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The Morning Star 2026 Conference
Women’s World Cup is silencing its critics
And should Hope Solo have been taken to the tournament, asks KADEEM SIMMONDS

I WAS walking through the Olympic Park on Monday, on the way to work, when I noticed a group of schoolchildren playing a game of football.

There was a girl which really stood-out. She must have been no older than 11 but she was clearly the best player on the custom-made pitch.

She was skipping past players like a young Fran Kirby and it was a delight to see. I obviously missed the moment when teams were picked and maybe she had to beg to play but judging from her skills I doubt this was the case.

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