Virgil van Dijk has been appointed as Liverpool captain following the departure of Jordan Henderson, the Premier League club have announced. The 32-year-old, who arrived at Anfield from Southampton in 2018 and has made 222 appearances, also performs the role internationally for the Netherlands. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been confirmed as vice-captain after James Milner left to join Brighton earlier in the summer. Henderson and Milner have departed as part of an overhaul of the team’s midfield as Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild following last season’s disappointing fifth-place finish in the Premier League. It meant the club failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2016. “It has been a very disappointing year last year,” Van Dijk told the club website. “It was actually not a bad run-in. Obviously in the end we didn’t achieve anything we hoped to achieve and that was very disappointing.” Of the players who were part of Klopp’s title-winning squad in 2020, Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino have also left, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been released following an injury-hit Reds career. In their place, Brighton’s World Cup-winning midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has been signed along with Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig. “Obviously it has been quite an interesting summer with players obviously leaving and new players coming in, this little transition that is going on,” added Van Dijk. “We also have to be a bit patient but we want to be there and we want to show what we’re capable of because we have a fantastic group of players, staff, fans, stadium, we shouldn’t even discuss that.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Wrexham’s Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been criticised by climate activists after it was revealed that the club took 16 domestic flights last season. The Welsh club earned promotion back to the Football League after a 15-year absence but while they flew to and from eight away games, no other National League club took a single flight for a domestic fixture. Research by the BBC revealed that most of Wrexham’s flights – to face teams such as Gateshead, Bromley and Maidstone – were out of, or back to, Manchester Airport, with the shortest lasting just 29 minutes while the average flight time was only 43.5 minutes. Flying to and from domestic matches is common for Premier League clubs to aid player recovery amid packed fixtures schedules but the environmental impact of short-haul flight have made them increasingly controversial, with green activists speaking out against the practice. For example, the Manchester to Newcastle flight taken for a game against Gateshead was a journey that would have taken around three hours by coach or two and a half hours by train. In addition to the 16 flights with the squad on board, BBC research also found 16 further ‘positioning’ flights – where an often empty plane is flown into the airport it is collecting its passengers from, creating additional emissions. Wrexham had been approached for comment by BBC Sport. Since Reynolds and McElhenney’s high-profile purchase of Wrexham, there has been a huge wave of interest around the club and this summer they embarked on a pre-season tour of the United States – packing out stadiums in San Diego and Florida for matches against the likes of Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester United. The Hollywood owners also flew the squad out for an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to celebrate promotion. This all comes despite their mission statement on the club website that pledges a “commitment to a more ecologically-sustainable version of the club and stadium.” Environmental activists have criticised the club and owners for these practices, with Katie Cross, who runs the organisation Pledgeball that works with clubs to “engage fans and lower their footprints”, frustrated by their “surging environmental impact”. Cross said: “The club, with the full backing of their new owners, seem to be following the well carved out track of measuring success through global expansion and financial success. “Imagine the impact if Wrexham chose to prioritise environmental sustainability in their decision-making and used their huge profile to push it up the football agenda? It would be a game-changer and would cause heads to turn.” Meanwhile, Frank Huisingh runs campaign group Fossil Free Football and said: “Football has a clear interest in stopping the climate crisis from escalating further. It is therefore sad to see that so many young world-class players are asked to promote a very polluting activity like flying. “Wrexham AFC shouldn’t have followed their [Premier League clubs’] lead. They should do what is best for fans around the world and stop advertising air travel.” Reynolds and McElhenney have previously been criticised for flying by private jet to attend Wrexham matches and recently announced a new sponsorship deal with United Airlines. But the Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, defended the owners. ”They’ve done a really really good job over the last few years and I’m certainly not going to knock Wrexham Football Club,” he said. “They’ve taken a lead in promoting football and promoting Wrexham, which they’ve done really well. “They are perfectly within their rights, perfectly within the laws. I’m sure they are aware of climate change but, at the end of the day, they’ve got to play football. That’s what they do and I think they’re doing a great job.” Read More 'Super' Paul Mullin is injured and 'Welcome to Wrexham' will have another drama to explore Why Wrexham? How Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney came to buy a club they’d never heard of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to invest in F1 team Wrexham striker Paul Mullin to convalesce at co-owner Rob McElhenney’s home Extraordinary – Wrexham director says reception in US has exceeded expectations Wrexham fume at Man Utd goalkeeper after striker hospitalised with punctured lung

Luke Shaw says Manchester United must up their game and end Manchester City’s dominance after the pain of watching their rivals’ treble triumph. The 28-year-old left-back is now the longest-serving first-team player at Old Trafford following the summer exits of David De Gea and Phil Jones. The pair were the last remaining members of United’s title-winning 2012-13 squad, with City becoming the dominant force in England – never the mind the north-west – since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. That success sticks in the craw of everyone at Old Trafford and Shaw says Erik ten Hag’s improving side must kick on to halt their neighbours’ supremacy. Asked if City’s treble win gives United a little bit extra motivation to kick on next season, Shaw told the PA news agency: “Yeah, 100 per cent. “I don’t think there should be any more motivation anyway with them winning that or not, but of course it hurt a lot. A lot. “I think all of us as players we felt that, especially for me seeing them come to the England camp. It was really hard to take, to be honest. I think it's our time now to start putting a stamp on things and not letting it always be so easy for them Luke Shaw “Like I said, there has to be no more motivation than we have anyway, but we can’t accept that. We can’t let that happen again and I think we know that. “I think it’s our time now to start putting a stamp on things and not letting it always be so easy for them because, you know, in the past it’s looked like that. “Us as players now we can’t accept that anymore.” City have won five of the last six Premier League titles, with United unable to make a sustained challenge since winning their 20th crown a decade ago. Furthermore, the Red Devils, who lost the FA Cup final to Pep Guardiola’s men, have won just four major trophies in that period. “Of course it’s not enough,” said Shaw, who joined from Southampton in 2014. “I know that, we know that, the whole club knows that, I think. “To be successful we need to be challenging for every trophy and winning competitions. “We felt like we could have added another two competitions last season and I think we should have. “But I think that, especially the start of this pre-season, we spoke about it a lot. I think this is a big season for us. “We’ve already signed some very good players and hopefully there’s more additions to come to strengthen the squad. “Of course, we have to believe that we can win as many trophies as possible this season.” Shaw has been excited by Mason Mount and Andre Onana’s arrivals, with the impending acquisition of Rasmus Hojlund filling another key role. The left-back was not keen to talk about the 20-year-old Denmark striker as he has yet to complete his move from Atalanta, but the need for a frontman has been clear to the group. “I don’t really want to comment too much on that,” Shaw said. “I think obviously he’s not our player yet, so I won’t say too much. “But I think of course we’ve spoke, and I think the manager has and I think Bruno (Fernandes) did the other day, about how important is for us to get a striker. We know that. “Of course, we’ve got (Anthony) Martial, (Marcus) Rashford at the moment and (Jadon) Sancho, who can play there. “But an out and out striker is what we need and we’re desperate for one and I’m very sure that the club know that, the manager knows that and us players would love one to come, too.” Shaw is excited by United’s prospects heading into Ten Hag’s second campaign – a season he is confident will be “more successful” than the first. The England international is “sure we can be at the top of the table challenging” if they upgrade their away form after a year of improvements under the Dutchman. “I think the culture, of course, has changed,” Shaw said. “I think the attitude, the way we train, the intensity, the application that everyone brings in day in, day out. The manager demands that every single day. “Even when you’re at home he wants you to be at your best, to be honest. He wants you to be doing the right things, living the right way because football is our life. “It’s what we do day in, day out and we need to do everything we can to benefit, to get that maximum level and that’s what he demands.” Shaw has embraced that mindset and become a cornerstone at a club where he gone from boy to man during the last nine years. “I think definitely more grown up, more mature, definitely improved as a player,” the United defender added. “I feel like I’m still a bit young, so I’ve still got a bit more to give. “But I think for it to be successful, like I said, I think we need to start, and I need to start, winning more trophies here. “That’s what we have to demand this season is trophies and, for me, that’s all that matters right now.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Leigh Wood to face Josh Warrington in all-British world featherweight title bout Wrexham striker Paul Mullin to convalesce at co-owner Rob McElhenney’s home Referees must no longer turn blind eye to ‘unacceptable behaviour’ – Howard Webb

The race for the Women’s World Cup golden boot is taking shape as the group stages continue in Australia and New Zealand. Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa bagged a brace in the 4-0 victory over Spain to move top of the top-scorer standings, with Brazil’s Ary Borges among those on three goals after hitting the first hat-trick of the tournament in her nation’s thrashing of Panama. If two or more players finish on the same number of goals, the golden boot will be determined by assists and then on minutes played. The USA’s Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe and England’s Ellen White were joint top scorers four years ago after all finishing on six goals. Rapinoe and Morgan also had three assists, but Rapinoe took the golden boot having scored her goals in less minutes. Women’s World Cup golden boot standings Four goals Hinata Miyazawa (Japan) - one assist Three goals Ary Borges (Brazil) - one assist Alexandra Popp (Germany) Sophie Román Haug (Norway) Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden) Two goals Mina Tanaka (Japan) - three assists Riko Ueki (Japan) - one assist Sophia Smith (United States) - one assist Jennifer Hermoso (Spain) - one assist Steph Catley (Australia) Hayley Raso (Australia) Linda Caicedo (Colombia) Alba Redondo (Spain) Fridolina Rolfö (Sweden) Lindsey Horan (United States) Read More Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today Women’s World Cup group tables and standings: How can each team qualify? Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup? When do USA women play next? World Cup fixtures and route to the final What do England need to qualify for Women’s World Cup last-16? England vs China: Kick-off time and how to watch on TV

England will qualify for the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup as long as they avoid defeat to China in the finale of Group D. The Lionesses have opened their World Cup campaign with back-to-back wins over Haiti and Denmark to take control of their fate. But China’s late win against Haiti last time out means there is still work for Sarina Wiegman’s side to do - with either Australia or Nigeria waiting in the last-16. England have only lost once under Wiegman but will be without key midfielder Keira Walsh for their final group fixture. Here’s everything you need to know. How does each team qualify? England - Will qualify with a win or draw against China, which would also confirm top spot in Group D and a last-16 tie against Nigeria. - England can still qualify with a defeat against China, but they require Denmark to lose or draw. If England lose and Denmark fail to win, the Lionesses will finish second if China overtake them on goal difference. - If England lose and Denmark win, the Lionesses would need to finish with a better goal difference than one of China or Denmark. England therefore cannot lose by more than one goal. Denmark - Denmark will go through if they win and China draw or lose. - If Denmark and China finish with the same result, it will go down to goal difference and then goals scored in their final group match. They currently have identical goal records after losing a match 1-0 and winning a match 1-0. Denmark will also go through ahead of England if the Lionesses lose to China by more than one goal. China - China will go through if they win and Denmark draw or lose. - If China match Denmark’s result of a win and a draw then it comes down to goal difference. Haiti - Haiti must beat Denmark and hope China lose to England. It would then come down to goal difference, with three teams (Haiti, Denmark and China) all level on three points. Therefore, if Haiti win by more than one goal and China lose, they are guaranteed to go through. Group D standings 1. England - 6 points (+2 goal difference) 2. Denmark - 3 points (+0) 3. China - 3 points (+0) 4. Haiti - 0 points (-2) Results and fixtures England 1-0 Haiti Denmark 1-0 China England 1-0 Denmark Haiti 0-1 China England vs China (12pm BST) Denmark vs Haiti (12pm BST) When is England vs China? The match will kick off at 12pm BST on Tuesday 1 August at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide. How can I watch it? England’s match against China will be shown on ITV 1 and on ITV X, with coverage starting at 11:15am. Read More Women’s World Cup group permutations: How can each team qualify? Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today England can cope without Keira Walsh – here is how Sarina Wiegman can adjust England vs China: Kick-off time and how to watch on TV Kelly Smith: England can cope without Keira Walsh — here is how Lionesses can adjust England provide Keira Walsh injury update in Women’s World Cup boost

It’s crunch time at the Women’s World Cup with the final round of fixtures in the group stages set to decide who will advance to the knockouts. It has been a tournament of shocks and surprises so far, with Nigeria stunning Australia and Colombia’s last-gasp win over Germany standing out as the biggest results of the World Cup. There are set to be more twists and turns as the final matches of the group stages are played out - with the top two teams in each group advancing to the last-16. With everything to play for across several groups, here’s what each team needs to reach the knockout stages, starting with Group B. Group E standings 1. USA - 4 points (+3 goal difference) 2. Netherlands - 4 points (+1) 3. Portugal - 3 points (+1) 4. Vietnam (E) - 0 points (-5) Results and fixtures USA 3-0 Vietnam Netherlands 1-0 Portugal USA 1-1 Netherlands Portugal 2-0 Vietnam Vietnam vs Netherlands (8am BST) Portugal vs USA (8am BST) How does each team qualify? United States - The USA will qualify for the last-16 as long as they do not lose to Portugal. They will finish top of Group E if Netherlands draw or lose, or if they win by a greater margin than the Dutch. Netherlands - The Netherlands will qualify with a win or draw against Vietnam. The Netherlands could still qualify with a defeat, as long as they had a better goal difference than the USA. Portugal - Portugal will reach the last-16 if they beat the USA but will be out if they lose. If Portugal draw, they would require the Netherlands to lose Vietnam by at least two goals. Vietnam - Cannot qualify for the knockout stages. Group D standings 1. England - 6 points (+2 goal difference) 2. Denmark - 3 points (+0) 3. China - 3 points (+0) 4. Haiti - 0 points (-2) Results and fixtures England 1-0 Haiti Denmark 1-0 China England 1-0 Denmark Haiti 0-1 China England vs China (12pm BST) Denmark vs Haiti (12pm BST) How does each team qualify? England - Will qualify with a win or draw against China, which would also confirm top spot in Group D and a last-16 tie against Nigeria. - England can still qualify with a defeat against China, but they require Denmark to lose or draw. If England lose and Denmark fail to win, the Lionesses will finish second if China overtake them on goal difference. - If England lose and Denmark win, the Lionesses would need to finish with a better goal difference than one of China or Denmark. England therefore cannot lose by more than one goal. Denmark - Denmark will go through if they win and China draw or lose. - If Denmark and China finish with the same result, it will go down to goal difference and then goals scored in their final group match. They currently have identical goal records after losing a match 1-0 and winning a match 1-0. Denmark will also go through ahead of England if the Lionesses lose to China by more than one goal. China - China will go through if they win and Denmark draw or lose. - If China match Denmark’s result of a win and a draw then it comes down to goal difference. Haiti - Haiti must beat Denmark and hope China lose to England. It would then come down to goal difference, with three teams (Haiti, Denmark and China) all level on three points. Therefore, if Haiti win by more than one goal and China lose, they are guaranteed to go through. Group A standings 1. Switzerland (Q) - 5 points (+2 goal difference) 2. Norway (Q) - 4 points (+5) 3. New Zealand (E) - 4 points (+0) 4. Philippines (E) - 3 points (-7) Results New Zealand 1-0 Norway Switzerland 2-0 Philippines New Zealand 0-1 Philippines Norway 0-0 Switzerland Norway 6-0 Philippines New Zealand 0-0 Switzerland Group B standings 1. Australia (Q) - 6 points (+4 goal difference) 2. Nigeria (Q) - 5 points (+1) 3. Canada (E) - 4 points (-3) 4. Ireland (E) - 1 point (-2) Results Australia 1-0 Ireland Canada 0-0 Nigeria Australia 2-3 Nigeria Ireland 1-2 Canada Australia 4-0 Canada Nigeria 0-0 Ireland Group C standings 1. Japan (Q) - 9 points (+11 goal difference) 2. Spain (Q) - 6 points (+4) 3. Zambia (E) - 3 points (-8) 4. Costa Rica - 0 points (-7) Results Spain 3-0 Costa Rica Zambia 0-5 Japan Japan 2-0 Costa Rica Spain 5-0 Zambia Costa Rica 1-3 Zambia Japan 4-0 Spain Read More Women’s World Cup 2023 LIVE: Australia and Nigeria through to last-16 as Canada crash out Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today Australia thrash Canada to save Women’s World Cup dream from the jaws of a nightmare England vs China: Kick-off time and how to watch on TV Australia thrash Canada to save Women’s World Cup dream from the jaws of a nightmare Kelly Smith: England can cope without Keira Walsh — here is how Lionesses can adjust

England will qualify for the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup as long as they avoid defeat to China in the finale of Group D. The Lionesses have opened their World Cup campaign with back-to-back wins over Haiti and Denmark to take control of their fate. But China’s late win against Haiti last time out means there is still work for Sarina Wiegman’s side to do - with either Australia or Nigeria waiting in the last-16. England have only lost once under Wiegman but will be without key midfielder Keira Walsh for their final group fixture. Here’s everything you need to know. When is England vs China? The match will kick off at 12pm BST on Tuesday 1 August at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide. How can I watch it? England’s match against China will be shown on ITV 1 and on ITV X, with coverage starting at 11:15am. What is the team news? England midfielder Keira Walsh has been ruled out of the match against China, but could play later in the World Cup after the Lionesses confirmed she had not suffered an ACL injury. England have a fully fit squad elsewhere. Sarina Wiegman made two changes for the win against Haiti, with Lauren James and Rachel Daly set to keep their places. Laura Coombs replaced Walsh when she was stretchered off against Denmark and could start, with Georgia Stanway moving back to the holding role. Predicted line-up England: Mary Earps; Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Alex Greenwood, Rachel Daly; Laura Coombs, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone; Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Lauren James Read More Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today England can cope without Keira Walsh – here is how Sarina Wiegman can adjust Australia thrash Canada to save Women’s World Cup dream from the jaws of a nightmare Kelly Smith: England can cope without Keira Walsh — here is how Lionesses can adjust England provide Keira Walsh injury update in Women’s World Cup boost How ‘magic’ Lauren James can lead the new Lionesses at the Women’s World Cup

Referees’ chief Howard Webb says standards of behaviour in the English game have been “allowed to decline” over a period of many years and insists it is vital a new code of conduct is followed by everyone to address it. Officials are being empowered to issue cards when confronted by two or more players in the season ahead, while players and coaches who seriously or repeatedly abuse referees could face increased financial penalties from the Football Association. Webb, the chief refereeing officer at Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), says there has been a worldwide decline in referees entering the game, and that a collective effort from everyone involved in football to address poor behaviour is essential to tackling it. “I think over a period of time we’ve seen a decline in some behaviours, both on the field of play and in the technical areas. It’s not exclusive to the English game, we’ve seen it around the world,” he said in an interview broadcast on PGMOL’s YouTube page. “This has had knock-on effects. We’ve seen copycat behaviour at grassroots levels, and that’s resulted in people either quitting as referees or not choosing to take up the whistle. “I think for too long we as match officials have not done well enough in dealing with behaviours that have been unacceptable. We have too often confused unacceptable behaviour as passion. We’ve turned a blind eye or a deaf ear. “We’re trying to change behaviours that are exhibited in our sport that have been allowed to decline over the years, for many years, that have now seen a situation where we have a lot of referees who are facing really difficult experiences at grassroots level. We have too often confused unacceptable behaviour as passion. We’ve turned a blind eye or a deaf ear Howard Webb “Numbers are generally around the world declining and I think enough is enough. This is our chance to leave a legacy of improved behaviour. “We’re being tasked as match officials to deliver change on the field of play by being resilient and robust and consistent with the way that we deal with unacceptable behaviour. “We’re ready to do that for the good of the game but it’s absolutely important that all stakeholders in the game stand behind our officials and ensure that they feel empowered and supported when they’re dealing with these behaviours.” The English football authorities have endorsed a series of measures designed to combat bad behaviour on and off the pitch, including a ‘Participants’ Charter’ for players and coaches, plus tougher sanctions on off-field issues such as football tragedy abuse. While at grassroots level teams can now face points deductions where their players or staff are found to have seriously or repeatedly abused officials, there are no indications that the professional game will follow suit. That is despite a number of serious incidents at top-flight level in the last year alone, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp twice sanctioned for abusing officials and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic given an eight-game ban for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh. Webb says all players and managers must be aware of the impact on their actions, especially on young people. “So many young people’s eyes are on that field of play. They take their lead from what players do.” Webb added. “These are role models whose behaviour they want to emulate, they look up to these people. If they see certain types of behaviour then it sets a really poor example for what is deemed acceptable in everyday life as well. “Not wanting to put too much pressure and responsibility on players’ shoulders or officials or coaches who perform in that pressurised environment, but I think that we have to accept that when we get to a certain level we’re all role models. “And we all have to understand that our behaviours do have an impact and therefore those behaviours that are exhibited have to be positive ones.” The PA news agency understands the Professional Footballers’ Association has been involved in the meetings which led to the new charter and has actively helped to shape it.

The football authorities have launched a crackdown on dissent this season by saying that at least one player will be booked every time a group crowds around the referee and invades the personal space of officials. And they are also vowing to do more to stop tragedy chanting and abuse relating to disasters by introducing tough new measures that include stadium bans and potential criminal prosecutions for fans who are found guilty. The Premier League, the FA and the Football League have joined together with the Women’s Super League, the Women’s Championship, the National League and PGMOL to introduce a Participant Charter designed to improve the behaviour of both players and fans. Match officials will be given the power to take stronger action with the FA vowing to dish out tougher disciplinary measures. For example, when players surround the referee or his assistants, at least one will be shown a yellow card and the FA could decide on further action. A new technical area code will be introduced, which has been agreed with the PFA and LMA, and could bring bigger fines for repeat offenders. Only two members of a coaching team will be allowed to stand at any one time, with only one near the pitch, in an attempt to reduce the number and size of confrontations. There is a greater attempt to stamp out football tragedy abuse, which the governing bodies united to call “totally unacceptable” with a focus on offensive chanting, gesturing and the displaying of offensive messages that can cause distress to victims and their families. Football authorities will work with the police to track down and punish offenders while ground regulations have been updated to incorporate tragedy chanting. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “Football has the power to unite and inspire all that play and watch the game. However, sometimes that can be negatively impacted by a small minority of players, coaching and fans. Our collective approach is to reset this behaviour on the pitch and from the sidelines while giving our referees the respect and protection they deserve.” An education scheme, under the ‘Love Football Protect the Game’ banner, will be launched to inform about the hurt that tragedy chanting can cause. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “We strongly believe there is no room for abhorrent tragedy abuse in football.” Douglas Mackay, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor and Sports National Lead Prosecutor, added: “We are sending a clear message that we demand so-called fans stop this vile behaviour of a minority which has a terrible impact on the bereaved and communities. If they do not then they face the risk of being excluded from the game they claim to love.” A Tottenham fan was given a three-year banning order in June for mocking the Hillsborough tragedy while a Manchester United supporter who wore an offensive shirt about the 1989 disaster at the FA Cup final got a four-year ban. In April a man who sent hateful tweets about the Hillsborough tragedy, which led to the loss of 97 lives, was given a suspended prison sentence. Read More Abuse on football terraces is rampant. Why hasn’t it been stamped out? Man who wore offensive Hillsborough shirt to FA Cup final banned from games Premier League clubs agree measures to tackle rise in tragedy-related chanting World Cup: Wiegman willing to ‘make changes’ as Lionesses prepare for Denmark clash Fifa shuts down reporter referencing misconduct allegations against Zambia coach Declan Rice ‘has to be leader’ at title-chasing Arsenal, says Wayne Rooney

England defender Niamh Charles has reached a new level of respect for Chelsea team-mate Sam Kerr since she landed in the Australian captain’s home country for the World Cup. The Lionesses could face co-hosts Australia in the last 16 if they finish second in Group D following their clash with China on Tuesday, after the Matildas advanced as Group B’s top side with a thumping 4-0 victory over Canada on Monday. Kerr, who sat out Australia’s first two matches with a calf injury, declared she would be available for the must-win victory but did not feature against the Olympic champions, instead watching on as her team-mates kept the dream alive for the striker’s comeback to come during the knockouts. Charles said: “She means a lot to us back home but it’s so nice to come here. We were so excited for her in the build-up to the tournament that she’s in England all the time, she goes home for a fraction of time. “I was really excited leading up for her to get an opportunity to be here and everyone to come to her for once rather than her having to go – so yeah it’s really nice to see, especially in general for the Matildas. “Obviously it was gutting for her (getting injured) but yeah, I think being here and watching her being so excited in playing in front of her home country is really special.” The Lionesses, who have now been in Australia for nearly a month, travelled from New South Wales to South Australia on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s encounter with China in Adelaide, where England need just a point to clinch top spot in Group D and set up a meeting with Nigeria in Brisbane. Charles grew up on the Wirral, about 227 miles and just over a four-hour drive from the Blues’ HQ at Stamford Bridge, while Kerr’s hometown of Fremantle, Western Australia, is a nearly 9000-mile journey that takes up the best part of an entire day. When England embark on their inaugural UEFA Nations League campaign after the World Cup, the maximum time change will be one hour when they travel to Group A1 opponents Belgium and the Netherlands, with Scotland rounding out the group. And while the Lionesses have benefitted from hosting the four-nation Arnold Clark Cup in the February/March international break for the last two years, Kerr hopped on another plane Down Under for the Cup of Nations before returning to club duty with Chelsea earlier this year. If all that travel and personal sacrifice ever fazes the four-time Ballon d’Or nominee and FIFA 23 cover star, Charles certainly has not noticed. “She does it all the time – she just gets on with it,” Charles said. “I had admiration for her anyway as she’s a machine, but some of the Swedes did it at one point in the season and they were like ‘I don’t know how she does it all the time’. “For sure, you do not hear a moan out of her at all. She just gets on with it and the level of consistency she maintains despite that is very impressive.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ben Stokes drops Steve Smith as Australia edge towards target in Ashes finale Heather Knight not thinking about next Ashes showdown as focus turns to Hundred Manchester United signing a ‘very good player’ in Rasmus Hojlund

When Keira Walsh got injured, there was a collective groan of sympathy for a world-class player missing the rest of the tournament, but also for the rest of England’s squad. They must now deal with the loss of Walsh, the deep-lying playmaker who knits the team’s approach play together and so brilliantly patrols the space in front of the back four. Walsh is probably Sarina Wiegman’s most important player, certainly in the absence of Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, and England have now lost all three of the players who led them to European Championship glory. I have a lot of empathy for this team. In 2002, Faye White, Katie Chapman and I were all out. White had an ACL injury and my leg was broken. Chapman was pregnant. At the time, we were all integral players for England and were trying to qualify for the World Cup. In the group stages, we finished second to Germany in the group which meant we went into a play-off system. We beat Iceland over two legs and then had to play France to see who would clinch the final spot for the World Cup. We lost both games. I remember thinking that the three of us being out was a driving factor to not qualifying for the 2003 World Cup. It was devastating to watch France progress through the tournament and England not having any involvement. You could see the impact once Walsh went off on the game. England’s left, Lauren James and Rachel Daly, had been surging into the Danish half, pinning them back and generating chances and field tilt; that stopped. Arsenal’s excellent young midfielder Kathrine Møller Kühl had been tasked with stopping Walsh; now she was free to drop off, help Denmark build through the thirds and join in some attacks. Georgia Stanway moved back into the Walsh role, with Laura Coombs coming on as an 8; this meant England generally sat deeper, pressing less high without the security Walsh offers and losing Stanway’s bite higher up the pitch for dangerous turnovers. England have to solve several problems, but the first is probably mental. There are a lot of strong characters and experienced, quality players in that dressing room, but England’s spine in the Euros was Mary Earps, Williamson, Walsh, Fran Kirby and Mead – only Earps is still there. The downside of having world-class players and being able to pick them consistently, as Sarina has done, is that when you lose one or two in a department in short order, the change can be pretty tricky to manage. England need leaders and the pressure on Earps, Millie Bright and Stanway is now greater than ever. The next issue is tactical. Walsh’s most natural replacement, Lucy Staniforth, was only on the standby list and has gone home. England could change formation, perhaps bringing in a third centre-back to help the ball progression from deep or drop Stanway into the pivot role with two 8s ahead of her or, more likely, another defensive midfielder to make a double pivot. Coombs did not look out of place, but there is an argument for Jordan Nobbs’ energy and aggression in that area too, not least because if all that is left to Stanway, you miss out on her going forward as well and it would leave England light in terms of players joining attacks from midfield. England’s current approach means they must be able to build the ball through the thirds and circulating the ball quickly and safely around the back, and breaking the lines by going through or over, are both key. Walsh was instrumental to both, although it’s worth saying that Alex Greenwood was moved to centre-back against Denmark because even Walsh can’t do that alone. The pressure on Greenwood is now very intense; much of England’s ability to progress from deep will now be down to her and this is one reason why Sarina could opt to add another defender to the mix and go to a 3-4-3 system. England could also go for a slightly different approach. Great sides, and England are one, are expected to control the ball and hog possession, but tournaments can often favour a more counter-attacking approach. While England are not as brutally quick and athletic as the USA, for example, James, Daly, Lauren Hemp, Beth England and Chloe Kelly are all very dynamic, quick runners. England could focus on solidity in the middle and longer, more direct passing to a rapid front three or four. However Sarina addresses these issues, it is a huge loss to England and the tournament as a whole that Walsh will be missing, for some or all of it. The World Cup is about showcasing the best our sport has to offer and Walsh has joined the already too long list of star players who are absent. We need to get better at understanding the risks of injuries, why they are happening, and managing loads across the women’s game. More investment, especially in sports science and nutrition, at every level of the sport is required. Until that happens, and the injured list diminishes, our flagship events will be poorer for it. Read More Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today As Sarina Wiegman solves one problem – a bigger one presents itself In Keira Walsh, England lose the one player who is impossible to replace Australia thrash Canada to save Women’s World Cup dream from the jaws of a nightmare Women’s World Cup group permutations: How can each team qualify? Nouhaila Benzina: The hijabi-wearing Moroccan making World Cup history

Sam Kerr remained on the bench but thankfully for Australia, they did not need her. In a must-win match, the co-hosts did much more to keep their World Cup alive: thrashing the Olympic champions Canada to reach the knockout stages and restoring belief that looked to have been lost in the shock defeat to Nigeria. With it, Group B was flipped on its head: Ireland’s draw with Nigeria means Australia advance as group winners, avoiding a potential clash with England in the last-16. Kerr could yet return for that, but Australia finally found a way to play without their star striker and captain. It came at the perfect time with the Matildas facing elimination and a World Cup dream that was instead turning into a nightmare. Kerr was back on the bench after missing Australia’s opening two games with a calf injury, but against Canada they were instead lifted by another returning star in Mary Fowler. Ruled out of the defeat to Nigeria, a result that left Australia on the brink, Fowler returned to spark Australia’s attack into life, saving a World Cup that threatened to be over long before it was meant to. The Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson changed his shape and landed on a 4-4-2 that devastated Canada on the counter-attack, with Hayley Raso scoring a decisive brace from the right and Caitlin Foord enjoying her best performance of the tournament on the left. By the end, Australia’s position was so secure that there was no need to rush Kerr back. In her absence, Fowler has emerged as Australia’s next great hope. Badly missed against Nigeria after she was ruled out with concussion, Fowler gave Australia ideas and another option, a willing runner and clever dribbler to pull Canada out of their defensive shape. With Fowler setting Australia’s press alongside Emily van Egmond, her return meant Foord could return to the left wing, creating space for Steph Catley and restoring their key combination. It gave Australia familiarity and, even without Kerr, they had the attacking options to overwhelm Canada down the channels. Catley’s cross set up Raso’s opener inside 10 minutes, with the forward taking a touch before firing a low shot through the legs of Canada defender Ashely Lawrence. Australia were denied a second after a farcical offside, but Canada failed to take the warning with Raso scrambling in her second from a corner. Fowler’s tap-in, finished after Foord was released down the left in the second half, was then added to by Steph Catley’s late penalty. Relief had long since turned into joy, with Australia celebrating their biggest ever World Cup win, but this was meant to be nervy and a potentially disastrous night. Canada represented the worst possible opponents for a must-win decider, a side built for knockout football. In winning the Olympic gold medal, they were the team who simply refused to lose, absorbing pressure in their low-block and edging victories in games where they were second-best in possession and chances. They had cracked the code, always managing to find the breakthrough goal they needed to win close games. But at the World Cup that side did not turn up, and they became the first Olympic champions to exit at the group stage. Perhaps Chrstine Sinclair’s penalty miss in the opening stalemate with Nigeria was the moment that foreshadowed a doomed campaign - what would have been a historic goal for Sinclair, and a record sixth World Cup in which she had scored, turned into a missed opportunity. Throughout their three games, Canada only showed up in the second half against Ireland, where for 45 minutes they were able to solve some of their problems. Defensively, Canada never found a shape or structure that suited them. Kadeisha Buchanan, hooked at half time against Ireland, was overwhelmed again, struggling alongside Vanessa Gilles. Lawrence, another experienced member of their side, was often found out of position, never settling left or right. Behind them, goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was far from the reassuring presence in goal that Canada desperately required. Bev Priestman’s four changes at half time was an alarming indication of how far Canada’s levels had fallen. It did not rescue them. Instead, Canada fell to their heaviest defeat under Priestman, a team in disarray. Australia now look the opposite: they are likely to face either Denmark or China in the last-16 and even without Kerr, this is a side who will be confident of progressing. Kerr could yet return and her World Cup is not yet over - more importantly, neither is Australia’s. Read More Kelly Smith: England can cope without Keira Walsh — here is how Lionesses can adjust Women’s World Cup group permutations: How can each team qualify? Nouhaila Benzina: The hijabi-wearing Moroccan making World Cup history