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William Saliba was delighted to make a successful return to Premier League action in Arsenal’s win over Nottingham Forest. The France defender missed the closing weeks of last season with a back injury and his absence was felt as Arsenal slipped from the top of the table to finish five points behind champions Manchester City. Up until his injury, the Gunners had been settled at the summit and Saliba had formed a formidable defensive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes. Saliba returned to the team for the 2-1 win over Forest, providing the assist for Bukayo Saka’s stunning strike after Eddie Nketiah’s deflected effort had broken the deadlock. “I’m really, really happy,” he said of his competitive return. “I’m not 100 per cent at the moment, but I give everything to come back, because it’s been a long time. I didn’t play as I was injured, and I’m so happy to be with the team. The team and the staff helped me to get better and get back to my best. “It’s always better (to play at home). You don’t feel pressure, you don’t feel any pain, it’s good.” I’m not 100 per cent at the moment, but I give everything to come back, because it’s been a long time William Saliba Arsenal had looked in control against the visitors until substitute Taiwo Awoniyi pulled a goal back with eight minutes remaining to give the visitors hope of wrestling back an unlikely point. Ultimately, the hosts hung on and Saliba was pleased to start the campaign with a victory. “It was really good to start the season with a win,” he added. “It’s never easy to win the first game in the league, and we have done a good game. Unfortunately, we conceded a goal in the last 10 minutes, but it’s okay, we learn and will improve for the next game.” Forest are aiming to add to their squad before the transfer deadline, having handed debuts to Ola Aina, Anthony Elanga and Matt Turner. The latter was pleased to make his bow against Arsenal, whom he left for the City Ground earlier last week. “Debut and Prem debut. A dream was finally realised yesterday,” he said on Instagram. “Thank you to the Forest fans who made the trip! See you at the City Ground on Friday. “Also just wanted to say thanks for the warm welcome back to the Emirates, it was truly a special day for me and my family.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Two assists for James Maddison as Tottenham move on without Harry Kane with draw Kylian Mbappe returns to PSG squad after ‘constructive and positive’ talks Beth Shriever: BMX world title win ‘the perfect practice’ for Olympic defence

Chelsea and Liverpool had disppointing seasons last year which resulted in plentiful changes at both clubs. Former Chelsea bosses, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard, have been replaced with Mauricio Pochettino who hopes to ignite a new successful era at the club. Pochettino has plenty of options to choose from but his focus on passing, speed and improvement of young players offers Chelsea the opportunity to rebuild themselves as a big threat in the top flight. Nowhere is this more on display than 23-year-old Reece James being made captain of the club following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta. Liverpool, meanwhile, have overhauled their ageing midfield with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho both shipped off to Saudi Arabia. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have been brought in to replace them but questions remain over the Reds’ defensive capabilities. Added to all this is the subplot of Moises Caicedo. Liverpool have had a bid of £110m accepted by Brighton for the midfielder but Caicedo prefers to join Chelsea with the Blues thinking about tabling an improved offer for the 21-year-old. The battle for Caicedo’s signature could play out on the pitch as the two clubs clash this afternoon. Follow all the action from Stamford Bridge as Chelsea host Liverpool: Read More Jurgen Klopp wants players to step up as ‘reloaded’ Liverpool look to hit stride Moises Caicedo transfer takes twist as Chelsea look to hijack Liverpool offer Why Axel Disasi could solve Mauricio Pochettino’s defensive problems at Chelsea

James Maddison provided two assists to help fill the creative void left by Harry Kane’s departure, but Tottenham could only start the Ange Postecoglou era with a 2-2 Premier League draw at Brentford. Kane’s exit to Bayern Munich – coupled with four full debutants being used in their season opener – contributed to the start of a new dawn at Spurs and along with hosts Brentford, they produced an entertaining affair in west London. New vice-captain Cristian Romero headed Tottenham in front after 11 minutes, but quick-fire efforts from Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa turned around this Premier League opener for the Bees. Emerson Royal was able to level on the stroke of half-time after another assist by Maddison, who was wearing the number 10 shirt, and despite both teams fashioning further chances in the second half, the spoils were shared. It had been a whirlwind period for everyone involved at Tottenham with Kane beginning his journey to Germany on Friday and making his debut for Bayern on Saturday night. By that point, his former club had moved on. Son Heung-min was confirmed as Spurs’ new captain, with Hugo Lloris still expected to depart before September 1, and Postecoglou handed out several debuts during his own Premier League bow. A slight delay occurred to kick-off at Brentford due to a sanitation issue inside the stadium, but it took only 11 minutes for Tottenham to score the first goal of this new era. Maddison curled in a free-kick for fellow vice-captain Romero to head home but that would prove the World Cup winner’s last involvement. Romero had clashed heads with Mbeumo after five minutes and despite insisting he could carry on, Davinson Sanchez was introduced. Brentford started to grow into proceedings and Tottenham’s new number one Guglielmo Vicario saved well from Mbeumo before Son started his captaincy duties with a low point. The Spurs forward caught Mathias Jensen inside the area and – while it looked innocuous at first glance – VAR told referee Robert Jones to review the incident with the pitchside monitor and he pointed to the penalty spot. With Brentford without the banned Ivan Toney due to repeated betting breaches, Mbeumo took on the spot-kick responsibility and slotted the ball home after 26 minutes in a similar fashion to his fellow strike partner. Nine minutes later, Thomas Frank’s side were ahead when Rico Henry got in behind Emerson too easily on the right and cut back, where Wissa’s shot was deflected beyond Vicario by fellow debutant Micky Van De Ven. A booking for Oliver Skipp on the stroke of half-time made it five yellows handed out to the visitors, which included coach Ryan Mason and those minor delays contributed towards 11 minutes being added on at the end of the first half. It proved enough time for Tottenham to go in level after Emerson rifled home from 22 yards following Maddison’s pass to continue his resurgence after he was booed onto the pitch against Aston Villa at the start of 2023. Brentford substitute Mikkel Damsgaard should have made it 3-2 after 58 minutes, but he scuffed his effort straight at Vicario from 12 yards after the Italian had punched away Vitaly Janelt’s cross. Spurs improved afterwards with Son testing Mark Flekken, who produced a strong display after replacing Arsenal-bound David Raya. Flekken was equal to Richarlison’s 64th-minute effort when Maddison had slipped through the Brazil forward before a host of changes were made by both managers. Van De Ven breathed a sigh of relief after VAR decided to not intervene when he caught Bees substitute Kevin Schade inside the area with 12 minutes left. And it proved the final noteworthy moment of an entertaining opener, which showed both sides there was life without talismans Kane and Toney. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Kylian Mbappe returns to PSG squad after ‘constructive and positive’ talks Beth Shriever: BMX world title win ‘the perfect practice’ for Olympic defence Fred completes move from Manchester United to Fenerbahce

Kylian Mbappe has been reintegrated back into Paris St Germain’s first-team squad following “very constructive and positive discussions” between the club and their star asset. The France captain’s future has been the subject of intense speculation all summer amid his preference of a move to Real Madrid and he was recently barred from senior training amid a fraught stand-off. He watched on from the stands as PSG began their Ligue 1 title defence in underwhelming fashion with a goalless draw against Lorient on Saturday, with Neymar another conspicuous absentee from the matchday squad. But PSG confirmed on Sunday Mbappe had returned to first-team training, amid links the 24-year-old forward is ready to extend his contract with the club beyond next summer. PSG said in a statement on their social channels: “Following very constructive and positive discussions between Paris St Germain and Kylian Mbappe before the PSG-Lorient game, the player has been reinstated into the first-team training squad this morning.” Mbappe, who had been given permission to speak to Al Hilal after the Saudi Pro League club tabled a world-record bid of £259million last month, has just one year left to run on his existing PSG deal. He has so far refused any extension and would be able to negotiate a free transfer in January but it has been reported he will commit to PSG until 2025, allowing the club to sell him to Real next summer. The 2018 World Cup winner, who is PSG’s all-time leading scorer with 212 goals in just 260 appearances, could come into the reckoning for head coach Luis Enrique next weekend at Toulouse. Enrique had said ahead of the Lorient fixture he was optimistic that the impasse between PSG and Mbappe would be swiftly resolved. “It is something that has already happened in the past and there was a positive solution before I was here,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “I hope and wish that, just like in the past, the same thing will happen again and that the club and the player will reach an agreement.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Jack Harrison is set to sign for Everton on a season-loan loan from Leeds United. The winger, who has been sidelined with a hip injury, is undergoing a medical at Goodison Park and will become Sean Dyche’s fourth summer signing. Everton will not have an obligation buy the 26-year-old, who almost joined Leicester on January and signed a new five-year deal at Leeds in April. Harrison, who has scored 21 Premier League goals in the last three seasons, could add firepower to an Everton team who had 19 shots but failed to score as they opened their season with a 1-0 defeat to Fulham. Everton have also been interested in Leeds forward Wilfried Gnonto, who has been left out of the squad for their last two games after telling the Championship club he did not feel able to play. Harrison will become Dyche’s fourth summer signing after Ashley Young, Arnaut Danjuma and Youssef Chermiti. He will continue the exodus from Leeds after their relegation, with Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca and Brenden Aaronson all loaned out and Tyler Adams attracting offers from Premier League clubs. Read More Brentford vs Tottenham LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Chelsea vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Tom Brady greets fans in packed pub ahead of first Birmingham City match

Manchester United midfielder Fred has completed his transfer to Fenerbahce. United announced a deal had been agreed between the two clubs on Friday and the Brazil international travelled to Turkey on Saturday for a medical and to discuss terms. Both happened without an issue, so Fred heads to Istanbul in a move worth an initial 10million euros (£8.6m) rising to a possible 15m euros (£12.9m). The 30-year-old, who moved to Old Trafford from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018 and had made 213 appearances for the club, had already said his goodbyes on social media. He said on Saturday: “Thanks for everything, Manchester United Football Club. “Today ends one of the most beautiful stages of my career. I lived the dream of wearing the shirt of one of the biggest clubs in the world. “Going through ups and downs, I leave with the conviction that I always gave my best during all training sessions and games. “It was five years of a true dream for me and my family. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity. Forever a Red!” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

After disappointing campaigns last time around, both Chelsea and Liverpool will be hoping for better as they meet on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. The Mauricio Pochettino era begins for Chelsea as the former Tottenham and PSG manager sets about transforming a squad that finished in the bottom half. Another slightly scattergun summer leaves Pochettino with plenty of options at his disposal, but forging a winning side quickly may be tough, particularly after the injury to Christopher Nkunku. Liverpool’s investment has been more targeted, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister brought in to refresh the midfield. Here’s everything you need to know. When is Chelsea vs Liverpool? Chelsea vs Liverpool is due to kick-off at 4.30pm on Sunday 13 August at Stamford Bridge in London. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on the channels from 4pm. Subscribers can stream the game via the Sky Go app. Team news Chelsea have confirmed that Christopher Nkunku will be out for “an extended period” after undergoing knee surgery. Mauricio Pochettino continues to chase midfield reinforcements, but centre-half Axel Disasi has been secured to provide the manager with another defensive option. Reece James has been appointed as captain. Jurgen Klopp’s side are also said to still be in the mix for another high-price midfield recruit despite adding Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, who could make competitive Liverpool debuts at Stamford Bridge. Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic continue to work their way back from injury lay-offs and may be absent. Predicted line-ups Chelsea XI: Kepa; James, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell; Gallagher, Fernandez; Sterling, Chukwuemeka, Mudryk; Jackson. Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gakpo; Salah, Nunez, Jota. Odds Chelsea win 83/41 Draw 11/4 Liverpool win 7/5 Prediction An entertaining score draw to start the season. Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool Read More Liverpool, Moises Caicedo, and the £100m bid that Jurgen Klopp said he’d never make Liverpool offered hope in battle with Chelsea over Moises Caicedo transfer Jurgen Klopp wants players to step up as ‘reloaded’ Liverpool look to hit stride Chelsea vs Liverpool LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Moises Caicedo transfer takes twist as Chelsea look to hijack Liverpool offer Liverpool offered hope in battle with Chelsea over Moises Caicedo transfer

There seems to be an early frontrunner to the Alabama starting quarterback job between Tyler Buchner, Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson.Nick Saban may not have to name his starting quarterback at Alabama just yet, but it appears that Jalen Milroe has separated from Ty Simpson and Tyler Buchner during ...

NFL great Tom Brady expects his friend Harry Kane to benefit from “a new injection of energy” after joining Bayern Munich from Tottenham. The 30-year-old ended his long association with the north Londoners on Saturday when he completed his £100million move to the perennial Bundesliga champions. Kane said it felt like the right time to leave Tottenham after two decades with the club, just as Brady did when departing the New England Patriots in 2020. The quarterback won six Super Bowls during his 20 years with the Pats and went on to win his seventh in his first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Huge NFL fan Kane has become friends with Brady over the years and the retired QB turned Birmingham minority owner believes the striker will thrive with his fresh start. “I sent him a congratulatory note,” Brady told the PA news agency. “He’s been a friend of mine for a long time. “He’s supported me over a long period of time, and I’m here to do the same for him. I know sometimes when you move clubs there's kind of an injection of energy Tom Brady “I’m looking forward to seeing what he does next. “I know sometimes when you move clubs there’s kind of an injection of energy. “It’s a different environment, you want to go prove people wrong, you want to prove people right. And that’s a great feeling as an athlete.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Harry Kane did not know if his transfer from Tottenham to Bayern Munich was going to go through after a “roller coaster” two days. Kane has endured a whirlwind 72 hours since Spurs agreed a fee with the German club on Thursday, which culminated in the England captain being unveiled before the press on Sunday lunchtime. He had already made his debut by then, coming on as a substitute in the second half of the DFL-Supercup, but his wait for the first silverware of his career goes on after Bayern lost 3-0 to RB Leipzig. It was a race against time for Kane to be registered in time to play after his flight to Germany and subsequent medical was delayed after Spurs went back to the negotiating table at the last minute. The £100million deal eventually got done, though Kane admits he was left sweating for a while. “It was obviously a busy couple of days, a busy week, this is my first transfer that have been involved in, it was an up-and-down experience for sure, but I am happy to be here now,” he said. “I wish Tottenham all the best, I wish Daniel Levy all the best, but my focus is here now and trying to help this time and I am just happy we managed to do it and am excited to get started. “Talks have been ongoing for a couple of months ago and I always said if there was a deal that suited all three parties then we could do it. “Going into the last year of my contract I didn’t want it to be a distraction for the new manager and team at Tottenham. I was excited to come. “The last 48 hours of the deal was pretty up and down, a bit of a roller coaster, but I was just really happy when we got over the line. “Two days ago I was sitting in London and we didn’t know how it was going to go.” The 30-year-old, who broke Tottenham’s all-time goalscoring record last season, departs a club he joined as an 11-year-old and one where he was desperate to win silverware. It became apparent over the last few seasons that he would not be able to fulfil his ambitions at Spurs and, with one year left on his contract, knew it was time to move on, even though he did not get the chance to say goodbye. “It is always going to be a tough decision, I was at Tottenham for 19 years of my life, everyone knows the club is connected with me and my heart,” he said. “I’m professional and always pushed myself to my limits. “I just felt like the time was right, I needed to be playing at the highest level, in the Champions League, trying to win titles every year. “When I thought about it and Bayern got in touch it was a decision I wanted to make. “I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye, I sent the group a text that I was leaving and when I get the chance to go back, I’ll go in and say goodbye properly. “Not just the players, but the staff, the chefs, the kitmen, the physios, people I have spent 15 years of my life with. I didn’t have that time because it was so up and down, but for sure over the next few weeks I’ll get some time.” Kane leaves the Premier League only 48 goals shy of Alan Shearer’s all-time record, but hinted at returning one day in a bid to surpass the former Newcastle and Blackburn striker. “People will talk about Shearer but I have got plenty of football left in my career,” he said. Two days ago I was sitting in London and we didn't know how it was going to go Harry Kane “For now I am just trying to concentrate on trying to achieve things here, trying to push myself and push the team to try and reach new levels for this club. That is what my focus is on now.” Kane’s move to Germany is complicated that his wife Kate is heavily pregnant with their fourth child. She will return to London on Monday with the rest of their young family, with Kane saying a decision will be made on where she gives birth. “My wife Kate was really supportive, she wants the best for me and my career so she said to push, she wants me to be playing and happy and that is why we made the decision,” Kane added. For Bayern to get Kane represents a big statement of intent as they try to conquer Europe against after a couple of lean seasons in the Champions League. But their biggest victory might have been in successfully completing cordial negotiations with Spurs chairman Levy, an achievement a host of clubs have failed at. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen got on so well with Levy that he intends to buy him dinner. He said: “Daniel and I got closer in the last couple of weeks, that is for sure. “It was quite a tough negotiation, Daniel is a very friendly person but he knows what he wants. So two people who knew exactly what they wanted came together and that is why it took a bit longer. “But in the end both of us do have good feelings and that is why I will pay for dinner with him.” Back at Spurs, new captain Son Heung-min believes Richarlison can help the club fill the gap left by Kane’s departure. Son told Sky Sports before their Premier League match at Brentford: “We’ve lost one of the best strikers in the world, but I think we have a good player to replace him. “Obviously H (Kane) has scored so many goals, so every attacking player should take a big responsibility to score some goals.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Gregor Townsend adamant Scotland are a match for anyone Warren Gatland hints at World Cup selection repercussions after Wales defeat England would have underperformed had they not made last four – Lucy Bronze

Harry Kane has been officially unveiled as a new Bayern Munich player in a ceremony at the Allianz Arena today. He addressed the media in a press conference and spoke about his club-record move to the Bundesliga champions. The England captain completed his transfer to the Bundesliga champions early on Saturday morning and made his debut for Bayern as a substitute in the German Super Cup yesterday. He missed out on a first career trophy as RB Leipzig won the match 3-0. “It’s been an awesome experience so far. A lot going on, a lot of new faces, new surroundings but the reception that me and my family have got since we’ve been here and the reception at the game last night was just magical.” Kane said during the press conference this afternoon. “I’m really excited to be here and can’t wait to settle down and get to work. I’ve always said in my career I’ve wanted to keep improving and pushing myself to my limits and see how far that can take me. Ultimately I wanted to be playing at the highest level, I wanted to be in the Champions League and I wanted to be fighting for titles every year. “Coming to Bayern Munich, one of the biggest clubs in the world gives me that opportunity so I’m looking forward to that challenge.” Kane was also asked what it was like to go through with the transfer from Tottenham to Bayern and he added: “It was a busy couple of days, a busy week in general. This is obviously the first transfer that I’ve been involved in. It was an up and down experience but I’m happy to be here now and I said yesterday on my social media that I wish Tottenham and Daniel Levy all the best, but my focus is here now. “I’ve spent my whole career in England and the Premier League so it might take a bit of adapting to a new league and playing against different teams. As you saw yesterday with Leipzig there’s some great teams in this league and it’s going to be a real challenge. “I know everyone expects Bayern Munich to win the league every year but as you’ve seen the teams are improving and it’s getting tougher and tougher. It’s a challenge every season and for me it’s about settling in as comfortable as possible, understanding the different types of teams and the way I have to play and adapt. I’ve done that throughout my career, whether with Tottenham or the national team, and I’ll do that here.” Kane has signed a deal until June 2027 after Tottenham agreed an £86.4million deal plus add-ons to sell him to the German side. He was given a rapturous round of applause by the Bayern fans yesterday after coming onto the pitch in the second half as their new No. 9. The striker had earlier announced his departure from Spurs on social media saying: “It’s not a goodbye because you never know how things pan out in the future, but it’s a thank you and I’ll see you soon.” Despite the defeat to Leipzig, Kane will quickly prove his worth to Bayern who have finally found a centre-forward replacement for Robert Lewandowksi. The 30-year-old has won the Premier League Golden Boot three times - in 2015/16, 2016/17 and 2020/21. He has 213 goals from 320 Premier League games and is second behind Alan Shearer on the English top-flight’s goalscoring list. Wanting to add trophies to his impressive career, Kane has joined a European powerhouse. Thomas Tuchel’s side claimed their 33rd Bundesliga title last season which was their 11th title in a row. They have won the Champions League six times and German Cup on 20 occasions. Kane told his new club’s website: “I’m very happy to be a part of FC Bayern now. “Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the world and I’ve always said that I want to compete and prove myself at the highest level during my career. This club is defined by its winning mentality – it feels very good to be here. “I feel like it was the right step in my career to really push myself and test myself on the highest level so that’s why I’m here and I look forward to that challenge.” Read More Watch live: Harry Kane officially presented as Bayern Munich player after Super Cup debut Harry Kane finally gets his move — but it’s not the one he wanted Harry Kane makes debut as Bayern Munich suffer defeat in German Super Cup Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Watch: Kane officially presented as Bayern Munich player after Super Cup debut Harry Kane finally gets his move — but it’s not the one he wanted

Defender Lucy Bronze revealed England would have failed to live up to their own expectations had they not reached the World Cup semi-finals. Alessia Russo guaranteed the Lionesses would finish no lower than fourth in the 2023 tournament when her second-half goal completed a 2-1 comeback against Colombia in Saturday’s quarter-final to set up Wednesday’s meeting with co-hosts Australia. Third place would see England equal their best-ever finish from eight years ago in Canada, but Bronze insisted reaching this stage for the third time in the European champions’ history was the bare minimum. “If we hadn’t have gotten to the semi-final, I would have said that we would have underperformed,” said Bronze. “A lot of people said that England were the team that were going to flop a little bit. Our performances haven’t been our best, granted, but the results have been there and we’ve got to the semi-final, which is what this England team is known for doing. “This very much reminds me of 2015, having to fight in every single game. “I think the difference with this team is we have won trophies, we have won tournaments, so we do know what to do. “We knew coming into the tournament that it wasn’t going to be easy. There was a lot of outside noise about whether England was going to be able to cope well with everything thrown at us…and the semi-final is what is expected of us as the England team.” Bronze, alongside Alex Greenwood, is one of just two members of the 2023 squad to have featured in three consecutive World Cups and is second only to Jill Scott in World Cup appearances for the Lionesses, with 18 to the retired midfielder’s 21. The 31-year-old made history during her first global showpiece in 2015, when her 76th-minute effort made it 2-1 against Norway in their last-16 encounter and secured England Women’s first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout stage. Four years later, again against Norway, Bronze unleashed another stunning strike, capping off the Lionesses’ 3-0 quarter-final victory in France to book a second trip to the semi-finals. To say the Matildas have captured Australia’s imagination en route to their first-ever final-four encounter would be selling short the fervour taking hold Down Under. Saturday’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over France was watched by over 7.2 million people in Australia, over a quarter of the country’s population. Co-host broadcaster Seven said the audience was the “highest rating TV sport program of the past decade”, while “the 472,000 viewers on 7plus makes the Matildas v France game the biggest streaming event ever seen in Australia”. England had a taste of the environment they are likely to face on Wednesday when they lined up across from a Colombia side that enjoyed the overwhelming majority in the Stadium Australia stands, a sea of yellow who booed when England touched the ball and unleashed an almighty roar when Leicy Santos scored the opener. Lauren Hemp cancelled it out by half-time, while Russo provided the lethal blow after the break to eliminate the only side from the Americas left in the tournament. While being the home side does have its advantages, as Bronze knows from last summer’s Euro 2022 triumph, she was quick to point out the potential pitfalls facing the Matildas come Wednesday night’s historic encounter. She said: “(There are) positives and negatives for being the home nation and for being the team against. “It can be a lot of pressure to put on teams. I remember playing Canada in 2015 in that World Cup and there was a lot of pressure put on that team and it gave them a lot of fight. “It was the same thing for us in the Euros last year. The ’12th man’ as they say, it really helped us. “It was a key part to us winning and I think that’s been a key part for Australia when their backs have been against the wall this tournament. (For us) it wasn’t hostile but the Colombians were very loud, so that’s something we’re used to now.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Adrian Lam: Sky is the limit for Challenge Cup winning Leigh Leopards Kylian Mbappe set to return to PSG squad after ‘positive discussions’ – reports Eddie Howe relishing selection dilemmas as Newcastle prepare for packed season