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    Chile demand Fifa AXE Ecuador from 2022 World Cup – claiming South American rivals fielded COLOMBIAN star in qualifying

    CHILE have called on Fifa to ban Ecuador from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup – claiming they fielded an ineligible player.It is Chile’s contention that Ecuador’s right-back Byron Castillo is actually Colombian.
    Byron Castillo (right) played eight times for Ecuador in World Cup 2022 qualificationCredit: Getty
    An investigation has allegedly found a Colombian birth certificate from 1995 with the same name as Castillo and the same parents’ name, despite Ecuadorian documents stating the defender was born in 1998.
    Fifa rules stipulate that playing ineligible players results in a forfeit.
    If found to be true Chile want Ecuador to be stripped of the results in each of the eight qualifying games Castillo played.
    That includes Ecuador’s draw against Chile and a 2-0 win last November – which put Chile on the brink of elimination.
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    Lawyer Eduardo Carlezzo, who is representing the Chilean federation, said: “The level, both in quantity and quality, of the information and evidence that we have been able to collect has surprised even us.
    “How could we not act with this level of evidence in hands?”
    Castillo’s background has been the topic of speculation for some time with Ecuadorian officials previously holding concerns about his eligibility.
    Carlos Manzur, the vice president of Ecuador’s football federation, suggested that Castillo previously was not called up due to worries about his eligibility.
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    He said in March 2021: “I think it’s a matter of playing it safe, avoiding problems.
    “I think he is a good player. If it were up to me, I would not have him play for the national team. I would not take that risk. I would not risk everything we are doing.”
    Reports followed suggesting there were inconsistencies with Castillo’s registration but Munzo claimed they had been sorted, allowing Castillo to win his first cap against Paraguay in September.
    The top four teams automatically qualify for Qatar in the Conmebol qualification, with Ecuador grabbing fourth spot.
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    And although Chile finished seventh behind Peru and Colombia, Castillo did not play against those sides so only Chile could be awarded six points.
    That would be enough to see them qualify for Qatar so they are eagerly awaiting Fifa’s findings.
    President of the Chile Football Federation Pablo Milad told The New York Times: “We understand, based on all the information and documents collected, that the facts are too serious and must be thoroughly investigated by Fifa.
    “We have always respected the fair play principals and we hope that the other federations do the same.” More

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    England’s iconic Football’s Coming Home anthem faces axe as official World Cup song over fears it offends other nations

    ENGLAND’S Three Lions anthem is ­facing the axe as the country’s official World Cup song — amid ­concerns that it offends other nations. Baddiel and Skinner’s Football’s Coming Home classic has been a fans’ favourite since Euro 96.
    England’s iconic Three Lions anthem is facing the axe as the country’s official World Cup song — amid concerns that it offends other nations.Credit: Getty
    Baddiel and Skinner’s ‘Football’s Coming Home’ classic has been a fans’ favourite since Euro 1996Credit: Anthony Upton
    Lions legend Paul Gascoigne said: ‘That song is in our DNA. It helped us in 1996 and it’ll help the boys in Qatar’Credit: Getty
    Lions legend Paul Gascoigne said: “That song is in our DNA. It helped us in 1996 and it’ll help the boys in Qatar.”
    But FA chiefs fear the song is viewed as “arrogant” by other countries.
     Neil Diamond’s singalong Sweet Caroline is the favourite to replace it. 
    Critics said the proposal showed footie bosses were way out of touch with England supporters — and Gazza, 54, declared: “The FA have totally lost the plot.”
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    The Euro 96 hero added: “You can’t take that song off us. Sweet Caroline doesn’t come close.
    “It would be like saying we can’t wave St George’s flags anymore.
    “This woke nonsense has no place in football. It’s just a great song. 
    Last night TalkTV presenter and Sun writer Piers Morgan blasted the FA’s flaky plan and said: “This is a ridiculous idea.
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    “The song is all about wallowing in 30 years of hurt and pain at not winning anything, how can anyone say it is arrogant.
    “We should absolutely stick with Three Lions.”
    The Sun is now launching a campaign to save the anthem and will petition the FA to stick with “It’s Coming Home”.
    All 32 nations at the World Cup in Qatar in November and December must nominate a song to be played in the build-up to kick-off.
    Three Lions — by comedy duo David Baddiel and Frank Skinner and The Lightning Seeds — celebrates England’s endless dream of a first tournament triumph since 1966.
    But FA chiefs are set to drop it amid fears other nations believe it is “arrogant” to sing about England being the home of football.

    Rival teams have also mocked and abused the song’s chant.
    Croatia’s players used the classic as a motivational tool ahead of their 2-1 triumph over Gareth Southgate’s battlers at the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Moscow.
    Italian fans at Wembley sarcastically sang: “It’s coming to Rome” after the Azzuri’s penalties win over The Three Lions in the Euro 2020 final.
    A much-travelled Three Lions supporters’ source told The Sun: “Fans will sing what they like and couldn’t really give a monkey’s what is ‘official’ or not.
    “So expect to hear ‘Football’s Coming Home’ sung in Qatar in the stands regardless.
    “Other nations might think we’re arrogant when we sing that England is football’s home and they’ve teased us about it in the past but it’s just friendly banter.”
     Neil Diamond’s stadium singalong Sweet Caroline is now favourite to become the official pre-match song.
    Three Lions became the official pre-match song in 1996 — when England lost on penalties yet again in the semi-final against Germany.
    And it has since become the soundtrack to a string of heroic failures as we failed to lift silverware in every tournament since.
    Senior figures at the FA’s Wembley HQ are now arguing that it is time for a forward-looking change — and more positive vibes during the pre-match warm-up.
    An England source said: “The FA have always countered the song’s negatives by stressing that it’s all about hope — but there’s a feeling it might be time for a change.
    “We have a great squad and a great chance in Qatar so it might be better to look forward from now on rather than back. “Gareth Southgate isn’t involved in the debate but he may well have decidedly mixed memories about 1996 after missing the penalty which knocked us out in the semi.
    “Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline was a huge hit with fans singing their hearts out at Euro 2020 and must be a strong contender now.
    “It has nothing to do with football but it’s a great feelgood song — and has absolutely no negativity attached to it.”
    FA chiefs will not announce their final decision on the song choice until after the summer. But Sun sources revealed internal discussions about a new song are already under way.
    David Baddiel revealed last year that he suspected the FA hated his Three Lions anthem – over fears that its lyrics could offend other footballing nations.
    He said: “Neil Diamond was set up as a kind of rival during the last Euro competition.
    “There was a thing which my manager feels was actually a conspiracy set up by The FA — they don’t really like Three Lions.
    “I think it’s the notion — misinterpreted by many people — that football’s coming home means that England owns football and we are the homeland of football. Which historically is the case. We were the first one to ratify the rules of the game.
    “But somehow that’s offensive to other FAs – like the Croatian FA or whatever.”
    Sweet Caroline came to prominence after England’s epic 2-0 win over Germany at Euro 2020.
    Offical Wembley DJ Tony Perry decided the track summed up the mood in the stadium. It was then adopted by the fans and rang out at every game until the final.
    The song has long been a favourite with rugby fans.. However, the 1969 hit is most associated with baseball where it’s sung at every home game of the Boston Red Sox.
    The tradition of the official England song was spawned at the 1966 World Cup with “World Cup Willie”.’
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    Four years later the England squad for Mexico 1970 had a hit with Back Home.
    In Italia ‘90 New Order and Keith Allen’s “World in Motion” featured a rap by player John Barnes.
    Gareth Southgate may have mixed memories about 1996 after missing the penalty which knocked us out in the semiCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
    The England boss is said not to be involved in choosing a new official song for the upcoming World CupCredit: AFP
    Three Lions became the official pre-match song in 1996 — when England lost on penalties yet again in the semi-final against GermanyCredit: Getty More

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    World Cup playoff dates revealed for Scotland vs Ukraine and Wales’ clash against winner to seal spot in England’s group

    WALES will face Scotland or Ukraine for a 2022 World Cup finals spot on Sunday, June 5.The final which was due to be played on March 29 was delayed to this summer due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    Scotland will play Ukraine on June 1Credit: THE SUN
    The World Cup play-off was postponed due to Russia’s invasion of UkraineCredit: AFP
    Wales already booked their place in the play-off final with a win over AustriaCredit: REX FEATURES
    But Fifa have now decided when the Cardiff final will be played with the winners booking a World Cup place in Group B alongside England, Iran and USA in Qatar.
    Steve Clarke’s Scotland will take on Ukraine in the other last four clash at Hampden Park on June 1.
    Wales beat Austria 2-1 in their semi-final last month thanks to a sensational double from Gareth Bale.
    And that means Robert Page’s men are just one match away from their first global finals in 64 years.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}LEFT IN RUINS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Stadium of West Ham ace Yarmolenko’s boyhood club destroyed by Russian shells
    Wales will warm-up for the final with an away fixture against Poland in the Nations League on the same date as Scotland’s semi-final.
    The Dragons have five fixtures in total to contend with in June due to the rescheduling.
    Page’s side will also face the Netherlands and Belgium in home matches on June 8 and June 11 before a trip to face the Dutch on June 14.
    Football Association of Wales president Steve Williams said: “Following today’s announcement from Fifa and Uefa about the World Cup play-off final and Nations League matches in June, whilst we are pleased to see the matter resolved, we have absolute sympathy with our fans and the inconvenience this has caused.  
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    “The FAW lobbied both governing bodies to limit the disruption as much as possible for our fans, whilst recognising the unprecedented situation we find ourselves in  through no fault of all parties involved.
    “We value the support of The Red Wall; you are absolutely integral to the success of the team on the pitch, and you will be needed more than ever in June’s play-off final.”
    The prospect of an all-British clash in Qatar “will be enormous”, says Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
    When asked if playing Wales or Scotland in Qatar will be an emotional occasion, he said: “Absolutely yeah, that was the first thing that hit me when that tie was drawn because the emotion as you rightly say – whatever the fixture is – will be enormous.
    “We experienced the games in 2016 against Wales, last summer against Scotland, so we know what those fixtures look like and they’re always harder for England than maybe if they’d drawn another of the top seeds.
    “And Ukraine, well all of our thoughts are with them.
    “We just don’t know when that tie’s gonna be played, but it doesn’t matter in actual fact, we’ll wait to see what the outcome is.” More

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    Northern Ireland 0 England 5: Lionesses overcome Shiels’ aces in front of record Windsor Park crowd

    ELLA TOONE netted her tenth England goal as the Lionesses stayed on song to notch up eight wins in eight World Cup qualifiers.Braces from Lauren Hemp and Georgia Stanway were among the efforts that saw the team trounce Northern Ireland 5-0.
    Ella Toone was on target with England’s second goal of the game against Northern IrelandCredit: Getty
    Lauren Hemp netted twice to take her tally of goals for the Lionesses up to sixCredit: Getty
    The result saw the World Cup hopes of Kenny Shiels’ side all but ended with the team now looking ahead to their first-ever Euros campaign.
    And it leaves England needing justing a point to qualify for the tournament to be held in Australia and New Zealand next year.
    Lionesses chief Sarina Wiegman said: “As a team we were really good today. We dominated even more than we did in October.
    “We are trying to get connected all the time and the players’ competitiveness in this team is so high.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The 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    “I think the 5-0 result is great, 5-0. It’s a very mature performance from us.
    “We dominated the game throughout the 90 minutes and we hoped to score more goals in the first half but four goals in the second half is very nice to see.”
    England looked to strike early minute in front of a record 15,348 Windsor Park crowd.
    This came through Ella Toone teeing up a low shot before Kelsie Burrows intervened with a tackle around the second minute.
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    And the hosts attempted to capitalise on Jess Carter’s slip with Lauren Wade darting towards the box before Millie Bright and Leah Williamson helped regain possession.
    Northern Ireland’s bullish defending early on– spearheaded by Sarah McFadden and Julie Nelson – kept the visitors at bay for a spell.
    Ellen White, currently level with Harry Kane with her tally of England goals, saw her attempts to shoot thwarted by McFadden in the 17th minute.
    And the striker had a goal disallowed moments later after burying a rebound following Beth Mead’s shot on the edge of the box.
    Sarah McFadden put in an impressive defensive shift for Northern Ireland in the first halfCredit: Getty
    England eventually got their breakthrough with Hemp putting them ahead in the 24th minute.
    The winger’s scuffed chip flew over the head of keeper Jackie Burns to break the deadlock.
    McFadden made another vital interception blocking Leah Williamson’s dangerous cross moments after the half-hour mark.
    This came shortly before Hemp got her head on the end of Lucy Bronze’s cross before nodding the ball over minutes before half-time.
    The second spell saw Wiegman’s side crank up the pressure by upping the pace of their passing.
    And they got their rewards with Toone putting them two up with a composed finish after Bronze’s pinpoint cross.
    Following Mary Earps’ first save of the game, England went 3-0 ahead with Hemp rounding Burns in the 60th minute.
    And Stanway made it four with a thumping 70th-minute strike before registering her brace nine minutes later.
    Georgia Stanway netted a second-half brace as England dispatched their hosts at Windsor ParkCredit: Getty
    She did so with her low shot finding the bottom corner after the hosts sought to clear the ball out of danger.
    The 5-0 trouncing sees England remain in pole position in Group D with their eighth clean sheet.
    And the team unbeaten under boss Sarina Wiegman with games against the Netherlands and Belgium up next in June.   More

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    Williamson ‘very proud’ to lead England and reflects on dramatic spot-kick retake for Lionesses’ Under-19s

    LEAH WILLIAMSON says the Lionesses’ trip to Belfast brought back memories of an England penalty she retook five days after netting following an officiating error.And the Arsenal ace admits captaining the national side is the ‘biggest honour in football’.
    Leah Williamson will lead England on Tuesday for the first time since being announced as the Lionesses’ skipper for the EurosCredit: Getty
    England are looking to pick up their eighth win in the World Cup qualifiers when they take on Northern IrelandCredit: Reuters
    The Gunners centre-back was speaking to reporters before England’s World Cup qualifier clash with Northern Ireland in Belfast.
    And the Tuesday evening fixture prompted Williamson, 25, to reflect on a spot-tick moment which occurred in the city during an England Under-19s match seven years ago.
    In April 2015 the young Lionesses saw Williamson’s converted pen in a Euros qualifier cancelled out due to players encroaching in the 18-yard box.
    But official Marija Kurtes gave Norway a free-kick during the game at Seaview when the penalty should have been retaken.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}LEFT IN RUINS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Stadium of West Ham ace Yarmolenko’s boyhood club destroyed by Russian shells
    It resulted in an intervention from Uefa which led to the pen being retaken a week later.
    And Williamson netted the crucial goal that sent her side through to the Women’s Under-19s Euros in Israel.
    In her light-hearted take on the moment, Williamson said: “It turned out well in the end but what I went through that week I wouldn’t wish on anybody.
    “I remember I told my mum I would keep it quiet in case I missed, and nobody would ever know.
    “And then you lot turned up with your Sky Sports cameras.
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    “There’s a couple of the girls here that were in that squad and we were reminiscing about it the other day.
    “It’s good memories because it turned out well but it could have gone very differently.”
    The Lionesses’ Group D World Cup qualifier duel with Northern Ireland will see them face Kenny Shiels’ aces in front of a sell-out crowd at Windsor Park
    However, the team will be without the services of veteran Jill Scott who is unavailable for the game.
    A crowd of more than 16,000 are expected to attend with Williamson set to lead England for the first time since news of her captaincy of the side at the Euros was announced.
    The Arsenal ace, who has 27 senior international caps received congratulatory messages from her club colleagues.
    And the Buckinghamshire-born WSL star says her immediate family were the first people she broke the news to
    Williamson added: “I went straight to my mum, dad and brother and they’re very proud.
    “It was a nice conversation and there were some tears within the family and then it was about getting back to work and focusing on the next job which is winning on Tuesday.
    “It’s a very proud moment and the biggest honour of football and I appreciate that.”
    Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman is relishing the prospect of seeing her side test themselves against Northern Ireland in front of a partisan crowd.
    Sarina Wiegman is keen see how side fare in front of a large crowd of Northern Ireland’s supporters at Windsor ParkCredit: Pacemaker
    Wiegman, 52, said: “We have a job to do. We want to be a mature team and play our style of play.
    “Hopefully the crowd will make lots of noise so it’s a little harder for us to talk to each other, so we have to communicate in passing and body language a little more to execute the actions we want.”
    Northern Ireland vs England will be broadcast live on BBC Two from 7:30pm on Tuesday 12 April. The game kicks-off at 7:55pm More

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    Arsenal star Mead says channelling disappointment after England snub boosted her form on the pitch

    BETH MEAD insists directing her disappointment at being dropped from the Lionesses in the right way has been key to her prolific form. It was just over a year ago that the Arsenal ace was left out of an England squad led by Hege Riise that faced Northern Ireland at St George’s Park.
    Beth Mead has netted 12 of England’s 63 goals scored in seven of their World Cup qualifiersCredit: Getty
    And the Sunderland-born forward found herself overlooked for international duty last summer with Riise opting to not to include her in the Team GB squad before the Tokyo Olympics.
    Since then, Mead has pushed on and re-established herself a formidable part of England’s frontline.
    Following the September arrival of Wiegman, the forward has thrived on the wing netting 12 of the Lionesses’ 63 World Cup qualifying goals scored in seven fixtures.
    On her clinical form since her return to the national side, Mead said: “I’ve just channelled my disappointment in the correct way.
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    “We can let these things break us or we can use them to our motivation, and I think this motivated me this season to do better on and off the pitch.
    “I can control what I’m doing and enjoy my football.
    “I’m a confident player and hopefully that’s showing on the pitch.
    “The England team that I’m a part of right now is an amazing team.”
    Since her senior debut in a World Cup qualifying draw with Wales in April 2018 Mead has emerged as a key figure in the Lionesses attack.
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    The WSL ace has scored 20 goals in 35 Lionesses appearances.
    These include her first international hat-trick against Northern Ireland, who England face at Windsor Park on Tuesday.
    Mead added: “I never thought I would have scored a hat-trick in all these qualifiers.
    I’m just really enjoying my football right now.
    “It’s been free flowing individually for myself and with the team.
    “I’m just glad the girls are getting on the end of some of the balls and I’m getting on the end of some of theirs.”
    Mead and her team-mates face Northern Ireland next in their second World Cup qualifier duel with Kenny Shiels’ sideCredit: Getty
    Mead’s England colleague Lauren Hemp has been tipped by pundits as one to watch at the Euros this summer
    At club level Hemp has been instrumental in helping Manchester City overcome their early season struggles, with the team in a battle for a Champions League pace.
    Mead has enjoyed a fruitful attacking partnership with Hemp on England duty with the City winger assisting two of her four goals against North Macedonia.
    Mead is enjoying her partnership with Lauren Hemp and Ellen White in England’s attackCredit: EPA
    Mead said: “I think Lauren could beat any fullback in the world.
    “When you’re just getting the box and she’ll produce a good cross or a good effort on goal and you get on the rebound and a couple of them happened against North Macedonia.
    “Her positive play sometimes becomes my positive play. It’s really nice to link up with her and Ellen (White).” More

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    White passes goal records of Kane and Charlton as Mead nets four in Lionesses’ hefty win in World Cup qualifiers

    SARINA WIEGMAN challenged her goal-hungry Lionesses to be even more relentless in attack after crushing North Macedonia.The game saw Ellen White surpass Sir Bobby Charlton’s and Harry Kane’s scoring records in an England shirt as the team romped to a 10-0 win.
    Ellen White reached a half century of goals for England as they trounced North MacedoniaCredit: Reuters
    Ella Toone netted a hat-trick whilst Beth Mead scored four times taking her World Cup qualifiers goal tally up to 12Credit: Getty
    The Manchester City star notched her 50th international goal with Beth Mead bagging four followed by an Ella Toone hat-trick and Georgia Stanway’s brace.
    White said: “I’m delighted to reach that milestone, but for me, it’s all about winning and the team winning. 
    “I love playing for England and I’ll do anything to contribute in any way to play for my country.
    “I know my job is to score, but I want the team to win and the three points for us to qualify for the World Cup.
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    “I’ve been very blessed to have played with phenomenal players in England.
    “Kelly Smith to name one, Rachel Yankey, Sue Smith and Fara Williams.
    “I feel lucky I was able to be on the pitch with those talents and currently in a squad where I look around and just say to myself, ‘wow’.
    Wiegman added: “We wanted to create a lot of chances and score a lot of goals and concede none, so that’s what we did.
    “I’m impressed with how we scored the goals and I think we can be even more ruthless.”
    The result saw England pick up a third 10-0 away win in the World Cup qualifiers before their Group D clash with Northern Ireland who lost 3-1 to Austria.
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    And Beth England and Niamh Charles will join the squad before that game following their negative Covid test results with Leah Williamson back in training.
    England, who thumped their opponents 8-0 at St Mary’s last time out, got off to a fast start in attack.
    They forced a first-minute save from keeper Viktorija Panchurova following Lauren Hemp’s delivery to Stanway with the Man City ace firing the ball towards goal.
    It was just another three minutes before England registered their opener with Mead slotting home from six yards out following Hemp’s drive and cross into the box.
    Georgia Stanway scored a brace for EnglandCredit: Getty
    Wiegman’s aces doubled their lead shortly after White came close to turning the ball home following a pass from Stanway.
    And they did so with Mead netting through a stunning cross-shot in the 11th minute.
    Ella Toone came close to scoring moments later after latching onto a through ball from Mead.
    And the Man United playmaker got on the scoresheet near the half-hour stage with a thumping shot leaving the keeper with no chance.
    White increased the visitors’ lead to four making the most of Toone’s delivery to direct a header home around the 41st minute.

    Stanway made it 5-0 near the half-time whistle walloping the ball home after some quick-fire passes with Toone and Hemp.
    The second spell saw England show no mercy with Mead bagging two more goals early on to seal her four-star performance.
    And Stanway sealed her brace after drilling the ball home in the 55th minute as her side went 8-0 up.
    Wiegman shuffled her deck with Jill Scott and Nikita Parris joining the fray before Katie Zelem, Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly came on in the 70th minute.
    Lauren Hemp was constant threat down the left for EnglandCredit: EPA
    The team went 9-0 up with Toone firing home moments later after an exchange of high passes between Parris and Russo.
    And the Man United ace bagged her hat-trick shortly after as England rounded off the rout with a tenth goal with the team facing Northern Ireland next.  More

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    Bright warns Lionesses will be ruthless in attack with White on course to equal Rooney’s England scoring record

    MILLIE BRIGHT insists England will maintain their high standards on the pitch in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.And the Lionesses vice-captain says it was surreal to share a golden boot with Alexia Putellas following the team’s Arnold Clark Cup triumph.
    Millie Bright and her team-mates are looking to maintain England’s unbeaten run under Sarina WiegmanCredit: AFP
    England face North Macedonia tonight in their seventh match in the qualifiers for a spot at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
    And their clash comes seven months on from their 8-0 thrashing of the European minnows which was boss Sarina Wiegman’s first match in charge of the side.
    Bright, 28, told reporters: “Our mindset remains the same.
    “We want to go out there and have high standards and show our qualities.
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    “When you’ve come off the high (of winning the Arnold Clark Cup), we have to be prepared to go out and play again.
    “We see the quality of people coming out of their shells and playing at their best which is what we want.
    “For us it’s about going out there and doing all the right things and getting the job done. We just have to keep pushing the levels.”
    England’s game against North Macedonia comes a month after the team won their first trophy under boss Sarina Wiegman.
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    A defeat of Germany and draws against Canada and Spain saw them triumph in the pre-Euros warm-up Arnold Clark Cup contest.
    And the tournament saw Chelsea ace Bright, finish as the competition’s joint top scorer with Putellas, 28, after netting twice in three games.
    On sharing a golden boot win with the Spain midfield ace, Bright joked: “I’m not sure if I’ll be up there again (as but you never know.
    It was very surreal, but it just shows when you keep pushing that you can be successful.
    “It’s given me a taste of what I want to go on and continue to do.”
    This evening’s game could see Ellen White net her 50th goal in an England shirt, leaving her just three short of equalling Wayne Rooney’s Three Lions scoring record.
    Bright insists the hotshot striker will be focused on helping her team-mates a seventh victory in their World Cup qualifying group.
    Ellen White could net her 50th goal for England should make an appearance against North MacedoniaCredit: Reuters
    The centre-back said: “Ellen is a goal machine, and it would be a huge achievement for her, but I’d be lying if I said that’s been the conversation (in the squad). 
    “She is someone who very much has two feet on the ground and will do absolutely anything to help the team win.
    “It’s not really been a conversation but I’m sure it will be when she eventually achieves that (record of 50 goals).” More