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Since arriving in Australia, Sarina Wiegman has stepped up work on a new system, that may not even be unveiled until the knock-out stages. It is an inherent acknowledgement that England are no longer in the strong position they were, but simultaneously something that may yet prove the winning of this World Cup. This has been reflected in the mood of the camp in Australia, beyond the distraction over bonuses. There is certainly no lack of faith, especially in Wiegman’s ability to come up with something special. This is another benefit of a feat like the Euro 2022 victory. It banishes doubts, and fosters that immensely powerful feeling that everything will go well because the manager knows exactly what they are doing. It is why big games, as in that juncture quarter-final win over Spain, can almost seem like they will go exactly as Wiegman predicts. There’s also the fact that, right now, the manager has one of the most talented teams in the world. For so long, this has seemed like the moment England were long building up to. The question now is whether that moment just comes at the wrong time. Because, for all the faith in Wiegman and the team, those close to the squad say there isn’t quite the conviction there was as in October 2022. That was when England beat defending world champions USA 2-1 at Wembley, to herald themselves as favourites for this summer and perhaps the strongest international side in the world. The defeated visiting coach, Vlatko Andanovski, was publicly complimentary and privately struck by how good the Euro 2022 winners were. Wiegman for her part attempted to play down such excitement, knowing there was a lot of work to do until such a feat. “You are the best team in the world when you have won the World Cup. We haven’t. We are in a good place, but there are so many good countries.” While Wiegman was as much intending to manage the psychology of her squad, it was maybe another way she proved prophetic. The Dutch coach was exactly right in pointing to how this is perhaps the most open World Cup ever, with a quarter of the field going in with real hopes they can win it. England are meanwhile not in as good a place as they were back then. That can be a positive, too. There are enough examples of squads going into tournaments with everything in order only to be undone by the first moment of adversity. Tension can also bring an edge. These are the sort of setbacks that might actually propel a surge that could again become the story of the summer. If England get on a run, and enjoy that intangible momentum that is so specific to an international tournament, it could once more be something special. At the same time, there is a lot that could contribute to nerves. England have first of all lost over 400 caps worth of experience since Euro 2022, with the departures of Jill Scott and Ellen White made worse by such unfortunate injuries to Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby. The squad has lost assurance as well as fluency and so many unique qualities. Millie Bright isn’t currently fit but should make the first game, with the hope she grows through the group stage. A few players are not at their sharpest, especially in midfield and out wide. This has fostered some of the bigger selection decisions for Wiegman, before she even gets to the overall system. She needs to decide who starts in the second centre-half role and up front. Through that, she also needs to solve the recent struggle for goals. Underlying all of this is a different group dynamic to Euro 2022. There are now quite a few different social groups in the squad, especially with the introduction of so many young players to replace stalwarts. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing and can evolve once the squad spend a few days together in camp. Little things can become big unifying forces. One of those last summer was how the entire squad made a point of not packing before leaving St George’s Park for knock-out games. It was to deepen that belief they would not be going home yet. One unifying factor this time, however, might ironically and ominously be a negative. The entire squad remain hugely frustrated that the issue of bonus payments has not been resolved. A potential “civil war” has been avoided through the players taking the unprecedented step to release a statement on the eve of the tournament, but that very description illustrates how a problem remains. The debate just hangs there. It is the sort of issue that will undeniably be seen as a huge factor if England underperform. There are more than a few layers to it, too. The Football Association haven’t wanted to talk about the situation since they don’t want to be in a position where they are essentially briefing against their own national heroes, especially in a scenario where something even more historic can be achieved. Much of this also comes from the immense popularity of the Lionesses. With Fifa’s ground-breaking stipulation guaranteeing 60 per cent of all prize money to every individual player, the England squad are only asking for the same deal that Australia and USA have, with performance-related bonuses on top. This is how an elite team is organised, and that status is precisely what the FA take pride in and now earn so much from. The players do not feel it is befitting an elite team for the federation to seek bonus discussions after an event. The common line has been that this would never be even considered for the men, and shows how much women still have to fight. It has created a cloud, as well as one more complication for Wiegman during the tournament. One of the manager’s many strengths, however, is ensuring focus. Wiegman is an expert at managing the mentality of a group, especially in the distinctive self-contained atmosphere of a tournament. She did it ahead of Euro 2022 by bringing the group together and then getting them to pair off with teammates they didn’t know so well. Wiegman has ideas on how to manage this, that have been aided by the players being willing to park it to make the best of the football. Within the team, the lack of certainty up front can also become a strength. It means Wiegman has different options for different challenges in Alessio Russo or Rachel Daly. Georgia Stanway has meanwhile grown into a leader, that brilliant goal against Spain proving a key step in her own career. The amount of youth - especially in Lauren James - can also introduce a vitality that might otherwise have been missing and shouldn’t be overlooked. One reason that teams so rarely win successive tournaments is because even a year is a long time in football. The dynamic can drastically change, and it’s very easy for a team to become stale without even realising. That can’t be said about England now, and the squad have the group stage to grow together. Wiegman does need to introduce more sharpness, though. Esme Morgan did well when she came on in the warm-up against Canada, and playing her alongside Bright at centre-back will allow Alex Greenwood to go to left-back, while facilitating more flow to the football. It isn’t quite to the levels of putting Williamson at centre-half in the game before the Euros, but then that also points to how the potential reveal of a new system so late need not be a concern. It can just click. It will probably have to. England are on the tougher side of the draw if they expectedly claim the group first-place, and that will likely bring a last-16 tie against hosts Australia or a robust Canada. The latter forced a 0-0 draw in a warm-up through a frustrating approach England are going to counter again and again. Wiegman’s team are probably going to have to battle through the majority of the eight sides who believe they can win it, if they are to become the fourth side to do a double of European Championship and then World Cup. The last was Germany, as far back as 2007. That emphasises how much has changed in the women’s game, and there is a sense that even tournaments of a decade ago don’t really offer much guidance or instruction to now because of how much has evolved. Wiegman continues to evolve England, as well as her own ability as a world-class coach. She of course has the job because she came so close to that double in the last World Cup, bringing the Netherlands to the final. They lost to USA. This is the standard. England know they can get there. The grand question is whether enough has aligned to ensure they get there over the next month. Read More England’s Lionesses park controversial bonus row on eve of Women’s World Cup FIFA Women’s World Cup start date, fixtures and full schedule Who are the threats to the Lionesses at the Women’s World Cup? Are the United States still the team to beat at the Women’s World Cup? Can France handle injuries after overcoming Women’s World Cup crisis? The inspiration behind Australia’s shot at home World Cup glory

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England defender Lucy Bronze said the Lionesses are feeling “empowered” ahead of their World Cup opener after releasing a statement addressing the players’ ongoing row with the Football Association (FA) over bonus payments and other commercial concerns. In a message from the team posted on social media by captain Millie Bright, the Lionesses said they were “disappointed that a resolution has still not been achieved” but would “pause discussions, with full intentions of revisiting them following the tournament”, which begins for England on Saturday against Haiti in Brisbane. Bronze, speaking at England’s team hotel on Wednesday, was adamant that the decision to go public about the situation was motivated not just by personal financial benefits but wider principles, and maintained she is “one hundred per cent confident that we will not be distracted by this”. Bronze said: “I think the players are feeling very empowered. I think it’s the first time as a player group we’ve actually ever sent the message out ourselves, that we’ve collectively done together and set our sights on. So I think in that respect it’s been a very empowered player group last night and this morning and these past few weeks. “I feel like we felt it was important that we sent the message out, because there has been some talks (and) we want to show that we’re focused for the World Cup, that is our main focus. “It’s super sad that we have these issues. I think that again, this was something that we spoke about as an England group. We’re not only doing this for ourselves, we’re doing it so that we can set a standard.” The Lionesses join players from teams including France, Spain, Jamaica, Nigeria, Canada and co-hosts Australia who have in recent months expressed concerns over issues ranging from pay to personnel in their own federations and beyond. Bronze continued: “It’s unfortunate that it has come before the World Cup, but at the same time, it’s because the World Cup gives us the big stage. It’s when people want to listen to us, it’s when things really matter. “And that’s why so many teams now are coming out and speaking about it, because it’s the only moment that they get the stage or the opportunity to speak out, which is unfortunate.” For the first time in a Women’s World Cup, players will be guaranteed performance-related remuneration directly from FIFA, with amounts increasing the deeper teams go in the tournament. In addition, the Lionesses were also understood to be frustrated by a lack of clarity over what their cut from any commercial deals done by the FA linked to the team will be, as well as the restrictions around their personal sponsorships. The PA news agency has contacted the FA for comment. Bronze said the Lionesses benefit from a generally amiable relationship with the FA that leaves the squad feeling optimistic that they can reach an agreement without taking more dramatic steps, like threatening to boycott their Nations League fixtures, set to follow the World Cup in September. She said: “I don’t think we made any threats as players, I think we’re quite well spoken. And we know how to kind of stand our ground – I can’t say the conversations ever got to be that heated.” At the same time, Bronze suggested she and her team-mates deserved more, particularly after their victory at last summer’s Euros led to a paradigm shift for women and girls’ football in England, from a 173 per cent uptick in Women’s Super League attendance to a surge in participation at the grassroots level. She added: “There’s constantly another level and another step you can take. Whether that’s commercially – or on or off the pitch. Whether that’s performance-based, it’s being rewarded for the things you have done. “We are the European Champions. We have changed the game massively in England, so we want everything to fall in line. If we are going to do well on the pitch, then you would expect things to follow.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Schedule announced for 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia Day one of fourth Ashes Test: England won’t hold back in bid to level series Gerwyn Price and Michael Smith crash out of World Matchplay

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Wayne Rooney hopes “incredible talent” Marcus Rashford can help bring titles back to Manchester United and put himself at the same level as the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. The 20-time league champions have now not won a Premier League crown for a decade, with neighbours Manchester City establishing themselves as the dominant force during that period. United have endured a topsy-turvy time since Rooney helped Sir Alex Ferguson’s side lift the 2012-13 title but things are looking up under Erik ten Hag. Mason Mount has joined from Chelsea and Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana is set to follow him to Old Trafford as the Dutchman looks to build on last season’s Carabao Cup triumph and third-place finish. United have been further boosted on Tuesday by tying down homegrown star Rashford, who has signed a new five-year deal after breaking the 30-goal barrier for the first time last season. “I think Ten Hag has done really well since he came in last season,” Rooney, the club’s all-time top scorer, said. “You can see he’s trying to create a squad and a mentality with the signings he made last season and also again what they’re trying to do this year. “I think Marcus Rashford is an incredible talent. I am delighted he signed a new deal. I think the next five years for him is going to be real important in his legacy, if you like. “Because he can score a lot of goals but if he really wants to go to that level which Mbappe and Haaland are at, I think he has to be the man to get Manchester United back to winning trophies and league titles. I hope he can do that.” City – basking in the afterglow of their treble triumph – are some hurdle to overcome, with up-and-coming manager Rooney full of praise for Pep Guardiola. “I think Manchester City have certainly raised everything,” the DC United boss said. “You look at Liverpool for a couple of seasons were really challenging them. “They’ve set a challenge for Manchester United, for Arsenal, for Chelsea, for Liverpool and all the teams, really. “Guardiola has been, for me, one of the best things to happen to English football – not just in terms of the league but actually the England national team too. “Some of the coaching he’s given the young English players, before with (Raheem) Sterling, John Stones, Kyle Walker, has really helped them develop as players. “I know they were senior players in the England set-up, to pass that knowledge onto some of the other players well. “Yeah, there’s a challenge there. I think it goes in cycles – we’ve seen it throughout the years with Manchester United, Arsenal having dominance, Chelsea having dominance. “Unfortunately it’s Manchester City’s time of dominance but I’m sure the teams that are challenging are going to be coming back over the next few years, that’s for sure.” Rooney was speaking ahead of managing the Major League Soccer All-Stars against Arsenal, whose manager Mikel Arteta is another coach he admires. “I think he’s done incredible, really, to go in at Arsenal and he won the FA Cup in the first season and really pushed Manchester City last season,” the England great said. “Still as a young coach, it’s great to see. Everyone coaches in their own ways, styles and identities. “He’s been fantastic and I’m sure working with Guardiola helped him massively as well. “That’s where you want to get to as a young coach, into the top teams obviously, being English, in the Premier League. “I’m going through the steps to try and do that where Arteta has already been through those steps and had probably the best training he could have working alongside Guardiola.” Rooney and Arteta shared a warm embrace between the press conferences in Washington DC, where new boy Declan Rice could make his first Arsenal appearance since joining for £105million from West Ham. “I think he’s a huge signing for Arsenal,” Rooney said. “He’s a fantastic player with a great mentality, young. “Arsenal have got a player at the top of his game but I think he’ll bring a great character into the dressing room. “He’s a captain, he could be captain of Arsenal. I think he’s a player who Arsenal needed and they’ve certainly got a top player.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Heather Knight proud of England’s Ashes fightback No fitness concerns over Declan Rice, says Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta Tiger Woods: Winning 2006 Open at Royal Liverpool ‘most gratifying’ of my titles

Mikel Arteta allayed concerns over star signing Declan Rice’s fitness ahead of a potential first Arsenal appearance against the MLS All-Stars on Wednesday. The 24-year-old midfielder completed his British record £105million move from West Ham to the Emirates Stadium at the weekend. Rice travelled with his new team-mates to the United States but was unable to train in Washington DC on Monday, working on an exercise bike by the pitch. “We just wanted to manage him,” Arsenal boss Arteta said of the England international. “Obviously a lot has happened to him in the last five or six days. “He had a very hectic schedule and he had a few training sessions that went really good, but prior to that, he didn’t do much before he joined us. “So we wanted to just manage him. He trained today with us. He was in good form and he’s fine.” Wednesday’s match kicks off Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the USA and Arteta is looking forward to facing the Wayne Rooney-coached All-Stars at Audi Field. “It’s going to be a special, unpredictable game obviously because we are going to play and change a lot of players as well,” the Spaniard said. “It’s great to be invited and be part of this and hopefully we can give something back to the fans to cheer.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live