Carly called up

Carly Telford has been called up to the Team GB women’s football squad after Karen Bardsley had to withdraw through injury.

The Chelsea goalkeeper is well used to tournament football, having helped England reach the semi-finals of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup – a feat which secured GB Football their spot at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games next month.

“This is an amazing honour, although I really feel for KB and send her all my best wishes for her speedy recovery," said Telford.

"The goalkeepers’ union is not a cliché - although we are competing to play we always want each other to do well. I'm so disappointed for her but of course tremendously proud to get the chance to play at an Olympic Games. It is an incredible honour and I will give it all I can.”

Although the highly-rated Sandy MacIver is on the reserve list, Team GB women’s football head coach Hege Riise opted for Telford to be Bardsley’s direct replacement with a nod to her significant experience. She will now compete with Ellie Roebuck to be in the starting eleven when the Games get underway in Japan on 21 July against Chile.

“We're very fortunate to be able to call on a goalkeeper of Carly’s pedigree," added Riise.

"Losing Karen was a blow of course but her selection was always a close-call with Carly, given they both have such strong reputations. Carly is a leader and she will be a big asset for us and what we are hoping to achieve.”