World
Women’s World Cup: England ‘will thrive’ in front of 70,000 crowd in Australia semi-final, Millie Bright says
England will thrive playing Australia in front of more than 70,000 fans in Sydney in their World Cup semi-final, captain Millie Bright has said.
Far from being intimidated, Bright sees the prospect of a raucous, sell-out crowd in Stadium Australia as a sign of welcome progress for women’s football.
She said: “That is what we expect now – for us to thrive in those moments.
Leah Williamson, centre left, and Millie Bright lift the trophy after winning the Women’s Euro 2022 final. Pic: AP
“It is a proud moment for the women’s game back home when they see what an atmosphere there is.”
The defender was sent off in England’s last World Cup semi-final when they lost to eventual winners the United States in 2019.
Bright is deputising for the Lionesses’ usual skipper, the injured Leah Williamson, who picked up the European Championships trophy last year.
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Wiegman on England-Australia rivalry
The victory at Wembley is England’s only triumph in a major tournament, but win on Wednesday and she will be one game away from picking up England’s first Women’s World Cup.
Bright said: “It’s about turning up, showing up, performing and enjoying the game.
“It is important to adapt to the game whatever they give to us. We have faced many different challenges and we have adapted really well.”
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Which Lioness is England’s MVP?
Millie Bright captains England against Australia. Pic: AP
While England are considered the favourites, the Matildas have a growing energy from reaching a first-ever World Cup semi-final.
England manager Sarina Wiegman said: “I don’t think they are underdogs. They are playing at home and the stadium will be really full… so I think it will be very tight and very competitive.”
If the Lionesses win, they will play Spain after their 2-1 win over Sweden in Tuesday’s first semi-final.
From discord to delirium for Spain
Spain are in a Women’s World Cup final for the first time after a build-up shrouded in a player revolt.
A protest to football federation bosses last September saw 15 players refuse to be selected.
The demands were for a more professional environment around the squad to protect their emotional and physical health.
Just three of the dissenters returned to the fold for the World Cup. Building a harmonious atmosphere was the aspiration and their form has defied the turbulence.
Reaching the final caps a rapid rise for La Roja – having only qualified for their first Women’s World Cup in 2015.
A group stage exit on their debut was followed by progressing to the round of 16 in 2019 and now – after a dramatic 2-1 win over Sweden – they will face England or Australia in Sunday’s final in Sydney.
The team’s progression reflects a greater commitment to women’s football in Spain after only launching a professional league two years ago. The clubs that have dominated European football in the men’s game are now making an impact in the women’s game.
Barcelona have reached the last three Champions League finals and won the title twice.
Real Madrid – the record 14-time men’s European champions – only started a women’s team in 2020 but they have already made it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Spain’s progress is a roadmap for other countries to follow. Investment reaps its rewards on the pitch.
But reaching the World Cup final is a reminder of the strife in Spain and the challenges that remain about creating the culture the players deserve.