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      England boss Wiegman reckons high-scoring defeats are not good for development of women’s game

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      SARINA WIEGMAN thinks top sides demolishing minnows in women’s international games is harmful to the sport’s development.  The Lionesses boss was reflecting on her team’s 20-0 crushing of their opponents, the highest-scoring win EVER for an English national side. 
      England recorded the biggest ever international win with their 20-0 thumping of LatviaCredit: Getty
      The whopping scoreline comes in a month in which five teams fell to double-figure drubbings in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.
      Results include Belgium’s merciless 19-0 thumping of Armenia with the team ranked 109 places below their victors in Fifa’s rankings. 
      And it prompted questions on whether lower-ranked sides – new to international competition – should have to pre-qualify to battle top teams for a World Cup spot.
      Wiegman said: “You want competitive games and these are not competitive games. 
      “You want to develop the well-developed countries already and the countries that are not that far. I think we have to look at it. I’ve said that before.
      “In every country, you want to develop the women’s game but I don’t think it’s good that the scores now are so high. 
      “I know that has the attention of the federations and Uefa and Fifa, and that’s good because I don’t think a 20-0 game is good for the development of anyone.”

      Wiegman’s sentiments on hefty drubbings on the world stage were echoed by ex-England forward Lianne Sanderson.
      And the football pundit suggested it may take time to quell negative stereotypes and comments in response to high scoring victories in women’s games. 
      In a comment published on Twitter, Sanderson wrote: “I don’t know what the answers are because you can only play and beat what’s in front of you, so well done England – but 20-0 isn’t good for the women’s game at all. 
      “Unfortunately, it’s going to take a while to shake stereotypes because whenever there is a high-scoring women’s game, people react differently to if it’s a men’s game. 
      “Or if a goalkeeper makes a mistake people again react differently. That’s just the reality, unfortunately.”
      England had four players notch up hat-tricks in their defeat of Latvia at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium.
      Ellen White was among the quartet who bagged three goals to take her international tally to 48.
      Ellen White became the Lionesses all-time top scorer during England’s defeat of LatviaCredit: Rex
      The Manchester City striker made history by breaking Kelly Smith’s record of 46 goals become to Lionesses all-time leading scorer. 
      The hefty victory comes five weeks after they beat their opponents 11-0 away. 
      And it left Wiegman eagerly looking ahead to a round-robin February tournament with the Lionesses facing Germany, Spain and Olympic Gold winners Canada. 
      Wiegman added: “We really need some top-level games now which we’re going to have because then we’ll really know where we are. 
      “I do think we have done very well and we’re doing very well but we know we need those high-level games to really know where we stand.
      Northern Ireland beat Macedonia 9-0 at their Seaview home groundCredit: Getty
      “I’m really positive about that. But we have to see.”
      Elsewhere in Group D Northern Ireland thrashed North Macedonia 9-0 in front of a full house of their home fans at Seaview. 
      The game, which followed an 11-0 away rout of their rivals, saw Liverpool’s Rachel Furness surpassing David Healy to become Northern Ireland’s all-time top scorer with 38 goals. 
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      Wiegman urges England to be ‘aggressive’ against Latvia as team prepare for clash without Parris

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      SARINA WIEGMAN wants England to show no mercy in front of goal against Latvia when the two sides clash in Doncaster later. And the head coach praised Ellen White’s consistency with the Man City ace two strikes short of becoming the Lionesses’ all-time top scorer.
      Sarina Wiegman’s England side will play Latvia next following their 1-0 win against AustriaCredit: Getty
      Wiegman’s aces face Latvia in their second World Cup qualifier this month and following a 10-0 thrashing of their opponents back in October. 
      The England chief, 52, told reporters: “It’s about just getting our game to the next level again.
      “So, speed up the game, have a high ball tempo, but also being patient, having runs behind the defence – we’re just putting emphasis on those things all the time. 
      “And then in the final third, stay aggressive, keep scanning and composed, and of course, ruthless, to get the ball in the net.
      “The team has to collaborate really well, stay connected and co-operate well so we can create many, many chances and score these goals.”
      The hosts, who have opened up a five-point gap at the top of their qualifying group, will be without the services of Nikita Parris. 
      The Arsenal forward, 27, has returned home from the camp for a few days’ rest amid worries of her being overplayed. 

      The former Lyon star could be set to feature for the Gunners on Sunday when they take on Chelsea in the FA Cup final. 
      On Parris’ departure, Wiegman added: “Nikita has had so much load during the last two years, from (her move from) Lyon to England she hardly had any rest. 
      “We had some chats with her, also with the medical staff, and after the game we decided, together with her, it was good for her to have a few days off.”
      Nikita Parris has returned home from England’s camp amid worries of the forward being overplayedCredit: Rex
      Ellen White could be in line to start against Latvia with the forward aiming to break Kelly Smith’s all-time international scoring record of 46 goals. 
      On White potentially becoming England’s highest ever scorer, Wiegman said: “She has shown so much consistency, the way she lives football, that’s the only way you can do things like this.
      “It would be really nice if she scores a record goal, but we just have to score goals – it doesn’t really matter who scores the goals, as long as we score a lot of them.”
      The duel between England and Latvia, who have lost all four qualifiers they have played, will take place at Doncaster Rovers’ Keepmoat Stadium, 
      The League Two club’s home has also been used by the Doncaster Rovers Belles, a team that has produced several top WSL players including Lionesses skipper Millie Bright.
      Former Doncaster Belle Millie Bright will skipper England against Latvia at Keepmoat StadiumCredit: Getty
      Wiegman added: “I learned a little about Doncaster – the Belles of course – about their tremendous history and them winning prizes in their earlier years. 
      “What (their past) players have done there makes the next generation take the next step. 
      “We should always be thankful for the generation of (England) players that have come through there.” 
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      England Women’s boss Sarina Wiegman takes her first training session with the Lionesses More

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      Wolves star Max Kilman close to shock England call-up by Gareth Southgate amid impressive season after snubbing Ukraine

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      MAX KILMAN is reportedly in line for a shock call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England side after a string of impressive performances for Wolves this season.The 24-year-old versatile defender’s robust displays have helped Wolves jump to sixth in the Premier League.
      KIlman could be playing for England at the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
      Kilman’s also built a solid partnership with team-mate Conor Coady, who’s already earned his stripes with the Three Lions, which has seen Wolves achieve the Prem’s fourth-best defensive record at the stage of the campaign.
      Kilman’s contribution at the Molineux under Bruno Lage hasn’t gone unnoticed by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, according to The Athletic.
      They report that Kilman could be used to bolster Southgate’s injury-ravaged back four going into next winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
      It’s reportedly been discussed that Kilman may be placed at the heart of the Three Lions’ defence, or he could be used at right-back which is where he thrives for Wolves.
      But Kilman’s also got a nifty left-foot so he can play at left-back where the Three Lions could do with some extra oomph, the Athletic claim.
      At the moment, Southgate’s only options on the left flank of the Three Lions defence is the injury-prone Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell.

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      And both stars are currently recovering from injuries picked up with their respective clubs.
      Manchester United ace Shaw has been on the sidelines since picking up a concussion in the Reds Devils’ 4-1 defeat to Watford in what turned out to be ex-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s last game in charge.
      While Chelsea star Chilwell’s been ruled out of action for at least six weeks with a partial ACL injury, but he may be out for longer if surgery’s needed.
      So including Kilman in the England set-up going forward would give Southgate added peace of mind going into the World Cup as the Three Lions aim to avenge their Euro 2020 final defeat.
      UKRAINE OPTION
      Kilman could’ve previously ended up playing for Scotland’s World Cup play-off opponents Ukraine as his parents hail from there.
      Ukraine’s ex-boss, football icon Andriy Shevchenko, planned to lure Kilman into playing for his side before the Euros earlier this year.
      The Athletic report that Kilman and his brother even met with Shevchenko to discuss the possibility.
      Man City’s Ukrainian star Oleksandr Zinchenko also reportedly tried to woo Kilman with a phone call.
      But in the end, the attempt was thwarted by Fifa as the defender had already represented the Three Lions at Futsal level on 25 occasions before signing for Wolves.
      Although Futsal is played indoors with a five-side team, with relaxed rules such as rolling substitutes and a smaller match-ball, Fifa recognises it as an official competitive match, voiding Kilman’s chances to play for Ukraine.
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      England 1 Austria 0: Lionesses ace White bags winner in landmark 100th game as Wiegman’s side beat Austria

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      ELLEN WHITE feels ‘super lucky’ to become an England centurion as the Lionesses thwarted stubborn Austria in a 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light. The forward’s match-winning strike on her 100th game saw her move a goal short of Kelly Smith’s all-time record with the hosts unbeaten in five World Cup qualifiers. 
      Ellen White moved one goal shy of equalling Kelly Smith’s all-time record of 46 international goalsCredit: Zuma Press
      White netted England’s winner in the Lionesses World Cup qualifier clash with AustriaCredit: Getty
      Before the game White – who has netted 45 times for the team –  was presented with a special jersey to mark her milestone landmark appearance. 
      And it was fitting the Manchester City star bagged the winner against the team she scored against during her first senior performance in 2010. 
      White, 32, said: “It’s come full circle for me in terms of making my debut against Austria and then my 100th cap. 
      “I’m incredibly proud to have represented the country 100 times. 
      “I feel super lucky to be part of this team and be surrounded by such talented players and for us to get the win, that was the main goal. 
      “It was a really tough game in tough conditions and I’m really proud to have helped the team win.”
      England’s victory saw them strengthen their grip on pole position in the Group D battle for a 2023 World Cup spot. 
      And White’s strike saw the Lionesses consign the visitors to their first defeat in the qualifiers with her side yet to concede against any of their rivals. 

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      Sarina Wiegman, 52, added: “I’ve gotten to know Ellen as a real professional player, a terrific team player with the consistency she brings and still she wants to become better every day. 
      “If you have 100 caps, it means you’ve been so consistent. “You also see that everyone is so happy that she scored. 
      “But as long as we keep scoring goals then we’re happy and if she will break that record we will be very happy for her.
      Wiegman predicted a tougher test for England following their 4-0 defeat of Northern Ireland and 8-0 and 10-0 hammerings of North Macedonia, Latvia and Luxembourg. 
      And Austria were keen to give them one at various moments although the hosts had the strongest chances. 
      Fran Kirby was a persistent threat in attack along with Beth MeadCredit: ©MI News & Sport Ltd
      Fran Kirby came close to teeing up Lauren Hemp in the 14th minute with the winger narrowly missing the chance to bury a cross at the back post.
      England were denied moments later with a corner finding its way to Beth Mead with a high boot from Laura Weinrother thwarting her chance to score.
      The hosts turned up the pressure around the half-hour mark with Hemp forcing a quality save from Manuela Zinsberger.
      And they looked set to bag a goal when Mead’s pass glanced narrowly over the head of White before the England hotshot bundled the ball home following a Kirby cross. 
      The second half saw Austria up the ante forcing two stunning stops from Mary Earps. 
      I do think now we also need to be exposed to top, top countries and top opponents which will occur in February. Then we can really see where we areSarina Wiegman
      First from a Barbara Dunst shot a leaping one-handed save from the keeper in the 49th minute. 
      And then from Maria Plattner’s strike with Earps pushing the ball over the bar moments later with England caught short in defence. 
      Wiegman added: “Those two saves were difference makers because we’re 1-0 (up). She needed to have a very explosive action two times in a row. She made the difference.”
      The hosts had a penalty shout waved away after Austria skipper Carina Wenninger appeared to bring Mead down in the box around the 60th minute. 
      Skipper Millie Bright looked set to double England’s lead following a 67th-minute corner before the ball was headed out of danger. 
      And a last-ditch tackle denied White a chance to equal Kelly Smith’s record tally of 46 international goals before the win was sealed ahead of a clash with Latvia. 
      The result means England have won all five games played under Wiegman since her September arrival. 
      The England boss said: “I’m really proud of the performances. This was one of the hardest games I think. 
      “But I do think now we also need to be exposed to top, top countries and top opponents which will occur in February. Then we can really see where we are.”
      Mary Earps pulled off two quality saves to protect England’s slim leadCredit: Focus Images
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      Wiegman expecting tough Austria test and hails White’s ‘amazing journey’ to 100 England international caps

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      SARINA WIEGMAN hopes Ellen White will ‘have fun’ when she makes her landmark 100th senior England appearance.  But the Lionesses boss warned helping the striker break Kelly Smith’s all-time scoring record will not be the team’s priority against Austria. 
      Ellen White is in line to make her 100th senior appearance for England when they play Austria – and is close to breaking Kelly Smith;s all-time goal record for the LionessesCredit: Reuters
      England face their sternest World Cup qualifier test against their rivals at the Stadium of Light with both sides unbeaten in Group D after four games.
      And their upcoming clashes in Sunderland and Doncaster could see White surpass Smith’s tally of 46 goals with the Manchester City ace, 32, just three short of equalling this figure.
      On whether the Lionesses will be looking to help White break the record, Wiegman, 52, said: “It doesn’t matter who scores, we just have to score goals as a team. 
      “We’ll be really happy when she breaks the record, but it’s not our main point to have Ellen score. We have to score the goals.
      “Ellen is focusing on the game and it is going to be a special one. Hopefully, she will have a great performance for herself and for the team. 
      “She has had an amazing journey (in the game) and to reach 100 caps is so impressive.” 

      Skipper Millie Bright added: “Ellen is fully focused on the game and is a true professional. Everything she does is for the team.
      “Obviously, it’s something that will be in the back of her mind, but her focus is 100 per cent on the team and going out and putting on a good performance for the fans.”
      Austria, who are second and two points behind England in Group D, have won three and drawn one of their four qualifiers this year netting 21 goals.
      Current players in the side that reached the 2017 Euros semi-finals include Arsenal keeper Manuela Zinsberger and Hoffenheim striker Nicole Billa. 
      But the visitores will be without skipper Viktoria Schnaderbeck with the Gunners centre-back currently out of action with an injury. 
      Sarina Wiegman expects Austria to be a tougher challenge for England followingCredit: Getty
      Meanwhile, the Lionesses will be without stand-in skipper Leah Williamson due to hamstring problems with Bright set to captain the side in their next two games. 
      A win for Austria would see them leapfrog England to the top of Group D with Wiegman’s aces facing Latvia at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium on Tuesday. 
      The team, currently ranked the 21st best side in the world, will be a stiffer test for England with the visitors yet to lose a qualifier clash.
      Wiegman added: “They have a style of play that’s very organised. I expect a tougher game than any other we’ve played so far.”
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      Shiels says Northern Ireland win was for George Best after team’s 11-0 thrashing of North Macedonia

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      KENNY SHIELS dedicated Northern Ireland’s record-breaking drubbing of North Macedonia to football legend George Best.Shiels’ side crushed their rivals 11-0 – with their win coinciding with the 16th anniversary of the death of the Manchester United icon.
      Northern Ireland thrashed North Macedonia 11-0 to go level on points with Austria in their World Cup qualifying groupCredit: Press Eye
      Kenny Shiels says Northern Ireland’s triumph was a win for George Best, on the 16th anniversary of his deathCredit: Empics
      The legendary winger, one of the best players ever, made 37 appearances and scored nine goals for Northern Ireland.
      And the match, which was the fifth of their World Cup qualifying campaign, saw Rachel Furness join David Healy as Northern Ireland’s all-time top scorer on 36 goals.
      An ecstatic Shiels said: “I thought [the match] was controlled really well by the girls. Before it started, we said, ‘Let’s do it for George’.
      “He was our hero, and he wore the No 11 shirt when he played for us.
      “We’ve done it in the 11th month, we’ve scored 11 goals and so all of that is resonating with me.
      “It’s fantastic and I hope he is watching us up there to see that we’re doing it for Northern Ireland because he was one of our heroes, if not the hero.
      “That’s been in my inner thoughts. Try and get 11 and get a message up to George.”

      Before the game, Northern Ireland midfielder Sarah McFadden said players intended to approach the match with ‘no ego’
      By half-time, the Durham star and her team-mates were 6-0 up before notching up another five.
      And the team had six different goal scorers with Rebecca McKenna, Lauren Wade, Kirsty McGuiness and Birmingham’s Rebecca Holloway all on target.
      And Everton’s Simone Magill bagged four goals while Liverpool ace Furness netted a hat-trick.
      The scoreline could have been far bigger for the visitors, who crashed the woodwork three times and saw Furness miss a first-half spot-kick.
      Rachel Furness netted a hat-trick for Northern IrelandCredit: Press Eye
      Shiels’ aces brushed their opponents aside in the Macedonian capital Skopje in the third win of their campaign for a 2023 World Cup spot.
      Northern Ireland are set to host their rivals at home in the second game of their qualifier double-header this month.
      The match will be played in front of a full house at their Seaview ground on November 29.   
      Shiels added: “We play them again Monday and it will be a total totally different ballgame.
      “Let’s bring it on The Green and White army will be there as well.”
      Simone Magill and Kirsty McGuiness were both on target for their teamCredit: Press Eye
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      Chelsea star Kerr wants ‘lasting legacy’ on world stage and to make football history like ex-Everton ace Cahill

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      SAM KERR is on the brink of surpassing Tim Cahill as Australia’s all-time leading goalscorer.And the Chelsea ace wants to leave her mark on the game like the Goodison Park icon.
      Sam Kerr is on course to surpass Tim Cahill as Australia’s all-time top scorer in international footballCredit: AFP
      Former Everton striker Cahill scored 50 goals for the SocceroosCredit: AFP or licensors
      Kerr, 28, is just one goal shy of equalling Cahill’s tally of 50 goals in a national vest, a record the former Everton star set in November 2013 when the men’s team beat Costa Rica in a 1-0 friendly.
      The WSL star, who signed a new Chelsea deal this month, told the Australian Associated Press: “Growing up watching him, I think everyone in Australian football if you asked who’s their favourite Australian footballer, they’d say Timmy.
      “It’s such a crazy one for me because Tim Cahill, to me, is just on another level
      “What he did for the Socceroos is amazing and honestly it will just be really surreal for me.
      “I can’t believe that I’m going to hopefully tie his record at some point and then to go beyond it, it’s going to be crazy.”
      Kerr, who will skipper the Matildas when they play the United States on November 27, currently has 49 goals in 102 senior international appearances.

      The striker, who is last term’s WSL’s Golden Boot winner, made her senior Matildas debut at just 15 coming on as a sub during a friendly loss to Italy.
      At 16 Kerr would go on to score her first goal in a Women’s Asian Cup draw with North Korea.
      The Kingsmeadow star is also part of a group of Australia Women aces who won a battle for better pay and work conditions after a players’ strike with football bosses agreeing to their demands.
      This year Kerr is due to play in her first-ever Women’s FA Cup final after the international break.
      Kerr and her Chelsea team-mates are due to face Arsenal in the Women’s FA Cup final after the international breakCredit: Prime Media
      The clash will see the Australia star’s Chelsea side take on Arsenal in the delayed final of last term’s contest.
      The Blues aim to win the Cup for the third time in their history.
      Should Chelsea triumph it will see Kerr win her fifth major trophy in England since sealing a high profile move to the club in 2019.
      And the forward, whose country will co-host the 2023 World Cup, wants to help change how the women’s game is seen in Australia.
      Kerr added: “If I’m honest, I’d like to have a lasting legacy, like someone like Timmy is going to have
      “I don’t just want to be a player that was good for a certain amount of years.
      Kerr hopes she and the Matildas can help change perceptions of women’s footballCredit: Getty
      “I want to have a legacy, that people talk about this time in football that we as the Matildas and me as a player changed the way the Matildas are seen and the way that women’s football is seen and the way women’s sport is seen.
      “For me, those things are done on the field, but also off the field and I’m really lucky, the whole team is pushing that way.
      “I hope that in 50 years’ time when people look back on the Matildas they see this decade as the turning point in women’s football because I feel like it is.”
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      Millie Bright ‘humbled’ to be England skipper and relishing fairytale return to Doncaster ground

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      MILLIE BRIGHT was left ‘stunned’ and ‘humbled’ when Sarina Wiegman made her Lionesses captain before the team’s clashes with Austria and Latvia.And the Chelsea ace is relishing the chance to lead England at the Doncaster ground where her senior playing journey started.
      Millie Bright will lead England in their World Cup qualifiers against Austria and LatviaCredit: Reuters
      Bright, 28, will skipper Wiegman’s team in two upcoming World Cup qualifiers following injuries to Steph Houghton and Leah Williamson.
      Arsenal ace Williamson, 24, who was acting as a stand-in for Houghton, 33, is currently sidelined with an ankle issue for the rest of this year.
      Of her captain’s role, Bright said: “I’m just very humbled and honoured to be given the opportunity.
      “I was a little bit stunned at first as we’ve got a lot of leaders and experience in the team.
      “We’re all gutted for Leah. It’s a big loss and she was really coming into her own in the role and she did a fantastic job at our previous camps.
      “But that’s part of football, you have to be ready when you’re called upon.
      “And I’m ready for the challenge this week and this camp and hopefully I can continue the good work that has been done previously.”

      Bright, who is vice-captain of WSL champs Chelsea, intends to “remain herself” when she leads England in qualifiers against Austria and Latvia.
      Sarina Wiegman’s side go into this game off the back of a 4-0 defeat of Northern Ireland and 10-0 hammerings of Luxembourg and Latvia.
      The Group D clash with their Austrian opponents will take place at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light at 12:30 pm on Saturday 27 November followed by a 7:00 pm November 30 duel with Latvia.
      And the match with Austria will be the Lionesses’ sternest test so far with their unbeaten rivals currently sitting second and two points behind them. 
      Arsenal keeper Manuela Zinsberger and her club-mate Victoria Schnaderbeck are among the players in their opponents’ squad.
      Arsenal’s Manuela Zinsberger is likely to feature in goal for AustriaCredit: Getty
      Centre-back Bright, who has 43 international caps, added: “We don’t underestimate anyone.
      “Austria will be our toughest opponents and everyone’s looking forward to seeing how we do in that game.”
      England’s game on Saturday could see Ellen White, 32, make her 100th senior international appearance.
      And the Man City hotshot, shortlisted for a Fifa award, is just three goals short of eclipsing Kelly Smith’s all-time international record of 46.
      It’s been a rollercoaster journey. To go back there (Keepmoat Stadium) and lead the girls out will be a moment my family and me will be proud ofMillie Bright
      Bright said: “She’s coming up to these unbelievable achievements, but I can tell you now, Ellen’s focus will purely be about the team and that’s just Ellen down to a tee.
      “I’m confident she’s going to keep breaking barriers and records.”
      Bright’s national team-mate Ellen White is in line to make her 100th senior England appearanceCredit: PA
      England’s second game against Latvia will see the squad head to Doncaster Rovers’ Keepmoat Stadium.
      It is a ground that remains dear to Bright who began her senior playing career at 16 with the Doncaster Rovers Belles.
      And the WSL star has fond memories of her time with the Belles including hefty defeats which taught her the importance of bouncing back.
      Bright added: “I suffered many losses at the Keepmoat, some heavy, heavy defeats.
      “I remember my dad driving me all the way back from a holiday and we got beat 8-0. Then a week later, I suffered another 8-0 loss.
      “But it’s those games and those experiences that made me the player I am.
      Bright is looking forward to playing for England at the home of her former club Doncaster Rovers BellesCredit: Getty
      “It’s about never staying down when you’re knocked down, it’s always getting back up and fighting back.
      “But for me looking back at Keepmoat, that was my first real experience playing in a big stadium and that’s where the dream started.
      “It’s been a rollercoaster journey. To go back there (Keepmoat Stadium) and lead the girls out will be a moment my family and I will be proud of.”
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