Millie Bright, who assumed the role of England’s captain due to the absence of injured defender Leah Williamson, emphasized the crucial importance of giving their utmost effort in the upcoming Women’s World Cup final against Spain.
Set to take place at Stadium Australia on Sunday, the championship match will commence at 11:00 BST and will be broadcast live on BBC One. Both teams are making their inaugural appearance in the Women’s World Cup final, with England striving to secure their second major title in just over a year after claiming victory in Euro 2022 held on their home turf the previous summer.
According to Chelsea defender Bright, the players have long held the aspiration to compete at this level. “It has been players’ dreams for years,” she expressed.
The team is equipped with a strategic game plan that they intend to execute flawlessly. Bright acknowledges the magnitude of the occasion, considering the fervent support of their nation and their fervent desire to win. However, she underlines the significance of maintaining their established process and mindset. “But for us, there is a process. We need to play the game of our lives. It’s important our process remains the same. Mentality-wise everyone is super excited to get out there and put a show on,” she noted.
Bright, who was appointed captain following Leah Williamson’s injury, anticipates the honor of becoming the first woman to lead England into a World Cup final. For her, the achievement is not about individual recognition, but rather a collective achievement for the team. “It’s ‘we’ before ‘me.’ It’s a huge privilege and honour. It will be the biggest moment in our careers. Nothing is individual,” she affirmed.
As she reflects on her younger self’s perspective, Bright acknowledges that the achievement might have seemed far-fetched. “She would have probably said you were being silly, and it was never going to happen, but I guess dreams come true. We are finally getting a shot at the trophy, like we always wanted,” Bright reflected.
The team’s manager, Sarina Wiegman, remarked on the profound impact of their success on the global stage. Their accomplishments have led to heightened support, increased viewership, and record-breaking attendance figures over the past year. Wiegman expressed that the team’s performance can inspire unity and excitement among fans, extending beyond the realm of football. “It’s really exciting and of course we are really eager to win it. This shows how football unites. It brings people together. When you go so far in the tournament people get excited. It’s very special. It’s so much more than just playing football,” Wiegman stated.
Bright also acknowledged the progress the sport has made, especially considering the historical ban that prevented women from playing football in England for nearly half a century. She emphasizes the team’s resilience and determination not to let history repeat itself. “It shows our [mental] strength. We never want that to happen again. We have been very open about that and we wouldn’t let that happen again,” said Bright.
In conclusion, Spain’s centre-back Irene Paredes highlighted the shift in the perception of women’s football in Spain. She expressed that despite the historical limitations, the current generation has the chance to make their mark on the World Cup final stage. “We want to play football and [those who came before us] pushed so they invested more in women’s football. We have the opportunity to play in a final of a World Cup. It is the time to enjoy it and do what we’ve been doing up to now which is to play football,” Paredes remarked.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Women’s World Cup final
What is the Women’s World Cup final mentioned in the text?
The Women’s World Cup final is a championship match between the national women’s football teams of England and Spain, set to take place at Stadium Australia.
Who is the captain of the England team in the Women’s World Cup final?
Millie Bright is the captain of the England team in the Women’s World Cup final. She took on the role due to an injury to defender Leah Williamson.
What is the significance of the game plan mentioned in the text?
The game plan is crucial for England to execute effectively in order to secure victory in the final. It outlines the strategic approach the team intends to follow during the match.
Has England’s women’s football team been successful recently?
Yes, England’s women’s football team has experienced success on the global stage. They won the Euro 2022 championship on their home soil last summer and are now aiming for another major title in the World Cup final.
What does Millie Bright say about leading England out in the World Cup final?
Millie Bright expresses that leading England out in the World Cup final is a significant honor for her. She sees it as a collective achievement for the team, emphasizing the importance of unity over individual recognition.
How has the success of England’s women’s football team impacted the sport?
The team’s success has led to increased support, growing viewership, and record attendances. This has brought attention and enthusiasm to women’s football, highlighting how the sport unites people beyond the realm of the game.
How has the perception of women’s football changed in Spain?
In Spain, the perception of women’s football has shifted over time. Despite historical limitations, the current generation of players, as represented by Irene Paredes, has the opportunity to showcase their talent on the World Cup final stage.
What does Sarina Wiegman say about the impact of success in major tournaments?
Sarina Wiegman highlights that the team’s success generates excitement and support not only in the host country but also globally. She emphasizes how football has the power to bring people together and create a sense of unity.
How has women’s football progressed, considering the historical ban mentioned?
Women’s football has come a long way from a historical ban that prohibited women from playing football in England for almost 50 years. Millie Bright underscores the team’s determination not to allow such a situation to recur and how they’ve overcome obstacles.
What does the Spain manager, Jorge Vilda, expect from the final match?
Jorge Vilda anticipates a tactical match between Spain and England in the final. He emphasizes their commitment to giving their all and believes the match will be highly anticipated and exciting.
More about Women’s World Cup final
- Women’s World Cup: Official website of the FIFA Women’s World Cup providing information about the tournament.
- Millie Bright: Millie Bright’s biography on the official Chelsea FC website.
- Euro 2022: Official UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 championship page with details about the tournament.
- Sarina Wiegman: Profile of England Women’s National Team manager Sarina Wiegman on The Football Association (FA) website.
- Spain Women’s Football: Information about the Spain Women’s National Team and women’s football in Spain on the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) website.
2 comments
england’s gurls got da spirit! they gotta win dis World cup final. let’s goooo!
millie bright leadin’ the team is amazin. unity b4 ego, dat’s da spirit! hope they play der hearts out ⚽