from Australia’s camp. 
      The game could also see Ella Toone, 23,  start alongside her Man United pal and summer transfer target Alessia Russo
      Both featuring against Brazil last Thursday with Toone netting normal time but seeing her spot-kick saved.
      Russo, who has netted 11 goals in 20 senior Lionesses appearances, has reportedly attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest sides including French giants Lyon. 
      The WSL star, whose Red Devils contract is due to expire at the end of this season, has scored eight goals in 15 top tier games this term. 
      On if she hopes to continue playing alongside Russo at club level, Toone added: “We’re joined at the hip and we’re best friends. 
      “We love each other’s company. That will never change no matter where Alessia Russo is. I love playing with her. 
      “Right now we’re at England camp, spending every minute together and playing football together.
      “So now it’s just about enjoying now and whatever happens, happens.”
      England’s clash with the Matildas comes 102 days before their World Cup group stage opener against Haiti in Brisbane, Australia
      Ella Toone hopes fans will flock to stadiums to watch World Cup games in Australia and New Zealand this summerCredit: Reuters
      This summer’s tournament is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand with England aiming to follow their Euros triumph on home soil with a World Cup win. 

      Toone said:  “For us it was so exciting knowing we were hosting a major tournament in our country. 
      “For the Australians it will be massive. Hopefully we can get loads of fans in the stadiums enjoying the football.” More

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      Leah Williamson hails ‘warrior’ Brazil star Rafaelle as Arsenal pals prepare for Women’s Finalissima clash

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON reckons going up against her ‘warrior’ Arsenal team-mate Rafaelle will feel like new territory tonight. And the Brazil star suggested Williamson must be “half-Brazilian” because of her skills and joked she should take Samba lessons.
      Arsenal aces Leah Williamson and Rafaelle will be on opposing sides when England face Brazil in the first Women’s FinalissimaCredit: Getty
      The centre-back duo have been in fine form for Arsenal helping their club side to a win against Manchester City before the international breakCredit: Getty
      Rafaelle captained Brazil when the team won their eighth Copa America Feminina trophy last JulyCredit: Getty
      The Gunners central defensive duo will be on opposite sides when England face Brazil at Wembley this evening in the first Women’s Finalissima.
      Brazil ace Rafaelle, 31 ace said: “I’m not glad to play against Leah because she is so good.
      “I feel like she’s half Brazilian because she’s got the skills, she just needs to learn to Samba and she’ll be fine. 
      “She’s a good player who can play in the back or in the middle. She deserves to be here with this great team.”
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      Lionesses skipper Williamson, 26, said: “Rafa’s a bit of a warrior, as an athlete she’s head and shoulders above the rest.
      “The Brazilian way and what she can do with her feet is impressive also so I’m in awe of her to be honest, most days.”
      The sell-out Wembley duel will see the World Cup rivals face each other for the first time since their Euros and Copa America Feminina triumphs last summer.
      Tournaments in which Williamson and Rafaelle captained their national sides to trophy-winning glory. 
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      The match comes five days ahead of the Lionesses’ duel with this summer’s World Cup co-hosts Australia who play Scotland at Plough Lane tomorrow. 
      England boss Sarina Wiegman, 53, said: “We’re getting closer to the World Cup so want to get closer to our team selection, but still there are things that can happen internationally and at club (level)
      “This moment playing Brazil and Australia gives us a new opportunity. 
      “We expect to be challenged more defensively.
      “This again will gives us more information about our team and where our players are at in this moment.”
      The last Wembley duel between Brazil and the Lionesses was back in October 2019 with the hosts, then managed by Phil Neville, losing 2-1
      Seven members of the home side who featured in that game are part of Wiegman’s squad this evening. 
      Should England win it will see them go 30 games unbeaten under their head coach whose side are yet to lose a game since took charge of the team. 
      Brazil boss Pia Sundhage, 63, said: “When it comes to this game it’s part of the journey to the World Cup. 
      “I’m so appreciative and really happy to play against one of the best teams in the world with the best coach in the world. 
      “All of us will get answers after the game. I’m grateful for the opportunity”
      Tonight’s clash comes a day after Lise Klaveness failed in her bid to be elected to Uefa’s Exec Committee after receiving just 18 out of 55 potential votes.
      The Norway football chief was the first woman to go up against male candidates for a place in the group with seven spots available. 
      But Debbie Hewitt became the first female FA chair to be voted onto Fifa’s council as British vice-president.
      Reflecting on this Wiegman said: “Of course we want more women in the game. We want more women in every position.
      “We hope that’s going to change and lots of changes are on the way.
      A win for England will see them go 30 games unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman with the team yet to lose a game under their head coachCredit: Getty
      “It’s really good news that Debbie Hewitt is chosen as a vice-president of Fifa. That’s a really good thing.
      “Let’s try to make it a better place for women in football and keep moving forward.”

      Sundhage added: “We’ve been fighting all our lives, so let’s just continue to do that because we love this game, football.”
      England vs. Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima can be watched live on ITV1 from 7:45pm with coverage of the match starting at 7:30pm More

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      UK broadcast outlets reportedly agree deal with Fifa to televise this year’s Women’s World Cup

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      AN agreement to air this year’s Women’s World Cup on television in the UK is thought to have been reached, according to reports.  This comes just over six months after the launch of Fifa’s tender process for the sale of tournament media rights to UK broadcasters.  
      A deal to air this year’s Women’s World Cup matches on UK television has reportedly been agreed between Fifa and broadcastersCredit: Reuters
      It is reported the deal could see the BBC and ITV share coverage of the tournament’s games including matches involving the LionessesCredit: Prime Media
      Earlier this week The Independent reported a deal was still outstanding with sources informing the paper that offers from UK channels were “lowballing Fifa”.
      Talks were also said to still be ongoing. 
      Today the Daily Mail reports a “major breakthrough” has been reached in regard to the contest being aired on national television. 
      It is claimed an agreement is expected to be confirmed and publicised in the near future. 
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      And it also thought the deal could potentially see coverage shared by BBC, who along with Sky Sports broadcast Women’s Super League games, and ITV. 
      This year’s World Cup will take place a year after the Euros hosted in England with the Lionesses and their rivals pulling in record stadium crowds and television viewers. 
      Last July’s Euros final, broadcast on BBC One and won by Sarina Wiegman’s players at Wembley, was watched by a peak TV audience of 17.4 million viewers. 
      The viewing figures made it the most watched women’s football match in the history of UK television and the most-viewed TV event of last year. 
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      And in December the FA revealed 23.3million people watched the final on TV or online. 
      Last summer’s Euros attracted record numbers of television viewersCredit: PA
      It is hoped England’s success at last year’s Euros will lead to high numbers of viewers of the World Cup in July and August with the Lionesses and the Republic of Ireland among the 32 sides competing. 
      Due to the time difference between the UK and the World Cup’s hosts Australia and New Zealand, England’s matches will be taking place when many viewers will be asleep or out at work. 
      However, with tournament timing coinciding with the school holidays, coverage of matches could see younger audiences engaged with rising interest in the game amongst girls as well as women. More

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      Women’s World Cup ticket sales exceed half a million mark with more due to go on sale before contest

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      MORE than 500,000 tickets have been snapped up by fans for this year’s Women’s World Cup before the tournament’s start in July. And tickets for the August 20 final at Stadium Australia are thought to be attracting the most interest. 
      Surging ticket sales means Australia’s World Cup opener against the Republic of Ireland could be moved to the 83,500-capacity Stadium AustraliaCredit: Getty
      The Republic of Ireland will compete in the Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history this summerCredit: Sportsfile
      England are among the top ten nations with the highest number of buyers of tickets for the tournament this yearCredit: AFP
      Fifa says supporters from more than 120 countries have bought tickets for the contest in Australia and New Zealand with sales passing the half a million mark last week. 
      The tournament, which is being staged for the ninth time, will kick off on July 20 with co-hosts New Zealand and Australia facing Norway and the Republic of Ireland. 
      The Football Ferns will play Norway in their opening game at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
      Meanwhile the Matildas, who are skippered by Chelsea striker Sam Kerr, will take on Vera Pauw’s Republic of Ireland side with their game potentially set for a venue switch due to popular demand for tickets. 
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      Last week the Irish Independent reported their fixture could be moved to the 83,500-seater Stadium Australia. 
      The Republic of Ireland is claimed to be ranking among the top ten nations for ticket buys.
      Their team is set to make history by competing in the tournament for the first time in their 50-year existence. 
      England is also said to be among the nations with the highest number of tickets sold following the Lionesses’ triumph at last summer’s Euros.
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      A record crowd of more than 87,000 people turned out to watch them beat Germany at Wembley in July last year 
      Fifa secretary general Fatma Samoura said: “Fans residing in the United States of America, England, Qatar, Germany, China, Canada, the Republic of Ireland and France are the top 10 purchasers of Women’s World Cup 2023 tickets so far. 
      “This highlights the fantastic pull of the female game and the passion it evokes among the global football fandom, who want to be part of the tournament.”
      This year’s World Cup is set to be the first one in which a total of 32 nations will compete following the contest expanding from a 24-team competition.
      Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses are among the sides considered to be favourites to go all the way along with co-hosts Australia and four-time World Cup winners the USA.
      Olympic gold medallists Canada and Euros 2022 finalists Germany are also considered among the favourites along with Sweden, Copa America Feminina champs Brazil, Spain and France.
      Bev Priestman’s Canada are among the teams considered to be strong contenders to go far in the tournamentCredit: Getty
      Aside from the Republic of Ireland, this year’s contest will see Morocco, the Philippines, Vietnam and Zambia competing in the contest for the first time. 
      A play-off tournament to decide which nations fill the World Cup’s three vacant group stage spots will take place from February 17-23 in New Zealand. 
      The 10 countries who will battle for those slots are Portugal, Cameroon, Thailand, Chile, Haiti, Senegal, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay and Panama.  More