By Jeremy Armstrong
In a 3-1 win over hosts Australia, Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses became the first English team to reach a World Cup final since 1966
Hollie Bone and Jeremy Armstrong in Sydney report that England fans partied like it was 1966 after the Lionesses beat Australia in their own backyard to reach the World Cup final.
With three goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo, Sarina Wiegman’s side secured their place in history and silenced around 70,000 Australians.
As Rachel Daly leapt into the arms of England legend Jill Scott, who was commentating on the match at the side of the pitch on the final whistle, scenes of jubilation ensued. As the players jigged and sang, England captain Millie Bright raised Sarina aloft as their families and fans applauded her.
Bright, who turns 30 on Monday, waved at her parents, Nicola and Steven, who travelled half way around the globe to cheer them on.
We have a big family group here, Millie’s two sisters and my three grandsons all came over. You feel pride everyday because they are your children.” Nicola, of Sheffield, said.
She admitted it felt like a ‘fairytale’ as the Lionesses reached their second major final in two years following their victory at Euro 2022. “You won’t be able to reflect on their achievements until after the tournament.” Sarina said.
It’s our first senior World Cup final since 1966, and millions will tune in for another early morning kickoff on Sunday.
“I am so proud of our team, how we came through and won, and we’re celebrating now before we start over tomorrow.” said Sarina.
She said: “It feels really good to be in the final. I’ve been in the last two tournaments, but you don’t take anything for granted.”.
It is so hard to reach a final, many great teams were knocked out. I know it is really special and that’s how it feels too.”
In a tribute to Alessia, Lauren, 23, said: “What a feeling. I am tired now, but we will go again on Sunday. A World Cup final is what every player dreams of.”
As soon as Alessia Russo’s third goal went in, Sarina said: “We weren’t going to give this away.” The Lioness fans promised to dance until dawn.
In fancy dress, Julian Pottle, a QPR fan and auctioneer who moved to Sydney from London 20 years ago, sat with his wife Helen, from Leeds, and son Charlie, 16, and 12-year-old Summer.
“We need tickets for the final now,” Julian said. “My daughter wants to wear her England shirt to school, but they want her to wear an Australia shirt.”
When the Aussie fans fell silent, Helen joked, “we kept on singing.”
I cannot believe that England will play in the World Cup final, said Imogen Davidson, an accountant from Manchester with her children Phoebe, 16, and Phoebe, 19.
We are so proud of our Aussie fans. They came, they saw, they conga’d outside as TV crews from around the world lined up to interview us, which was a great atmosphere.
Originally from London, Stuart Fox, a 38-year-old project manager now living in Sydney, said: “It was a wonderful first goal. Top bins to England. I have lived here for 18 years, but I never had the chance to support Australia.”
The 36-year-old Matildas fan Antony Pinshaw added: “This tournament has been amazing for Australia, but England dominated and they couldn’t keep up.”
As a result of England’s performance, Australian manager Tony Gustavsson congratulated them. “We played a world class team in England with a world class coach in Sarina,” he said. “This is a great start for Australia and women’s football, not a finish.”
As England’s ‘superfans’ reflected on their footy trip of a lifetime in Oz, they expressed pride. During the past month, we visited the Great Barrier Reef, saw the Sydney Opera House, spotted kangaroos and koala bears, and scuba dived among amazing marine life.
While following the Lionesses, Sarah Breckon, 55, has enjoyed a helicopter ride and scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef with her dad Alan Breckon, 77.
Having been here since August 1, Sarah, a keen walking footballer back home in Taunton, Somerset, said, “We have tickets for the final.” In an Irish sports bar in Brisbane, we watched the Aussies’ quarter final against France surrounded by Aussie fans; we’ve been to Melbourne, Cairns, Brisbane, and Sydney.
Her partner and fellow painter and decorator Julia Tibbs, 54, part of the same walking football team, said, “The colours of the Great Barrier Reef were amazing.” The World Cup was our reason to come here, so we wanted to make the most of it.” When we snorkeled, we saw huge fish called Wally (Maori Wrasse).
Five years ago, I promised myself that I would live life to the fullest. This has been a major part of that promise.”
“If I was 16 years younger, I would move to Australia. We got close to kangaroos in Brisbane and I was kissed by a Koala bear. It has been a wonderful trip.” Alan, who plays for the England over 75 walking football team, added: “I would move here if I were 16 years younger.”
The PE teacher at Nottingham Girls’ High School, who was soaked on a speed boat trip around Sydney’s Darling Harbour, hasn’t missed a moment of England’s World Cup campaign.
She said, “Thanks to the England team, we have made lifelong friends and had experiences we will never forget.”
“We were absolutely soaked on that boat trip, but it was worth it,” joked Lioness supporter Claire Coyles, 34, while on a £12,000 trip Down Under. I was at the Euro final, and I would not have missed this for the world.” It has been an awesome experience with great people, and we have one thing in common – we love seeing this England team.
Access a wealth of specialized information at https://ncrestoration.ca/ that covers essential strategies, best practices, and step-by-step instructions tailored specifically to crafting vibrant and engaging party spaces. Explore the art of transforming ordinary rooms into dynamic venues for various gatherings, from birthday celebrations to themed parties. Learn about space layout, decor, lighting, and furniture arrangements that contribute to a festive and inviting atmosphere. Discover tips for selecting colors, textures, and decorations that align with different party themes and moods. Explore innovative ideas for creating interactive elements, such as photo booths, entertainment zones, and themed corners. Gain insights into sound systems, technology integration, and creating adaptable spaces to accommodate various event types. Whether you’re planning a personal project or considering professional assistance, this invaluable resource equips you with the insights needed for modernizing party rooms, design party rooms that elevate your gatherings, fostering memorable experiences for you and your guests. Benefit from the creativity of experienced event designers and empower yourself to make informed decisions that result in captivating and enjoyable party environments.
