Jordan Nobbs has insisted England are focused on “growing the women’s game” ahead of their World Cup opener, as a discussion with the Football Association over bonuses has been paused. Asked if the uncertainty ahead of the Lionesses’ push for glory has been difficult, the midfielder replied: “I don’t think it’s difficult. I think we’ve had a lot of these conversations, probably over the last however many years, just not everything’s always seen by the public. “I think together as a team we’re pausing the conversations to obviously focus on the World Cup, but we just want to keep growing the women’s game.”

“We’ve been fighting for this for so long,” Ali Riley said, smiling through the tears. The New Zealand captain had waited more than most, winless at her four previous World Cups, part of a run that stretched back even further than that. Without a victory in 15 attempts at the tournament, New Zealand entered their own World Cup with unwanted history hanging over them. Facing Norway in their opening match, that winless run was expected to continue. How Hannah Wilkinson’s goal changed that. In a stunning upset, New Zealand altered the narrative, providing the World Cup with its first shock that will ripple not just in Group A but throughout the tournament. With a victory in their most difficult game of the group stages, New Zealand can now set their sights higher and target a place in the knockouts. They will have momentum on their side when they face Switzerland and the Philippines. Such moments can change expectations, as well as perceptions. It had been noted before kick-off that while pre-tournament excitement and buzz was palpable in Australia, particularly in Sydney ahead of the Matildas’ opening game against Ireland, in New Zealand it was far more low-key. Compared to the neighbours, New Zealand hadn’t generated the same interest in terms of tickets sold across the country. A reason for that is because Australia can win the World Cup. As hosts, they are aware of the opportunity they have to change society, as shown by England’s historic win at the Euros last summer, and are inspired by the chance to provide the country its biggest sporting moment since Cathy Freeman and the 2000 Olympics. Having an international star like Sam Kerr creates hope that such an achievement can be possible. New Zealand aren’t there yet - but they will now believe they can make that change happen, as well. “We had a clear goal that we wanted to inspire young girls, young people in this country and around the world and I think we did that tonight,” the 35-year-old Riley said. A moment such as Wilkinson’s goal, which came after a fine breakaway and cross from the forward Jacqui Hand, can be the spark, and not just for them. There are eight teams who will be making their World Cup debuts over the next week, and with the same fundamentals of organisation and commitment that New Zealand showed in restraining Norway, they too will hope to close the gap to the established nations. New Zealand had the advantage of being a host country, even if preparations for their opening match would have been disrupted by the shocking news of a mass shooting in Auckland on the morning of the tournament. But in front of a sold-out crowd of over 42,000 at Eden Park, New Zealand lived up to the role of underdog hosts superbly. For a team who had gone 10 games without a win until beating Vietnam before the World Cup, they were motivated by the occasion and upset the odds. Norway had the star quality - in Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen, Guro Reiten and Frida Maanum - but New Zealand believed in the collective. Riley led the way as she marked Graham Hansen out of the game - there was only one moment midway through the first half where the Barcelona star found the space to burst away, but the defender tracked it, shutting down the cross. When Norway had other half-chances, New Zealand found the blocks they needed. It’s an upset that asks questions of Norway, of course, after their shambolic group-stage exit at the Euros last summer. Hege Riise was brought in to repair the damage, but Norway were still far too open and unorganised in defence, while lacking cohesion in attack. “There have been a lot of doubters because of the results we had, but we believed,” Riley said. Now others at the World Cup will feel that too. Read More Australia relief after Women’s World Cup opener reveals significance of Sam Kerr injury Women’s World Cup teams: Every squad and key players to watch What TV channel is the Women’s World Cup on? How to watch every match New Zealand squad stayed calm after hearing of Auckland shooting Australia relief after World Cup opener reveals significance of Sam Kerr injury Women’s World Cup teams: Every squad and key players to watch

Boxer and OnlyFans model Daniella Hemsley will not take part in this week’s Kingpyn Boxing final after being barred for her topless celebration. However, the 22-year-old has released a statement denying she had been banned and claiming that she stepped down voluntarily. Hemsley flashed the crowd after winning her first boxing match over the weekend and faced criticism for doing so. Now, The Sun reports that Hemsley will not take part in the next stage of the competition. Kingpyn Boxing reportedly faced a statement that reads: "As we strive to bring fans the best influencer boxing events possible, we accept that Saturday’s post-fight incident may have offended some viewers and appreciate that this incident didn’t meet the standards expected from Kingpyn fight nights. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter “We apologize fully to anyone upset during the broadcast. The fighter involved in the incident will not be appearing in the Final event.” Hemsley fought Ms Danielka, also known as Aleksandra Ola Daniel, on Saturday (July 15). After securing the win, Hemsley exposed her breasts inside the ring during the live TV coverage. Speaking after the fight, Hemsley claimed she had permission to do so. Speaking to Alpha Plug, she said: “I got approval from the promoter, and I was only going to do it if I won, and I did and I got over-excited, and yeah, why not?” Hemsley later wrote on Instagram: "I DID IT! Ola definitely didn’t have a walk in the park (her words), but Big respect, that was true WAR! "I also apologies [sic] to anyone who may have felt offended by my excitement, I did actually have tassels on but the sweat stuck them to my bra lol." She has since denied that she has been banned, posting on Instagram: “I just want to personally address the current media speculation. I am NOT banned from Kingpyn, I have made a choice to step down from the Finals fight to take some time away from the heavy training camps, recover some [injuries] and work on my business. “This is only the beginning of my boxing journey and I plan to be back and fighting again in the Autumn/Winter. “I adore all of my fans and thank you for all of the support and love. I see you all x x.” Promoter Eddie Hearn was one of the figures to criticise Hemsley, claiming that her actions had set women’s sport back years. “Unfortunately, we now live in a world where role models, or influencers, are not necessarily doing things that the older generation, which I class myself as, or parents would want your kids to see or think is acceptable,” he told Boxing Social. "I F**KING HATE IT!" - Eddie Hearn GOES MENTAL on Kingpyn Incident, Baumgardner & Matchroom Schedule www.youtube.com Daniella says she was given permission before the bout to do her celebration. Speaking to Alpha Plug after the fight, she said: “I got approval from the promoter, and I was only going to do it if I won, and I did and I got over-excited, and yeah, why not?” Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Declan Rice “has to be the leader” for title-chasing Arsenal, Wayne Rooney has said. The 24-year-old has completed a £105m switch from West Ham to the Emirates Stadium, immediately jetting off to Washington DC with his new team-mates where they will kick-off their US pre-season tour against the Major League Soccer All-Stars. The DC United boss is managing the hosts and believes Mikel Arteta’s men have secured a vital figure. “I saw Frank Lampard saying he felt Declan could be the Chelsea captain for the next 10 years if he went there,” Rooney said.

Sam Kerr has been ruled out of Australia’s opening two games of the Women’s World Cup because of an injury in a major setback for the tournament co-hosts

Belgian allrounder Wout van Aert, a key teammate of Tour de France leader Jonas Vingegaard, has left the race to be with his wife Sarah ahead of the birth of their second child

Australia star Sam Kerr has been ruled out of her country’s first two matches at the Women’s World Cup in what is a huge blow to the tournament co-hosts. The Chelsea striker suffered a calf injury in training the day before the start of the tournament. Australia play their opening match against the Republic of Ireland in Sydney on Thursday night, while Kerr has also been ruled out of their Group B clash with Nigeria next week. The 29-year-old, who is the face of this year’s Women’s World Cup, will be assessed before Australia’s final group game against Olympic champions Canada. A statement from the Matildas confirmed the news an hour before their opening match. “Sam Kerr is unavailable tonight after she picked up a calf injury at training [on Wednesday]. “Sam will be unavailable for the next two matches with the Matildas Medical Team to re-assess her following our second group stage match.” "Unfortunately I sustained a calf injury yesterday in training,” Kerr said in a statement. “I wanted to share this with everyone so there is no distraction from us doing what we came here to achieve. “Of course I would have loved to have been out there tonight but I can’t wait to be a part of this amazing journey which starts now.” Australia play their opening match of the World Cup in front of what is expected to be a record-breaking crowd at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium, while Ireland will be making their first appearance at the tournament. Read More Women’s World Cup 2023 LIVE: New Zealand open tournament against Norway before Australia host Ireland England World Cup Fixtures: Full Lionesses schedule and route to the final How to watch every Women’s World Cup match on TV

Cameron Smith has started his title defense at the British Open and is chasing a South African amateur holding an unlikely lead at Royal Liverpool

Pakistan has been made to sweat before beating Sri Lanka by four wickets before lunch on the fifth day of the first cricket test in Galle

Watch live as fans arrive at Stadium Australia for the Group B Australia v Ireland match in the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Thursday, 20 July. The Matildas host the Republic of Ireland side in front of a sold-out 80,000 crowd in Sydney. Ireland got the better of Sweden, Finland and, in a dramatic play-off, Scotland to reach the finals of a major tournament for the first time. Their group includes top-10 sides Australia and Canada, as well as Nigeria. “We are very realistic, otherwise you cannot succeed, but the key thing everybody will feel is we have no fear of failure,” Ireland boss Vera Pauw said ahead of the tournament. Australia’s record goalscorer Sam Kerr has insisted that she is used to the pressure of having to deliver on the big stage as her side target World Cup glory. “I guess for me the expectation has been growing over four years so it’s been something I’ve learned to deal with. “I think I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m really proud we have a home World Cup, and to be part of this journey is amazing. I’m really excited for it,” the forward said.

Christine Sinclair hopes her sixth appearance at the Women's World Cup will finally land Canada the elusive title

The United States remain the team to beat ahead of the Women’s World Cup and the two-time defending champions remain number one in the Fifa rankings ahead of the tournament. The USA are looking to become the first country to win three World Cups in a row and have held top spot since 2017. But the tournament in Australia and New Zealand could bring a shake-up to the order. Europe is catching up and the likes of England, Germany, France and Spain will be coming for the USA’s crown. Zambia come into the World Cup as the lowest-ranked team at the tournament, which is hosting 32 teams for the first time. Fifa women’s world rankings (Teams in bold are competing at the World Cup) 1. United States 2. Germany 3. Sweden 4. England 5. France 6. Spain 7. Canada 8. Brazil 9. Netherlands 10. Australia (hosts) 11. Japan 12. Norway 13. Denmark 14. China 15. Iceland 16. Italy 17. Korea Republic 18. Austria 19. Belgium 20. Switzerland 21. Portugal 22. Republic of Ireland 23. Scotland 24. Russia 25. Colombia 26. New Zealand (hosts) 27. Czech Republic 28. Argentina 29. Finland 30. Wales 31. Poland 32. Vietnam 33. Ukraine 34. Serbia 35. Mexico 36. Costa Rica 37. Chinese Taipei 38. Romania 39. Slovenia 40. Nigeria 41. Chile 42. Hungary 43. Jamaica 44. Thailand 45. Northern Ireland 46. Philippines 47. Slovakia 48. Paraguay 49. Uzbekistan 50. Myanmar 51. Venezuela 52. Panama 53. Haiti 54. South Africa 55. Papua New Guinea 56. Cameroon 57. Belarus 58. Ghana 59. Croatia 60. India 61. Iran 62. Greece 63. Turkey 64. Uruguay 65. Bosnia and Herzegovina 66. Cote d’Ivoire 67. Ecuador 68. Israel 69. Fiji 70. Equatorial Guinea 71, Albania 72. Morocco 73. Jordan 74. Peru 75. Trinidad and Tobago 76. Tunisia 77. Zambia 78. Hong Kong 79. Azerbaijan 80. Algeria The full Fifa rankings can be found here Read More Women’s World Cup enters new era as stars and storylines take centre stage Who are the threats to the Lionesses at the Women’s World Cup? The inspiration behind Australia’s shot at home World Cup glory Today at the Women’s World Cup: Co-hosts play in opening games How to watch every Women’s World Cup match on TV FIFA Women’s World Cup fixtures and full schedule