Women’s World Cup LIVE: England set for ‘game of our lives’ in final

Alessia Russo on playing in the World Cup final: “Obviously this is the biggest game, the one you dream about and means the most. I think it will hit when we’re in the tunnel and ready to walk out. It’s an incredible occasion, it’s been an unbelievable tournament and this is it. This is the moment we want to be in. We can’t wait.

“Right now all I want to do is go out, put on a performance to be proud of and obviously to win. We started this tournament wanting to win seven games and this is the message.”

Meanwhile, Spain coach Jorge Vilda on Saturday declined to answer questions about the mutiny in his squad earlier this year and said his team were united, having fun and determined to win their country a first Women’s World Cup.

La Roja’s run to the final against England on Sunday is all the more remarkable given that a dozen of their top players did not travel Down Under after they withdrew from the national squad in a row over team culture.

“Next question, please,” was Vilda’s terse response to the first attempt by reporters to tease an answer out of him on the issue.

Further attempts to approach the matter were parried by the 42-year-old but he was prepared to share some thoughts about the mood in the camp.

“From the very beginning, the players have been united and they’ve been working hard,” he said.

England manager Sarina Wiegman said the Lionesses will feel the support of the country back home and urged her players to play their “best game ever” when they face Spain in the World Cup final in Sydney tomorrow.

The nation is set to come to a stop on Sunday morning as the Lionesses feature in England’s first World Cup final since 1966 and Wiegman said reaction to their historic success at the tournament has been a “dream”.

Wiegman led England to their groundbreaking victory at the European Championships last summer and said her players are determined to create another moment that will inspire lasting change for women’s football while uniting the nation.

“It’s really exciting to play the game tomorrow and we are eager to win it,” Wiegman said in her pre-match press conference at Stadium Australia. “It shows how football unites. It brings people together.

“It’s incredible what happened. We felt the support, we felt the support here, but also from the other side of the world in the UK. That’s something you dream of and we hope we play our best game ever tomorrow.”

Wiegman: “It’s really exciting to play the game tomorrow and we are eager to win it. It shows how football unites. It brings people together. That’s what you see in England, that’s what you saw in Australia. It’s so much more than just playing football.

“Lauren was just a moment. We all know it should not be part of football. She regretted it. She apologised. She lost her emotions.. Now she’s ready to play again.”

Bright on the players’ relationship with Wiegman: “The longer you work together the better connection we’ve had, the more honest you can be, and you see that translate onto the pitch. Without the challenges we faced we might not be here today.”

Wiegman is asked to sum up England: “Togetherness. Adaptable and resilient, that’s our style of play. The team has inspired the nation so much last year but also at the World Cup also on this stage. Hopefully it will inspire more girls to play football, not just in England but around the world.”

Wiegman: “I hope more and more women start coaching. It’s getting better but the balance needs improving. It’s important women see women on the pitch because what you see is what you can be. It’s important to keep pushing.”

Wiegman: “The Spanish team is in a good place. They have had a very good tournament so far. They are dynamic and will look to keep possession. They are not different to what I’ve seen before.”

On how Lauren James comes back into the team: “She’s good. She’s kept training. It’s nice to have 23 players available for tomorrow.”

Bright: “We have seen how hard the games have been. It’s a proud moment as a player and a woman to show the level we are at on the world’s stage.

“We live in the moment. It’s a World Cup final but for us it’s another game. Our preparation remains the same. We’ve got a game plan.

“Everyone knows how big this is. It’s been players’ dreams for years. We know how big it is back home but it’s just another game.

“It’s massive, but it’s for everyone. It’s an honour and a dream to come true to lead the girls out, but ultimately it’s the team.”

Wiegman: “We watched the game back [against Spain in 2022]. We have analysed Spain and I think we are ready.

Bright: “We are very open about what we stand for. The growth of the game has been incredible and we appreciate all the work that goes on. As players we don’t stop here, and we are always pushing for more.”