England fans wake up early for final fever ahead of Lionesses’ historic World Cup clash with Spain
ENGLAND fans have begun celebrating early as they gear up to watch the Women’s World Cup final.
Brits are showing their support this morning as they wait in anticipation for the historic kick-off against Spain – the first time an England side has made a World Cup final since 1966
GettyThe countdown is officially on, as Stadium Australia is ready to go[/caption]
GettyBrits showing their support in Sydney ahead of the historic World Cup final[/caption]
GettyFans are ready to go as they wait for the 11.am kick-off[/caption]
GettyStadium Australia has begun welcoming footie fans as they start flooding in[/caption]
Final fever is growing as the Lionesses have now arrived at packed venue for today’s historic Women’s World Cup final.
Young fans in red and white kits are waving their England flags as they beam with pride, covered in face-paint, ahead of the big game in Sydney.
Stadium Australia has begun welcoming footie fans as they start flooding in with beers and bubbly ready for celebrations.
The inspiring squad roared into the final after beating hosts Australia 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final thanks to goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
Pubs up and down the country were packed as supporters roared the Lionesses to victory and the lively atmosphere continues to soar today.
The big game is set to smash UK viewing figures and become this year’s most-watched sporting event.
Fans will be raising a glass to Sarina Wiegman’s inspiring team, wishing them all the luck as they stand on the cusp of history.
The Dutch manager has led England Women to today’s World Cup Final a year after seeing her team claim victory at Euro 2022.
She is also the only manager – male or female – to lead two different teams to a World Cup final, having finished as a runner-up with the Netherlands to the USA in 2019.
Now, the countdown is officially on, as Stadium Australia is ready for the 11.am kick-off – and the full 23-woman squad are geared up to play the game of their lives.
There were fears England‘s player of the tournament so far, Lauren James, would miss the big game after being handed a two game suspension.
She was sent off deep into the second half of the Lionesses’ clash with Nigeria after she got into a scuffle with Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, electing to stamp on her while she got off the deck herself.
The referee immediately went to look at the VAR screen before brandishing her red card in James’ direction.
James was handed an extended two game ban, missing the quarter-finals and the semi-finals.
But this means she is now free to play today in the highly-anticipated final against Spain.
‘GAME OF OUR LIVES’
And, Captain Millie Bright, 29, has vowed to fans that England will bring everything they’ve got to lift the World Cup trophy.
The determined centre-back said: “We know how passionate our nation is back home and how much they want us to win.
“But for us, there is a process. We have a game plan to execute. We need to play the game of our lives.”
And, she thanked the record number of fans at home preparing to tune in to watch Sarina Wiegman warriors go toe-to-toe with Spain.
“Everyone is fit, everyone is available and we’re in a very good place, so we can’t wait,” said Wiegman ahead of the nail-biting final.
She said previously: “We achieved the final.
“It’s unbelievable, it feels like we won [the tournament] which we didn’t, we just won this game – in an incredible stadium, an away game, the way we played – it was a hard game, but we found a way to win again.
“I just said to [assistant manager] Arjan, having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special.
“I never take anything for granted, but it’s like I’m living in a fairytale or something.”
Everyone is fit, everyone is available and we’re in a very good place, so we can’t wait.”
Sarina Wiegman
The nation is gripped with World Cup fever and everyone is pulling together to cheer on the team and see them claim glory.
Prince William and Princess Charlotte wished the impressive squad luck yesterday and said: “Lionesses we want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
“We’re sorry we can’t be there in person but we’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world.
“So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
“Good luck Lionesses,” added Princess Charlotte, holding a football in her show of support for the inspiring team.
England have already beaten Spain once, and we expect them to do the same again.
SunSport’s prediction sees the Lionesses roar to victory with a 2-1 win as they go head to head with Jorge Vilda Rodríguez’s team.
This comes as two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas starts today’s final on the bench.
She has been replaced by 19-year-old striker Salma Paralluelo, who scored the opening goal for Spain during Tuesday’s dramatic 2-1 win over Sweden.
Jennifer Hermoso has moved back into an attacking midfield role.
PACaptain Millie Bright has vowed to fans that England will bring everything they’ve got to[/caption]
GettyThe big game is set to smash UK viewing figures[/caption]
GettyBrits are showing their support this morning as they wait in anticipation for the historic game[/caption]
