List of All Articles with Tag 'epsocmag'

England have a precious first win in this World Cup but that very description is why they did not look like eventual winners of the tournament itself. That isn’t to say it will remain like this, but Sarina Wiegman has a lot of problems to solve, and a lot of work to do. Haiti at least more than set the tone for the latter. In something that has already developed into a bit of a pattern in these first few games, the supposed minnow deserved more than the 1-0 defeat they suffered through Georgia Stanway’s mercifully reordered penalty. Haiti’s brilliant young star, Melchie Dumornay, may well end up deserving a series of individual awards. She was by far the player of the match here, running the game. Haiti often gave England a runaround. The entire result ended up depending on Mary Earps standing her ground in a crucial final chance for Haiti. FOLLOW LIVE: England vs Haiti: Women’s World Cup latest scores and reaction after Lionesses secure victory The caveats to all of this shouldn’t be discounted, of course. The favourites have essentially been treating these group stages as a warm-up, even if they will not publicly say that. It could be seen in Wiegman’s line-up, which still had an element of testing a few positions and the manager not fully revealing her hand. On the other side, and this has played into that pattern, there’s been a will from some of the lower-ranked teams to seize the moment; to put it up the big nations. Haiti more than did that. This is a team and country that have gone through a tumultuous time, both in the political landscape of the nation and some of the controversies around the federation. It made it all the more impressive that the Haitian side did not look like one just making up the numbers. They instead looked like what they are: a side made up of a fair few players in the French league, not least Dumornay. They should now fancy their chances of getting through this group. England will have to really sharpen up to ensure they finish first, as expected. This was nothing like what was expected. And if it was a warm-up, it was furnace-hot. Really, it was a proper contest. The warning came as early as the first minute when England’s rustiness and Haiti’s readiness came together strikingly early. Millie Bright looked very much like she had barely played since March, as she passed an easy ball out of the back straight to Nerilia Mondesir. The danger came about 10 minutes later. Mondesir was again put through only to screw the ball wide, but the true threat here was the sensational Dumornay who put her through with a reverse pass. The entire Women’s World Cup was about to take note. Everyone could instantly see why Lyon secured her signing in January. Dumornay’s value has shot up. She was the best player on the pitch here, combining an energy and intelligence that ensured something looked like it was going to happen every time she was on the ball. This also reflected an issue with the game as a whole. England could get on the ball a lot themselves, with up to 71 per cent possession, but Haiti didn’t really allow them to control it. The personnel issues perhaps didn’t help. While Stanway and Keira Walsh attempted to set a pace in the middle, the latter was frequently marked, in a tactical move that looks like it’s going to be a challenge for the entire campaign, however long that is. It played its part in ensuring the midfield had nowhere to really move the ball with the wide players too isolated and Ella Toone regularly manoeuvred out of the game. England, not for the first time, had little recourse but to go more direct. This admittedly was the source of the essential game-breaking moment. With another ball in the air, Louis Batcheba inexplicably lifted both hands as if reaching for a line-out. Wrong sport, despite the setting, right decision. A penalty given, before another correct decision followed. Stanway struck her first penalty well but Kerly Theus did superbly to leap and force it wide. The issue was the advantage of having also stepped off her line. A retake was ordered and Stanway displayed supreme composure. The question in a moment of significant tension was whether she would go the same way. She instead went low, drilling the ball into the bottom corner. England were away, but not by much. If the expectation was that such a goal would finally kill Haiti’s enthusiasm, there wasn’t a bit of it. The back-and-forth over the penalty instead reflected how complicated the game continued to be for England. At only 1-0, there was always that unsettling feeling that one unfortunate – or, if Dumornay was involved, inspired – moment could change it all. The tension was visible in every break, every rushed clearance. It was never more acute than in the single most dramatic moment in open play, when Roseline Eloissaint suddenly broke through with less than 10 minutes remaining. She slightly snatched at her shot, though, allowing Earps to make a superb save that could yet be one of the most significant of England’s World Cup. The break was all the more concerning for Wiegman’s side, since it had come out of a period when Haiti tired. That was inevitable, but you couldn’t quite say that about another England goal. Wiegman did naturally change things a lot by bringing on Lauren James and Rachel Daly but it didn’t really change the mood of the game. That only came with the final whistle, and it was one of massive relief. Read More Sarina Wiegman admits unconvincing England lacked cutting edge in World Cup opener England underestimated Haiti in World Cup opener and revealed their Achilles heel Mary Earps is an England superstar – even if fans can’t buy her shirt Lucy Bronze: England’s legendary right-back in profile Alessia Russo: England’s attacking talent in profile Rachel Daly: England’s versatile goalscorer in profile

Erik ten Hag has said Harry Maguire can still force his way back into the Manchester United team, despite having the captaincy taken off him. “Harry is an important player, he stays an important player,” the United boss told reporters. Maguire was stripped of the club captaincy earlier this month. “Whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt,” he wrote on Twitter, after Ten Hag’s decision. The central defender made just eight Premier League starts last season, leading to ongoing speculation over his future at Old Trafford. Read More Lionesses have vital role in fight for women’s rights, high commissioner says Moment Messi subbed on for Inter Miami debut before scoring injury-time winner Moment Just Stop Oil activists stage protest at the British Open

With the Lionesses’ Euro 2022-winning captain Leah Williamson forced to miss out on the World Cup through injury, coach Sarina Wiegman has entrusted the responsibility for leading the team to experienced Chelsea centre back Millie Bright. Bright has been passed fit for England’s match against Haiti after recovering from knee surgery and the defender will lead the Lionesses in their Group D opener. Now 29, Bright grew up in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, overcoming infant pneumonia and asthma to enjoy a career as a top level athlete, although her first love was equestrianism, not football. Showing early promise when she did take to the field aged nine, she was soon scouted playing for Killamarsh Dynamos by Sheffield United and joined their academy before moving to Doncaster Rovers Belles aged 16 in 2009. Making her debut that same year and scoring on her first start, Bright spent a year on loan at Leeds Ladies before establishing herself at Doncaster, where she played with future Lionesses Mary Earps and Bethany England. In December 2014, she signed for Chelsea and has remained with the West London club ever since, picking up four Barclays Women’s Super League titles, three FA Women’s Cups and reaching the UEFA Champions League Final, scoring 14 times across 218 appearances. For England, she was an essential part of the side that reached the semi-finals of the last FIFA World Cup in France in 2019 and of last summer’s triumphant Euros team. She has represented her country, to date, 66 times and scored five international goals, striking up solid defensive partnerships with Williamson and Houghton during that time and posing a significant aerial threat from set plays. Read More How to watch England vs Haiti: TV channel and start time for Women’s World Cup opener Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup?

England begin their Women’s World Cup campaign against Haiti as the Lionesses look to follow up last summer’s Euros triumph with another major tournament victory. Sarina Wiegman’s side come into the World Cup as one of the favourites, despite losing stars Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby to injury, and are expected to get off to a winning start in Group D against debutants Haiti. With Williamson out, her centre-back partner Millie Bright will captain the side in Australia and the Lionesses have been boosted by the news that their stand-in skipper is fit to start. Haiti, who are ranked 53rd in the world, are joined by China and Denmark in Group D. England’s build-up to the World Cup has come amid a row with the Football Association over bonus payments and other commercial concerns, but the players have agreed to pause discussions during the tournament. Follow live updates as England take on Haiti at the Women’s World Cup. Read More How to watch England vs Haiti: TV channel and start time for Women’s World Cup opener Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup? Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today

The battle for the Women’s World Cup is underway, but the contest for the best kit at the tournament has never been stronger. The biggest ever Women’s World Cup means there are more new shirts to dive into than ever before, while Nike and Adidas have taken their creative experimentation process to another level in Australia and New Zealand. Like in 2019, the Women’s World Cup features a host of unique designs - with Adidas unveiling a selection of nature-themed kits and Nike taking inspiration from various artistic movements. The results are wild. Here are the Women’s World Cup 2023 kits, ranked and rated from worst to best: China - away A rival to Liverpool’s disastrous 2014-15 away kit as football’s answer to Thunderbird 4. Yellow and red is a dangerous combination which, unless you are Partick Thistle, is very difficult to pull off. Switzerland - away Incredible: this isn’t just leaving your class project until the night before its due, but finishing it on the bus into school. If you need to spell out your country’s name on the front you’re probably not doing a great job of selling any sort of identity. South Korea - home South Korea’s big twist for the World Cup is a flash of vibrant pink on the sides. The question is why. Zambia - away Let’s be honest: it doesn’t look like a lot of effort has been put into this. It’s a reverse of the home shirt, which is at least decent, except the all-black side strip just looks like something has driven over it. Portugal - away Arguably, too much effort has been put into this. Over to Nike, as football meets “modern art”. Explanation: “The away kit features a vibrant colour scheme and bespoke pattern inspired by the country’s famous calçada Portuguesa design.” Ok, great, but it also looks like a two-year-old just been let loose with a paint brush, which may reveal my feelings about modern art. Vietnam - away What a remarkably strict collar this is from Vietnam - it would suit a midfield enforcer rather well. A disciplined kit lacking in vibes, aside from the faint swirly pattern in the background. Haiti - home and away A rogue entry from the good people of SaetaSports, who based their promotion of this Haiti kit around “armour”. It perhaps explains why they appear to be so tight. There are so minor tweaks to the away, but it follows the same design. The problem is neither look like real kits. USA - home Even the defending champions can’t escape another Nike dive into modern art! This time the final product is a statement featuring the “movement of abstract expressionism”. I’ll let Nike explain: “the home kit features a distinct drip-paint technique pattern, highlighting the energy of the women’s national team — though different, they are united”. Excellent chat, but again, a five-year-old has just been let loose with a bucket of paint and you won’t convince me otherwise. It’s a wild move from the four-time winners. Australia - away A training top at best, but Australia should only have to wear yellow at their own World Cup and, thankfully, their home kit is a beauty. Norway - away Clearly, Norway missed out on Nike’s funky away shirt list. This is bland, and the mismatch between the shoulder and sleeve trim isn’t working for me. China - home China have no interest in taking part in Nike’s experimental designs. The home is an obvious improvement, but neither will win awards. New Zealand - home New Zealand are called the Football Ferns, so it’s fairly obvious to see what is going on here. I like the ambition, but the spray paint pattern is faint, looks like it’s fading and doesn’t quite hit. It’s certainly no Canada home. Canada - away Incredibly plain, but the budget has been spent elsewhere (you’ll understand why when you get to what has been created for Canada’s home kit). Costa Rica - home The collar area features a clean trim but Adidas have left very little else to get excited about. Moving along. Panama - away It’s good to see Reebok making an appearance at the World Cup. It’s a shame they’ve brought this weird shoulder trim with them. Vietnam - home Vietnam will carry a bright, bold sheen into their first World Cup with this kit, which carries a much more relaxed vibe with the collar area loosened around the neck. It’s fine. Costa Rica - away Is this Costa Rica or a World XI kit from an old Fifa game? This is a smart kit, sure, but it’s not screaming Costa Rica to me - and I don’t think you can get away with gold trim with having only one appearance at the Women’s World Cup (2015: played three games, two draws, one defeat, no wins). Italy - away We begin the Adidas ‘nature’ series with Italy... and marble. “This Italy away jersey owes its eye-catching look to a rock that has permeated the region’s culture for millennia,” Adidas explain here. I’m not against it, but I’m not a fan either. When you’re designing football shirts from rocks you’ve probably gone a bit meta. Panama - home This looks like a little ‘early 2000s unlicensed soccer movie’. A big moment for hexagons. Denmark - home Welcome to the party, Hummel. Clearly, there were several texture designs on the table here, they couldn’t decide what to go for, so threw as many as they could onto the shoulders and sides. The background looks like a sketchbook and it’s all a bit too whacky. Denmark - away I will include Denmark away here as the approach just seems to be, ‘the same, but a bit less, and with a reverse colour scheme’. It has been marked accordingly. USA - away It feels like the USA’s away kit was an after-thought following on from the home. A dark blue and red combo peaks with the cuffs but is quite forgettable elsewhere. Netherlands - away Cool colours, but this is all a bit too wild. No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you, those splodges are actually lionesses, with the designers taking the team crest and “combining its shape with geometric modern patterns”. They are still splodges to me. Philippines - away The overall colour palette is refreshing and the shading of the stripes is interesting, but I fear this kit will be quite forgettable. England - home Struggles to even attempt to recapture the magic of last year’s home kit at the Euros, leaving it looking just a bit bland and missing something… Hopefully not an omen for England’s World Cup! Sweden - home Sweden go again with the home kit they wore at the Euros last summer, which on the inside was said to have instructions on how other teams could beat them. Whether that remains this year, after Sweden’s 4-0 defeat to England in the Euros semi-finals, is unclear - but what remains is a Sweden home kit that should look a lot more iconic than this. You’d think a Sweden kit would be hard to mess up, but then you’d think you wouldn’t but both crest and kit manufacturer slap bang in the middle, wouldn’t you. Spain - away Spain’s away kit “puts the nation’s colourful marine life front and centre” with a design “inspired by coral from the Mediterranean Sea”. Of all the nature themes Adidas have served up, this is one of the weaker efforts, probably because the “coral” is spilling over the sides rather than properly flourishing all over the shirt. The contrast of the blue and red is pleasing but the overall print doesn’t quite add up, for me. South Korea - away The colour blocking on the sides here is a clear improvement on the home and at least follows the traditional colours of the South Korea flag. A minor detail but a big improvement on the home. Norway - home Bold, strong colours and no messing around on the combinations this time from Norway. It’s not a disaster, but does it add a second star above the crest? Absolutely not. Colombia - home There are few thrills on this Colombia home kit (very much saved for the away) but it remains a classic combination. Nigeria - away Zoom into these squiggly patterns close enough and you’ll find a series of very intricate designs featuring traditional prints, each one different from the next. It’s a smart feature, but zoom out and those squiggles start to look like… squiggles. Or the groovy bug emoji. Brazil - away “Inspired by the Amazon”, Brazil have gone bright for this World Cup, like they are pitching a cartoon version of themselves. Leaves on the sleeves, but not quite packing a punch. Ireland - away I’ve been caught out here by Ireland changing their badge since the last time I saw an Irish football shirt. This badge now features a much more distinct three leaf clover, which makes sense, but does it come across just a bit clip-arty? Like the logo of an Irish pub that doesn’t quite know how to be Irish? Safe to say I preferred the old one. The thin hoops make this look very Celtic, which tells you Castore have delivered an Ireland away kit, because there really is no difference. Philippines - home It’s a shame better commercial images weren’t available, because this looks like the makings of a very tidy kit from the Philippines as they make their World Cup debut. From the colouring of the collar to the continuation of the red on the shoulders through to the pinstripes, there’s a lot to admire here. Germany - home The same as Germany’s men’s kit at the 2022 World Cup, except with two stars representing victories at the 2003 and 2007 Women’s World Cup. The black middle panel is so strong and imposing, perfect for a player like Lena Oberdrof. On the whole, Germany will hope it’s more fitting than it was when the men’s side crashed out at the group stages in Qatar. Zambia - home Much better from Zambia here. A rare kit at this World Cup that manages to be impactful while remaining fairly simple in its design. Zambia aren’t overdoing anything but the vertical stripes of red, black and orange in front of the dark green is a smart nod to the nation’s flag. Sweden - away Honestly I’m annoyed because this is so close to being perfect. “The new Sweden World Cup away kit stands out with a design inspired by Sweden’s glacial rivers,” says Adidas, but what’s really happened here is a classic, deep blue away shirt with perfect hints of yellow has been tarnished by some icy light blue blobs. I’m disappointed, but I’m keeping it high because I can see why it’s still nice. France - home Yes, for a France kit the blue here is far too light. But hold your anger, the “light blue and lilac hues” are a nod to the first France women’s teams of the 1920s. Still, you want a France kit that is deep, dark blue, like the tricolour. Switzerland - home Pinstripes from Puma! But not just pinstripes: pinstripes punctuated by spots, which gets a bit too much if you stare at it for too long. There’s a lot going on across the chest, too, while Puma feature their own refrence to nature with some subtle mountain gradients. Imagine what Adidas would have done. Brazil - home The tropical vibes continue for Brazil. I would like to see a stronger shade of yellow and green rather than these more playful tones - this is Brazil we are talking about. It’s fine, but it’s not a classic. Ireland - home Again, no messing about from Castore in delivering an ‘Ireland shirt’. Once more, I’m left wobbling by the new badge design (unlicensed ProEvo vibes), but there are some fine details elsewhere here. The colours of the pinstripes and the trim cuffs are tidy touches. Edges ahead of the away kit because it’s more green. Netherlands - home After the controversy of the men’s World Cup in Qatar, where the Netherlands appeared in a home kit that was not actually, eh, orange, this is a much-needed return to convention and form. It’s a bit plain, lacking any interesting details other than the bold crest, but at least the colour is right this time, and that’s enough for me. Spain - home Royal. Regal. Very Spain. Clean and crisp with a lovely trim around the collar. I’m pleasantly surprised that the lack of yellow stripes on the sleeves isn’t taking anything away. Argentina - home Another returning shirt from the men’s World Cup, except this time of course the familiar look of Lionel Messi’s winners. As a design, it’s timeless. South Africa - home Loving the energy. Full yellow is a lot, but Banyana Banyana can pull off this bold look. New Zealand - away This bright blue trim is stunning, “futuristic” according to Nike. Just look at those sleeves and the little hints of fern on the cuff. A striking shirt, while remaining subtle at the same time. Nicely done. Italy - home An Adidas Italy kit still takes some getting used to, but this is a lovely effort and is far more natural than Sweden’s previous attempt at a dark blue with its marble effect and gold trim. Pure Azzurri. Portugal - home Sometimes you’ve got to just play the hits: Nike, Portugal, striking red with a deep green trim - it’s a classic combination that works and evokes strong World Cup memories. And with Portugal making their debut at the Women’s World Cup, this was always the way to go. Japan - home A dazzling effort. There’s a lot going on here across the front, an adventurous texture of shading and patterns. Does it make sense? Probably not. Does it look good? For me, yes. South Africa - away Lovely from South Africa. While it may immediately remind you of the Springboks, this is classic. Green and gold is a timeless combination. France - away I’m a sucker for a clean, crisp France away shirt and this is ticking all the boxes. The design background design, if you’re interested, features “bespoke, hand-painted patterns” cut into hexagon shapes - the contrast with the sleeve cuffs adds a dimension as well. Argentina - away One of the maddest shirts at this World Cup, and that’s saying something. It’s about as unconventional as you can get: a completely new design and a totally new colour scheme for Argentina, inspired by the country’s colourful Quebrada de Humahuaca mountain range. Give that a quick Google and you’ll understand how this shirt came about. You have to applaud the invention. Nigeria - away True to form, Nigeria will bring another sizzling home kit to the World Cup, as Nike this time steer into “electric green”. Perhaps a tad plainer than previous tournaments, but this is another shirt that features a stunning sleeve cuff. A fine addition to Nigeria’s growing catalogue. Australia - home Beautiful. This swirly, marble-looking, pour pattern is exactly the bold and fearless attitude Australia will need if they are to win the World Cup on home soil. Overall a tremendous effort to make the yellow colour so deep - Sam Kerr will score goals in this, obviously, but Sam Kerr would also score goals in anything. Jamaica - away This isn’t just a reverse of the home kit, it’s so much more, retaining the feel of a Jamaica shirt while reimagining the colour scheme. The design feels high-end, classy, and as a pair to the home kit, it’s pretty much perfect. Canada - home I’m on my feet applauding this after being knocked off my seat by what Canada and Nike have produced here. The vision. England - away A stunner - capturing the essence of World Cup nostalgia and throwing it forward for the Lionesses to make new memories. No more notes - it’s just a thing of beauty. Jamaica - home An instant classic. What Adidas have created here is not just the quintessential Jamaica home kit, but a fashion item and piece of street wear without going over the top with its design. It’s a beauty. Colombia - away Stunning. Who knew a football kit could look like what Matthew McConaughey flew into at the end of Interstellar. I guess there was always a risk this kaleidoscopic design would be too much, but the way it seems to shimmer and move makes it an another instant classic. Japan - away Wow. This is… a masterpiece? Adidas and Japan knock it out of the park with an away shirt that combines the pink of the country’s iconic cherry blossom and the hue of a morning sunrise. The colour appears to shift and shine everywhere you look. Land of the rising sun indeed. Germany - away Just an unreal piece of work. Inspired by the country’s forests, this is majestic. The brilliance of these Adidas designs, when they hit, is that they represent a reimagining of what a football kit can look like, producing an item that is completely unique. This is the pick of the bunch. Our winner. Read More Women’s World Cup 2023 LIVE: Canada held to Nigeria draw before Spain begin tournament against Costa Rica How to watch England vs Haiti: TV channel and start time for Women’s World Cup opener How to watch every Women’s World Cup match on TV England women World Cup fixtures and route to the final FIFA Women’s World Cup fixtures and full schedule Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today

A pre-season friendly football match between Gateshead and local rivals Dunston was abandoned on Friday after masked men drove a hearse into the ground and abandoned it in the centre of the pitch. Several men drove the hearse and a second vehicle, a silver car, to the centre of the pitch at half-time during the match at Dunston’s UTS Stadium in Tyne and Wear. They drove the vehicles from the car park into the pitch and spun them around in circles, throwing leaflets from the cars’ windows. Two men wearing ski masks then exited the hearse and joined the second car, which was driven out of the stadium, breaking through a barrier. The hearse was left behind on the pitch. Amid the chaos that ensued the decision was made to evacuate fans from the stadium, and the match was abandoned with the score at 1-1. “Due to an incident on the pitch occurring shortly after half time, tonight’s match has been abandoned by the referee,” tweeted Gateshead FC, who play in the fifth tier of English football and only six days earlier faced Premier League side Newcastle United in front of a sold-out stadium of 7,200 spectators, losing 3-2. While no one is reported to have been injured or threatened during the incident, local police said they have launched an investigation, adding that those found to be involved “will be dealt with robustly”. Dunston FC also tweeted that the match had been abandoned “due to an incident at half-time.” “While inquiries are at an early stage, it is believed that those involved are known to each other and there was no wider risk to the public,” a police spokesperson said. With videos of the incident being circulated on social media, police encouraged the public not to speculate and share any footage with them to assist with the investigation. They have called for “anyone with information or footage capturing what happened” to contact Northumbria police or reach out to officers on duty in the area carrying out inquiries.

The United States begin the defence of their Women’s World Cup crown as the four-time champions play Vietnam in Auckland tonight. The USA are aiming to become the first team to win the World Cup three times in a row, with stars such as Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe returning from their victory in France four years ago. The defending champions are favourites to retain their title but they will face competition from the top European sides, such as England and Germany, who are confident they have closed the gap. The stage is set for the next generation to shine, such as star forward Sophia Smith, who is one of 14 players in the squad who are making their first appearance at the World Cup finals. The USA also have a new head coach from four years ago, with Vlatko Andonovski taking over from Jill Ellis, who led the team to titles in 2015 and 2019. Follow live updates as the USA begin their Women’s World Cup campaign. Read More FIFA Women’s World Cup fixtures and full schedule Are the United States still the team to beat at the Women’s World Cup? Everything to know about Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird’s relationship, from Olympic first meeting to engagement

England goalkeeper Mary Earps says Nike’s decision to not sell her kit during the Women’s World Cup is “hurtful” and “hugely disappointing”. England’s home and away kits are available for fans to buy, but the Lionesses goalkeeper kits have not been put up for sale by the team’s kit supplier. Earps was England’s goalkeeper when they won the Euros last summer and the Manchester United star was named Fifa’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper for 2022. Earps said England captain Millie Bright had told her she wanted to buy her kit for her niece, only to find it wasn’t available for purchase. "I can’t really sugar-coat this in any way, so I am not going to try," Earps told reporters ahead of England’s opening game against Haiti on Saturday. "It is hugely disappointing and very hurtful. "My shirt on the Manchester United website was sold out last season. It was the third-best-selling shirt, so who says it is not selling?" "It is the young kids I am most concerned about. They are going to say, Mum, Dad, can I have a Mary Earps shirt?’ and they say, ‘I can’t, but I can get you an Alessia Russo 23 or a Rachel Daly 9.’ “What you are saying is that goalkeeping isn’t important, but you can be a striker if you want." Meanwhile, the FA has confirmed England captain Millie Bright will wear armbands advocating for inclusion, Indigenous People and gender equality in the Lionesses’ respective first three World Cup matches. Players have the choice of wearing one or more of eight FIFA-sanctioned armbands at this tournament, but not the rainbow OneLove design that sparked the threat of sanctions being issued to countries – including England and Wales – during the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar. Should the Lionesses progress past the group stage, which begins with Saturday’s opener against Haiti, the player-led decision is for their skipper to switch out her armband to a new cause for each match. Bright said: “As a group, we felt really strongly about all the causes, and we couldn’t separate one from the other. We feel that they are all important and deserve recognition and our support. “We have only just come to a decision recently as we wanted to take time to process it all and to make sure we spoke collectively. “Supporting Indigenous People is massively important to us as a team, both staff and players. We wanted to come to this country and respect the past, the present and the future. We are aware of the past, but we want to move forward collectively and make the world a better place. It is something that we always pride ourselves on.” Read More Women’s World Cup 2023 LIVE: Spain open against Costa Rica after Canada held to Nigeria draw How to watch England vs Haiti: TV channel and start time for Women’s World Cup opener England make decision on armbands for Women’s World Cup matches Netherlands made to train on cricket pitch at Women’s World Cup: ‘It’s amateurism’ England Women’s squad for World Cup 2023 England women World Cup fixtures and route to the final

Steph Catley’s penalty earned co-hosts Australia a narrow victory over the Republic of Ireland in front of a record home crowd after captain Sam Kerr was ruled out of their first two matches at the Women’s World Cup due to injury. Catley took the armband from Kerr after the star forward was sidelined by a calf injury picked up in training on the day before the tournament, and the stand-in skipper converted a second-half spot-kick to ensure Australia made a winning start to the World Cup in front of over 75,000 fans at the Sydney Olympic Stadium. Earlier, co-hosts New Zealand claimed their first ever World Cup win, at their 16th attempt, as Hannah Wilkinson’s goal shocked group favourites Norway at a sold-out Eden Park. It was also a record attendance for New Zealand, men’s or women’s, with a crowd of over 45,000 there to celebrate a historic victory at the tournament. The kick-off to the World Cup came just hours after a mass shooting in Auckland that killed two people and wounded six. But the World Cup will “proceed as planned” and New Zealand prime minister Chris Hipkins said there was no risk to national security. Follow the latest World Cup scores, updates and news in today’s live blog Read More Why Australia’s Women’s World Cup opener felt different New Zealand’s historic moment gives Women’s World Cup the spark it needed How to watch every Women’s World Cup match on TV

By Steve Keating The world's biggest game needs to be played on the world's biggest stage says New

Australia only have to look to last summer and England’s success at the Euros for evidence of how seismic victory on home soil could be. While they are sharing hosting duties with neighbours New Zealand, this tournament is Australia’s biggest sporting occasion since the 2000 Olympic Games and the Matildas will have no shortage of motivation as they look to inspire the next generation in the sport-obsessed nation. Luckily for Australia, they have a star who appears to be born to handle the pressure and expectation of a major tournament in Sam Kerr. Crucially, after a patchy couple of years of results, the Matildas have found form as a team ahead of the World Cup and claimed the scalp of becoming the first team to defeat Sarina Wiegman’s England in April - a result that ended the Lionesses’ 30-match winning streak. It announced Australia as contenders for the World Cup, where they will also get the bonus of the home crowd that proved so important to England’s victory at the Euros, while a core of players who feature in the Women’s Super League, including Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy and Mary Fowler, ensures Kerr will also have plenty of support. The Matildas may need it after landing in what is widely considered to be the ‘group of death’ at this World Cup. The co-hosts will face significant competition from the Olympic champions Canada, the top-seeded team in pot two, while 11-time African champions Nigeria will carry threat and were the top-seeded side in pot four, even if they come into the World Cup in disarray. The Republic of Ireland are competing in their first World Cup and will be determined to show they are not just making up the numbers in what is an intriguing group, another element of which is that England will face the runners-up if the Lionesses win Group D. Australia Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham), Teagan Micah (Rosengard), Lydia Williams (Brighton) Defenders: Ellie Carpenter (Lyon), Steph Catley (Arsenal), Charlotte Grant (Vittsjo GIK), Clare Hunt (Western Sydney Wanderers), Alanna Kennedy (Manchester City), Aivi Luik (BK Hacken), Courtney Nevin (Leicester City on loan from Hammarby), Clare Polkinghorne (Vittsjo GIK) Midfielders: Alex Chidiac (Racing Louisville), Kyra Cooney-Cross (Hammarby IF), Katrina Gorry (Vittsjo GIK), Emily van Egmond (San Diego Wave), Clare Wheeler (Everton), Tameka Yallop (SK Brann) Forwards: Caitlin Foord (Arsenal), Mary Fowler (Manchester City) Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Hayley Raso (Free agent), Kyah Simon (Free agent), Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC) Group fixtures (all times BST) Thursday 20 July: Australia vs Republic of Ireland (11:00, Stadium Australia) Thursday 27 July: Australia vs Nigeria (11:00, Brisbane Stadium) Monday 31 July: Canada vs Australia (11:00, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium) Star in the team There’s no question about this. Sam Kerr is the face of the World Cup and the star of the Australia team. As the most lethal striker in the world, who always seems to deliver on the big occasion, the Chelsea forward could be the difference for the Matildas as they look to advance past the quarter-finals for the first time. The 29-year-old makes the hosts a genuine contender. The coach Tony Gustavsson knows what winning culture looks like. The Swede was an assistant coach on Jill Ellis’ coaching staff as the USA won the World Cup in 2015 and 2019 and took charge of the Matildas in 2021. Initial results were patchy and hardly suggested Australia were ready for a home World Cup, but their form turned at the end last year as they thrashed Sweden, the Olympic finalists, 4-0. Gustavsson wants his teams to press, play with pace, and be strong at set-pieces. What are their chances? Australia have played at seven World Cups but are yet to reach a semi-final. Their defeat to Norway at the last-16 four years ago was considered to be a major disappointment after three successive quarter-final appearances. In front of their home fans, the Matildas will be setting their expectations much, much higher this time around in what is Australia’s biggest sporting event since the 2000 Olympics. With Kerr, they have the quality to go a long way. Canada Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Sabrina D’Angelo (Arsenal), Lysianne Proulx (SCU Torreense), Kailen Sheridan (San Diego Wave). Defenders: Kadeisha Buchanan (Chelsea), Allysha Chapman (Houston Dash), Vanessa Gilles (Lyon), Ashley Lawrence (Chelsea), Jayde Riviere (Manchester United), Gabrielle Carle (Washington Spirit) and Shelina Zadorsky (Tottenham). Midfielders: Quinn (OL Reign), Simi Awujo (University of Southern California), Jessie Fleming (Chelsea), Julia Grosso (Juventus), Sophie Schmidt (Houston Dash) Forwards: Jordyn Huitema (OL Reign), Cloe Lacasse (Benfica), Clarissa Larisey (BK Hacken), Adriana Leon (Portland Thorns), Nichelle Prince (Houston Dash), Deanne Rose (Reading), Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns), Evelyne Viens (Kristianstads) Group fixtures (all times BST) Friday 21 July: Nigeria vs Canada (03:30, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium) Saturday 27 July: Canada vs Republic of Ireland (13:00, Perth Rectangular Stadium) Monday 31 July: Canada vs Australia (11:00, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium) One to watch Christine Sinclair has been setting records for most of her life. At 40, and now into the 22nd year of her international career, the striker is set to become the first player to play at six World Cups - although Brazil’s Marta could later equal that record this tournament. In Australia, Sinclair and Marta also have the chance to become the first player to score at six different World Cups. Sinclair already holds the record for most international goals with an astonishing 190 in 323 appearances. The coach Bev Priestman is the English coach who led Canada to their first major international title at the 2021 Olympics. A former assistant to Phil Neville with the Lionesses, the 36-year-old from County Durham is regarded as one of the best in the world. Priestman describes herself as an attacking coach, but her success with Canada came when she improved the team’s defensive structure and organisation. What are their chances? Canada have a strange history of underperforming at World Cups. Despite winning a medal at each of the last three Olympics, Canada have only ever reached one World Cup semi-final. They were beaten by Sweden in the last-16 in 2019, but then defeated Sweden in the gold medal match in Tokyo in 2021. Which version of Canada will turn up in Australia? Nigeria Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC), Tochukwu Oluehi (Hakkarigucu Spor), Yewande Balogun (AS Saint-Etienne) Defenders: Onome Ebi (Abia Angels), Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alaves), Glory Ogbonna (Besiktas), Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester City), Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash) Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims) Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengard FC), Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid), Toni Payne (Sevilla), Christy Ucheibe (Benfica), Deborah Abiodun (Rivers Angels), Jennifer Echegini (Florida State University) Forwards: Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville), Gift Monday (UDG Tenerife), Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC), Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona), Desire Oparanozie (Wuhan Chegu Jianghan), Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow), Esther Okoronkwo (AS Saint-Etienne) Group fixtures (all times BST) Friday 21 July: Nigeria vs Canada (03:30, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium) Saturday 27 July: Canada vs Republic of Ireland (13:00, Perth Rectangular Stadium) Monday 31 July: Republic of Ireland vs Nigeria (11:00, Brisbane Stadium) Star in the team Asisat Oshoala doesn’t just have a claim to be the greatest African player in the world, but the best of all time. The Nigeria striker and Barcelona star has won the African player of the year award four times and has hit at least 20 goals in each of her last two seasons in Spain. The Super Falcons may have been drawn in the group of death, but Oshoala will be a threat to both Australia and Canada. The coach Nigeria are 11-time winners of the Africa Cup of Nations so when the team failed to even reach the final last year, fingers were pointed at the coach, Randy Waldrum. The 66-year-old American kept his job ahead of the World Cup and although results have since improved - including a 3-0 win against New Zealand in April - he is set to depart after the tournament and is in open dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Before the World Cup, Waldrum told the On The Whistle Podcast that he had not received seven months of pay, while also criticising the NFF’s over their lack of support. In response, a NFF communications director called Waldrum the “worst Super Falcons coach in history”. What are their chances? Nigeria have a proud record of playing at every World Cup and this will be their ninth appearance since 1991. They have made it out of the group twice but have yet to win a knockout stage match in the competition - though Nigeria’s quarter-final appearance in 1999 remains the best result ever recorded by an African team at the Women’s World Cup. But the challenge of overcoming the chaos off the pitch, let alone the group of death, suggests Nigeria are unlikely to match it in Australia. Republic of Ireland Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (unattached) Defenders: Heather Payne (Florida State), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Aine O’Gorman (Shamrock Rovers), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Claire O’Riordan (Celtic), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Izzy Atkinson (West Ham), Megan Connolly (unattached) Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Sinead Farrelly (Gotham City NYC), Ruesha Littlejohn (unattached) Forwards: Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit) Group fixtures (all times BST) Thursday 20 July: Australia vs Republic of Ireland (11:00, Stadium Australia) Saturday 27 July: Canada vs Republic of Ireland (13:00, Perth Rectangular Stadium) Monday 31 July: Republic of Ireland vs Nigeria (11:00, Brisbane Stadium) Key player Katie McCabe. The Arsenal fan favourite famously wears her heart on her sleeve and embodies what Ireland will require in Australia: defensive nous, aggression, a lot of effort, and quality when it counts. McCabe has it all and alongside Denise O’Sullivan will be key. The coach Vera Pauw may have guided Ireland to their first World Cup, but the Dutch coach will have won few fans with her style of play. The experienced Pauw has not shied away from favouring a “low block” and an ultra-defensive 5-4-1 formation. After a newspaper column from former international Karen Duggan suggested the coach should ditch her conservative approach, Pauw responded: “It is not that I love a deep block, I love winning.” Pauw strongly denies allegations she body-shamed players while working as a coach at the Houston Dash, after being named in a report on misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League. The report claimed the Dutchwoman "shamed players for their weight" and "attempted to exert excessive control over eating habits". Speaking before the tournament, Pauw said: “I will never win from a lie. That is clear now. I have to live with it and carry it with me for the rest of my life I’m afraid." What are their chances? Ireland claimed their first World Cup qualification thanks to a narrow win over Scotland in the European qualifiers. They claimed their spot for Australia and New Zealand as the lowest-ranked European nation, and landed in the one of the toughest possible groups by drawing hosts Australia, Canada - the top seed in pot two, and Nigeria - the top seed in pot four. Extending their debut to the knockout stages appears unlikely. Read More Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match in UK Sam Kerr ready for her ‘Cathy Freeman moment’ at Women’s World Cup ‘A natural leader’: How Millie Bright became England’s ‘voice’ for the Women’s World Cup ‘Empowered’ England won’t be distracted by bonus row, Lucy Bronze insists Germany and Alexandra Popp are out for revenge - the World Cup is the perfect chance Can Sweden turn heartbreak into Women’s World Cup history?

All eyes will be on New Zealand when the co-hosts get the Women’s World Cup underway against Norway; expectations will be high but the Football Ferns will have their sights on achieving a more humble goal. World Cup history hangs over New Zealand: in five previous tournaments and across 15 matches, they have yet to record a victory or progress to the knockout stages. The opportunity to play on home soil is a major boost but New Zealand have precious few positive signs elsewhere. Under coach Jitka Klimkova, New Zealand had a 11-match winless run before beating Vietnam a week before the tournament, their first win since last September. New Zealand’s squad is solid but unspectacular and the absence of a standout star could be keenly felt against the European nations in Group A, where Norway and Switzerland will both look to bounce back from disappointment at the European Championships last summer. Norway’s tournament was particularly disastrous; collapsing to a 8-0 thrashing against England and meekly exiting at the group stage with a 1-0 defeat to Austria, a shambolic under-performance for a team that features the former Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg and Barcelona star Caroline Graham Hansen, as well as Chelsea’s flying winger Guro Reiten and Arsenal’s player of the season Frida Maanum - two of the best players in the WSL last campaign. Switzerland also failed to make it through from the group stages at the Euros and, like Norway, have made changes ahead of the World Cup. The Philippines are one of three countries making their first ever appearance at a World Cup finals, men’s or women’s. Under the guidance of former Australia manager Alen Stajic, the Philippines qualified after reaching the semi-finals of the Asia Cup last summer. Stajic has defied expectations since his appointment two years ago but the Philippines remain huge underdogs in Group A. New Zealand Group fixtures (all times BST) Thursday 20 July: New Zealand vs Norway (8:00, Eden Park) Tuesday 25 July: New Zealand vs Philippines (06:30 local time, Wellington Regional Stadium) Sunday 30 July: Switzerland vs New Zealand (08:00, Dunedin Stadium) Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Victoria Essen (Rangers), Anna Leat (Aston Villa), Erin Nayler (IFK Norrkoping) Defenders: Liz Anton (Perth Glory), CJ Bott (Leicester City), Katie Bowen (unattached), Claudia Bunge (Melbourne Victory), Michaela Foster (unattached), Ali Riley (Angel City), Rebekah Stott (Brighton & Hove Albion), Daisy Cleverley (HB Koge) Midfielders: Olivia Chance (Celtic), Betsy Hassett (Stjarnan), Annalie Longo (unattached), Ria Percival (Tottenham Hotspur), Malia Steinmetz (unattached) Forwards:Milly Clegg (unattached), Jacqui Hand (Aland United), Grace Jale (unattached), Hannah Wilkinson (Melbourne City), Gabi Rennie (Arizona State University), Indiah-Paige Riley (unattached), Paige Satchell (unattached) One to watch If New Zealand are going to need something special to break their cycle of World Cup disappointment on home soil, don’t be surprised if they are inspired by the fearlessness of youth. The Football Ferns finished an impressive third at the Under-17 World Cup five years ago and striker Gabi Rennie, the team’s No 9, is a breakthrough prospect. The coach Jitka Klimkova, the former Czech Republic international, believes in the process, even when the results have yet to follow. Since taking charge in 2021, Klimkova has tried to negotiate a period of transition for the team while playing a possession-based style. What are their chances? New Zealand are yet to win a match at the World Cup in five previous tournaments. As co-hosts, they come into their home World Cup at their lowest-ever position in the Fifa rankings. Getting a win, let alone getting out of the group, would be a success. Norway Group fixtures (all times BST) Thursday 20 July: New Zealand vs Norway (08:00, Eden Park) Tuesday 25 July: Switzerland vs Norway (09:00, Hamilton) Sunday 30 July: Norway vs Philippines (08:00, Auckland) Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Cecilie Fiskerstrand (LSK Kvinner), Guro Pettersen (Vålerenga), Aurora Mikalsen (Brann) Defenders: Anja Sønstevold (Inter Milan), Tuva Hansen (Bayern Munich), Guro Bergsvand (Brighton), Maren Mjelde (Chelsea), Thea Bjelde (Vålerenga), Mathilde Harviken (Rosenborg), Sara Hørte (Rosenborg), Marit Bratberg Lund (Brann) Midfielders: Ingrid Syrstad Engen (FC Barcelona), Vilde Bøe Risa (Manchester United), Guro Reiten (Chelsea), Frida Maanum (Arsenal), Amalie Eikeland (Reading), Julie Blakstad (Manchester City), Emilie Haavi (Roma) Forwards: Ada Hegerberg (Lyon), Sophie Roman Haug (Roma), Karina Sævik (Vålerenga), Anna Jøsendal (Rosenborg) Star in the team It’s a testament to the skill, speed and elusiveness of Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen that Guro Reiten isn’t even the most dangerous winger on the Norway team. Arguably the best dribbler in the game, the 28-year-old took a break from the international side following the Euros last summer but is now back to best - as Chelsea once again found out in this season’s Champions League. The coach It was not a surprise to see Swedish coach Martin Sjogren resign within days of Norway’s catastrophic Euros performance. He was replaced by former Norway international and World Cup winner Hege Riise - who coached the Lionesses before Sarina Wiegman took charge, as well as Team GB at the Olympics in Tokyo. The 53-year-old appears a much better fit in all departments. World Cup history Riise won the golden boot and was named player of the tournament when Norway won the World Cup in 1995. Back then, Norway were accustomed to success on the big stage and regularly reached the latter stages of major competitions. It’s now been 10 years since they last reached the semi-finals of a World Cup or Euros, and were beaten in the quarter-finals by England four years ago. Switzerland Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Seraina Friedli (Zurich), Livia Peng (Levante), Gaëlle Thalmann (Real Betis) Defenders: Eseosa Aigbogun (Paris FC), Luana Bühler (Hoffenheim), Viola Calligaris (Levante), Laura Felber (Servette), Noelle Maritz (Arsenal), Lara Marti (Bayer Leverkusen), Nadine Riesen (Zurich), Julia Stierli (Zurich) Midfielders: Iman Beney (Young Boys), Sandrine Mauron (Servette), Seraina Piubel (Zurich), Géraldine Reuteler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Marion Rey (Zurich), Coumba Sow (Servette), Lia Wälti (Arsenal) Forwards: Ramona Bachmann, (Paris Saint-Germain), Ana Maria Crnogorčević (Barcelona), Fabienne Humm (Zurich), Alisha Lehmann (Aston Villa), Meriame Terchoun (Dijon) Group fixtures (all times BST) Friday 21 July: Philippines vs Switzerland (06:00, Dunedin) Tuesday 25 July: Switzerland vs Norway (09:00, Hamilton) Sunday 30 July: Switzerland vs New Zealand (08:00 Dunedin) Key player The smooth and composed Lia Walti draws the eye in the centre of midfield and the captain is the pillar of the side. “Lia is such a magnetic player. Everyone passes to her,” said the Switzerland head coach Inka Grings. “She always demands the ball and, when she has it, it sticks to her feet.” The coach Grings played at two World Cups with Germany, where she sits third on the all-time scoring list with 67 international goals, and only took charge of Switzerland following their qualification for Australia and New Zealand. The 44-year-old promises to play “very aggressive football” but is without a win in her first five matches (play Morocco on 5 July) World Cup history Switzerland scored a last-gasp 120th minute winner to defeat Wales in the play-offs in October to qualify for the World Cup for only the second time. In 2015, they reached their knockout stages on their maiden appearance but were beaten by the hosts Canada. Philippines Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Olivia McDaniel (Milwaukee Panthers, Kiara Fontanilla (Central Coast Mariners), Kaiya Jota (Stanford Cardinal), Inna Palacios (Kaya Illoilo) Defenders: Maya Alcantara (Georgetown Hoyas), Alicia Barker (Pacific Northwest), Angela Beard (Western Union), Reina Bonta (Santos), Malea Cesar (Blacktown City), Jessika Cowart (IFK Kalmar), Sofia Harrison (Werder Bremen), Hali Long (Kaya–Iloilo, Dominique Randle (Por/KA) Midfielders: Tahnai Annis (Por/KA), Eva Madarang (Blacktown Spartans), Ryley Bugay (Saarbrucken), Anicka Castañeda (Mt Druitt Town Rangers), Sara Eggesvik (Norway KIL/Hemne), Kaya Hawkinson (Central Coast Mariners), Jessica Miclat (Eskilstuna United), Carleigh Frilles (Blacktown Spartans), Isabella Pasion (Lebanon Trail High School), Jaclyn Sawicki (Western United) Forwards: Katrina Guillou (Pitea IF), Sarina Bolden (Western Sydney Wanderers), Isabella Flanigan (West Virginia Mountaineers), Chandler McDaniel (Milwaukee Panthers), Quinley Quezada (Red Star Belgrade), Meryll Serrano (Stabaek) Group fixtures (all times BST) Friday 21 July: Philippines vs Switzerland (06:00, Dunedin) Tuesday 25 July: New Zealand vs Philippines (06:30, Wellington Regional Stadium) Sunday 30 July: Norway vs Philippines (08:00, Auckland) One to watch Sarina Bolden took the most important kick in the history of the Philippines with the winning penalty against Chinese Taipei that secured their qualification for the World Cup. The Philippines will need more moments of history to make an impact in New Zealand. The coach In another world, Alen Stajic is preparing to lead his native Australia into a home World Cup. Instead, the 49-year-old finds himself taking the Philippines on a historic adventure. Stajic was sacked by the Matildas ahead of the 2019 World Cup and took on what seemed to be an impossible job with the Philippines in 2021. That “gamble” has paid off, with Stajic installing defensive organisation into the side to lead to their first ever World Cup qualification. World Cup history This is the first time the Philippines have reached the World Cup finals, men’s or women’s, and qualification represents a proud moment for the country. Under Stajic, the team have risen to 49th in the world but recent defeats to Scotland, Wales and Iceland - all counties who failed to qualify for the World Cup - shows the gulf they are faced with. Read More Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match in UK Lionesses bonus row could drag on until after World Cup ‘A natural leader’: How Millie Bright became England’s ‘voice’ for the Women’s World Cup ‘Empowered’ England won’t be distracted by bonus row, Lucy Bronze insists Germany and Alexandra Popp are out for revenge - the World Cup is the perfect chance Can Sweden turn heartbreak into Women’s World Cup history?