JUBILANT England fans have come out in force to cheer on the Lionesses ahead their historic World Cup final clash this morning.
Thousands of supporters – some holding ‘It’s coming home’ banners – took to the streets around the UK and Australia desperate for England’s first World Cup glory since 1966.
GettyThe countdown is officially on, as Stadium Australia is ready to go[/caption]
GettyBrits showing their support in Sydney ahead of the historic World Cup final[/caption]
GettyFans are ready to go as they wait for the 11am kick-off[/caption]
GettyStadium Australia has begun welcoming footie fans as they start flooding in[/caption]
Final fever exploded as the Lionesses arrived at the packed venue ahead of the crunch clash against Spain in Sydney.
Young fans in red and white kits waved their England flags as they beamed with pride, covered in face-paint, while other fans flooded in with beers and bubbly.
Others have come fully kitted-out in lion suits to roar the team to victory.
The inspiring squad reached the final after beating hosts Australia 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final thanks to goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
Pubs up and down the country were packed as supporters cheered the Lionesses on and the lively atmosphere continues to soar today.
Brits are already gathering at the Boxpark fan zone in Croydon, slapping on face-paint and dressed head to toe in England flags.
An audience of up to 15million back home is expected to watch on the BBC or ITV — with bookies slashing odds that it will be the year’s most viewed sporting event.
Fans will be raising a glass to Sarina Wiegman’s inspiring team, wishing them all the luck as they stand on the cusp of history.
The Dutch manager has led England Women to today’s World Cup Final a year after seeing her team claim victory at Euro 2022.
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.
Now, the countdown is officially on, as Stadium Australia is ready for the 11.am kick-off – and the full 23-woman squad are geared up to play the game of their lives.
There were fears England‘s player of the tournament so far, Lauren James, would miss the legendary game after being handed a two game suspension.
She was sent off deep into the second half of the Lionesses’ clash with Nigeria after she got into a scuffle with Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, electing to stamp on her while she got off the deck herself.
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 today in the highly-anticipated final against Spain.
‘GAME OF OUR LIVES’
And, Captain Millie Bright, 29, has vowed to fans that England will bring everything they’ve got to lift the World Cup trophy.
The determined centre-back said: “We know how passionate our nation is back home and how much they want us to win.
“But for us, there is a process. We have a game plan to execute. We need to play the game of our lives.”
And, she thanked the record number of fans at home preparing to tune in to watch Sarina Wiegman warriors go toe-to-toe with Spain.
“Everyone is fit, everyone is available and we’re in a very good place, so we can’t wait,” said Wiegman ahead of the nail-biting final.
She said previously: “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.
“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.”
‘SO PROUD’
The nation is gripped with World Cup fever and everyone is pulling together to cheer on the team and see them claim glory.
King Charles and Prince William — together with Princess Charlotte — sent the squad best wishes, Stephanie Moore hailed the “once in a lifetime” opportunity.
The King last night gave the team his support in a social media message. It was timed at 10pm so the Lionesses saw it as they woke up in Sydney.
In it, Charles said: “Good luck today and may you roar to victory.”
Everyone is fit, everyone is available and we’re in a very good place, so we can’t wait.”
Sarina Wiegman
He signed off the message — alongside an image of a lioness — with his royal cypher, Charles R.
Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 76, are set to watch the game at home on the Balmoral estate.
The Prince of Wales and Princess Charlotte said yesterday: “Lionesses we want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
“We’re sorry we can’t be there in person but we’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world.
“So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
“Good luck Lionesses,” added Princess Charlotte, holding a football in her show of support for the inspiring team.
Meanwhile, England men’s boss Gareth Southgate, captain Harry Kane and ex-skipper David Beckham also sent good luck messages.
And PM Rishi Sunak — set to watch in a pub in his constituency in Richmond, North Yorks — wrote to Dutch coach Sarina and the team praising their “lasting legacy”.
It comes amid a growing clamour for the team and manager to be honoured.
Tory MP for Mid-Derbyshire Pauline Latham said: “They should all be honoured — win or lose. They absolutely deserve it.”
Good luck today and may you roar to victory.”
King Charles
Fellow Tory MP Kevin Foster added: “The Lionesses have inspired the whole nation and done us all proud. Well-earned gongs should be swiftly awarded.”
Now, Cabinet Office sources say the whole team and manager are likely to be honoured — if they win.
And Tory MP Caroline Nokes, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee in Parliament, said: “Win or Lose we should designate the late August bank holiday ‘Lioness Day’.”
England have already beaten Spain once, and we expect them to do the same again.
SunSport’s prediction sees the Lionesses roar to victory with a 2-1 win as they go head to head with Jorge Vilda Rodríguez’s team.
They should all be honoured — win or lose. They absolutely deserve it.”
Pauline Latham
This comes as two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas starts today’s final on the bench.
She has been replaced by 19-year-old striker Salma Paralluelo, who scored the opening goal for Spain during Tuesday’s dramatic 2-1 win over Sweden.
Jennifer Hermoso has moved back into an attacking midfield role.
GettyOthers have come fully kitted-out in lion suits to roar the team to victory[/caption]
PACaptain Millie Bright has vowed to fans that England will bring everything they’ve got to[/caption]
GettyThe big game is set to smash UK viewing figures[/caption]
GettyBrits are showing their support this morning as they wait in anticipation for the historic game[/caption]