Wiegman, James and beating the Aussies - England's Lionesses and their World Cup journey
19.08.2023 - 09:21
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
England's date with destiny is looming large. Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses are set to represent the nation in its first football World Cup final since 1966.
After beating Haiti, Denmark and China in the group stages, England defeated Colombia on penalties in the quarter-final before overcoming hosts Australia in the semis. Now Spain stand between Lauren Hemp, Mary Earps, Ella Toone and co and the most prestigious prize in women's football.
With football fans set to be glued to their screens for Sunday's showdown, we asked our football writers for their verdicts on the Lionesses' achievements.
Joe Bray: It's been great to see England grow into the tournament like they did at the Euros, but what has stood out for me is the less-established nations causing upsets and reaching the knockout stages. Seeing Jamaica pip Brazil to the last-16, plus South Africa, Colombia and Nigeria get through the groups at the expense of Germany, Italy and Argentina was great to see. The USA-Sweden and Australia-France shootouts were also brilliant drama.
Steven Railston: The moment of the tournament would have to be England progressing to the final. To defeat the Aussies in their own backyard showed the quality of this side and the way they held their nerve was impressive.
George Smith: As someone who is immensely passionate about the women's game at international level, it has to be the moment that rubber-stamped England's place in the final. Alessia Russo's strike to make it 3-1 against Australia in the semi-final was a joyous moment. The game was on a knife-edge at 2-1 and Russo's strike in the 86th minute sent nerves packing.
Joe Bray: I'm always impressed with Keira Walsh, but I'd say City's Lauren Hemp has been the England player to take