ENGLAND’s World Cup final on Sunday is odds-on to smash UK viewing figures and become this year’s most-watched sporting event.
The Lionesses 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.
Tomorrow’s final against Spain will represent the first time an England side has made a World Cup final since 1966 – and the Lionesses will be hoping it will be the first time an England side has won a World Cup trophy since then too.
With the nation gripped by World Cup fever, bookmakers William Hill are offering a special market with the event 1/10 to be the most watched sporting event of the year.
That means the final is backed by Britain’s leading bookmaker to attract more viewers than the likes of this year’s men’s Champions League and FA Cup finals, as well as tennis’ Wimbledon final and cricket’s final day of the fifth Ashes Test.
Despite tomorrow’s game representing the the first time the Lionesses have reached a World Cup final they will be full of confidence going into the match-up with Spain.
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England beat La Roja during their route to Euro glory last year with a 2-1 win at the Amex in the quarter-finals.
There’s also the fact that Sarina Wiegman has lost just one of her 37 games in charge of England – leading to men’s FA bosses looking across jealously and considering her for the men’s job should Gareth Southgate leave.
Wiegman will have a fully-fit and available squad to choose from going into the final with Lauren James also back from her two-game suspension.
James had been England’s star of the tournament going into their round of 16 clash with Nigeria but saw red after stamping on forward Michelle Alozie.
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And the Lionesses have coped well in her absence, earning hard-fought victories over Colombia and Australia.
It’s likely that barring any late injury scares, Wiegman will name an identical team to the one that beat Australia 3-1 – meaning James is likely to feature from the bench.
Going into tomorrow’s final, striker Alessia Russo said: “Obviously this is the biggest game, the one you dream about, the one that means the most.
“I feel like it will hit when we’re in the tunnel and ready to walk out. It’s an incredible occasion, it’s been an unbelievable tournament and this is it – this is exactly where we want to be. We can’t wait.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
