Bright times ahead for England’s WWC campaign
George Clarke |
A pay dispute, injury concerns and a lot of expectations.
European champions England will hope to silence the noise when they kick off their Women’s World Cup campaign against Haiti on Saturday.
The Lionesses have endured a less-than-simple build-up to this year’s tournament after their enthralling European triumph on home soil last year.
England’s players have been in talks with the Football Association (FA) over bonus payouts for their performance at the tournament, begrudgingly putting those discussions on hold earlier this week.
The side has also been hampered by retirements as well as injuries to regular captain Leah Williamson and Chelsea star Fran Kirby.
There were question marks over the fitness of stand-skipper captain Millie Bright although the Chelsea defender has been passed fit for the Brisbane Stadium clash.
While all that might have proved a lot for some sides to handle, Bright said England had remained alert to the job at hand.
“It’s not a situation everyone wants to be in but I think as players we’re not just programmed to play football,” Bright said.
“Sometimes we have to have these conversations but we have a very professional group and football is always at the front of everything.
“As players now our heads are on the game, they always have been on the game but yeah.
“Everything is on hold and we will address this situation at a later date but for now it’s all about the tournament.”
Coach Sarina Wiegman said she had a full squad to pick from and was delighted to have the experienced Bright fit and available.
Wiegman’s side is viewed by bookmakers as the closest challenger to the US and after taking the Lionesses to Euros glory, is the World Cup next?
“We’re here and we have a dream,” Wiegman said.
“Of course there’s always a chance to win the World Cup.
“Many countries can win the World Cup I think but of course we’re going to give it everything.”
AAP
