England are hoping their semi-final expertise can provide them an edge of their World Cup showdown in opposition to Australia on Wednesday, midfielder Keira Walsh has mentioned.
The European champions have reached the final 4 at 5 consecutive tournaments – together with twice on the World Cup.
Walsh mentioned: “A lot of us would like to go one step further and reach the final.”
England supervisor Sarina Wiegman
But they’ve solely reached one remaining, profitable the European Championship final yr because the Lionesses claimed a primary main title at Wembley.
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Now it’s Australia’s Matildas, on dwelling soil, who’re additionally attempting to land their first World Cup, having already progressed additional than ever earlier than on the FIFA occasion.
Walsh mentioned: “The pressure is on Australia. That is a different thing to cope with. But they are a great team, whether they feel the pressure or not.
“The manner they play they do not seem like they really feel it. They are very bodily and we’ve to be prepared for that. It’s nearly getting in assured and enjoying on the entrance foot.”
Matildas-mania has swept Australia, lifting soccer to unprecedented highs in a rustic the place Aussie Rules soccer and rugby often appeal to the largest crowds.
The Lionesses know they might be spoiling a house occasion after having fun with greater than 5 weeks right here already.
England’s Lauren Hemp celebrates after progressing to the semi finals of the World Cup
Walsh mentioned: “Australia has made us feel really welcome. We’ve all really enjoyed our time here.
“But I feel as quickly because it involves the knockout levels, the main focus clearly shifts.”
The dimension of the event in entrance of greater than 70,000 followers at a sold-out Stadium Australia isn’t misplaced on Sarina Wiegman’s facet.
It helps that their supervisor is accustomed to such events herself, having led her native Netherlands to Euros glory at dwelling in 2017 and reached the 2019 World Cup remaining.
No marvel the England coach “is pretty relaxed and is always very logical,” in accordance with Walsh.
“She has a clear plan and vision of how she wants things to go. Even when we’re under pressure, she never shows it and that can calm you on the pitch.
“She has her household right here and creates a household really feel. She offers us an additional push on the pitch once we’ve been beneath strain.”
Content Source: information.sky.com