THOUGH

Bristol Academy look destined for relegation to WSL 2 there has been some reason for cheer in the south-west with goalkeeper Mary Earps called up to Mark Sampson’s England squad.

Siobhan Chamber had originally been named as one of three goalkeepers in the squad to take on Estonia in tomorrow’s opening Euro 2017 qualifier, but has been forced to withdraw due to a knee injury.

But Chamberlain’s loss is Earps’s gain and she wrote on Twitter: “Overwhelmed by all the messages – thank you! Delighted to have been called up.”

Defenders Lucy Bronze and Alex Scott have also forced to withdraw, as has been winger Claire Rafferty, though replacements for the tr io no have been named, leaving Sampson with 16 outfield players to choose from in Tallinn.