On eve of Lionesses’ battle: ‘Thanks for the wonderful support’
The Lionesses’ head coach has promised England followers they are going to “do everything to make you proud on and off the pitch”.
And grateful Sarina Wiegman has thanked followers for his or her “wonderful support” throughout their World Cup marketing campaign in Australia.
The group performs Nigeria at 8.30am UK time in Brisbane on Monday, in a tricky last-16 knockout tie, having gained all their video games to this point.
Sarina took over as England’s girls head coach in 2021. And final 12 months, the 53-year-old led the Lionesses to glory on the Euros once they beat Germany 2-1 at Wembley in entrance of a record-breaking 87,000 crowd.
Speaking to the Sunday Express forward of the facet’s newest crunch match, the previous Netherlands boss stated: “Whether you are one of the millions of fans cheering us at home or one of the thousands who have made the long trip out to Australia, we all feel your wonderful support.
“Having the fans behind us every time we play is so important and we never take it for granted.
“In return, I can promise we will continue to do everything to make you proud on and off the pitch.”
Nigeria, who’re of their ninth World Cup, performed nicely past their world quantity 40 rating for a win and two attracts to complete second in Group B. They will present powerful opposition for an England group led by captain Millie Bright that solely got here to life throughout their 6-1 hammering of China within the remaining match of the group stage.
Defensive powerhouse Millie, 29, hopes the Lionesses will sustain their momentum and see off the African facet. Midfielder
Katie Zelem stated England want to stay to their sport plan to keep away from being the most recent casualty in a event that has seen some main upsets.
Some of the largest shocks to this point have been Canada and two-time champions Germany crashing out within the group stage.
“We know that every opposition we come up against have worked so hard to be there and deserve a place,” Manchester United star Katie stated.
“It’s been about executing our game plan.”
The 27-year-old added: “It’s the first World Cup where the teams have been expanded [from 24 to 32] and I think it shows it was the right decision. There really is that quality in the lower-ranked sides. Every nation has worked so hard and it’s really showing.”
Katie made her World Cup debut for England in that gorgeous victory over China on Tuesday, as a substitute for crocked midfielder Keira Walsh. The Barcelona star, 26, injured her knee within the Lionesses’ 1-0 win over Denmark and it’s unclear whether or not she’s going to play additional within the competitors.
The squad can also be lacking three different key gamers because of knee accidents – captain Leah Williamson, Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner Beth Mead, and Fran Kirby.
Asked how intense the video games and coaching have been to this point, midfielder Katie stated her facet’s camaraderie makes it simpler. “There are players who have grown up together, who have played together at club level,” she stated.
“You can see the impact they make and we want to strive for the best as a group.”