Women’s World Cup 2023

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans get big boost ahead of historic World Cup final in call for early opening hours for pubs

      by

      PUB bosses today called on Rishi Sunak to loosen Sunday licensing rules for the Women’s World Cup final.Hospitality chiefs want boozers to be permitted to sell alcohol before 10am, with the Lionesses set to take on Spain an hour later.
      Pub bosses today called on Rishi Sunak to loosen licensing rules for the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: Alamy
      Most pubs are banned from selling alcohol in the early morning.
      But hospitality chiefs want an exception this Sunday.
      Chris Jowsey, chief executive officer of Admiral Taverns, which runs more than 1,600 pubs, said: “We urge the Prime Minister to allow pubs to open at 10am on Sunday to support our Lionesses and bring communities together to cheer on the team.
      “It has been inspiring to watch not only their outstanding achievements on the pitch, but the way it has brought the nation together off the pitch.”
      READ MORE LIONESSES NEWS
      Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, added “Millions of people have been cheering on our amazing Lionesses throughout this tournament at their local pub.
      “Now, as England enter their first World Cup Final since 1966, we need the government to step in and allow the necessary regulatory easement to allow pubs to serve the public from 10am on final day.
      “Where there’s a will, there has to be a way.”
      Individual pubs can apply for a temporary licence to serve booze before 11am.
      But the process takes a minimum of five working days.
      So far there’s no plans from government to make sweeping changes the rules.
      MPs today joined calls from the hospitality industry.
      The Lib Dems demanded politicians return to Westminster from parliamentary recess so a new law can be passed to change alcohol restrictions on the day.
      Lib Dem Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper MP said: “This is an open goal for the government.
      “The Lionesses have made history by reaching the final, it’s only right that people across the country can come together and show their full support on Sunday.
      “MPs should get down to Westminster tomorrow and score a last minute winner for our pubs and the Lionesses.”
      Most read in The Sun
      Alun Cairns MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, said: “Early opening and serving would be a fitting tribute to the Lionesses and a welcome boost to the industry.
      “I have raised the issue with the Home Secretary directly who is looking in to see what is possible.” More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      BBC vs ITV pundits and hosts Laura Woods and Alex Scott compared as they go head-to-head for Women’s World Cup final

      by

      LIKE England and Spain, BBC and ITV will also being going head-to-on Sunday.Both channels are showing the Women’s World Cup final, as the Lionesses aim to follow up their Euros glory by winning the biggest showpiece in football.
      Presenter of the moment Laura Woods will be hosting ITV’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup final
      While BBC Sport have turned to seasoned pro Gabby Logan to present their World Cup coverage
      That means presenters Laura Woods and Gabby Logan will be competing for viewing figures.
      While pundits like Alex Scott and Karen Carney will be offering their differing opinions on the game.
      But, how do the hosts and pundits compare?
      Laura Woods – ITV
      The current jewel of TV sports presenting, Woods, 36, is now a staple for viewers of ITV Sport.
      Read more Lionesses news
      Her handling of the men’s World Cup last year in Qatar was championed and earlier this year she landed a new role as TNT’s Champions League host.
      Fans have loved Laura Woods’ work at the World Cup so farCredit: ITV
      While talkSPORT listeners will already know her expertise and love of Arsenal, from when she hosted her popular breakfast show.
      Woods has certainly stolen the style stakes during this tournament.
      Gabby Logan – BBC
      Logan, 50, is a seasoned pro of a sports presenter.
      Most read in Football
      The daughter of the late Wales manager Terry Yorath, she began working for BBC Sport in 2007 following stints at Sky Sports and ITV Sport.
      Logan is fronting the BBC’s coverageCredit: Getty
      She has always been a huge advocate for women’s football and signed off from last year’s Euros final with a rallying cry for media and viewers to get behind the women’s game.
      Off the screen, Logan is married to retired Scottish rugby player Kenny Logan, after they tied the knot in 2001.

      Alex Scott – BBC
      Former Arsenal star Scott has made TV presenting and punditry look a cinch.
      Since 2019, she has worked across both BBC Sport and Sky Sports.
      Alex Scott has won fans over with her punditry
      Scott appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019
      Scott, 38, has transcended football, appearing on The One Show and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
      Strictly Come Dancing producers also picked her as a contestant, where she came fifth on the 17th series of the show.
      Karen Carney – ITV
      36-year-old Carney played for Arsenal and is a Champions League winner.
      Her credentials earned from her playing days scored her jobs with Sky Sports and Amazon Prime from 2019.
      Karen Carney has scored multiple broadcast jobs in football
      Solihull-born Carney was a part of the first all female line-up analysing a men’s football game at the World Cup last year.
      The journalist also writes for a column for The Guardian.
      Seema Jaswal – BBC
      Seema, 38, started her career as a runner at Sky Sports, before scoring her first TV job in presenting as a roving reporter for CBBC Newsround.
      In 2015, she relocated to India and became the face of Indian football for Star Sports presenting the Indian Super League  and football show Lets Talk Football Star Sports.
      Seema Jaswal started as a runner for Sky Sports before scoring a job with BBC Sport
      But it’s since 2018 her career has really taken off.
      In recent years, she’s appeared on BT Sport’s Champions League coverage, BBC’s Football Focus and much more.
      Ellen White – BBC
      As England’s all-time record scorer, White, 34, knows all about representing the Lionesses.
      She was famously part of the team that lifted the Euros in 2022.
      BBC pundit Ellen White had to fight back tears after England reached the final
      However, she came agonisingly close to winning the World Cup in 2015, but had to settle for a third-placed finish.
      It’s no wonder she had to hold back tears as she delivered her verdict following England’s semi-final victory over Australia.
      Eni Aluko – ITV
      Aluko, 36, earned an impressive 102 caps for the Lionesses from 2004-2016.
      Incredibly, she was called up into the international set-up when she was just 14.
      Alongside her punditry, Aluko has held senior roles on the staff of Aston Villa and LA-based Angel City FC
      After retiring from football, Aluko took on a job as the director of women’s football at Aston Villa.
      A year later, she became the sporting director of Los Angeles-based Angel City FC before departing this year following a transition to a recruitment role.
      Steph Houghton – BBC
      Houghton suffered the misfortune of missing out on Sarina Wiegman’s World Cup squad.
      That was after her stellar displays for her country in the Euros.
      Steph Houghton missed out on England selection for the World Cup
      Currently, the 35-year-old is gearing up for another season with WSL side Manchester City.
      Houghton is married to former Bradford City defender Stephen Darby, who was forced to retire in 2018 after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
      Jill Scott – ITV
      Another famous Lioness of the Euros success, Scott’s aggression on the pitch scored her plenty of fans.
      She famously caused a stir when a foul-mouth tirade against a German player was caught on camera, which she was forced to apologise for.
      Lauren Hemp hugs Jill Scott during ITV’s World Cup coverage
      Scott, 36, has since retired and gone on to launch her own podcast, Jill Scott’s Coffee Club.
      Last year, she capped off an incredible 2022 by winning I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
      Fara Williams – BBC
      As England’s most capped player – representing her country a whopping 177 times – Williams is well versed in the Lionesses.
      She played for Everton, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Reading from 2004-2021.
      Fara Williams is England’s most capped player of all time
      She has had to battle hardship – and was homeless for seven years in the early part of her career living in hostels.
      Williams now finds herself offering punditry for both the men’s and women’s game.
      Emma Hayes – ITV
      Since 2012, Hayes, 46, has been the head coach of Chelsea.
      She has won an astonishing six WSL titles with the Blues during that period and is recognised as one of most successful coaches in the game.
      Read More on The Sun
      Last year she received an OBE for her services to women’s football.
      Hayes was forced to shut down reports linking her with the vacant Wimbledon post in 2021, calling it an insult to the women’s game.
      Emma Hayes is one of football’s most successful coaches More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Ireland star takes hilarious swipe at Australian rival after England win following Women’s World Cup spat

      by

      RUESHA LITTLEJOHN seems to have taken aim at Caitlin Foord in a hilarious online jibe following the pair’s previous spat. Ireland international Littlejohn appeared to joke about switching her allegiances to England after the Lionesses knocked hosts Australia out of the World Cup.
      Fans think that Ruesha Littlejohn (right) has taken aim at Caitlin Foord (left) with her latest tweetCredit: EPA
      The pair came to blows in the World Cup group stage after Littlejohn refused to shake Foord’s handCredit: AFP
      The incident is rumoured to be as a result of Littlejohn’s break-up with Ireland team-mate Katie McCabeCredit: Getty
      England were 3-1 victors over the Matildas in their semi-final clash and have booked themselves a place in Sunday’s World Cup final.
      Following the game Littlejohn took to social media to declare her love for England in a funny tweet.

      She posted: “I’ve always been a big England fan. Engerlandddddddd.”
      But some fans are dubious of the midfielder’s new found love for the England national team and believe she could have had ulterior motives.
      READ MORE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
      Many believe it may have been a swipe at Australia international Caitlin Foord because of her previous drama with the Arsenal player.
      Littlejohn refused to shake Foord’s hand when the pair faced off during Ireland’s 1-0 loss to Australia in the World Cup group stage.
      The 33-year-old was also seen being “restrained” by her Ireland team-mates following the game as she went over to confront Foord.
      It’s been suggested by fans that the handshake snub may have had something to do with Littlejohn’s split from long-term partner and Ireland captain Katie McCabe.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Katie McCabe and Caitlin Foord were snapped enjoying a holiday with Arsenal team-mate Jordan NobbsCredit: Instagram @katie_mccabe11
      Littlejohn and McCabe were together for seven yearsCredit: Instagram @_katie_mccabe11
      The couple separated shortly before the World Cup after more than seven years together.
      And according to the Daily Mail, McCabe and Foord are close friends and recently went away together on holiday to Ibiza as part of a large group of friends.
      They currently both play in the Women’s Super League for Arsenal together, whilst Littlejohn is without a club after leaving Aston Villa at the end of the season.
      There is no suggestion Foord had anything to do with McCabe and Littlejohn splitting up. More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Russo and Toone are England’s goal-getting best friends – now they’re on the verge of firing the Lionesses to glory

      by

      AS womances go, Alessia Russo and Ella Toone’s might just be the biggest in women’s football.The brilliant pair were instrumental in downing the Aussies on their own patch in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final – scoring a goal apiece in the 3-1 win.
      Ella Toone England celebrates scoring against AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Alessia Russo scored England’s third goal against AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Lionesses stars Alessia Russo and Ella Toone have fired England to glory at the World Cup
      Off the pitch, Alessia and Ella have been firm friends since they were 12Credit: INSTAGRAM/ALESSIA RUSSO
      On the pitch, they are telepathic together. That sixth sense was developed during their time playing at Manchester United for three years.
      But off the pitch the two are thick as thieves.
      Alessia, 24, and Ella, 23, have known each other since they were both 12.
      They are the Lionesses’ party animals who are on the verge of securing immortality with an opportunity to win the World Cup.
      Read more Lionesses news
      A feat our country hasn’t seen a football team do since 1966, Geoff Hurst, the Germans, et al.
      Height of fashion
      On the even of England’s World Cup campaign, Alessia and Ella took part in a fashion shoot for Elle magazine.
      They cut glam figures as their friendship and personalities shone.
      Alessia grew up in Kent and Ella grew up in Manchester.
      Most read in Football
      Despite the distance between them, they became firm friends through childhood.
      “[We] both had the dream of one day playing for England,'”Russo told Elle. 
      “So then to do it and [win], it was special. I don’t think many best friends can say that they’ve done that.”
      Although Toone admitted her new found fame has been, “hard to get used to.”
      Sexism
      Misogyny towards the women’s game unfortunately still exists.
      Toone highlighted the discrimination she has seen, but insisted she takes no notice of the haters.
      “You do get little things here and there,” Toone revealed.  
      “But it doesn’t really faze us. We’ve grown up in an era when women’s football, especially when we were young, was not really a thing.
      “So I feel it has made us who we are today and made us a bit tougher.
      “There’s definitely a stereotype around. But having your nails and lashes done doesn’t mean that you can’t play football.”
      Teammates Ella and Russo were cover stars for Elle magazine
      Ella and Russo cut a fashionable pair during their interviewCredit: ELLE UK / Rosaline Shahnavaz
      Toone admitted she ignores sexism towards the women’s gameCredit: PA
      ‘Party animals’
      Last year, the Lionesses wrote their names in folklore at the Euros.
      Alessia and Ella played their part. The former scored four times from the bench, including an outrageous back-heel goal against Sweden in the semi-final.
      Ella was also on the scoresheet in that famous triumph.
      The team’s crowning glory came in the showpiece at Wembley, where England defeated Germany 2-1 after extra-time.
      Cue wild celebrations from England’s ‘party animals’ who reportedly celebrated their famous victory well into the early hours.
      ‘Party animals’ Alessia and Ella has basked in the glory of their successCredit: Getty
      At Manchester United Ella and Alessia formed a telepathic relationship on the pitchCredit: Getty
      “We’re social girls,” Russo confessed.
      “It’s rare [we can go out to party], but when we do, we have a good time.”
      Apart again
      Just like when they were growing up, Alessia is now down south again and Ella remains up north.
      The striker signed for Manchester United’s rivals Arsenal in the summer.
      But that didn’t stop Ella for congratulating her best mate for the move.
      “Away from football,” she posted on TikTok to her 340,000 followers.
      Read More on The Sun
      Ella wished her mate Alessia good luck when she moved to Arsenal in the summerCredit: Getty
      Ella and Alessia will be hoping to follow up last year’s Euros success by winning the World Cup
      “I just wanted to say best of luck to my best friend Alessia, moving clubs.”
      Team spirit. Togetherness. Sisterhood. It’s no wonder these two are firing for the Lionesses right now. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      FA will consider Women’s World Cup boss Sarina Wiegman as Gareth Southgate’s successor when he quits England role

      by

      ENGLAND will consider appointing Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman as Gareth Southgate’s successor.The Dutch manager has led England Women to Sunday’s World Cup Final a year after leading the team to glory at Euro 2022.
      The FA will consider appointing Sarina Wiegman as the next men’s team managerCredit: Getty
      She is the first manager to lead an England side to a World Cup final since 1966Credit: Getty
      Wiegman led the Lionesses to Euro 2022 success last summerCredit: Getty
      She is also the only manager – male or female – to lead two different teams to a World Cup final, having finished as a runner-up with the Netherlands to the USA in 2019.
      Wiegman, 53, has been linked to the vacant role at the USA Women’s team following Vlatko Andonovski’s resignation.
      But she is under contract with the Lionesses until 2025 and FA chief executive Mark Bullingham believes she is capable of doing “anything she wants in football” – including the England men’s job.
      He said: “People always say it is the best man for the job or the best Englishman.
      “Why does it have to be a man?
      “I think our answer is always: ‘it’s the best person for the job.’ We think Sarina is doing a great job and hope she continues doing it for a long time. I think Sarina could do anything she wants in football.
      “If at some point in the future she decides she wants to move into the men’s game, that would be a really interesting discussion, but that’s for her, right?
      “I don’t think we should view it as a step up. If she decides at some point in the future to go in a different direction, I think she’s perfectly capable of that.
      Most read in Football
      “It’s the best person for the job, if that best person is a woman, then why not? You analyse the pool for any job at that particular time and do I think there’s a really strong diverse pool of both men and women for any big national job?

      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “No, I think the talent pool is small for both actually. But I don’t like the mindset that it has to be a man.”
      The FA could begin their search for a new men’s team manager after Euro 2024 – when Southgate’s contract ends.
      And Wiegman has convinced FA bosses she could be the right person for the job after leading England to successive finals.
      She has achieved the feat despite injuries to key players such as Fran Kirby, Beth Mead and captain Leah Williamson.
      England overcame the red card and following suspension of another key star, Lauren James, to beat Nigeria, Colombia and hosts Australia.
      They face Spain in Sunday’s final – a team they beat on the way to winning Euro 2022 last summer.
      Prior to taking charge of England Wiegman won the Euros with the Netherlands in 2017 before taking them to the World Cup final two years later.
      Read More on The Sun
      At club level she has won the Women’s Eredivisie twice, with Ter Leede and ADO Den Haag, as well as the KNVB Cup on three occasions.
      Wiegman also won the Dutch league and cup with Ter Leede as a player and was victorious in the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship with North Carolina Tar Heels in 1989. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      If Mason Greenwood stays at Man Utd I’ll stop supporting the club, says Channel 4 star Rachel Riley

      by

      COUNTDOWN co-host Rachel Riley has vowed to stop supporting Manchester United if they welcome back Mason Greenwood.The keen Red Devils fan has spoken out as the Premier League club prepares to end the ex-England striker’s suspension in days.
      Rachel Riley has threatened to quit supporting Manchester United
      A decision on Mason Greenwood’s United future is about to be announcedCredit: Getty
      Protests over the club’s approach were held outside Old Trafford on MondayCredit: Getty
      Channel 4’s Countdown co-host Rachel posted on Twitter: “I won’t be able to support United if Greenwood remains at the club.”
      Her comments came after The Sun revealed how Greenwood is expected to be reinstated at United as early as next week.
      Greenwood, 21, hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested in January last year for attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      All charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remains suspended by United.
      Read More On Manchester United
      There has, however, been recent talk suggesting a possible return from their head coach Erik ten Hag.
      Members of Manchester United Women’s team have reportedly raised concerns about the prospect of Greenwood returning to the training ground.
      And protests were staged at Old Trafford before United’s opening match of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Monday.
      Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Rachel, 37, was responding to broadcast comments from another female United fan, named Em, saying she would “walk away from my club” if Greenwood returned.
      Most read in Football
      Rachel told her 684,000 Twitter followers: “I’m with Em, I won’t be able to support United if Greenwood remains at the club.
      “We’ve all seen and heard enough. Pretending this is ok would be a huge part of the problem.
      “It would be devastating for my club to contribute to a culture that brushes this under the carpet and send a message to perpetrators everywhere that you can continue to act as you wish with no consequences.
      “I really hope they do the right thing.”
      DECISION DUE IN NEXT FEW DAYS
      Essex-born Rachel has previously shown her love of United in Instagram posts including visits to Old Trafford to cheer them on.
      She also revealed how she kitted out daughter Maven in team colours aged just eight months old.
      Rachel even combined presenting duties with watching them in action thanks to an out-of-shot TV behind the Countdown board.
      She also used her Twitter account to criticise United fans who flew a banner above a match mocking then-club chief Ed Woodward.
      Greenwood, suspended on full pay of £75,000 a week, has been training alone – following drills drawn up by United’s coaching staff.
      His last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
      He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
      But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
      United’s chief executive Richard Arnold is expected to make a decision on Greenwood’s future over the next 48 hours.
      But the announcement will be delayed until after the England Lionesses’ World Cup final this Sunday against Spain.
      Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for Manchester United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
      He was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
      UNITED TALKS ‘IN FINAL STAGES’
      United said in a statement yesterday the club had completed “a thorough investigation” into the allegations against Greenwood.
      They added: “This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain.
      “We have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.”
      United said the welfare of his alleged victim had been at the forefront of the internal investigation.
      But the statement went on: “We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner. 
      “The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future. 
      “Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation.
      Read More on The Sun
      “This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. 
      “We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.”
      Rachel says she will no longer support United if they allow Greenwood backCredit: Getty
      Rachel has shared on Instagram photos showing her love of the club
      The Countdown co-host has urged Old Trafford bosses to ‘do the right thing’
      Greenwood was cleared of all charges against him in FebruaryCredit: AFP More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Spain’s Women’s World Cup mutiny as players SNUB manager in celebrations and stars ‘told not to lock hotel rooms’

      by

      SPAIN are in the Women’s World Cup final amid an ongoing squad mutiny against manager Jorge Vilda.Despite the success in Australia Vilda’s tenure has been marred by controversy and he is an unpopular figure in the Spain dressing room.

      Jorge Vilda was left by himself as Spain’s players celebrated reaching the finalCredit: The Sports Network via Twitter
      Vilda’s tenure has been marred by controversiesCredit: Alamy
      Some players called for Vilda to be sacked following their Euro 22 exitCredit: AFP
      That was clear for all to see after Spain beat Sweden on Tuesday to reach the final, as Vilda was left by himself as the players celebrated together.
      The issues of his management date back several years, as up until 2019 Spanish players were reportedly banned from locking their hotel room doors before midnight.
      That was so Vilda could carry out checks of the rooms, while players were also forced to show the contents of their bags if they brought something in to training.
      Some members of the squad have accused the manager of treating them like children, with problems on the pitch also arising during Spain’s defeat to England at the Euros last year.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Players felt they were unprepared for the match and spoke privately with Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales about the possibility of removing Vilda.
      When he refused senior players released a statement saying: “There is general discomfort in the group.
      “We have a group that can achieve big things. After what we went through at the Euros and the months after it, we wanted to share with the FA our thoughts as a group.
      “We are an ambitious group and believe there are certain internal mechanisms that should be replaced. It’s about being brave.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      “Sometimes you need to say things which sound unpleasant to make things change.”
      The following September 15 players stepped up to make a change by stating they would be unavailable for selection while Vilda remained in charge.
      Barcelona trio Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro and Claudia Pina all refused to play at the World Cup as players called for greater care and professionalism.
      A statement read: “We want firm support for a professional project for women’s football.
      “A project that takes care of every aspect to help us get the best performance possible from a group of players we consider can achieve better and great honours.
      “By any means, we have not quit the national team, as the Spanish FA say. Our commitment to the national team remains the same.”
      Roar them on!FOOTBALL fans in England roared the Lionesses to their historic first ever World Cup final on Wednesday – and now here is your chance to send them encouraging messages of support for their next challenge.
      On Sunday they will face Spain in the biggest game of their lives.
      We are giving YOU the opportunity to send messages of support to our golden girls before the game.
      To send the footie girls – including semi-final goal scorers Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo – a message simply email sundayfeatures@the-sun.co.uk and we will scatter them through this weekend’s Sun on Sunday.

      Issues between the players and management have reared their ugly head on occasion at the World Cup too.
      Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who was one of the 15 to go on strike, reacted angrily to Vilda substituting her against Sweden.
      Read More on The Sun
      She ignored the boss before slapping the hand of another coach, while offering a cold shoulder to a third member of the coaching team.
      Yet Spain have still been able to produce results on the pitch and they have a chance to win the World Cup for the first time ever when they take on the Lionesses on Sunday.
      Mapi Leon was one of three Spain players who refused to go to the World CupCredit: Reuters More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Football fan zones sell out in MINUTES for England Lionesses’ World Cup Final clash against Spain

      by

      THREE football fan zones in London sold out in just eight minutes for the Women’s World Cup final.The nation will come to a standstill on Sunday for the Lionesses’ date with destiny against Spain.
      Fans have snapped up thousands of tickets to watch Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final at BoxparkCredit: Alamy
      An Aussie fan from Sydney was outnumberedCredit: Alamy
      Lauren Hemp scored England’s second goal as the Lionesses roared into the finalCredit: Rex
      And 2,500 spaces at Boxpark sites in Shoreditch, Wembley and Croydon were instantly snapped up following England’s thrilling 3-1 semi-final win over hosts Australia.
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessio Russo secured a superb win in Sydney, sending the nation into pandemonium.
      Pubs up and down the country were packed as supporters roared the Lionesses to victory.
      The fan zone in Croydon turned into an impromptu dance floor as the Lionesses confirmed their place in the final.
      read more in Football
      The only person who seemed to be sitting down when the final whistle was heard at the South London venue was a lone Australian at the front of the zone.
      Lionesses fans put children on their shoulders, danced on tables and sang football hits following the historic victory.
      And now they are preparing for the biggest match of all.
      England manager Sarina Wiegman led the team to European Championship last year and could now go down in history on Sunday.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      Wiegman told BBC Sport: “We achieved the final!
      “It’s unbelievable, it feels like we won [the tournament] which we didn’t, we just won this game – in an incredible stadium, an away game, the way we played – it was a hard game, but we found a way to win again.
      “Australia have had an incredible tournament, they grew into the tournament.
      “They had some setbacks, they had to win their last group-stage game and then they got better and better.
      “I just said to [assistant manager] Arjan, having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special.
      “I never take anything for granted, but it’s like I’m living in a fairytale or something.”
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo knocked the co-hosts out after Sam Kerr levelled in the second half. More