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Republic of Ireland defender Megan Campbell was “gutted” not to be able to join her nation at the Women’s World Cup but believes the team’s participation at the tournament is a “catalyst” to inspire the next generation of football fans. The centre-back for Liverpool and the Republic was not chosen as part of Vera Pauw’s squad for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand after being unable to recover in time from an unspecified injury. The Republic crashed out of the tournament with just one point from three group-stage games after Monday’s goalless draw with Nigeria, but despite this Campbell said the support shown for the team has been “incredible”. “I joined in with many thousands of other fans from Ireland as the whole country was backing the team and watching the games, and the amount of Irish support Down Under has been incredible,” the 30-year-old told the PA news agency. “What an opportunity for the girls to be able to put Ireland on the biggest stage possible and it’s only the start for this team. “It’s a catalyst, hopefully, for building for the future generations.” She also commended the quality of football at this year’s World Cup, describing it as a “great spectacle” following England’s win over China in the final round of the group stage. Campbell said England had “come out all guns blazing” after beating China 6-1 on Tuesday. “I think it’s been a great spectacle for women’s football and shows how close the games have been… in general the scorelines have been quite narrow so this shows that the level is improving all over the world,” she said. Campbell felt the Lionesses experienced “a lot of pressure” going into this year’s World Cup, following their European Championship win, but said they had successfully achieved their objective of winning every group-stage match. “I think they probably have a lot of pressure coming into the tournament off the back of winning the Euros and that was to be expected, obviously, because they have done so well,” she said. “But it’s about winning games in the group stages, and that’s what they’ve done and they’ve managed to achieve that by getting nine points out of nine.” In a bid to make women’s football more visible, particularly in schools, Campbell and Czech Republic and Chelsea midfielder Katerina Svitkova joined more than 100 schoolgirls at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham on Tuesday to inspire the next generation of children to play football. “It’s been a lovely atmosphere here. Probably close enough to an atmosphere Down Under, I’d say, as the kids are quite loud,” Campbell said. The Republic and Liverpool player said there were some “hidden talents” at the Football Fun Day event brought together by Visa and HSBC. “There have been some girls who probably haven’t played football before for a team who will now sign up for teams because they love being here and feel inspired by the day,” she said. “I think the job’s complete, and we’ve probably done a really good one if girls now want to play football.” She hopes increased visibility of women’s football will create new role models for young children to be inspired by. “With the women’s football team doing so well, it’s great to have this off the back of it to inspire the next generations,” she said. “That’s what this is about, trying to inspire the next generations to play football but also just for girls in general and in life to have models to look up to regardless of if it’s football or not.” She also hopes that more visibility of the Women’s Super League will help to inspire more children to watch the game. “I think the league will only grow this year and participation will increase, which is the most important thing overall. “It’s about the here and now, but it’s also about the future generations and what we can provide for them.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Johnny Sexton will feel uneasy about missing warm-up matches – Paul O’Connell Sarina Wiegman hails England adaptability after big win over China There’s nothing to it – Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp on Kylian Mbappe loan link

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England boss Sarina Wiegman lauded the Lionesses’ adaptability after a system shake-up sparked a thumping 6-1 victory over China at the Women’s World Cup. The Lionesses had not scored more than once in their opening two matches but came alive on a crisp night in front of 13,497 at Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium to seal top spot in Group D. Wiegman took a gamble as she swapped England’s usual 4-3-3 for a 3-5-2 formation, and she was rewarded with goals from five different players including a brace from Chelsea prodigy Lauren James, who also picked up three assists. “I think we are growing into this tournament,” said Wiegman, whose side will travel back to their Terrigal, New South Wales base camp before flying to Brisbane to meet Nigeria in the knockout stages. “I think tonight we had a great performance. Of course we made a choice and went for it. “Everyone really believed in it [the formation] straight away and you could see that on the pitch. They were really excited about it. We want to use the qualities of the squad as optimal as possible. The team showed they were really adaptable. “I think you could see from the whole team that we were enjoying ourselves, you could tell that we were really connected, the ball is going around and we have different ways to go in attack, and of course Lauren James was one of them when she scored the goals. “You saw that the team was enjoying every goal, except the one from China.” Alessia Russo got things started for England after just four minutes, while a dangerous-looking Lauren Hemp marked her return to Wiegman’s starting XI by doubling England’s advantage. James struck her first after 41 minutes, but was denied a retrospective hat-trick after Australian referee Casey Reibelt turned to VAR and the stoppage-time strike was chalked off. Lucy Bronze, who was ruled offside in that build-up, found herself at the wrong end of another call to the monitor after the restart and was aggrieved when she was punished for a handball and China were awarded a penalty, converted by Wang Shuang. Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly wrapped up the victory with late strikes. Bronze said: “I knew it hit my hand, but it wasn’t deliberate. “Unless I cut my arm off I don’t know how I get my arm out the way. Again, we sit down with referees every tournament to discuss the rules, the rules are if I’m trying to put my hand next to my body. “I said to the girls she’s going to give the penalty because it hits my hand but [England keeper] Mary [Earps] was behind me, if I was trying to hit the ball away I would have hit my hand in the air. I knew it wasn’t deliberate but I guess she just wanted to give me a yellow card for fun. Hopefully I can continue doing that and take it into the next round Lauren James “It wasn’t a fun game in that respect, the referee for me. So, I was quite disappointed with that game to come off with that performance. The most important thing is we won, we’re through to the next game, no one else got injured.” James, who became the first England player to be directly involved in five or more goals in a game at the men’s or women’s World Cup, admitted it would have been the icing on the cake to complete the hat-trick. She said: “I was disappointed in the moment obviously but that’s football for you. In the moment I just had to be focused for the game to continue. “I think just playing with freedom, just enjoying my football and I think tonight showed that. Hopefully I can continue doing that and take it into the next round.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live There’s nothing to it – Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp on Kylian Mbappe loan link It’s what dreams are made of – Lauren James ‘buzzing’ as England reach last 16 Willie Peters to spare star Hull KR players against Wigan with cup final in mind

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The United States is clearly not the dominant team that won the 2019 Women’s World Cup

Errol Spence Jr has doubled down on his intention to move up in weight, following his stoppage loss to Terence Crawford on Saturday. Crawford outclassed Spence en route to a ninth-round win in Las Vegas, becoming undisputed welterweight champion by adding Spence’s unified titles to his WBO belt. At the post-fight press conference at the T-Mobile Arena, Spence expressed his desire to activate a rematch clause. The 33-year-old also suggested that he would prefer the rematch to take place at super-welterweight. And Spence has now updated his Instagram bio to read “154[lbs]”, in reference to his intended new division. “Hell yeah, we got to do it again,” the American said on Saturday (29 July), after suffering the first loss of his professional career. “I’m going to be a lot better, [the rematch] is going to be a lot closer. It’s probably going to be in December, because it’s set before the end of the year.” Crawford, 35, added: “It definitely doesn’t have to be at 147lbs [welterweight]. I’m in the hurt business. One hundred and forty-seven was kind of hard for me, too. “I was already talking about moving up in weight and challenging [Jermell] Charlo, so 154 wouldn’t be out of reach.” American Crawford remained unbeaten with his victory over Spence, in a fight that was five years in the making. What many saw as a 50-50 bout, prior to Saturday, was a one-sided beating by Crawford. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Terence Crawford’s masterclass puts him in conversation to be an all-time great Errol Spence reveals date of Terence Crawford rematch – ‘We got to do it again’ Inside the phone calls that made Spence vs Crawford – a generational fight

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has laughed off suggestions the club are in the running to put together a loan deal for Kylian Mbappe. France captain Mbappe has been subject of a world-record £259million bid from Saudi Arabia club Al Hilal, but Paris St Germain could also be open to a temporary move ahead of the possibility of seeing him leave for nothing next year at the end of his current contract. Chelsea and Barcelona are understood to be among the clubs trying to put together deals for Mbappe, who is reported to have already agreed a deal to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer and so secure a 160m euro (£138m) signing-on fee. Anfield has also been touted as a possible destination for the coming season, but Klopp has been quick to pour cold water on those rumours. “We laugh about it,” Klopp told Sky Germany as he prepared the squad for the final match of their pre-season Asia tour against Bayern Munich in Singapore. “I can say that I think he’s a really good player, but the financial conditions don’t suit us at all. I wouldn’t like to ruin the story now, but as far as I know, there’s nothing to it. “It’s possible that someone else from the club is preparing something and wants to surprise me…that hasn’t happened in the eight years that I’ve been here. That would be the first time.” With Jordan Henderson having left the club to join Saudi side Al-Ettifaq, managed by former Reds skipper Steven Gerrard, Virgil van Dijk is set to captain Liverpool next season. Klopp revealed he handed the Dutch defender the armband for his leadership – and for his looks. “Virgil has everything to wish for to be a captain of a football club,” boss Klopp told the Liverpool’s website. “Number one, he’s probably, let me have a think, definitely the best-looking captain in the Premier League, which is important for team pictures! “But, of course, personality-wise everything is there. He wants to be a leader, he is a leader. “He has to step up, like all of us have to step up because we were used to things how they always were and now we have to create something new – a new structure, a new culture – and that’s really exciting. He will play a massive role in that – he has to.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live It’s what dreams are made of – Lauren James ‘buzzing’ as England reach last 16 Willie Peters to spare star Hull KR players against Wigan with cup final in mind The key issues raised by five unforgettable Ashes Tests

Lauren James lit up the Women’s World Cup on Tuesday, scoring two sensational goals and bagging three assists as England ran out 6-1 winners against China. The Lionesses emphatically secured the top spot in Group D and progression into the knockout rounds, where they will face Nigeria next Monday (7 August). Speaking after the game, James said she is enjoying her football and felt “free” playing in a No 10 role. “Obviously what dreams are made of,” James said post-match, adding that she is “looking forward” to scoring her next goal.

Rachel Daly paid tribute to her late father after scoring her first World Cup goal in England’s win against China. The Lionesses won 6-1 to emphatically secure the top spot in Group D and book their place in the knockout rounds, with Daly rounding off the scoring in the 84th minute. After netting her first-ever World Cup goal, the 31-year-old was seen kissing her wristband with the word ‘Dad’ on it. Daly lost her father, Martyn, in September 2021. “He was the reason I played football, going back to birth really,” the England star has previously said. “I don’t think I’d have got that passion for the game if it wasn’t for him.” Read More England fans celebrate at Boxpark as Lionesses score against Denmark in World Cup Gaelic football commentator expertly carries on after spilling water on equipment Watch: Moment Trent Alexander-Arnold told he will be Liverpool’s vice-captain

England star Lauren James said her performance in the 6-1 World Cup romp over China was “what dreams are made of” as they advanced to the knockout stage. Playing in the number 10 role, the Chelsea player scored twice and produced three assists, while also having a goal disallowed, as the Lionesses finished top of Group D in style to set up a last-16 tie with Nigeria. James, who also scored against Denmark, has been the standout player for Sarina Wiegman’s side and enjoyed her evening in Adelaide. “Another day, obviously it’s what dreams are made of,” she said on ITV 1. “Happy for the team and everyone is buzzing and looking forward to going into the next round. “I felt free, whether I am on the wing or in the middle, I am just happy to be on the pitch playing and enjoying my football. I am happy I can contribute to goals as well.” On her sublime first-time finish at the far post for her second goal, she added: “I think like the last game, I just thought ‘Why not? Hit it and see what happens’.” She did special things today. Unfortunately one goal was cancelled, but she flows over the pitch Sarina Wiegman on Lauren James And James says more is to come, adding: “For sure, each day, each game I am looking to improve and get better. There are many more years of improvement. I can always get better. “I just need to stay focused and hopefully that can happen.” Following an injury to Keira Walsh, Wiegman used a new formation and was happy it came to fruition as her side hit their straps for the first time in the tournament. “I am very delighted. I said before the game we were going to do things a little bit different than we did before and we did really well. It shows how adaptive this team is and I think they are enjoying themselves,” she said. “I think today it worked really well, players felt comfortable. What we want is the qualities we have now to try and use them a little bit more.” On James, she added: “She feels good, you can tell. She did special things today. Unfortunately one goal was cancelled, but she flows over the pitch.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Willie Peters to spare star Hull KR players against Wigan with cup final in mind The key issues raised by five unforgettable Ashes Tests David Willey eager for World Cup spot but accepts place in England pecking order

Lauren James has scored twice as England advanced to knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup with a 6-1 rout of China

Much like Lauren James’ divine second goal, this might be dropping beautifully for England. Certainly, Sarina Wiegman suddenly has clarity in a World Cup characterised by uncertainty and unpredictability. James’ very role illustrates that. The young winger’s influence from that wide role was a driving force in this crushing 6-1 win over China, that confirmed an expected first place. It is a first place, however, that suddenly looks very different. The sight of the semi-finals, at least, is something else that’s so much clearer. It now won’t feature Australia or Canada, and may not have any of France, Brazil or Germany. A thrilling Colombia and dangerous last-16 opponents Nigeria are huge threats, but there is the prospect that such developing teams have had their main highs. Just as importantly, the World Cup’s stand-out performers so far, in Japan, are on the other side of the draw. On that, and the elusive momentum that defines tournaments, England now have none of the sudden doubts that are afflicting other previous favourites in Spain and - above all - USA. This is what was even more encouraging about this display than the scoreline, even if that was a badly-needed big win, amid the context of a very disappointing China. The only potential slip here came for Chloe Kelly’s gift of a fifth goal, although even that was from James’ genius. Part of that, though, was through the commanding competence of Wiegman. She may have found another solution. It shouldn’t be overlooked that the England manager went into this campaign with more issues to solve than all of those sides. They were here missing Keira Walsh, to go with Leah Williamson and Beth Mead. And yet it might have led to a formation that just fits. Having worked on a few different systems in the last few days, Wiegman opted for the 3-5-2 that really stood out for the players. It seemed to address most of their flaws, while adding to their strengths. With a reshaped midfield led by the increasingly important Georgia Stanway - conspicuously taken off at half-time due to her previous yellow card - England were much more difficult to open up. There were none of the sudden breaks that made the previous two 1-0 wins so fraught. It also offered security for England’s attackers to cut loose. Three of the players who needed goals, got goals, in Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp and - eventually, with a driving late strike, Rachel Daly. The Hemp goal may not have had the bombast of either of James’, or even Daly’s, but it was perhaps the most significant so far in that it was not a piece of genius out of nothing. It is a fluid team movement, Millie Bright bursting through, James flicking it on and Hemp taking it on in such a smooth manner to slide it past Zhu Yu in one moment. Wondrous. It was still James that took the stage, though, in a display that represented such an exciting escalation from her match-winning performance against Denmark. It was actually quite satisfying in how you can so clearly see a player getting better with more comfort, now flying on the sort of trajectory that is a tradition for triumphant young players coming into their own in a tournament. She may yet make this World Cup her own. Her three strikes were themselves an escalation in quality, the only pity being the second of those was ruled out. She certainly isn’t afraid to let fly from distance, though, which is another dangerous weapon for England. It offers an out in any situation. But the third goal emphasised she can offer genius from any situation. As inviting as that dropping ball from Jess Carter was for James’ second goal, it still takes a lot to get right. It wasn’t just right, it was perfect. It would have added up to a perfect close to the group for England, especially after how difficult it had been, but for one blemish. Mary Earps has now conceded a goal, albeit from a somewhat debatable penalty decision maximised by Wang Shuang. The irony was of course this was the most secure England have looked. A much sterner threat is to come. England need only look at the fates of Australia and Canada to stave off complacency at the fact they are facing neither. Nigeria beat the former to make the hosts’ group stage much more nervy than it might have been, and ultimately eliminated Canada. They will now more than fancy their chances of eliminating England. It just isn’t the same England as even Monday. That is the rhythm of a tournament. Teams will now start to find their feet, especially after two weeks of competitive football, and the dawning reality of the knock-outs. The mood of the final week could be very different to now. The mood around England is certainly different to a week ago. Read More When do England play next? Women’s World Cup fixtures and route to the final Why was Lauren James goal against China controversially disallowed? Lauren James: England’s mercurial forward who has found goalscoring touch at World Cup Sarina Wiegman’s brave England switch solves key Women’s World Cup problem Millie Bright: England’s captain leading Lionesses into last-16 of Women’s World Cup When do USA women play next? World Cup fixtures and route to the final