SYDNEY – Millie Bright and Sarina Wiegman called on England to “play the game of our lives” on the eve of Sunday’s historic World Cup final against Spain.
The Lionesses stand on the verge of winning two major tournaments in 13 months following last summer’s European Championship and as they prepare for their first ever World Cup final, the captain said this moment had been her “players’ dreams for years”.
Wiegman said the squad had “felt the support here [in Australia] and also from the other side of the world in the UK”.
“That’s something you dream of and we just hope that we play our best game ever tomorrow, and everyone who is watching in the stadium, in the UK, who supports us, enjoys it” added the England head coach.
Bright 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. Like Sarina said, we need to play the game of our lives.”
Asked how her nine-year-old self would have felt if she were told she were about to lead her country out in a World Cup final, Bright admitted: “She would have probably said you were being silly and it was never going to happen, but I guess dreams come true.
“I just think it is a really proud moment and as a squad, we are just really proud of our journey and the tournament and how far we have come. We are finally getting a shot at the trophy we always wanted.”
The final kicks off at 8pm Sydney time, which will mean an 11am start in the UK.
Fans have had plenty of earlier starts than that to follow England at this tournament and Bright thanked those who have been “setting their alarm clocks and making the effort to support us, even though we’re a million miles apart.
“It’s amazing what football can do in really bringing everyone together, especially our nation. We’re really proud, stick with us for one more game.”
London is expected to host a parade later this week if England lift a first World Cup trophy since 1966 and whatever the result, Wiegman reflected on “how football unites and brings something positive, it brings people together.
“When a country is behind a team, that’s very special and it’s so much more than just playing football.”
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/wXa7uTL
Post a Comment