In Jamaica, there is no denying the pride and enthusiasm with which we celebrate the success of our track and field athletes. Our nation's history in athletics is filled with triumphant moments and remarkable achievements on the global stage. Yet, while we cheer on our male athletes, it is disheartening to witness the lack of support for women's sports across the country. Whether it be track and field, football, or other disciplines, the struggle for recognition, funding, and public support remains a persistent challenge for women in sports.

The success of our male athletes in track and field has undoubtedly overshadowed the achievements of their female counterparts. This lack of public interest translates to lower revenues and limited corporate sponsorship opportunities, leaving female athletes with fewer resources to further their careers.

The Reggae Girlz, Jamaica's national women's football team, have faced an uphill battle in securing support from both the general football-loving public and corporate sponsors. Despite their achievements and consistently ranking among the top teams regionally and climbing globally, they struggle to attract the same level of financial backing and fan base as the men's team.

This disparity is a reflection of deeply entrenched societal beliefs and cultural norms that perpetuate the notion that women's sports are somehow less worthy of attention and investment.

The Sunshine Girls, our national netball team, have consistently proven themselves as one of the top teams in the world. Their talent and dedication to the sport are unquestionable, yet they face a similar lack of support. Despite their achievements, the team continues to operate with limited resources, hindering their ability to compete on an equal footing with other top netball nations.

Even in the realm of fitness and individual sports, prominent athletes like Kristen McGregor struggle to secure funding for training and competitions. Despite being one of the most successful fitness athletes of modern times in Jamaica, McGregor finds herself facing financial obstacles that hinder her ability to reach her full potential.

There are multiple factors contributing to the lack of support for women's sports in Jamaica. Cultural attitudes play a significant role, as outdated beliefs about what is deemed acceptable for women in sports persist. Society has been slow to fully embrace the idea that female athletes can excel in any discipline and deserve the same recognition and support as their male counterparts.

Inadequate marketing and promotion of women's sports also contribute to the issue. Often, the achievements and stories of female athletes are not given the same level of media coverage and visibility as those of their male counterparts. As a result, potential sponsors and fans may not be aware of the incredible talent and accomplishments of our female athletes.

Additionally, the lack of engaging personalities and role models among female athletes could be a contributing factor. While there are undoubtedly many inspiring and accomplished women in sports, they may not receive the same level of media attention and celebrity status as male athletes, which affects their ability to attract sponsorships and support.

Effective management and organizational structures are crucial for the growth and development of women's sports. Ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately and transparently can make a significant difference in the success of female athletes and teams.

Addressing the challenges facing women's sports in Jamaica requires a collective effort from various stakeholders. Government support in terms of funding and policy initiatives is crucial in creating an environment that fosters the growth of women's sports. Corporate entities can play a vital role by investing in sponsorship and marketing opportunities for female athletes. The media also has a responsibility to provide equal coverage and recognition to women's sports, highlighting the incredible achievements and stories of our female athletes.

Additionally, fostering a cultural shift that promotes gender equality in sports is essential. This includes challenging outdated stereotypes and breaking down barriers that hinder the progress of women in sports. Celebrating the achievements of our female athletes and providing them with the recognition and support they deserve will not only benefit them individually but will also contribute to the overall advancement of women's sports in Jamaica.

It is time to recognize that talent knows no gender and that women's sports are just as deserving of our support and admiration as men's sports. By coming together as a nation to uplift and empower our female athletes, we can create a future where they are given the opportunities and resources they need to succeed on the world stage. Let us take pride in our female athletes' accomplishments and support them in their quest to bring glory to Jamaica on the international sporting arena.

Alessia Russo was thrilled to open her World Cup account as England’s attack came alive in their 6-1 victory over China to conclude the group stage.

The 24-year-old, who joined Arsenal on a free transfer from Manchester United last month, has been boss Sarina Wiegman’s first-choice centre-forward so far this tournament to fill the void left by retired striker Ellen White.

Russo netted the fourth-minute opener in Adelaide, one of five goal-scorers for an inspired England side, who sealed top spot in Group D and will now test their perfect record in the last 16 against Nigeria in Brisbane.

“(I’m) Buzzing. I’m a striker, I like to score as much as I can,” said Russo. “(It was) a positive night, six goals as well, lots of chances created and lots of goals scored.

“You’ve just got to go back to basics, work hard and that’s what I’ve been doing in training, hoping for a moment and when you get it you’ve got to take it with both hands.

“Really pleased to get on the scoresheet but more importantly we topped the group and now we’re ready for knockout football.”

Nigeria, 40th in FIFA’s global rankings, entered the competition as the top-ranked team from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and managed to outplay world number seven and Olympic champions Canada alongside number 22 Republic of Ireland to finish second in Group B and book a place in the last 16.

Russo vowed that while the Lionesses were fully focused on China until they wrapped up Group D, they will “get rested, recovered and fully get locked into Nigeria”, who will be raring to stage another upset.

“They’re a good side too, they’re a side that I’ve never faced – I have at youth level but not at senior level – so I’m excited for it, another good test,” she said.

Russo, who had not scored in seven games, has so far been preferred to Aston Villa striker Rachel Daly, the 2023 Women’s Super League Golden Boot winner.

Versatile Daly came on for Russo after 76 minutes of the Haiti match, started at left-back against Denmark and, in Wiegman’s 3-5-2 formation shake-up, took on the unfamiliar role of left wing-back and scored the last of England’s six against China.

The dominant result, combined with her opening strike, perhaps alleviates some of the pressure on Russo, who knows Daly is waiting in the wings, after Wiegman made it clear that she is prepared to make changes in this World Cup.

Pressure from the public, however, is another story.

Russo added: “I think the media worry about that more than we do as players. We just want to win every game whether it’s 1-0 or 10-0. I think it’s amazing to score that many goals, but we just want to win and progress through this tournament as players.”

Rachel Daly revealed her pre-match premonition about England team-mate Lauren James came true on Tuesday night after the Chelsea prodigy scored twice and picked up three assists in the 6-1 victory over China at the World Cup.

James, 21, became the first England player of either gender to be directly involved in five or more goals in a World Cup match as the Lionesses clinched top of group D to set up a last-16 meeting with Nigeria in Brisbane on Monday.

Daly was one of five Lionesses who got their names on the scoresheet at Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium, where boss Sarina Wiegman switched to an inspired 3-5-2 system in the wake of an undisclosed knee injury to midfield maestro Keira Walsh.

Versatile Daly, who happily occupied an unfamiliar left wing-back role in the shake-up, said: “I will just say one thing, last night (Monday) we were walking round the pitch and we have come out of here and there’s the ‘player of the match’ sign as you walk out. I said: ‘Have a look at that kid, because that will be you tomorrow night’.

“That’s how much we back her! She is unbelievable. I have got no more words to say about her. She is growing and growing and the most important thing is we keep around her.

“She is a young player at the end of the day and she’s learning every day. She can pick up little bits from the older players, but she is LJ – and she’s brilliant.

“She has got great technical ability, but those (goals) come out in training all the time. It’s nothing new for us.

“Like I said the other day, it’s just nice for the rest of the world to see how good she is. ‘Cheat code’ as everyone is calling her. That’s what she is.”

England only scored once in each of their first two group-stage victories, first through Georgia Stanway’s penalty against Haiti before James netted six minutes into her first World Cup start, ultimately enough for three points against Denmark.

Tournament veteran Daly – who started every game of England’s European championship-winning campaign – had called for patience earlier in the week over concerns that the Lionesses were not living up to their world number four billing, particularly in attack against a Haiti side 49 places below them in FIFA’s world rankings.

Others joined her, often accompanying the call with a reminder that this was not the same squad that lifted the trophy at Wembley 367 days ago, following the retirements of Ellen White and Jill Scott and injuries to Beth Mead, Fran Kirby and Leah Williamson.

Walsh, who was also part of that triumph, remained at England base camp on Tuesday after it was determined she did not injure her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), though her status for the remainder of the tournament remains unclear.

Daly said: “I think obviously there has been a lot of criticism about us not being ruthless enough.

“I said we would grow into the games and it’s tournament football. It’s not about the first, second, third win, it’s how we grow into it.

“We knew it would come and that it would only be a matter of time before we scored goals – and there were some unbelievable goals on display (against China).

“I think (the formation change) is what tournament football is all about. We have got that in our locker now.

“We know that we can do that system and keep growing and working on that.

“We obviously can revert back to type with a 4-3-3. It’s another weapon in the armoury.”

England will face Nigeria in Brisbane on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup.

Here, the PA news agency gives the lowdown on the Lionesses’ last-16 opponents.

SUPER FALCONS SOAR

After battling to a goalless draw in their opening Group B match against Canada, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saving a spot-kick, Nigeria stunned Australia with a memorable 3-2 victory in Brisbane.

Randy Waldrum’s side then secured progress into the knockout phase as group runners-up when they drew 0-0 against the Republic of Ireland.

American coach Waldrum has highlighted the chemistry and bond within the squad as key to their success so far.

Having fought their way out of arguably one of the toughest pools, expect more of the same determination with Waldrum often utilising a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation to maximise impact as Nigeria aim for what would be a first win in the Women’s World Cup knockout stage.

STAR PLAYER

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A team-mate of England defender Lucy Bronze at Barcelona, midfielder Asisat Oshoala opened her 2023 World Cup account with what proved to be the winner against Australia.

Earlier in her career the 28-year-old had spells in England with Liverpool and Arsenal, winning the 2016 FA Cup with the latter.

Following a move to Barcelona from Chinese club Dalian, Oshoala – a five-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year – went on to win the Champions League as well as the Primera Division title.

Nigeria coach Waldrum is in no doubt about the impact she can make, saying: “When you have Oshoala, you have a chance against any team.”

PAST MEETINGS

The Lionesses won their first meeting with Nigeria, Karen Farley striking twice in a 3-2 victory in the final group game at the 1995 World Cup.

Since then, however, the Super Falcons have emerged victorious in each of the two friendly fixtures between the nations.

They triumphed 3-0 in a friendly against Hope Powell’s England in Reading in April 2004 and were 1-0 winners when the teams met in Norwich in July 2002, Florence Omagbemi’s goal settling matters.

Ousmane Dembele has told Barcelona that he wants to leave to join Paris St Germain, according to manager Xavi.

The Ligue 1 side have made the 26-year-old an offer that Barca “cannot match” and he has informed his manager that he wishes to move.

The France international has a £43million release clause in his contract which PSG have reportedly triggered, shortly before the terms of his deal stipulated the figure would rise to £86m.

Talks have taken place between the parties and Dembele has made up his mind that his future lies away from Barca, whom he joined from Borussia Dortmund for £125m in 2017.

“Dembele came and told me he wanted to leave,” said Xavi. “He has an offer from PSG that we cannot match.”

He has played 185 times for the club and has won three LaLiga titles during his six-year stay.

What the papers say

Harry Kane will stay at Tottenham if no deal has been done before the club’s Premier League opener against Brentford. The Independent reports an £85 million bid for the England striker, 30, from Bayern Munich has been rejected as they seek £100 million. And according to the Evening Standard, Kane believes it would be unfair to leave after the start of the campaign.

France midfielder Tanguy Ndombele could be heading away from Tottenham. According to the Daily Mirror, Galatasaray are looking to agree an £11 million move for the 26-year-old.

Chelsea have added more names to their list of transfer targets with a pair of midfielders, according to The Times. US midfielder Tyler Adams, 24, from Leeds United and Ajax’s Mexican Edson Alvarez, 25, are the latest to interest the Blues.

Leeds are lining up a move for full-back Brandon Williams, 22, from Manchester United, reports The Independent.

Social media round-upPlayers to watch

Michael Olise: The Crystal Palace forward, 21, is seen as a potential replacement for Riyad Mahrez at Manchester City.

Michail Antonio: Everton could step in for the West Ham striker, 33, who has not secured a deal in Saudi Arabia.

The new Premier League season gets under way on August 11.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the statistics of interest.

3 – Manchester City have won three consecutive titles, matching Manchester United’s record, and five of the last six.

89 – points tally for City last season, five ahead of runners-up Arsenal.

36 – Erling Haaland’s Golden Boot-winning goal tally last season was a Premier League record.

13 – record number of Premier League titles won by Manchester United, still six clear of their city rivals.

5 – titles for City manager Pep Guardiola, second to only Sir Alex Ferguson who was in charge for all 13 of United’s wins.

7 – teams to have won the title, a list completed by Chelsea (five times), Arsenal (three), Blackburn, Leicester and Liverpool (one each).

6 – ever-present Premier League clubs, since the competition’s rebranding in 1992 – Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, United and Tottenham.

51 – promoted Luton will be the 51st different club to play Premier League football.

4 – last season was only the fourth time all three promoted clubs – Bournemouth, Fulham and Nottingham Forest – avoided relegation. Wolves also became the fourth team to survive having been bottom of the table on Christmas Day.

100 – City’s record points tally from 2017-18. They also scored a record 106 goals that season.

11 – Derby’s record low points tally in 2007-08.

9-0 – the biggest win in Premier League history, with Liverpool achieving the fourth such result last season against Bournemouth.

619 – Premier League appearances for Brighton’s new signing James Milner, 33 behind the record held by Gareth Barry.

32 – this is the 32nd Premier League season since the competition’s rebranding.

6 – this will be the sixth time a stand-alone Friday night fixture has opened the season.

The Premier League transfer window has once again seen eye-watering amounts of money spent by clubs looking to improve their squads ahead of the new season.

With plenty of players settling into new surroundings, there will be intrigue as to who can make the quickest impact.

Here, the PA news agency picks five new signings to watch heading into the 2023/24 campaign.

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Arsenal had to spend a club-record £105million to land England midfielder Rice from London rivals West Ham.

The Gunners smashed their biggest-ever spend by over £32million as manager Mikel Arteta hopes Rice can prove a missing part of the jigsaw, with the aim to take Arsenal from runners-up to Premier League champions this season.

Rice, 24, left West Ham having lifted the Europa Conference League trophy in his final game as captain and – having established himself as a key player at the London Stadium – it will be interesting to see if he can continue to impress at the very top level.

Moussa Diaby – Aston Villa

Unai Emery turned Villa’s season around when he was appointed as Steven Gerrard’s replacement October.

Villa went from relegation candidates to European qualification under the Spaniard, who has now started to shape his squad for the fresh challenges.

Diaby will be a pivotal part of that process after the France winger signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported club-record fee of £51.9million – such intent to get their man means the 24-year-old will be under immediate pressure to deliver as Emery looks to build on his first year in charge.

Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp looked to overhaul his midfield after a disappointing season by Liverpool’s – and his own – high standards last season.

James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have all departed and Hungary international Szoboszlai is the big-money addition from RB Leipzig who will be expected to fill some of the void.

The 22-year-old cost a reported £60million and hit 20 goals in 91 games at Leipzig, including getting on the scoresheet in the 2023 DFB Pokal final victory.

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Erik ten Hag’s Old Trafford rebuild has continued this summer as the Dutchman aims to improve on a third-place finish and the Carabao Cup trophy collected in his first season.

The signing of goalkeeper Onana from Inter Milan is the most striking change as he replaces David De Gea – who left at the expiration of his contract – as United’s first-choice, reuniting with his old Ajax boss.

His ability to play out from the back is what Ten Hag is looking to add to his defence but, if his pre-season games are anything to go by, there could be gains and pains as he settles in.

Sandro Tonali – Newcastle

After sealing Champions League football for the first time in 20 years, many would have expected the deep pockets of the Saudi PIF see Eddie Howe splash the cash on plenty of new arrivals.

Instead, he has been selective with recruits and the £55million arrival of Italy international Tonali is the most eye-catching.

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder won the Serie A title with AC Milan in 2022 and he also has 14 senior caps in a competitive position, with Howe Declan Rice, Moussa Diaby and Andre Onana hoping he can improve the steel in his own side.

Players are preparing to return to Premier League action beginning on August 11, with champions Manchester City looking to follow up an historic campaign last time.

Pep Guardiola’s side are favourites to add another title to their honour roll after last season’s Treble, though rivals will be confident of at least closing the gap.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the talking points ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

City to make history… again?

No English club have won four consecutive league titles, so Manchester City stand once again on the precipice of making history.

How the team respond to last season’s remarkable Treble – whether it will be the catalyst for domination domestically and in Europe or will hang over them like a cloud – is the main question ahead of Guardiola’s eighth season in charge, particularly after finishing the last campaign on such a high.

Manchester United added back-to-back titles after their Treble success in 1999, and with City seemingly not getting any weaker it will be hard to look past them matching their great rivals’ feat again.

Chelsea bidding to return to the elite

Chelsea finished last season in need of major surgery but early indications are that the club are using pre-season effectively, both on and off the pitch, to turn things around.

Transfer activity has looked promising with a bloated squad having been slimmed down, even if new head coach Mauricio Pochettino has emphasised the need for further cuts.

Recruitment has been more targeted to the team’s requirements than in previous windows, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku having impressed in attack on the tour of the United States, while player fitness has also improved.

A return to the Champions League next season after a dismal 12th-place finish last term will likely be viewed as the minimum requirement.

Added time to add up

A significant increase in time added on at the end of either half split opinion when it was introduced at last year’s World Cup, but the change is set to apply to Premier League games this season.

The stated aim from FIFA is to eradicate time-wasting and increase the proportion of a match that the ball is in play.

Luton looking to home comforts

Luton were one of the 22 original signatories to the document that founded the Premier League, but after being relegated in 1992 it has taken the Hatters 33 years to finally take their place back in England’s top flight.

Apart from the novelty of the club’s 10,356-capacity Kenilworth Road becoming the smallest ever Premier League ground – with its famous away entrance that involves effectively cutting through somebody’s back garden – there will be the question of how cut out Rob Edwards’ side are for competing in the world’s richest league.

There has been little transfer activity to reinforce Edwards’ promotion heroes so far, with Aston Villa’s Marvelous Nakamba the only player in with significant Premier League experience. The cramped, inhospitable conditions of their home ground could prove their greatest asset if they are to beat the drop.

The spectre of Saudi Arabia

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has said he is not concerned about the growing financial power of Saudi Arabia and its success so far in luring world stars, but the conversation about the Pro League’s emergence as an attractive home to players still in their prime is unlikely to die down soon.

The question of co-ownership and its potential to undermine Financial Fair Play will continue to be asked, as it was when Allan Saint-Maximin moved from Newcastle to Al Ahli – two clubs owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund – for £23million.

Masters may be moved to revise his outlook should the exodus of stars to the Gulf state continue.

Sadio Mane has become the latest big name to quit European football for the Saudi Pro League as he joins Al-Nassr from Bayern Munich.

The 31-year-old Senegal forward spent just a single season in Germany having moved to Bayern from Liverpool last summer and now departs for a reported £34million.

Mane struggled for form and during a tough season he suffered an injury that ruled him out of the 2022 World Cup and was fined and suspended by Bayern after a training ground bust-up with team-mate Leroy Sane.

He has now completed a move to Saudi Arabia, where he will team up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic at Al-Nassr, having also been linked with Al-Ahli and a reunion with former Liverpool team-mate Roberto Firmino.

Having first moved to England with Southampton, Mane switched to Anfield in 2016 and went on to score 120 goals in 269 appearances, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup on Merseyside.

“We want to thank Sadio Mane for the past season,” Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen said after the Bundesliga champions announced his departure.

“It certainly wasn’t an easy year for him, getting injured just before the World Cup and being unable to take part in it with Senegal, who he’d previously led to a first triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualification.

“Because of his long lay-off, he also couldn’t have the impact at FC Bayern that we all and he himself had hoped for. That’s why we came to the joint decision that he’ll begin a new chapter in his career and make a new start at a different club. We wish him all the best and lots of success for the challenges ahead at Al-Nassr.”

If you ask Head coach Lorne Donaldson about Jamaica’s women’s football legacy, he will tell you that it started from their campaign to the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup in France, when they initially demonstrated utter resilience to accomplish the historic feat.

Then, the Reggae Girlz programme, through the unwavering commitment of women’s football ambassador Cedella Marley, as well as the Bob Marley and Reggae Girlz Foundations, experienced what could only be described as a rebirth from the ashes, after it was discarded and literally forgotten about by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).

Since then, the players and coaching staff –much like Marley –adopted the mentality to always focus on the task at hand, despite the financial shortfalls and other proverbial brick walls faced along the way.

So though much has been said about their recent exploits, Donaldson declared that what the world is once again witnessing is the remarkable grit of the Reggae Girlz outfit, as the players are no longer intimidated by obstacles, particularly those that come in the form of competition.

“When we got to that World Cup in 2019, I was the assistant and Hue Menzies, big praises to him, we worked together that squad, but we weren’t planning on going to the World Cup. Cedella Marley was brave in calling us up and having us help out because the football in Jamaica had diminished and we put it together and miraculously we got to the World Cup,” Donaldson shared.

 “Now we think we can take it further. So, the legacy started from there, but we still have a long way to go to achieve what countries like Brazil and others have achieved, so for now we are just trying to grow,” he added.

Donaldson’s views follow the Girlz momentous run at the ongoing showpiece being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, as they are on the cusp of bringing a dream to fruition and, by extension, rewriting their names in the annals of Jamaica’s sporting history.

To do that, the 43^rd-ranked Reggae Girlz require only a point off number eight-ranked Brazil in their decisive Group F encounter at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Wednesday.

Kickoff is 5:00am Jamaica time.

The Girlz, who secured an historic point of top-ranked France in a goalless stalemate, followed that up with their first ever World Cup win by virtue of a 1-0 scoreline over Panama, to currently sit second on four points.

Leaders France are also on four points, but with a slightly better goal difference, which matters little, as they are overwhelmingly favoured to snare all three points off Panama.

Pia Sundhage's Brazil side is third on three points and must beat Donaldson’s side, if they are to progress from the group stage for a seventh-consecutive Women's World Cup.

Though on paper the Brazilians are heavily favoured to achieve their objective, the Reggae Girlz have proven that they are not to be underestimated and they possess the willpower to once again shock the world of women’s football.

And Donaldson agrees that the Jamaicans faith are in their own hands.

"Brazil is a powerhouse and I think we relish the challenge, all along we knew we were coming in as underdogs, even throughout the qualifiers we were underdogs. So, it's nothing new to us, we have to just be ready to come out and try to match them as best as we can,” Donaldson said.

“I said it before that we have grown from the qualification phase in Mexico because we really haven't had a lot of games after that and like I said, the players are resilient, they have worked hard and I know they would want to stay (in Australia) a bit longer, so we are going to come out and give it our best,” he noted.

While Brazil suffered defeat to France, Donaldson is under no illusions that they will approach tomorrow’s game with the same tactics, especially with Reggae Girlz talismanic captain Khadija “Bunny” Shaw set to return from a red card suspension.

Shaw, along with Cheyna Matthews is expected to rejoin Jody Brown up in attack, while Donaldson and his assistants could stick with Drew Spence, Vyan Sampson and Atlanta Primus, in midfield.

At the back, Rebecca Spencer should again be shadowed by Swaby sisters, Allyson and Chantelle, flanked by Deneisha Blackwood on the left, while Tiernny Wiltshire could reclaim her staring spot at right back.

“I'm sure Brazil will make the adjustments from what happened in that France game, obviously we will try to limit some stuff and just use what we think we are capable of doing,” Donaldson shared.

“There are nerves but we just have to go in and enjoy it, we don’t have anything to lose, we just have to go out enjoy ourselves and play. A player like “Bunny” Shaw is going to pose problem for anybody, we are happy to have her back and obviously we can use her in areas that we didn't against Panama and try to be effective, but everybody has to do their job,” he ended.

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.”

England eased into the last 16 at the Women’s World Cup with a rout of China while the United States survived a scare against Portugal to keep their hopes of a third straight title alive.

The Netherlands swept through with a resounding victory over Vietnam while Denmark also made it into the knockouts.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at all of Tuesday’s action.

James orchestrates England’s win

Lauren James’ performance as England swatted China aside 6-1 in Adelaide to advance to the last 16 as winners of Group D might have been one of the most complete seen by an England player at a major tournament.

The Chelsea forward scored two wonderful goals and was unlucky to be denied another by a contentious VAR decision in the first half, and put in a fine all-round display as England finally found their World Cup stride.

The Lionesses’ shortcomings in squeaking past Haiti and Denmark now look like nothing more than early-tournament jitters, after they presented their credentials with purpose against China.

Sarina Wiegman’s side will now face Nigeria in Brisbane on Monday.

Holders through but rattled

The holders’ World Cup lives will have flashed before their eyes when Ana Capeta raced through on goal in added time in their final group game against Portugal at Eden Park.

But the striker’s effort crashed back off the base of a post and away to safety, meaning the United States were also safely into the last 16, scraping through with a goalless draw that gave them the point they required.

Yet they were given an almighty scare in Auckland by Francisco Neto’s team, who themselves came within a lick of paint of eliminating the four-time winners and recording one of the World Cup’s all-time great surprises.

Dutch delight

The holders’ struggles were thrown into relief by the ease with which the Netherlands navigated Group E, and the 2017 European champions have looked an increasingly serious side since arriving in New Zealand.

Esmee Brugts made the game’s outstanding contributions, curling in two almost identical efforts from range as the Dutch meted out a 7-0 thrashing of Vietnam to top the group, while Jill Roord also scored twice.

Haiti going home proud

Haiti are going home without a point or a goal to their name, but this has nevertheless been a World Cup showing for the debutants to be proud of.

Their dogged performance against England in the opening game and how close they came to taking a point from China have offered a robust argument to anyone who suggested these finals should not have been expanded to 32 teams.

Opponents Denmark, who eased through to the last 16 with a 2-0 win in Perth, will face co-hosts Australia next.

Post of the dayUp next

Group G: Argentina v Sweden (8am)

Group G: South Africa v Italy (8am)

Group F: Jamaica v Brazil (11am)

Group F: Panama v France (11am)

All times BST

Derek McInnes believes his Kilmarnock squad is “significantly stronger” after Liam Donnelly agreed a new contract with the club.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who joined Killie from Motherwell on a one-year deal last summer, re-signed on a two-year contract and will remain with Killie until 2025.

The Northern Ireland international joins new signings Robbie Deas, Matty Kennedy, Kyle Magennis, Kieran O’Hara, Marley Watkins, Tom Davies, Will Dennis, Stuart Findlay, Corrie Ndaba and Lewis Mayo in a revamped squad.

Kilmarnock finished 10th in the cinch Premiership last season in their return to the top flight and ahead of the league opener against Rangers at Rugby Park on Saturday, boss McInnes said: “There are no guarantees when you sign players but for me, we have made some good signings.

“I feel we have a bit more experience with some of the signings.

“We let a lot of players go to free up the space to give us scope to rebuild the squad.

“A lot of loan players went back but we brought Lewis Mayo back as a permanent signing which is good and we have tried to reduce the amount of loans we have in comparison to last season.

“That would be an indication that we have done the work, trying to give players contracts to become Kilmarnock players so we feel we have a good level of player in the building. The proof will be at the end of the season.

“That demand was met last season with the squad we had,  and now the demand shifts, we are looking for a bit more from everybody and hopefully we can meet the demand that is on us this season.

“We still have a bit to do, we still have forward areas to be dealt with, we are still trying to get at least one in between now and the window closing.

“But if we can get a few of our senior players back who have been out, like Joe Wright, Kyle Vassell and Rory McKenzie, then the squad looks significantly stronger but as I say time will tell with that.”

McInnes is “really pleased” that Donnelly will extend his time at the Ayrshire club.

The Killie boss said: “He said if he was staying in Scotland he would be signing for us.

“We agreed a deal a while ago but he had a lot to consider with his family.

“Even this week there was a club in Scotland offering him more money to sign and he stood by his word so, really good to get him, although he is away behind everyone else (fitness wise) but we sign players for the season.”

Killie start the season with Rangers at home, Hearts away then Celtic at home in the ViaPlay Cup and McInnes revealed he had an Old Firm “itch to scratch” this season.

The former Ibrox midfielder said: “I think it is a great opening fixture for us.

“We beat every team in the cinch Premiership last season except Rangers and Celtic.

“We know what we are capable of but we also have to demonstrate our capabilities of getting results against the best two teams.

“We have to have the confidence, assurance and personality on Saturday to try to do exactly that.

“It is an itch we need to scratch. We need to try to overcome that, the fact that we never took points off Rangers and Celtic last season.

“We expect a tough game on Saturday. It is important Rangers get that as well.”

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.

“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.”