In a recent interview with England Captain Millie Bright, she told us that she was “fully confident” to be fit for the World Cup opener against debutants Haiti but boss Sarina Wiegmann has been unsurprisingly quiet regarding any team news ahead of the game until recent hours.
Sarina Wiegmann has just announced a huge boost for the England squad ahead of Haiti with newly crowned Captain Millie Bright set to play in England’s World Cup opening fixture against Haiti, despite having not played competitive football since March following knee surgery.
Millie said she was “really honoured to be given this responsibility” and has been in touch with previous Captain Leah WIilliamson who she has a good relationship with on and off the pitch.
What are the expectations for this World Cup?
Less than a year on from the success of the Lionesses lifting the European Championship trophy, the team await in excitement in what will be coach Sarina Wiegman’s first World Cup with England. Her side go into the tournament as one of the hot favourites, but have three key players missing – captain Leah Williamson, Beth Mead (Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner and Player of the Tournament) and Chelsea forward Fran Kirby.
Wiegmann has embraced such expectations for this tournament exclaiming – “pressure is always on England” and that this tournament is “no different so we’ll just play our game and focus on how we can win. That’s just what we do all the time.”
England midfielder Georgia Stanway spoke to us regarding the hopes for the upcoming tournament saying the team just want to “focus on each game as it comes” and play “how we play”.
Has there been a slight dip in form in recent performances?
England come into the tournament amid a slight dip in form – winning only one out of their last three and only last scoring from open play back in April against Brazil. The one victory was against a strong Brazil side in the Finalissima, between the champions of Europe and South America. That was followed by their first loss in 30 matches, against Australia, and a draw with Portugal. They are expected to get back to winning ways as favourites to top group D and all eyes of the nation will be on the screen tomorrow awaiting a 10.30 am kick off in Brisbane.
