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England midfielder Katie Zelem admits it was bittersweet to make her World Cup debut knowing close friend Keira Walsh’s injury was the reason why. Manchester United captain Zelem started in England’s 6-1 victory over China, while Walsh has stepped up her recovery from the knee problem she sustained in the 1-0 victory over Denmark. Zelem, 27, was not part of boss Sarina Wiegman’s squad to face Brazil and Australia in April and confessed there was a time she did not think she would be on the plane to the World Cup. She said: “I think it’s a tough situation, to be honest, especially when Keira is one of my closest friends in the team. “I think you never want to be playing on someone else’s misfortune, but luckily we found out that Keira’s injury obviously wasn’t too long-term or serious, so that is brilliant news. “To be honest when I found out I wasn’t picked for the April camp I actually thought that was my World Cup dream over. “I think that was one of the hardest moments to take, especially following the Euros last year when I wasn’t selected. “It just kind of felt like there’s not another camp before obviously the selection. “I think for a couple of days I really thought I’ve worked so hard all season, and it’s just not meant to be, but we had some really important games at Manchester United, obviously fighting for the league title and the FA Cup final. “I think that really helped shift my focus to being the best I can for club and hopefully whatever I did was enough.” Walsh joined her team-mates at the Central Coast Stadium on Friday, though the Champions League winner took part in an individual programme while the remaining 22 Lionesses trained on the pitch. On Sunday they will travel to Brisbane ahead of Monday’s last-16 meeting with world number 40 side Nigeria, who emerged from Group B while Olympic champions Canada – 33 places above them in the global rankings – were sent packing alongside debutants the Republic of Ireland. Wiegman, who before this tournament had the reputation of being unfailingly consistent – starting the same XI for every match of England’s Euro 2022 triumph – has now shown she is willing to switch between players and systems to optimise the Lionesses’ chances of winning against sides with vastly different philosophies and approaches. The decision to switch to a 3-5-2 against China turned out to be an inspired choice, while new connections numerous players insisted were forming in training seemed to really start clicking as England played with more fluidity. On the flip side, even in the absence of Walsh, a regular place for someone like Zelem, who made not just her World Cup debut but earned her first senior England start in the final game of the group stage, is nowhere near a given. She said: “As much as we’re all pushing each other and fighting for the starting 11 spot, I think it really is a team effort. “You can see when different players come on and when different players start the sort of impact they make.” Read More Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today Women’s World Cup golden boot: Who’s leading the top-scorer standings? When do England play next? Women’s World Cup fixtures and route to the final Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

At Stamford Bridge on Saturday a number of football legends and celebrities will take to the pitch to raise money for war-torn Ukraine. The first Game 4 Ukraine will be played in front of fans, with the money designated to help rebuild the infrastructure and facilities damaged by the Russian invasion of the country. Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky will address the crowd, before a minutes silence for all those killed in the conflict, and the mascots will be displaced children. Here’s everything you need to know. When is Game 4 Ukraine? The Game 4 Ukraine is due to kick off at 6 pm BST on Saturday 5 August at Stamford Bridge in London, will music and lights continuing until after 9pm. While the game will kick off at 6 pm BST, but will be stopped at 6.24 pm to pay respect, with fans asked to cheer and clap to in tribute to the bravery of the people of Ukraine. Half time shows include Pete Doherty and Boombox, before a trophy presentation and live music, with The Pretenders closing out the music before a light show at 9 pm. How can I watch it? Game 4 Ukraine will be shown live on Sky Max, with coverage starting at 5pm (UK time). Sky subscribers will also be able to watch the game via Sky Go. Team news The Blue Team, or Team Shevchenko will be managed by Chelsea Women boss Emma Hayes and includes a number of players from Chelsea including Ricardo Carvalho, Michael Essien, and Claude Makelele, along with current Ukranian player Mykhailo Mudryk. The Yellow Team, or Team Zinchenko will be managed by Arsene Wenger contains a number of former Arsenal legends among other including Robert Pires, Jens Lehmann and Gilberto Silva. They will play alongside Cluj Ukranian winger Yevhen Konoplyanka and former player Yevhen Levchenko. Outside of football, Roman Kemp and Mark Strong will line up for the Yellow Team, and Russell Howard, James Arthur and Chelcee Grimes for the Blue Team. Read More Russia's war with Ukraine has generated its own fog, and mis- and disinformation are everywhere Ukraine accuses Russia of planning ‘false flag’ attack in Belarus to draw Minsk into war Ukraine says Russian missiles hit another apartment building and likely trapped people under rubble The Body in the Woods | An Independent TV Original Documentary The harrowing discovery at centre of The Independent’s new documentary

Mikel Arteta knows his Arsenal side will need a monumental points tally if they are to pip Manchester City to the Premier League title his season. The two rivals meet in Sunday’s Community Shield, the Gunners taking part after they finished second to treble-winning City last year. Arsenal led the way for much of the campaign but lost both home and away to Pep Guardiola’s men, who have now claimed five of the last six league crowns. “They’ve shown their consistency over the years and they merit that respect from everybody for what they’ve done,” Arteta said of his former club. “If you want to challenge for that championship you know the total points that you’re going to be needing and that’s unheard of in this league for the last 100 years. “So that’s the standard and, if you want to be there, you know what you have to do.” Asked if City’s treble-winning exploits could mark the pinnacle for Guardiola’s current crop, Arteta added: “I heard that a few times in the last seven years – and they won four titles, got to a hundred points and then they go to 95. “So I don’t think that’s the case. And knowing the manager and the people who work at the club I don’t think that’s going to be the case.” If you want to challenge for that championship you know the total points that you’re going to be needing and that’s unheard of in this league for the last 100 years Mikel Arteta Arteta has won the FA Cup and Community Shield since taking over at the Emirates Stadium in 2019 but now wants to show last season’s unexpected title tilt was not a one-off. “This is what we want, to be on every front fighting for trophies,” he added. “We have to prove that what we did last year was something, but it wasn’t enough to win the biggest trophy and the one we were looking (for). “We have to be better and that comes every day with trying to be better, making better decisions and playing better, and deserving to win the game. In the end, the outcome will come by itself.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Pep Guardiola expects Arsenal summer signings to take them to the next level Manchester City complete £77.6million signing of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez completes £25million Chelsea move

Japan continued their impressive form at the Women’s World Cup to advance to the quarter-finals as they knocked out Norway with a 3-1 win in Wellington. Hinata Miyazawa sealed a clinical victory on the counter-attack with her fifth strike of the World Cup after Norway had given Japan a helping hand with both of their first two goals, with Ingrid Syrstad Engen diverting a cross into her own net for the opener and Vilde Boe Risa’s back-pass setting up Risa Shimizu’s second. Guro Reiten had equalised in the first half, the first goal Japan had conceded at the tournament, but Norway’s star forwards Caroline Graham Hansen and Ada Hegerberg, who came on as a late substitute, were largely kept quiet. In the earlier game, Aitana Bonmati scored a stunning brace as Spain reached the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals for the first time with a commanding 5-1 win over Switzerland. Spain were under pressure after their 4-0 defeat to Japan in the group stages but responded in style and will now face either Netherlands or South Africa in the last eight. Follow live updates from Japan vs Norway in the Women’s World Cup last-16 Read More Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today When do England play next? Women’s World Cup fixtures and route to the final Women’s World Cup golden boot: Who’s leading the top-scorer standings?

Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven is set to undergo a medical with Tottenham ahead of a switch to the Premier League, 90min understands.

Tottenham have completed the signing of England youth international Ash Phillips from Blackburn. Phillips, 18, made eight appearances for Rovers in the Sky Bet Championship last season and has been allowed to leave for Spurs after his £2million release clause became active this weekend. The centre-back had been close to joining Tottenham last month before negotiations between the clubs stalled, but he has now signed a five-year contract with the Premier League club. Ex-Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray highlighted the excitement around Phillips back in the 2021-22 season when he described him as “a phenomenal young boy” before he told Lancashire Live: “If you were to create a defender in the mould of how you would want one, this kid has got every attribute.” Phillips earned his full debut in a Carabao Cup first-round tie against Hartlepool last August and also started Rovers’ 4-1 defeat to Premier League side Nottingham Forest in December. The teenager had signed his first professional contract with Blackburn by this point and played 14 times in all competitions last season under Jon Dahl Tomasson, winning Championship apprentice of the year. A regular in England age-group levels since he switched allegiances from Wales in 2021, under-19 international Phillips will continue his development at Tottenham, but the club are still working on plans to further recruit in the centre-back area. Spurs, who conceded 63 goals in the Premier League last season, are edging closer to the signing of Wolfsburg centre-back Micky van de Ven but have cooled their interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba. Tosin Adarabioyo of Fulham and former loanee Clement Lenglet remain targets. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Chelsea have completed the signing of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez from Brighton on a seven-year deal. The Blues agreed a £25million deal with Brighton to sign the 25-year-old Spaniard on Thursday and have now finalised the move. The transfer involves an up-front £25m payment, with an additional sell-on clause included, the PA news agency understands. Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said on the club website: “We’re very pleased to welcome Robert to Chelsea and he adds further quality to our goalkeeping unit. “Robert has repeatedly proved himself in the Premier League and been capped by his country. We are excited to watch him work with (head coach) Mauricio (Pochettino) and his coaching team during the season ahead.” Sanchez, who made 23 Premier League appearances for Brighton last season, will challenge Kepa Arrizabalaga for a starting place at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have now made seven summer signings under Pochettino, who is rebuilding the squad following his appointment in May as a permanent replacement for Graham Potter. France defender Axel Disasi and 19-year-old midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu arrived at Stamford Bridge earlier this week from Monaco and Rennes respectively. Wingers Diego Moreira (Benfica B) and Angelo (Santos) plus forwards Nicolas Jackson (Villarreal) and Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig) have also been signed this summer. Sanchez, who has made two senior appearances for Spain and was included in both their Euro 2020 and World Cup 2022 squads, made 91 appearances for Brighton in all competitions after progressing through their academy. He had loan spells at Forest Green and Rochdale before becoming a regular starter for Brighton during the 2020-21 season. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Tottenham complete Ash Phillips signing from Blackburn On This Day in 2019: Harry Maguire joins Manchester United Castleford coach Andy Last sacked after heavy home defeat to Huddersfield

Manchester City have completed the signing of Josko Gvardiol, making the Croatia international the second most expensive centre-back ever. City have paid RB Leipzig £77 million for the 21-year-old, who passed a medical at the Etihad Stadium on Friday, and he has signed a five-year contract. The fee is just short of the world record for a defender, the £80 million Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019, and Gvardiol becomes City’s second summer signing, after his international teammate Mateo Kovacic. Gvardiol believes he can improve under Pep Guardiola, who he called the world’s outstanding manager, after agreeing to join the treble winners. He said: “I have always dreamed of one day playing in England and to be doing so now with Manchester City – after the season they have just had – is a real honour for me. “Anyone who saw Manchester City play last season knows they are the best team in the world. To win the treble says everything you need to know about the quality this team has. “To be joining City is something very special for me and my family. To have the chance to work with Pep Guardiola, too, will be amazing for me. I know I am not yet the finished article and I am sure my game will progress under the best coach in football. To be linking up with Mateo Kovacic will also be special. City director of football Txiki Begiristain added: “We are delighted. He is a player we have watched closely, and we feel he has a superb set of attributes. Top clubs all over Europe have been monitoring him, so to bring him here is great news for us. “Josko has so many qualities – everything you want in a centre-half. He is fast, competitive, combative, strong in the air, impressive in possession of the ball, with strong self-belief and a good character. He is left-footed, too, which offers us good options at the back. “He is still young but his progress in the game has been rapid. We feel confident his upward trajectory will continue here at City working with Pep and his staff.” Gvardiol is unlikely to make his City debut in Sunday’s Community Shield against Arsenal but could be in contention for their Premier League opener at Burnley on Friday. Read More Barcelona landed one Man City star for free - now Pep Guardiola won’t allow another Pep Guardiola keen to avoid ‘difficult’ transfer task after Man City lose ‘incredible players’ When is the Community Shield? How to watch Arsenal vs Man City online and on TV this weekend

With the Premier League season fast approaching, Manchester United take on RC Lens in the first of back-to-back friendlies on a busy weekend at Old Trafford. The meeting with the French club is followed by a visit from Athletic Bilbao, with Erik ten Hag hoping to find out plenty about his squad as he embarks on a second season in charge. Ten Hag’s side begin their league campaign against Wolves on Monday 14 August and are likely to soon have a new striker, with Rasmus Hojlund’s move from Atalanta close to completion. The Danish forward could be unveiled before the fixture against Lens, who finished second in Ligue 1 last season. Here’s everything you need to know. When is Manchester United vs Lens? Manchester United vs Lens is due to kick off at 12.45pm BST on Saturday 5 August at Old Trafford in Manchester. How can I watch it? The match will be shown live on MUTV, with coverage on the channel from 11.45am BST. Subscribers can stream the action via the MUTV app. Team news Summer signings Mason Mount and Andre Onana could feature for the first time at their new home. Left-back Tyrell Malacia is out, while there are doubts over Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial and Alejandro Garnacho. Lens have lost Lois Openda and Seko Fofana, two standouts last season, in big money moves to RB Leipzig and Al-Nassr respectively this summer, though Andy Diouf is highly rated and looks a handy addition from Basel. The 20-year-old is a likely midfield starter. Predicted line-ups Manchester United XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro; Fernandez, Mount; Antony, Rashford, Sancho. RC Lens XI: Samba; Machado, Medina, Danso, Haidara; Diouf, Fulgini; Cortes, Thomasson, Frankowski; Said. Odds Manchester United win 31/50 Draw 16/5 Lens win 17/4 Prediction A narrow home win. Manchester United 2-1 RC Lens. Read More Man Utd look to unveil Rasmus Hojlund as latest signing this weekend Luke Shaw: Time for Man Utd to step up with Man City success ‘hard to take’ Erik ten Hag highlights Manchester United ‘challenge’ in push to ‘raise the bar’

Mikel Arteta admits to doubting his ability as a manager after Arsenal lost the Premier League title race to Man City.

The US, the UK and Singapore pulled out of a youth scout gathering in South Korea where hundreds

West Ham agree to sell Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca in a deal that will eventually be worth £26m. The Hammers now have Michail Antonio, Danny Ings and Divin Mubama as their remaining options up front.