England legend Katie Chapman believes the Lionesses have a real chance of winning the World Cup as long as they take it one step at a time.
In an exclusive interview with the ex-Chelsea and Arsenal star who played in two World Cups, she expressed: “They’ve always got a chance. The experience from winning the Euros will help but they can’t go in there with the mindset they are going to blow it away this tournament.”
She emphasised that every game is a challenge, and the Lionesses will have to build momentum game after game if they are to repeat the success of last summer, first beginning by making it out of the group stages.
It seems as though Chapman’s predictions regarding England’s opening game against Haiti were spot on. Qualifying for their first ever World Cup, England were left surprised by the strength of their opponents, and as Chapman put forward, “There was always a sense of danger in the fact that not many people knew much about the Haitians.”
Moreover, Chapman underlined the importance of Sarina Wiegman and her influence as a calm and composed figure that could become the X factor in gunning for World Cup glory saying “The girls look calm as well… they’re having a great time, are relaxed and are not locked away”. She even went onto voice that she wishes she had played under Wiegman, showing just how important the England coach is to this talented side.
As for players to watch, Chapman mentioned the likes of Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh, who moved to Bayern Munich and Barcelona respectively last year, gaining European experience which could prove vital if England are to go all the way. Nevertheless, Chapman also highlighted Manchester City duo Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp and rising Chelsea star Lauren James that can all provide that something special for England.
Chapman also spoke specifically concerning the expectations of newly signed Arsenal forward Alessia Russo, and how even though there is a lot of pressure on her to perform she needs to “focus on her game and give us some sparkle like the Euros” as Chapman put it.
Finally, with the sky the limit for the women’s game , Chapman told us that although it “has grown so much over the past year, it’s taken a long time to get where we are right now and there is still lots of work to be done” especially lower down the chain at grass roots level. She mentioned Karen Carney’s report which has recently come out informing on the level of investment and further work that has to continue at a lower level to ensure participation levels keep increasing for girls.
Katie Chapman was speaking to us as an ambassador for KickX, the world’s first indoor hybrid football arena, which has opened at Addlestone One in Surrey last week. Young footballers can try out exciting micro-sided hybrid football formats including Padbol, Panna, Teqball and Jorkyball as well as immersive VR technology. Prices for private court hire is £36 per hour (£9 per person when played as 4 player). For more information visit KickXfootball.com
