Lionesses Roar towards Footballing Immortality: England Primed for World Cup Final, says Sarina Wiegman

Sarina Wiegman asserts that her England squad is composed, enthusiastic, and prepared for their pursuit of World Cup triumph on Sunday. Following their triumph over co-hosts Australia in the semi-finals, Spain now stands as the final challenge for England and Wiegman. With their aspirations of footballing greatness approaching an exhilarating climax, the World Cup final in Sydney awaits them.

Before her attempt to build on her success at the European Championships last summer by winning the World Cup for the first time, Wiegman expressed her anticipation, saying: "We are filled with excitement and we feel prepared.

"Both the team and ourselves are eager. We have thoroughly analyzed Spain, everyone is in good shape, and we have one more training session. We are eagerly anticipating the start."

When asked about the presence of nerves in the camp, her response was negative. She expressed that, following the game against Australia, the team was filled with excitement and they cherished that moment. However, since yesterday, their focus has shifted towards preparing for the upcoming match against Spain.

A positive aspect is that they can draw from their experience in the previous year's Euros. It is understood that as a tournament progresses, the excitement intensifies. Nevertheless, they must remember that, in the end, it is just a game. Therefore, they need to concentrate on their game plan, execute their assigned tasks, remain united as a team, and devise ways to secure victory.

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Wiegman: No plans to leave England

Content Despite being linked with the vacant United States head coach job, the 53-year-old's stock has been on the rise due to her impressive achievements. In 2017, she guided the Netherlands to European Championship success, and in 2022, she repeated this feat with England. Furthermore, she made history by becoming the first manager to lead two nations to a Women's World Cup final. As the World Cup final approaches, Wiegman remains steadfast in her determination to focus solely on England, disregarding any other opportunities that may come her way.

"I'm not at all preoccupied with that," Wiegman mentioned. "I'm currently focused on England, and thoroughly relishing my time with the team. Additionally, I have a contractual commitment for the next two years, and I have no intentions of stepping away."

Wiegman coy on James, Toone selection

Before being sent off for stepping on defender Michelle Alozie in the Lionesses' last-16 victory over Nigeria and subsequently receiving a two-match ban, the 21-year-old Chelsea forward showcased her skills with three goals and three assists. Although she served her punishment during the quarter- and semi-finals, James is eligible to reclaim her place in Wiegman's starting XI. However, she faces competition from Ella Toone, who scored the Lionesses' opening goal in their 3-1 semi-final triumph over Australia.

Wiegman expressed her satisfaction with having all 23 players fit and ready for the final. However, she declined to comment on James' potential return to the team.

"It's great to have all our players in good shape and be able to make selections," she stated. "Both players have performed admirably, making it a difficult decision. Nevertheless, having a fully fit squad provides us with additional substitution options throughout the match."

When asked about James potentially returning to the starting line-up for the Lionesses, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes respectfully declined to interfere with England manager Wiegman's decision-making process. Hayes emphasized that her role as a manager is solely focused on enjoying the game, while also highlighting the preparedness of James and the rest of the players for any team selection made by Wiegman.

Lauren, along with all the England players, is thrilled to be in the World Cup final. They are filled with excitement. The team and the entire nation of England unite in this moment. All players have shown great determination and support, whether it was Katie Zelem replacing Keira Walsh or Ella Toone filling in for Lauren James during the quarter-finals.

"Lauren is an outstanding player and will go on to contribute many more moments for both club and country. As always she will be reflective and will move forward with that."

Russo: Another game once you cross the line

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Once England step onto the field and the opening whistle blows, Alessia Russo, the striker for England, believes that any feelings of pressure or significance that come with playing in a World Cup final will fade away.

When asked if the World Cup final holds the same significance as any other game, Russo responded by saying that it is both yes and no for the players. They are aware of the magnitude of the World Cup final and what is at stake. However, once they step onto the field and the game begins, it becomes just like any other match. It is the game they enjoy and strive to win, with both teams consisting of 11 players each.

When we enter the field, we are fully aware of our responsibilities and tasks at hand. Despite the significance of being in a World Cup final, our focus remains on playing our own game.

Continuing, she added, "While everyone else may be filled with excitement, we maintain a calm and composed demeanor. It almost feels like just another regular game, which exemplifies the poise of our team."

"The camp has been fantastic since the inaugural match till this moment, and this is quite similar—another crucial game that we absolutely need to win.

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