Smiling Lionesses show no sign of nerves as they train in New South Wales ahead of their huge World Cup semi against hosts Australia on Wednesday
- England Women progressed to the World Cup semi-final by beating Colombia
- They were pictured training ahead of the last-four clash against Australia
- Sarina Weigman’s side face tough task against the co-host nation
England’s women looked relaxed in training ahead of Wednesday’s huge World Cup semi-final showdown against Australia.
The Lionesses are playing the role of party poopers, aiming to knock out the host nation and progress to the showpiece against either Sweden or Spain.
On Monday, Sarina Weigman put the team through their paces at Central Coast Stadium during what appeared to be a light session.
Alex Greenwood and Mary Earps were pictured in high spirits, while Lauren James, who is banned for one more game after her red card against Nigeria, was also seen taking part in the session.
It appeared to be a cloudy day on the east coast of Australia, ideal for the drills the manager set out.
Alex Greenwood and Mary Earps were in high spirits during England training on Monday
Katie Zelem (left) and Chloe Kelly (right) appeared to be in high spirits
Sarina Weigman gave her instructions to the players on a cloudy day at Central Coast Stadium
England are preparing to take on Australia in the World Cup semi-final
Australia lie in wait having beaten France in a dramatic penalty shootout in their own quarter-final clash. England midfielder Keira Walsh insists the Lionesses are not thinking about the hearts they would break if they eliminate the World Cup co-hosts
Walsh said: ‘Whatever game I play, I want to win. It doesn’t matter who you are playing against. For us, I wouldn’t say we are thinking about spoiling the party.
‘I think it is just another game and a massive game at that. We are just fully focused on trying to reach a World Cup final, regardless of who we are playing. I think obviously with the support from Australia it is going to be a little bit different for them in that sense.
‘I think we have seen that the (England) girls are ready to fight.
‘Obviously, when the whistle ends it is a different story, but I think in the game the girls are very aware of what the game is going to be like, what the stadium is going to be like. I think, for us, we are more than ready for it.’
Sydney’s Stadium Australia, where England beat Colombia in the last eight, seats over 75,000 fans, the majority of whom are expected to support the hosts.
In that sense, the Lionesses’ 2-1 comeback victory over Colombia to reach this stage served as an excellent dress rehearsal, their fans another sea of raucous yellow who equally viewed England as public enemy number one.
Some of the players looked fatigued after one of the more strenuous training drills
Lauren James is banned for one more game but could return to the fold for the final
Walsh, who in just over a year has secured both the Euro 2022 trophy with England and the Champions League title with Barcelona, said dampening the mood with a goal or two could help the Lionesses take control of the narrative.
She said: ‘(The crowd) was massive for us at the Euros, especially in the final. There are those moments where the opposition could score and it shifts momentum sometimes when you’re playing, it gives you an extra push when you know the crowd is behind you.
‘But also when you can quieten the crowd it is a very nice feeling. I think for us trying to take the momentum out of the game is going to be important. There are positives and negatives for both. We have experienced both.’
Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly of England look on as they’re put through their paces
Source: Read Full Article
