Australia got off to a winning start at the Women’s World Cup by beating Ireland 1-0 despite the absence of star striker Sam Kerr.

After a pandemic-induced end to last season, women's soccer in England seems reborn with the arrival of World Cup-winning Americans, a slew of Australians and robust enthusiasm about the league's potential. Women's teams could only watch as the Premier League restarted and finished its season following a coronavirus stoppage. Their six-month wait is nearly over, and optimism abounds in the Womens Super League. The Football Association, which runs the WSL, says the twin bill is designed to boost visibility of the womens game. Before the pandemic, attendance was rising, likely boosted by England reaching back-to-back Womens World Cup semifinals.