21 July 2023 , 23:01
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England’s quest for World Cup glory kicks off today, as the excitement last night reached fever pitch among travelling fans.
Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman is confident the team can make history, a view shared by the army of supporters who have flocked Down Under for the women’s tournament.
And back home millions will be tuning in for England’s opening game against Haiti at 10.30am in Brisbane, hoping they can on and repeat last summer’s Euros triumph where they beat Germany 2-1 in the final.
Wiegman’s team are second favourites for the World Cup after reigning champions the USA. The manager said: “We have a dream. And of course, there is always a chance to win the World Cup. We will give our everything.”
Captain Mille Bright, 29, added: “We are fully focused. Everyone is ready. The girls were all watching the opening games, excitement levels are really high. We are counting down the hours.” Defender Alex Greenwood was among the players taking part in a final training exercise before today’s game, as expectations run high.
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Alex Greenwood poses in England kit (FIFA via Getty Images)
Millie Bright in training (Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)Superfan Andy Milne was among the hordes of supporters who have turned up to watch today’s game at the 52,500-seater Brisbane stadium.
The 60-year-old became a cult figure in Qatar when he was seen at the men’s World Cup games with a replica Jules Rimet trophy.
Nicknamed “World Cup Guy”, Thailand-based Andy is with daughter Laila, 27, who is on a working holiday in Australia.
He said: “It’s going to be incredible to watch England.
“I hope football is coming home. I would come back for the final, I cannot miss that.” Laila added: “I do believe England will do it and I will go to the final. I feel like crying when they win.”
Fire technician Christopher Goodall, 52, who is from Birmingham but now lives in Australia, has tickets for the opening match along with his fiancee Emma Day, 45.
Players get taste of stadium where they will play first match (The FA via Getty Images)He said: “We have to believe in the Lionesses and believe they can win it.
“They have got a proper shot at this so we’ll be watching them and cheering on all their games.”
Hairdresser Saffron Morrow, 22, a hairdresser from Wakefield, West Yorks, told how she is not a football fan but added: “There is something about the World Cup that just sweeps you up into the excitement.”
William Morris, 26, from Ceredigion, Wales, said: “I’ve got to give it to the girls. They’ve done really well.” His pal Alex Windsor, 25, of Carmarthen added: “Rivalries between England fans and Wales fans have been put to one side for this. Lionesses and Dragons are side by side.” Claire McCain, from Dallas, Texas, has spent £4,600 on her World Cup trip.
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She said: “I love the US team but I follow England too.”
Back home the FA has urged supporters to watch the games at fan zones in the Ledward Centre, Brighton, BoxPark in East London, Saltbox, Nottingham, and Women in Football, Manchester.