Inside the Lionesses' lair as England Women prepare for World Cup

30 June 2023 , 20:49

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Inside the Lionesses' lair as England Women prepare for World Cup

So the final score is: England Women 1 England Men 0.

The Lionesses have certainly got one over their male counterparts with an absolutely stunning team HQ for this month’s much-awaited World Cup.

They play their final warm-up game in Milton Keynes against Portugal today before flying Down Under on Wednesday.

And the Mirror was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the England hotel, training base and the World Cup grounds – including Sydney’s Stadium Australia where the final will be played.

It’s the same ground where Jonny Wilkinson’s last-gasp drop goal won the Rugby World Cup for England in 2003.

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Mirror's Andy at Stadium Australia, where the final will be played

The hotel and location for the World Cup second favourites is far superior to those of the men’s side in Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.

To be fair there have been some noise issues and the hotel management at the Crowne Plaza have had the occasional complaint.

But there is nothing they can do about the sound of Pacific Ocean waves crashing on to the idyllic sandy beach, which can be quite loud at night.

And England’s training facility, which is a 20-minute bus ride away, is equally impressive.

Boss Sarina Wiegman at training session this week (PA)

The FA have secured the main 20,000 capacity stadium of the Central Coast Mariners – who are the top team in Australia after winning the A League – the Aussie equivalent of the Premier League.

The facilities will be the best at the tournament. The pitch sits right next to Broken Bay, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean.

The FA are paying for gym equipment to be placed in a marquee usually used for corporate events.

It will be left behind for a local education academy to help underprivileged children.

Millie Bright will captain Lionesses (Getty Images)

Women's World Cup starts later this month

Also school and women’s teams have been invited to watch the stars in training. Venue manager Kath Casey said: “There is great excitement in the area.”

The Mirror was given an exclusive tour of the Crowne Plaza hotel in the New South Wales coastal resort of Terrigal as the World Cup draws closer.

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Executive chef, Cornishman Simon Quick, 54, said: “It will be a real privilege for my team to cook for the England squad.

"I’m sure there won’t be much call for traditional full English breakfasts but I have been liaising with their management team and will be preparing carefully chosen meals.”

Andy at Sydney Football Stadium, where England will play a group match

Mark Roth, general manager, said: “As one of the favourites for the tournament, the Lionesses bring an air of excitement and we feel privileged to be part of their journey.”

The World Cup starts on July 21 with games in both Australia and New Zealand.

The Aussies are putting a special emphasis on recognising their Aboriginal heritage.

Jonny Wilkinson kicking winning goal at the Stadium Australia (Getty Images)

All their venues are to include their original native names as respect to the “First Nation”.

England are second favourites for the World Cup, behind the United States, after winning last year’s Euros beating Germany 2-1 in extra time.

At the last two World Cup tournaments the Lionesses reached the semi-final but on both occasions failed to reach the final.

They are managed by Sarina Wiegman and will be captained by Chelsea ’s Millie Bright, 29.

20,000-seat home of Central Coast Mariners

While they are favourites to win their group, three of their best players defender Leah Williamson and midfielders Fran Kirby and Beth Mead have all been ruled out injured.

On July 22 England will play their opening game against Haiti at the Lang Park stadium in Brisbane.

While the match is expected to be a sell-out it will not break the stadium’s attendance record which is held by Ed Sheeran, with a record crowd of 58,439 for a gig earlier this year.

England fans will love the location of the stadium which is a 15-minute walk from the downtown area.

Crowne Plaza in Terrigal is base

The side will then take on Denmark six days later at the brand new Sydney Football Stadium before playing China at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide on August 1.

But what England fans want most is another final in the iconic Stadium Australia. And the players will all be dreaming of emulating Jonny Wilkinson and becoming part of England sporting immortality.

Andy Lines