31 July 2023 , 13:50
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Lionesses goal hero Georgia Stanway has been enjoying some brotherly love ahead of their crucial Women's World Cup decider against China.
The England penalty taker had the chance to spend some time with siblings John Paul and Sol after they travelled more than 10,000 miles to support their sister. John Paul, 28, visited her in their Terrigal HQ in New South Wales, around 56 miles North of Sydney, and played table tennis with Georgia, 24, from Barrow, Cumbria.
The midfielder also had the chance to go sightseeing with them, her dad Paul, 57, and step mum Linzi, 49, in Sydney. They will be cheering her on in the last Group D game. England need a draw on Tuesday to finish top of their group. But manager Sarina Wiegman said on Monday: "We approach every game to win, that is what we are going to do tomorrow."
The Lionesses are being supported by dozens of family members Down Under. And Georgia said: "It is a massive thing for us. From Day One we have had our family time. Sarina has made sure that our families are connected, and that we have that special time with them.
"It was Sarina's idea to give us time to relax, we all have our families out here pretty much. We are looking to relax, be offbeat, take our minds away from football... even Sarina has her family here."
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To laughter from the media at a pre-match press conference, Georgia added: "Sometimes you don't think your head coach is human. Her family has been supporting us as well - they have their England shirts on."
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She described the team spirit, with many playing for the last five or six years together, as 'heartwarming'. She joked: "I woke up this morning feeling a lot more mature," when asked about taking on greater responsibility in the team.
Injured best pal Keira Walsh found being stretchered off against Denmark 'the most embarrassing thing' as she knew 'the whole nation was watching her'. But she added: "She is doing well and supporting us, there are 22 of us now who have to step up. I talk to Keira 24/7 but to be honest about 10 minutes is football-related and the rest is just rubbish. She is rooting for us."
On the injury to Keira, Sarina added: "We have to move on, and we think that we can win the game." The team did a tour of Adelaide's Hindmarsh Stadium and the 13,392-capacity venue, the smallest used by far for England's matches, will be packed to the rafters for the match. China are underdogs but at their pre-match press conference, they warned that they will 'never give up' as they try to qualify for the last 16.
But England will be cheered on by a huge group of family members. Keeper Mary Earps' mum, Julie has travelled out to support her, while Alessia Russo has parents Carol and Mario; Jordan Nobbs has dad Keith and cousin, Michael. Lucy's mum Diane Bronze is also in Oz supporting the team.