Women’s World Cup 2023

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      England’s Women’s World Cup final set to smash UK TV viewing records as Lionesses prepare to make history vs Spain

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      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.
      The Lionesses are ramping up their training ahead of tomorrow’s finalCredit: Getty
      And Lauren James is available to feature again after suspensionCredit: Reuters
      Wiegman will look to continue her perfect record at major tournament’s tomorrowCredit: Getty
      Lucy Bronze has put on another fine display throughout this month’s tournamentCredit: Reuters
      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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      The England players applied sun cream to ward off the Aussie sun as the entered their final preparations for tomorrow’s finalCredit: Reuters
      Wiegman mixed up training as some of the players threw medicine balls to eachotherCredit: Getty
      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.” More

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      ‘To think I will be playing in a World Cup final is a pinch-me moment’, says England ace Alessia Russo

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      ALESSIA RUSSO used to dream of scoring in a World Cup final during lively kickabouts in her hometown in Kent. The future England star, 24. would run around in a garden with her mates in East Farleigh in Maidstone imagining herself in action at the tournament. 
      Alessia Russo is set to play in her first World Cup final when England take on Spain at the Stadium Australia in SydneyCredit: Reuters
      The England striker hopes to add her tally of three goals with the team hoping to make history with a first World Cup win on SundayCredit: Getty
      Russo hailed head coach Sarina Wiegman for setting high standards for her sideCredit: PA
      Tomorrow the striker will attempt to make her childhood dream come true when the Lionesses battle Spain for a chance to lift the trophy. 
      A match that Russo describes as “a pinch me moment” with England aiming to win the sport’s biggest prize for the first time. 
      The Lionesses striker, who has two older brothers Luca and Giorgio, said: “When I was a kid we used to play World Cup in the garden and we had to score to stay in.
      “I have such fond memories with the local kids and also my brothers and my youth teams.
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      “It looked like having fun and playing freely.
      “As a kid, growing up to think I would be playing in a World Cup final is a special feeling. A real pinch-me moment.”
      Russo’s last goal at this year’s tournament cemented England’s place in the final.
      The Lioness, who joined Arsenal as a free agent this summer, is in the running for the tournament’s Golden Boot along with pals Lauren Hemp and Lauren James. 
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      The trio have so far notched up three goals each.
      On whether she has a fancy celebration planned should she score in Sydney tomorrow, Russo added: “As far as celebrations go, you can see that mine aren’t planned or anything special 
      “But it’s just what happens in the moment. It’s normally a loud scream and hug whoever is near me.
      “Right now all I want to do is go out, put on a performance to be proud of and obviously to win. 
      “We started this tournament wanting to win seven games and this is the message.
      “This is the last one to go and we’re really locked in. 
      “You have the wise heads in Mary (Earps), Millie (Bright) and Lucy (Bronze) which is great because they’ve experienced a lot.
      “For players, obviously we’re all aware it’s a World Cup final and there’s that on the line.
      “But as soon as you cross the line it’s just a normal game. It’s what we love to do. 
      “It’s 11 v 11 and we have to win. As soon as we step out on the pitch, we know our job and what we need to do.
      “We’re aware it’s a World Cup final but we’ll just play our game.”
      Tomorrow’s match will see Lauren James available for selection following her two-game ban after her sending-off during England’s last-16 defeat of Nigeria. 
      And Russo, who began her senior playing career at Chelsea in 2015, believes the return of the Blues foward is a huge boost for the Euros champs. 
      The 28-capped Lioness said: “I’ve known Lauren since I was 12 at Chelsea. 
      “She’s a special, talented player. We want everyone fit and available is great. 
      “Tooney (Ella Toone) has stepped up as well so we have so many players who can come on and do a job. 
      “But to have a player as special as LJ back in the squad for the final is great. Everyone knows how impressive she’s been in this tournament.”
      Russo sees Lauren James as a “special talent” and this year’s final could the forward back in action for England following her two-match banCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses will be vying to triumph in their second major tournament final under Sarina Wiegman.
      And their boss will be guiding a team in a World Cup final for the second time in her managerial career. 
      England fans in Australia and at home will hope to see the Dutch coach steer her battle-hardened squad to back-to-back tournament wins. 
      For Russo, the Lioness chief has created a national set-up that is ultra competitive but also fun. 
      The England ace said: “Sarina is a winner. She sets the standards so high in training and she leads with real class. 
      “She’s honest and upfront and, as a player, I respect that. It’s nice to have honest conversations with the leader of your team.
      Russo and Lauren Hemp have been in fine form for the Lionesses bagging three goals each at the World CupCredit: Getty
      “It’s great for us because it’s so competitive and everyone is focused on one goal 
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      “But away from the pitch she lets us enjoy our time, relax and switch off which is important.
      She makes camp a really fun place to be.” More

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      Fortune teller predicts if Lionesses will win the World Cup using asparagus

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      A FORTUNE teller who used asparagus to predict the Lionesses will win the World Cup says Sunday’s final will be decided on penalties.Jemima Packington — the world’s only asparamancer — claims she can peer into the future by tossing spears in the air and reading the shapes they make when they land.
      Asparamancer Jemima is certain that the Lionesses will come out as winners on SundayCredit: SWNS
      She correctly predicted Brexit, Queen Elizabeth’s death and Harry and Meghan quitting the Royal Family.
      She forecast England’s glory at the end of last year.
      Jemima, 66, of Bath, said: “The asparagus told me we’re in for a tense final and the game will go to penalties.
      “But the Lionesses will come out as winners. I am sure of that.
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      “The asparagus could not reveal the score in normal time.
      “But I know it’s going to be an extremely exciting final.
      “We are in for a treat and I am confident of the girls bringing the trophy home.
      “I will be glued to the TV myself. I have been watching every game and they have done the nation proud.
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      “They are inspiring the next generation. It’s wonderful to see so many children into it too.
      “It really put women’s sport firmly on the map.” More

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      They’re straightforward, lack vanity, refuse to be sex objects & are effortlessly patriotic – why we love the Lionesses

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      WATCHING the Lionesses celebrating winning their place in the World Cup Final on Wednesday, I felt a sensation unfamiliar to me.It was like my nose was running — but a bit higher up and bringing with it a feeling of happiness not generally associated with a summer cold.
      The Lionesses refuse to be sex objects and are effortlessly patrioticCredit: Getty
      Could the young Lionesses make the old Wags look any less relevant?Credit: Getty
      I was crying! I never cry. I only ever saw my dad cry once — when Prince, our Alsatian, died.
      Why do the Lionesses make me cry?
      Their confidence, not built on the quicksand of vanity.
      Their refusal to be sex objects and/or victims at a time when the objectification and mental health of young women is at an all-time low.

      Their effortless patriotism when we’ve been told for such a long time that it’s the dirtiest of words.
      Their talent and teamwork at a time when the narcissistic and lonely life of the social influencer is held up as the surest way for ambitious girls to find fame.
      Could the young Lionesses make the old Wags look any less relevant?
      Having dreams, ambitions and passions that money can’t buy — and the self-respect that only paying your own way in life can bring — seems far more enviable than being the kept woman of a man who has to take off his boots in order to count up to 20.
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      If the Lionesses make Wags look bad, they make the male England players look worse.
      These alleged LGBTQ allies — led by “gay icon” David Beckham — were last seen wafting off to Qatar to give good PR to a country where migrant workers are treated like chattels, women are treated like children and homosexuals are treated like criminals.
      The Lionesses draw in multitudes turned off by the ugliness of the male game, with its inordinate share of spouse beaters, cat kickers and sexual assaulters within its ranks.
      All that hype and money — and they haven’t been able to get into a World Cup final for more than half a century.
      Football touches us because, more than any other sport, we can see the child inside the adult — the lack of accoutrements needed means that the poorest kid can access it.
      When a player scores, they react with the joy of a child, as do their friends to their fleeting triumph.
      It’s hard to see the exuberant kid in the over-paid and self-pitying male footballers — but very easy to see it in the Lionesses with their ponytails and bare-faced beauty.
      Their names — Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Mary Earps — carry echoes of our Dickensian heritage while also sounding like super-heroines from the future.
      They already sound like names on statues, even though they’re so young.
      When the Lionesses speak, they conjure up a sense of community which the money-mad and globalist male game has lost.
      And by community, I don’t just mean the country whose shirts they wear.
      I mean a wider female community stretching back into the past — the “Lost Lionesses” of the 1971 Women’s World Cup — and reaching into the future.
      Last year, when the Lionesses won the Uefa European Championship, I heard pre-teen girls yelling the players’ names, like war-cries while kicking a ball around on the public lawns at the end of my street.
      This year I heard a little girl adorably singing “Three Lions wearing skirts” in the local Pizza Express.
      This goes beyond football — it goes to the very heart of confidence for the next generation of teenage girls.
      I wonder how many “tomboys” will be stopped from taking the sad journey to the surgeon’s scalpel now that the Lionesses have shown us such a bold new way of being feminine?
      So I don’t really mind crying at long last, but I hope it stays limited to sport.
      I don’t want to start imitating a fire hydrant every time I see an injured dog on Instagram or spontaneously sobbing during ghastly “girly chats”.
      But, at 64, I finally understand why we get emotional when our team (and the Lionesses really are the first time I’ve thought of any team as being “mine”) wins — or loses, because either way, I can see myself snivelling lots tomorrow.
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      Not just because of what they represent for women’s football — but for women.
      As the Terminator almost said: “Men — I know now why you cry.” More

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      Foreign Secretary James Cleverly scrambled to attend Women’s World Cup final after Rishi Sunak slammed for not going

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      FOREIGN Secretary James Cleverly has been scrambled to attend the final after criticism Rishi Sunak was not going.The minister will fly to Sydney to watch England take on Spain tomorrow.
      James Cleverly will attend the Women’s World Cup Final tomorrowCredit: PA
      The PM, who has decked out Downing Street in England flags, has resisted calls to go.
      Health minister Neil O’Brien said Mr Sunak would “love to be there” but had diary clashes.
      He added: “Some of those things he can’t always move.”
      FA president Prince William has also faced flak for not attending.
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      He is believed to have decided to keep down his carbon footprint.
      Meanwhile, Queen Letizia of Spain is heading there with her 16-year-old daughter.
      LBC broadcaster Nick Ferrari said yesterday: “If it were the blokes, you’d have everybody there.” More

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      Karren Brady: If anyone still says women’s football is a second rate version of men’s they should think again – and hard

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      ENGLAND’S appearance in the Women’s World Cup final places it among our great international sporting triumphs.Win it against Spain on Sunday and the MBEs are practically guaranteed — and perhaps more.
      England’s women’s team is set for the World Cup Final against SpainCredit: Rex
      Boss Sarina Wiegman has worked wonders with the LionessesCredit: Alamy
      The fact we haven’t had such a triumph since Sir Alf Ramsey roamed the planet makes it a certainty that Lionesses coach Sarina Wiegman will become the Netherlands’ most famous expat since Vincent van Gogh.
      And anyone who asks who VVG played for should bite their own ear off.
      Wiegman earns £400,000 a year which is less than a few elite male footballers receive for a week.
      England’ men’s manager Gareth Southgate is on £5million annually.
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      Tosh to the cash.
      Already European champions, our women players have proved themselves major athletes, enjoying their football and their success.
      Every woman in the England party has earned her fame.
      The Women’s Super League has already improved and professionalised the game here beyond the wildest dreams of 13 years ago, when it was founded.
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      No one should underestimate women’s football, insists Karren BradyCredit: Getty
      Average attendance last season had doubled from 2021-2022, reaching well over 5,000 a match — about 500 fewer than League Two and nearly 2,000 more than the National League.
      But women’s football is becoming so hot that numbers should increase greatly this season and a few WSL clubs might even get close to breaking even.
      That should bring smiles of relief to accountants because financing before the expected boom is costly, in the case of West Ham more than £1m of losses a year for our WSL team.
      Players are bound to be paid more, too.
      At present, Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, scorer of Australia’s only goal against England last Wednesday showed why, in a touch and 25-yard strike, at about £470,000-a-year is the highest paid player in the woman’s game. She may shortly be overtaken.
      Manchester City’s 5ft 4in Lauren Hemp, renowned for her impish humour, is paid about half the Kerr sum but in Australia she displayed touches at pace that are going to be worth a good deal more. Other English stars will also be boosting their bank accounts.
      No doubt the commercial world is prepared for a selling bonanza in boots and strips and, just as obviously in scarves, hats, tracksuits, trainers, and maybe even tattoos.Karren Brady on the Lionesses’ success
      While Saudi Arabia is hardly likely to start a women’s professional league, there are any number of countries with excellent leagues, the US, Canada, France and Germany among them, soon to be joined by Australia.
      Lucy Bronze, Georgia Stanway, Kiera Walsh and Rachel Daly are among the England contingent playing overseas where the rewards are at least as high as at home. And their value is soaring, too.
      No doubt the commercial world is prepared for a selling bonanza in boots and strips and, just as obviously in scarves, hats, tracksuits, trainers, and maybe even tattoos.
      There will also be plenty of payments for endorsements, TV and public appearances. And in a reverse wash from all of this positivity, agents will thrive.
      This rebooted game is an attractive prospect for any talented female player, so much so that should any newcomer think women’s football is a second rate version of the men’s game they should think again. And think hard.
      It’s football, plain and simple.
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      It’s also noteworthy that woman footballers don’t hide their sexual orientation as the men so guardedly do, setting a far better example that it’s OK to be who you are, and love who you want and feel safe and confident in being who they are.
      Yes, Viva the Lionesses and viva the woman’s game. More

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      England’s Lionesses set to become millionaires if they win World Cup on Sunday – here’s how

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      ENGLAND’S Lionesses are set to be millionaires if they become World Cup champions.Branding experts believe that health, beauty, well-being and sport firms will be queueing up to offer the players “seven-figure sponsorship contracts”.
      England’s Lionesses are set to be millionaires if they become World Cup champions tomorrowCredit: Getty
      Experts believe that players such as Ella Toone could score seven-figure sponsorship contractsCredit: Getty
      More than seven million UK viewers tuned in to watch Wednesday’s 3-1 semi-final victory over Australia — with that number expected to top 12 million for the final against Spain.
      As Brits plan their match-watch parties, supermarket Aldi expected to sell more than 250,000 cans of beer and one million packets of crisps this weekend — and 45 bottles of Prosecco every minute.
      Each of the squad will take home a £211,000 bonus if they win tomorrow.
      But that could be just the beginning.
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      Sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie said: “This is the most ­fantastic opportunity for the Lionesses and the FA.
      “Marketeers are always on the lookout for high-profile athletes and in particular female athletes to endorse their products.
      “Emma Raducanu has done extremely well with commercial contracts on the back of winning the US Open and there’s huge potential for many Lionesses to cash in on winning the World Cup.
      “Doing so would be such a unique achievement that the potential riches are even greater.
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      “Apart from their existing sponsors, which may well have additional success bonuses built in, several of the high-profile players could expect to be earning seven-figure endorsement and sponsorship contracts on the back of a World Cup success.
      He concluded: “The Lionesses have a great image, are extremely personable and all communicate very well which will make them even more attractive from a marketing point of view.”
      The Sun can reveal that defender Lucy Bronze has tucked away the most cash of all the England squad.
      The Barcelona star, 31, has already amassed £197,832 in her firm LRTB Limited after signing deals with Pepsi and Visa.
      Captain Millie Bright has put away £70,467 in her company called Bright 4 Futures Limited, according to latest accounts.
      Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mary Earps has saved £49,458 in her firm Mary Earps Ltd.
      Goalkeeper Mary Earps has saved £49,458 in her firm Mary Earps LtdCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses were seen returning to the pitch for their penultimate training session, ahead of the finalCredit: PA
      Alex Greenwood has saved £24,510 and Lauren James has put away £14,590.
      Yesterday the Lionesses were seen returning to the pitch for their penultimate training session, ahead of the final.
      Snaps showed the team in action at Central Coast Stadium, near Sydney, as they get ready for the biggest match of their careers.
      Videos shared on the Lionesses’ Instagram page also showed the players on fitness bikes.
      Speaking about how training was going, striker Chloe Kelly, 25, told the latest episode of Lionesses Down Under: “It’s been exciting.
      “We’ve got smiles on our faces and are enjoying ourselves.”
      Last night England’s Dutch boss Sarina Wiegman, 53, said she was feeling “confident” for the final.
      She told Sky News: “First of all, I’m very excited.
      “I have a lot of confidence in our team. I think we’re in a very good place, everyone’s fit.
      “We really want to leave with that World Cup.
      “What we are focusing on is how we want to play.
      “We are going to do anything to be at our best and then hopefully that gives us the success we want.”
      She also committed her future to the Lionesses, saying: “I want to stay with England.”
      In another example of final fever, Thorpe Park in Surrey is to give Sunday’s first 23 visitors “fast track” passes to jump to the front of roller-coaster queues.
      And the Armed Forces sent good luck to the squad ahead of the match.
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      A message from HMS Medway at the Falkland Islands said: “We wish the Lionesses the very best this weekend.
      “Good luck, girls, it’s coming home!”
      Snaps have shown the team in action at Central Coast Stadium, near Sydney, as they get ready for the biggest match of their careersCredit: Getty
      England’s Dutch boss Sarina Wiegman has said she was feeling ‘confident’ for the finalCredit: Getty More

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      Where can I buy England Women’s World Cup final shirt?

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      ENGLAND are ready to take on Spain in the final of the Women’s World Cup.The Lionesses, overseen by manager Sarina Wiegman, have made it all the way to the last stage of the FIFA tournament with the support of the country behind them.
      England’s Alessia Russo is part of the Lioness squad taking on Spain at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023Credit: Stephanie Meek – CameraSport via Getty Images
      Where can I buy an England Women’s World Cup final 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.
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      England’s first kit is made up of the traditional white top with navy blue shorts.
      The away kit, meanwhile, is light blue.
      Both the home and away shirts are available to purchase.
      England will be wearing their light blue kit with white socks as they take on Spain in the World Cup final.
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      This is due to the fact that their white kit features dark blue shorts which are too similar to Spain’s.
      What other merchandise can I buy for the World Cup final?
      Nike has a range of other products that fans can purchase to support the Lionesses.
      The website sells a football jacket for £79.95, a t-shirt for £27.95 and joggers for £49.95.
      Foudys, meanwhile, also has various products that England fans can buy and wear for the big final.
      Their range includes socks for £6.99, a pullover hoodie for £84.95 and a zip-up jacket for £89.95.
      When is the Women’s World Cup final?
      The final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will take place on Sunday August 20.
      The match, held at Stadium Australia in Sydney, will start at 11am UK time.
      The England vs Spain game will be broadcast live across the BBC, with coverage on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Online, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.
      On ITV, meanwhile, live coverage will be available on TV and online via ITVX. More