Sarina Wiegman thankful for ‘dream’ support as World Cup final set to unite country
England manager Sarina Wiegman said the Lionesses will feel the support of the country back home and urged her players to play their “best game ever” when they face Spain in the World Cup final in Sydney tomorrow. The nation is set to come to a stop on Sunday morning as the Lionesses feature in England’s first World Cup final since 1966 and Wiegman said reaction to their historic success at the tournament has been a “dream”. Wiegman led England to their groundbreaking victory at the European Championships last summer and said her players are determined to create another moment that will inspire lasting change for women’s football while uniting the nation. “It’s really exciting to play the game tomorrow and we are eager to win it,” Wiegman said in her pre-match press conference at Stadium Australia. “It shows how football unites. It brings people together. "It’s incredible what happened. We felt the support, we felt the support here, but also from the other side of the world in the UK. That’s something you dream of and we hope we play our best game ever tomorrow.” Wiegman’s team have faced several challenges throughout their historic run to the World Cup final, after losing key players Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby before the tournament. Lauren James was sent off in England’s last-16 victory against Nigeria but will be available for the final after serving a two-match suspension, with Wiegman admitting the forward learned a “hard lesson” after stamping on an opponent. Wiegman said James is “ready to play again”, although the 21-year-old is likely to only start on the bench following Ella Toone’s impressive performance against Australia in the semi-finals. When asked to sum up England’s run to the World Cup final, Wiegman said her players have shown “togetherness” and” resilience”.” “The team has inspired the nation so much last year but also at the World Cup also on this stage,” Wiegman said . “Hopefully it will inspire more girls to play football, not just in England but around the world.” England captain Millie Bright said the bond between the players and their manager had grown throughout the tournament. "The longer you work together the better the connection,” Bright said. “The better you can be off the pitch, the better the conversation can be, and then we can translate that to the squad. "As much as people don’t want to face challenges, it’s part of the game, it’s part of life, and without those challenges we wouldn’t be where we are today.” Bright said every player in the team will be living out a “dream” when they walk out to play the World Cup final. “Everyone knows how big this is. It’s been players’ dreams for years. We know how big it is back home but it’s just another game. “It’s massive, but it’s for everyone. It’s an honour and a dream to come true to lead the girls out, but ultimately it’s the team.” “We have seen how hard the games have been. It’s a proud moment as a player and a woman to show the level we are at on the world’s stage. “We live in the moment. It’s a World Cup final but for us it’s another game. Our preparation remains the same. We’ve got a game plan.” Read More Women’s World Cup LIVE: England press conference updates as Australia face Sweden in third-place playoff How to watch England vs Spain: TV channel and kick-off time for Women’s World Cup final England stand on the brink of history — and a moment to change the game forever England vs Spain: Kick-off time and how to watch World Cup final on TV Women’s World Cup LIVE: England set for ‘game of our lives’ in final England stand on the brink of history — and a moment to change the game forever
2023-08-19 16:47
Oil drops further after OPEC delay as Asian stocks struggle
Oil extended losses Thursday after OPEC announced the shock delay of a key policy meeting, suggesting fresh upheaval in the bloc, while equities struggled after two US reports dented recent...
2023-11-23 10:55
McCarthy needs to pull off his most impossible balancing act yet
Kevin McCarthy has proven more adept at managing his fragile and restive House majority than might have been expected given that it took him a tortuous 15 rounds of balloting to win the speakership.
2023-09-12 12:24
Simon Cowell's exes Sinitta and Jackie Clair's feud reignites as they catfight over poodle at posh party
Simon Cowell is currently engaged to Lauren Silverman and previously dated both Sinitta and Jackie Clair
2023-07-14 16:23
Gardner Minshew looking forward to return to Jacksonville as Colts new starting QB
Gardner Minshew has fond memories of his time in Jacksonville
2023-10-12 07:27
'Little People, Big World' star Audrey Roloff trolled for having to 'endure' Christmas remodel at her rich parents' home
Audrey Roloff is not happy about her delayed Christmas plans as her parent's home gets a makeover
2023-11-27 12:22
BYD and Great Wall Motor locked in rare war of words over EV emissions
SHANGHAI/BEIJING China's Great Wall Motor said on Thursday it has filed a report with the country's regulators against
2023-05-25 14:58
Germany's rising far-right leaves Merkel's once-dominant party at a crossroads
As Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) grows ever popular, the country's once dominant Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party finds itself at a crossroads.
2023-09-10 15:20
Morata brace helps Atletico end Real Madrid winning streak
Alvaro Morata struck twice for Atletico Madrid as they inflicted rivals Real Madrid's first defeat of the season, with a 3-1 derby triumph...
2023-09-25 05:56
Colorado funeral home owners arrested after 190 corpses found
Some relatives of the 190 deceased learned they may have been given fake cremated remains.
2023-11-09 22:22
Struggling Mets slug 4 homers in a 7-2 win over Brewers ahead owner Steve Cohen's planned presser
Brandon Nimmo homered twice and David Peterson threw six scoreless innings in his return to the majors as the struggling Mets beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-2 Tuesday night, hours after New York owner Steve Cohen announced plans to hold a press conference on the state of the team.
2023-06-28 10:56
Even with economic worries, Vivid Seats CEO says customers still pay to see sports and hair bands
Strong spending by consumers has been a linchpin keeping the U.S. economy out of a recession, and Vivid Seats CEO Stan Chia doesn't see demand in his industry falling off
2023-10-16 20:18
You Might Like...
US Fed likely to hold rates again despite strong economic growth
Harris Rejects DeSantis Invitation to Discuss Black History
How old is John Stamos? 'Full House' star shares compilation of his 'favorite birthday memories over the years'
Oh boy! Men to compete in artistic swimming -- formerly called synchro -- at Paris Olympics
Chase Young's redemption arc deserves more attention beyond Commanders fans
Higher interest rates depress UK commercial property, survey finds
FA to take no action against Alejandro Garnacho over gorilla emoji social post
Hamas says it fires on Israeli troops pressing Gaza ground assault
