Women’s World Cup 2023

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      Why is Prince William not attending the Women’s World Cup final?

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      THE country is ready to rally behind the England women’s football team as they take on Spain in the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses are set to compete for the FIFA trophy at 11am UK time, with the match taking place at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, but Prince William has confirmed he will not be attending.
      Prince William, Prince of Wales and President of the FA will not be attending the 2023 Women’s World Cup finalCredit: Marc Atkins/Getty Images
      Why isn’t Prince William attending the Women’s World Cup final?
      According to reports, the location of the Women’s World Cup is behind Prince William’s decision not to attend the tournament.
      Kensington Palace confirmed the Prince of Wales, who is president of the FA, will be supporting the Lionesses from home instead of in Australia.
      He is believed to have decided not to embark on the 9,400-mile flight in a bid to keep down his carbon footprint
      Daily Express Royal Correspondent Richard Palmer has also said that the Royal Family felt “it’s a long way to go for a couple of hours”.
      Read More on Women’s World Cup
      To travel from London to Sydney it typically takes around 23 hours.
      Is a member of the Royal Family attending the Women’s World Cup final?
      No members of the UK’s Royal Family are expected to attend the World Cup final.
      Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also missing the match.
      The UK’s rival team will have a member of royalty supporting them in the stands.
      Most read in Football
      The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed ahead of the game that Queen Letizia, and her daughter Infanta Sofia, will be at the final.
      Their statement added that King Felipe is busy with other official duties meaning he is unfortunately unable to join them.
      What has Prince William said about England’s Lionesses?
      Prince William has voiced his support for the England women’s team and apologised for not being able to support them in person.
      Ahead of the final, he posted a video message on social media that also featured his daughter Princess Charlotte.
      In the clip, he said: “Lionesses, I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
      “We’re sorry we can’t be there in person, but we are so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you have inspired here and around the world.”
      He added: “So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.
      The night before the World Cup final, Prince William’s father King Charles also sent a message of support to the Lionesses.
      He said: “Good luck, Lionesses, and may you roar to victory.” More

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      Fans blast BBC and ITV as they cut away and talk through Women’s World Cup closing ceremony

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      FANS were left fuming as both the BBC and ITV opted not to show the Women’s World Cup’s closing ceremony.The tournament wraps up today with England taking on Spain for ultimate glory.
      The BBC opted to talk over the closing ceremonyCredit: BBC
      ITV also decided not to focus on the closing ceremonyCredit: ITV
      There was a spectacular closing ceremony at Stadium AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Fans were unable to watch the ceremony in full on BBC One or ITVCredit: Getty
      As is customary, there was an official closing ceremony in front of a packed stadium pre-game.
      But both channels showing the match in the UK opted not to show it in full.

      One fan tweeted: “Great start, BBC talking over the final ceremony and ITV not even showing it.”
      And a second wrote: “Why is ITV so behind, BBC isn’t showing the closing ceremony how odd.”
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      A third blasted: “BBC talking over the closing ceremony. ITV not even showing it. Bit disrespectful.”
      Another fumed: “@GabbyLogan @AlexScott so ignorant. The closing ceremony is on and you both continue to talk over it.
      “@BBCSport why would you leave the closing ceremony and go to the zoo. The ceremony is what we would be watching if it was a men’s World Cup or olympics.”
      The closing ceremony was available to watch in full on BBC iPlayer.
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      But on BBC One, they decided to talk over it, instead continuing their pre-match build-up.
      Coverage of the tournament has generally been well received in the UK.
      Most fans have loved Alex Scott’s punditry on the BBC.
      While ITV’s Laura Woods is one of the most popular presenters in the country.
      England’s hearts were broken however as they lost the final 1-0.
      Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute.
      Sadly England couldn’t fight back despite Mary Earps’ dramatic penalty save in the second half.

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      Fans in the stadium were able to enjoy live musicCredit: AFP More

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      Alex Scott rocks bold outfit for Women’s World Cup final as fans praise ‘brilliant’ host and make BBC vs ITV decision

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      ALEX SCOTT has delighted fans with her World Cup coverage this summer – and she’s not left them disappointed for the final.The BBC presenter has lit up screens with her charisma and analysis.
      Alex Scott was part of the BBC’s World Cup final coverage
      Scott was alongside Ellen White, Fara Williams and Gabby Logan
      The 38-year-old produced a package about the history of women’s football
      Former Lioness Scott appeared as a pundit alongside ex-England team-mates Ellen White and Fara Williams, with Gabby Logan on hosting duties for the final.
      And England legend Scott rocked a pink and grey blazer for the big one.

      With Laura Woods presenting ITV’s coverage, and former Lionesses Eni Aluko and Karen Carney on pundit duties, fans had a tricky decision to make over which coverage to tune in to.
      But for many, Scott was the deciding factor.
      READ MORE ALEX SCOTT
      One tweeted in reference to Ian Wright apearing as a pundit on ITV: “With some legends Ian but the girls on bbc just edge it this morning @AlexScott @fara_williams47 @GabbyLogan.”
      While a second wrote: “I can’t claim to be hugely interested in the football, but the BBC coverage has made me feel a swell of pride within about 5 minutes.
      “Gabby Logan and Alex Scott are so brilliant at the big occasions.”
      A third gushed: “fara was correct about alex scott’s outfitttt.”
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      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      And a fourth commented: “alex scott i’m in actual tears i love you.”
      Another added: “The way Alex Scott talks about women’s football is always so impactful, great person to give a platform to.”
      Scott, 38, produced a package on the 50-year history of the women’s game in England.
      Commenting on the piece, one fan tweeted: “Love listening to Alex Scott talk about the women and girls game.
      “The emotion, honesty and passion for the game is there for all to see.”
      Another added: “That Alex Scott package on the 50-year ban on women’s football in England has taken me over the edge a bit, here.”
      Scott has been a star for the BBC during the World CupCredit: BBC
      Fans have loved her charisma, passion… and outfitsCredit: BBC More

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      Who are commentators on the Women’s World Cup final on BBC and ITV?

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      ENGLAND will take on Spain in the Women’s World Cup final later today in Sydney.The Lionesses are eyeing a historic win in Australia and have the support of the entire nation.
      Alessia Russo scored England’s third in the Lionesses’ 3-1 win against Australia in the semi-finalCredit: GETTY

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      England booked their place in the final with a win over co-hosts Australia in their own backyard.
      Sarina Weigman’s side are hoping for a repeat of Euro 2022 with the Lionesses coming home with the biggest prize in football.
      But whose voices can you hear during the final?
      Who are the BBC and ITV commentators for the Women’s World Cup final?
      The BBC commentators for the Women’s World Cup will be the team of Robyn Cowen, Jonathan Pearce, Vicki Sparks, Conor McNamara and Steven Wyeth.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Gabby Logan will be on presenting duties with Alex Scott amongst the team of pundits.
      For ITV, commentary will come from Seb Hutchinson, Sam Matterface, Pien Meulensteen and Tom Gayle.
      Laura Woods will be the lead presenter alongside Seema Jaswal and Michelle Owen.
      Jill Scott, Ian Wright, Karen Carney, Eni Aluko and Emma Hayes are amongst the team of pundits for ITV.
      Most read in Football
      How can I watch the Women’s World Cup final?
      The Women’s World Cup final will be broadcast LIVE on both ITV 1 and BBC One.
      ITV 1 will begin their coverage at 9:25am BST on Sunday morning (August 20) and BBC One’s show will start at 9:45am BST.
      The Women’s World Cup final will be available to watch for FREE via the ITVX app/website and the BBC iPlayer app/website, providing you have a valid TV license.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action from Sydney by following SunSport’s live blog. More

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      Laura Woods leaves fans stunned with bold outfit for ITV coverage of Women’s World Cup final as they call her ‘gorgeous’

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      LAURA WOODS’ outfit for England’s World Cup final against Spain has left fans stunned with her followers on Twitter labelling her “gorgeous”.Woods has been a regular on fans’ screens throughout the tournament as ITV’s lead presenter.
      Laura Woods leads today’s coverage alongside Eni Aluko and Karen CarneyCredit: ITV
      England’s women have the chance to win their first World Cup since 1966Credit: ITV
      Woods opted for an all pink outfitCredit: Twitter @laura_woodsy
      And she made sure to mark the occasion of England’s first World Cup final since 1966 with a bold all pink outfit.
      She opted to pair a pink blouse with a matching skirt for her coverage of the game this morning.
      After posting her outfit on Twitter, fans were quick to shower the presenter with compliments.
      One fan wrote: “Was just thinking which channel to choose, not anymore.”
      READ MORE LAURA WOODS
      Another wrote: “Looking good Laura.”
      A third added: “Looking gorgeous Laura.”
      A fourth was optimistic ahead of the final, and wrote: “Woodsy you are going to witness a World Cup Final win that will go down in history for England what a day this is going to be.”
      England’s hearts were broken however as they lost the final 1-0.
      Most read in Football
      Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute.
      Sadly England couldn’t fight back despite Mary Earps’ dramatic penalty save in the second half.

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final More

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      Harry Redknapp: I expect Serena Wiegman to follow Alf Ramsey in 1966 as England boss faces huge selection call

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      ALF RAMSEY made the biggest call of his life and it won him the World Cup — how we’re praying the same happens to Sarina Wiegman today.England’s Lionesses are one game away from following in the footsteps of those 1966 heroes.
      Sarina Wiegman faces a team selection headache for the World Cup finalCredit: Getty
      Lauren James is available for selection again after serving a suspensionCredit: Getty
      And, just like 57 years ago, the manager faces a massive decision.
      Back then, Alf — he wasn’t a Sir at that stage — had to choose whether to recall Jimmy Greaves or go with Geoff Hurst in the final against West Germany.
      This morning in Sydney, Sarina has a similar problem . . . does Lauren James go straight back into the side following her two-match suspension or should she stick with Ella Toone?
      It is the sort of head-scratcher any manager would love to have — picking a team to play in the World Cup final. Ultimately, only one thing decides if you’ve got it right and that is whether you’re dancing around on a lap of honour or slumped in the dressing room.
      Read more Lionesses news
      There are loads who think Lauren should face Spain, following her sensational performances before her red card against Nigeria.

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      Personally, I would go with the same side that beat Australia 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final — and that means Ella, who hit an absolute screamer for the Lionesses’ opener, gets the nod.
      Most people would probably disagree but I don’t see any reason to change a winning team.
      It’s about getting the job done one more time and that line-up gives us the best chance.
      Most read in Football
      In 1966, the general feeling was that Jimmy would be back for the final. I certainly thought so and I played with Geoff at West Ham.
      Greavesie was the greatest goalscorer in the world, there wasn’t a player to touch him.
      It looked the obvious call for Alf to make.
      Geoff had only made his England debut that February, didn’t play in the group games and probably wouldn’t have come in at all if Jimmy hadn’t been injured against France.
      But then he scored the  winner against Argentina in the quarter-finals and set up the winner for Bobby Charlton in the semi with Portugal.
      That was enough for Alf.
      Geoff got the thumbs-up — and we all know what  happened next. It couldn’t have gone better for him or the manager . . . or the whole country.
      What a day that was. Even now, I remember walking into West Ham’s dressing room for pre-season training and seeing Geoff, Martin Peters and, of course, Bobby Moore.
      I’d only really broken into the first team the year before and now I was playing alongside three World Cup winners.
      No wonder I couldn’t win a regular place!
      Ella Toone celebrates scoring against AustraliaCredit: Alamy
      But enough of all our yesterdays. This is all about the here and now — and England’s chance to be World Cup winners again.
      And I honestly think that, just like Alf did, Sarina will go with the same team — and have the same outcome.
      The one big difference, though, is when Alf stuck  with Geoff, that was it for Greavesie.
      There were no subs back then. Not being picked meant not getting on the pitch, end of.
      At least now Sarina has the safety net of being able to make a change if things aren’t going well.
      And what an ace Lauren is to have up your sleeve.
      If the Lionesses are in trouble, Sarina can turn to her for the last half hour, get her running against tired legs in the last few minutes, inject energy into extra-time or whatever.
      It does give England the chance to throw on a real impact player — although, touch wood, any subs will be coming on to see out the game, rather than save it.
      In Mary Earps, England have got a shotstopper they can depend onCredit: Getty
      Harry Redknapp expects England’s Lionesses to be celebrating at the final whistle on SundayCredit: Getty
      Of course, it won’t be that easy, though. The bookies can’t really split the teams and the Spanish side is packed with talent.
      Ballon d’Or-winner Alexia Putellas, 19-year-old Salma Paralluelo and arguably the world’s best right-back in Ona Batlle . . . they’re certainly not short of star quality.
      But England have plenty of their own and if a great keeper is the basis for any great team, then the Lionesses have the best in Mary Earps.
      Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo give us the top striking partnership and Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh are the female equivalent of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield.
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      Millie Bright is an absolute rock in defence and alongside her Alex Greenwood would walk into any team for any country.
      Read More on The Sun
      It might take extra-time, maybe even penalties but just like the Boys of ’66, the Girls of ’23 are a special, special side.
      And I really believe I’ll be raising a glass of wine to England’s World Cup winners when I sit down for my  Sunday dinner. More

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      I endured the worst sexism when I started out in football, I’m so proud of our Lionesses and how far we’ve come

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      WIN or lose in today’s World Cup final, we should all  say thank you to our heroic Lionesses for giving us reason to be so hopeful, happy and proud this summer.What a massive achievement to go all the way and put England’s women’s football on the global map in the process.
      Whatever happens in the World Cup final, Sarina Wiegman and the England Lionesses are heroesCredit: Getty
      A peak audience of 7.3million tuned in to see England beat Australia on Wednesday, the BBC revealed, even though the time difference meant an 11am kick-off.
      And their thrilling performance was worth the watch.
      The Lionesses are an exceptionally talented bunch and they play brilliantly to each other’s strengths.
      But it’s not just about skills and teamwork. Female footballers who have come as far as these girls must be particularly determined and tenacious.
      READ MORE KARREN BRADY
      And in the excellent Sarina Wiegman they have a coach worthy of their talents.
      Despite playing for the Dutch national champions and representing her country, for most of her own football career she had to work as a PE teacher to supplement her income.
      No seamless lucrative hop from multimillion-pound player’s contract to multimillion- pound manager’s deal for Sarina.
      She had to graft to make her way as a manager. But along the way, she became a gifted and in- spirational leader.
      Most read in Football
      Within three years of gaining her full coaching licence, she led the Dutch women’s team to victory at the 2017 Euros and the final of the 2019 World Cup. Sound familiar?
      Last year, she took the Lionesses to victory at the European Women’s Championship and now our women’s team is in its first World Cup final.
      No wonder the FA are considering her as a potential successor to Gareth Southgate for the men’s national team.But for all her success, she is in a minority.
      Spain, who England will play today, have a male manager, as do many other women’s teams.
      Just 12 out of the 32 squads in this year’s World Cup are headed by female coaches, despite clear evidence that women leading women in sport adds up to success.
      And you have to ask — why are there so many blokes in charge, given that no women manage men’s teams?
      I was the first woman to hold a top-flight role in English football at Birmingham City, after joining the club as managing director aged 23.
      When I started out, I was subjected to the most overt sexist chauvinism.
      A chairman of a fellow football club claimed that I would do a “Sharon Stone” in a football tribunal to get out of a Football Association fine.
      I was banned from boardrooms — which had a “no women allowed” policy — and was once chanted at by 30,000 football fans with words too rude to print in a family newspaper.
      It was a slog and, at times, depressing. I always say that the boardroom door was the first door I kicked down, and I have held that door open as long and as wide as possible to get as many other women as possible through it over the past 30 years.
      So, whatever happens today, I’m proud of how far we have come.
      Women’s football in England has come a long way and a World Cup win would take it to the next levelCredit: PA
      A nation is gripped. And proud. And excited. We are in the finals and bossing it!
      As a result, people are taking women’s football more seriously than they ever have. For which I give a giant hurrah.
      These women deserve to be celebrated, and I back The Sun on Sunday’s calls to give out gongs to the Lionesses.
      But there is still some major catching up to do when it comes to parity with men’s football.
      First, there’s the economics of it. Forget making a profit, or even breaking even.
      Every Women’s Super League club loses money.
      The interest in the game is there on a national level, which is obviously wonderful.
      FIERCE AND FABULOUS
      But it does not yet filter down to domestic leagues.
      So, the truth is that the men’s teams are funding the women’s game.
      Domestic leagues can’t even think about equal pay at this stage as the broadcast, sponsorship and gate revenue of the WSL doesn’t add up to a hill of beans. But this is expected to change.
      The latest figures from 2022 show that the 12 WSL clubs boosted their revenue by 60 per cent in one year — and that’s before the inevitable World Cup effect.
      Nike have not made Mary Earps’ England goalkeeper replica jersey available to fansCredit: AP
      So it’s a shame that sponsors Nike have yet to notice this team is breaking the mould, and they need to address that.
      How ridiculous that fans can’t buy a replica of Mary Earps’ goalkeeper’s shirt because the sportswear giant doesn’t think it’s worth manufacturing one.
      Then there’s the massive disparity in prize money.
      This summer is the ninth Women’s World Cup and each member of the winning team will get £213,000 from a total tournament purse of £88.5million.
      Meanwhile, the men’s purse has grown to £345million.
      In my view, it’s time for FIFA to take the lead. The women’s World Cup earns almost £1billion.
      They rake in SO much money from all these ever-expanding tournaments and yet, from their accounts, which I have studied, it’s hard to work out what they do with it all.
      It would be great if they made it their business to redress the balance by paying female footballers more money from their gate and broadcasting revenue.
      This is something domestic leagues can’t do because their revenue just can’t support it.
      After all, if FIFA can afford to pay their President Gianni Infantino more than £3million a year, surely they can afford to equal the women and men’s prize money?
      Unfortunately, as fierce and fabulous as the Lionesses are, when it comes to women’s football there is still too much uncomfortable mirroring with the world of regular work, where men run the show, get paid more and are taken more seriously than women.
      But the success of Sarina and her team is a great reminder that if you want something done right, get a woman to do it.
      After all, football could be coming home today.
      Read More on The Sun
      If it does, it’s the women’s team who will be carrying it.
      Come on England!
      Attitudes towards women in football used to be archaic, says KarrenCredit: Caters News Agency More

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      England vs Spain LIVE – Women’s World Cup final: Latest updates from Sydney as Lionesses chase history

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      ENGLAND are gearing up to face Spain in their blockbuster Women’s World Cup final in Sydney.Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses are on the cusp of history, but must first face a Spain side who have been in stunning form despite off-field disarray.
      All is now set for what will be an epic final Down Under for the biggest prize.

      Kick-off: 11am BST
      TV channel: BBC 1 and ITV 1
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer and ITV X
      England XI: Team to follow…
      Spain XI: Team to follow…

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Where can I buy an England Women’s shirt?
      If you want to show your support for England’s women’s national team at the final of the World Cup, it is possible to buy a shirt.
      Lioness shirts can be bought through on the official England website and through the Nike website.
      The kits are also available through Foudys, which describes itself as “the first and only official store in the world dedicated to women’s football.”
      Shirts are priced at £79.95 each, though the England store has strips that are personalised with the names of the players which cost a little more, at £94.95.
      Credit: GETTY
      PM Bank Holiday pressure
      Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has since been placed under mounting pressure to give the people what they want.
      However, the Government have not announced any plans to grant an additional day off for the public.
      A Government spokesperson said: “The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established and there are no plans to change this.”
      Extra bank holidays have been granted by previous governments to mark special occasions, such as the Millennium, special events and royal weddings.
      Australia’s Prime Minister had backed calls for a public holiday if the Matildas won the trophy.
      Credit: PA
      Sarina Wiegman on Bank Holiday
      England’s women’s coach Sarina Wiegman is also backing calls for a bank holiday should the team secure the win.
      Speaking before the semi-final against Australia, Wiegman said: “Yes, I can see all the English here want it! I’m focusing on football and the game tomorrow.
      “Let’s do everything to win the game tomorrow.”
      Will there be a bank holiday if England win the Women’s World Cup?
      Football fans in the UK are excited as the England Lionesses have progressed to the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
      After a nail-biting semi-final against hosts Australia, the Lionesses came away the victors with a 3-1 win.
      England took on Australia at Sydney’s Stadium Australia which was sold out.
      This is the first time that the England Ladies will have played in a World Cup final.
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo helped to seal the Lioness’s place in the World Cup final.
      In a similar reaction, the public is calling for the government to give a bank holiday should the ladies bring home the trophy.
      More on Sarina Wiegman
      As an international player she gained 104 caps for the Netherlands but her most high-profile job has been her manager role with England.
      The Lionesses beat Spain in the quarter-finals at Euro 2022 before dismantling Sweden in the semi-finals.
      Wiegman then went on to clinch her second Women’s Euros title with two different nations when England beat Germany 2-1.
      Who is England manager Sarina Wiegman?
      Wiegman was born on October 26, 1969, in the Hague.
      She began playing football when she was a kid and went on to have a long career in the sport.
      Her playing career began at KFC 71 in 1987.
      Wiegman also played alongside football legends Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly while at the North Carolina Tar Heel’s soccer team at the University of North Carolina.
      Who is Spain manager Jorge Vilda Rodriguez?
      Jorge Vilda Rodriguez is a Spanish football coach and manager.
      He was born on July 7, 1981, in Madrid and has been head coach of Spain’s women’s national football team since 2015.
      Vilda was once a football player himself, having been a part of Real Madrid, Rayo Vallecano and FC Barcelona’s youth teams.
      But after two major knee injuries at the age of 17, he moved into coaching instead.
      Much of Vilda’s coaching career has seen him involved with Spain’s women’s youth squads.
      He took on the role of assistant coach at WU17 and WU19 level before becoming the head coach for Spain’s WU17s in 2009, a position he held for five years.
      Vilda is married to his wife María, who he reportedly shares two children with.
      Can Lauren James play for England in the Women’s World Cup final?
      England’s player of the tournament so far, Lauren James was sent off deep into the second half of standard time in the Lionesses’ last-16 clash with Nigeria.
      James got into a scuffle on the floor 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 in the World Cup final against Spain.
      “Lauren is really sorry for her actions which led to the red card and is full of remorse,” an England statement read.
      “It is wholly out of character for her. We will be supporting Lauren throughout and will be putting forward representation on her behalf. We fully respect FIFA disciplinary process and will not be making any further comment until after any decision.”
      Credit: GETTY
      Spain’s route to final
      Spain 3-0 Costa Rica (Group stage)
      Spain 5-0 Zambia (Group stage)
      Japan 4-0 Spain (Group stage)
      Switzerland 1-5 Spain (Last-16)
      Spain 2-1 Netherlands (Quarter-final)
      Spain 2-1 Sweden (Semi-final)
      England’s route to the final
      England 1-0 Haiti (Group stage)
      England 1-0 Denmark (Group stage)
      China 1-6 England (Group stage)
      England 0-0 Nigeria (Last-16)
      England 2-1 Colombia (Quarter-final)
      Australia 1-3 England (Semi-final)
      Credit: Alamy
      Women’s World Cup 2023 top scorers

      Hinata Miyazawa – Japan – 5
      Kadidiatou Diani – France – 4
      Alexander Popp – Germany – 4
      Jill Roord – Netherlands – 4
      Amanda Ilestedt – Sweden – 4
      Lauren James – England – 3
      Aitana Bonmati – Spain – 3
      Alba Redondo – Spain – 3
      Ary Borges – Brazil – 3
      Rebecka Blomqvist – Sweden – 3
      Jenni Hermoso – Spain – 3
      Eugenie Le Sommer – France – 3
      Sophie Haug – Norway – 3
      Hayley Raso – Australia – 3

      Credit: Getty
      SunSport’s prediction
      England have already beaten Spain once, and we expect them to do the same again on Sunday.
      The Lionesses have continued to prove that they are more than capable of winning when it really matters.
      And there is no bigger game than a World Cup final.
      Prediction: England 2-1 Spain
      Who will be England’s star player?
      Lauren Hemp was by far England’s stand-out player in the semi-finals.
      The forward has grown in confidence throughout the tournament and is now firmly in the race for the Golden Boot.
      Credit: Rex
      Jorge Vilda’s pre-match thoughts
      Vilda insists that Spain have grown in strength throughout the tournament.
      He said: “At the end of the day it has been a learning process, and I think it has made all of us stronger.
      “Now we can file it (any off-pitch issues) away and put it behind us and think about the future, and think that we deserve to be where we are.”
      Credit: REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
      How could the Lionesses line up?
      Sarina Wiegman faces the dilemma of whether to change her semi-final winning team to include World Cup star Lauren James.
      James has missed the last two games due to suspension after being shown a red card for stamping on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie in the Lionesses’ last-16 clash.
      Here is how we think England will line-up:

      Final team news
      Sarina Wiegman will have a full 23-woman squad to pick from on Sunday.
      Lauren James is set to return to the fold following her two-game suspension, but it remains to be seen whether or not she will slot straight back into the starting line-up.
      The England boss will likely stick with Ella Toone in midfield following her excellent performance against Australia.
      Spain manager Jorge Vilda also has a full squad to pick from.
      Star players Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati are both expected to start.
      Credit: Getty
      Lionesses chasing history
      Good evening and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of the Women’s World Cup final!
      England’s Lionesses booked their spot on the bill with a thrilling 3-1 win over Australia this week.
      But now Sarina Wiegman has her eyes firmly set on the prize.
      This will be England’s first-ever Women’s World Cup final, but the Lionesses are approaching the game with confidence.
      They are set to face Spain – one of the teams they beat on their way to Euro 2022 glory last summer.
      England earned a 2-1 win over La Roja under the lights at the Amex Stadium, but it was a nail-biting affair.
      And with the biggest trophy in women’s football at stake, Sunday’s final is set to be just as tense.
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