Rising Star Mary Earps Steers England Towards Victory against Colombia

Mary Earps is the ideal player to calm the nerves of England fans before their quarter-final match, considering the lingering stress from Monday's last-16 game. Her presence in the pre-match press conference, alongside Sarina Wiegman, exuded confidence, authority, and control, just as one would anticipate from FIFA's top-ranked goalkeeper.

Earps provided us with a limited view of the England team, but if her optimism and confidence in the team's potential are valid, then we may finally witness the standout performance from the Lionesses that we have been anticipating in Sydney.

The goalkeeper from Manchester United also admitted the narrow margin by which the Lionesses escaped elimination from the World Cup against Nigeria. "I'm constantly aware of that, and our team is always very aware," she candidly stated.

The games in this tournament have been incredibly close, demonstrating just how intense and tight the competition is. I firmly believe that we are in an advantageous position and have the potential to perform even better. However, it's important to remember that every game has the potential to change in an instant.

The match against Nigeria was exceptionally intense, and I am relieved that we were able to successfully navigate through it. Our team, including both players and staff, displayed remarkable character and resilience as we faced this fierce challenge together.

"We love playing in World Cups and we want to be here for as long as possible. However, it is important to recognize the extensive preparation and attention to detail that goes beyond just the 90 minutes, including extra-time and penalties. It serves as a constant reminder. As Earps mentioned, we are in the business of results and England has managed to stay in the competition while many strong teams like Germany and the USA have been eliminated. Nonetheless, one of the major concerns for the Lionesses during the match against Nigeria was their struggle to adapt when things were not going well. This issue has been acknowledged and addressed by the team."

"We are fully comprehending Sarina's desires and making every effort to execute the game plan to the best of our abilities. Additionally, we are collaborating as a team to find suitable solutions," she stated. "I believe this aspect is of utmost importance.

"Undoubtedly, at this level and in this tournament, we witness the remarkable level of quality and competitiveness. Each team presents distinct challenges, making it impossible to anticipate and prepare for every single one. Nevertheless, I truly believe it is crucial for our team to collectively overcome these obstacles and find immediate resolutions."

England is now facing a challenge as their star player in the group stages, Lauren James, will be serving a two-game ban. They require someone else to step up and make a significant impact at this World Cup, ultimately aiding England in reaching the semifinals. Earps expressed her belief in the immense talent within the group, emphasizing that there is still room for improvement. She mentioned the wealth of talent and experience the team possesses, both at the international level and within their respective clubs.

"With the variety of fixtures we have encountered throughout the years, particularly in the past 12-24 months, including our achievements in the Champions League and other competitions, both as individuals and as a team.

It is indeed an exhilarating period to be a player for England. We are continuously striving to enhance our performances and raise our standards. We are not merely content and appreciative of our current position, as there are still higher levels we aspire to reach."

England is prepared to match Colombia's aggression, according to Wiegman. However, they also need to exercise intelligence in an environment that is anticipated to be both loud and hostile, with Australian fans seemingly inclined to support England's opponents.

Earps, on the other hand, thrives in such a stage and under that kind of pressure. "In general, I absolutely relish playing every World Cup game," she asserted. "This level is characterized by intense heat, pressure, and all the accompanying emotions, which I find exhilarating as a player. However, our primary focus remains on accomplishing our objective through football. That's all we're truly concerned about."

After the pre-match press conference led by Earps and Wiegman, a feeling of calm was finally restored. With a clear understanding of what needs to be done, England is now focused on delivering a decisive blow that will secure their spot in the World Cup semi-final. Stay updated on the England vs Colombia match this Saturday through the We website and App, with kick-off at 11:30 am.

What is the schedule?

Following the quarter-finals, the first semi-final will be held on August 15 in Auckland, while the other semi-final is set to occur on August 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney. The grand finale of the event will also be held at the Accor Stadium on August 20.

A third-place play-off will be played the day before the final on August 19 in Brisbane.