20 August 2023 , 08:20
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If the Lionesses were nervous ahead of their World Cup Final clash with Spain on Sunday then you wouldn't have known it.
Just hours before Sarina Wiegman's side were due to step back out at Stadium Australia - scene of their thrilling 3-1 semi-final triumph over the hosts - for the biggest game of their lives, they took in the sights and sounds of Sydney one final time.
Bidding to stay relaxed and keep in the right head space before their Spanish showdown, England star's took to the streets for one final pre-match walk. Joined by a police escort, the team, including Lauren James - available once more after her two-match ban - and backroom staff were all smiles, looking extremely comfortable and as cool as the proverbial cucumber.
Staying calm and embracing pressure, rather than wilting in the face of it, has been something of a mantra for the side during their time Down Under. Certainly, it has worked so far.
Defender Jess Carter admitted on Saturday: “Personally, I won’t have any nerves. It’s football. I understand and know from the outside, it’s the World Cup final, your biggest moment. But I play my best when I’m super calm.
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"At the end of the day, it’s just a game of football. We have to perform as we did in the first group game. Maybe some people have nerves but I think that will be challenged into positive energy come the night.”
Rachel Daly and England captain Millie Bright (Media-Mode / SplashNews.com)
Alessia Russo cracks a joke as the Lionesses prepare (Media-Mode / SplashNews.com)Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate wished the side well ahead of the game - but admitted he couldn't offer any advice because his side's female counterparts had achieved something the men's side have not.
Southgate, speaking in a video posted on the Lionesses' social media, said: “Hi to you all out there in Australia. You’re doing a brilliant job, so that’s the first thing, and of course there is no advice because you’ve done more than us already, and you know what is needed to win.
“So all that remains is to wish you the very best for the final, and we hope you can bring that trophy back. Good luck everybody.”
England players including Lauren James, Jordan Nobbs and Mary Earps on their team walk around Sydney (Media-Mode / SplashNews.com)His sentiments were echoed by his skipper, Harry Kane. “Hi Lionesses, I just wanted to say best of luck for the World Cup final on Sunday. I’ll be watching.
“Amazing journey so far, you should be really proud of yourselves.
"We’re all behind you, all supporting you, we know you can do it, so go and get that World Cup win and bring that trophy home. All the best.”
They were among a host of good luck messages from England stars past and present, including the Lionesses former star forward Kelly Smith, who won 117 caps for her country.
She declared: “Yet another final. You’ve done it again, one last push. Just believe in yourselves, go out there, it’s just another game. Another game. Bring it home. We’re all so proud of you. I’ll be there watching in the final.
“Please play to the best of your ability and everything else will take care of itself. I believe, the country believes, let’s go.”
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