ENGLAND’S Lionesses were last night roared on by Rishi Sunak — who urged them to “finish the job” against Australia.
The PM made today’s Women’s World Cup semi-final a matter of national pride.
The team train ahead of the crunch semi-final with AustraliaEPA
GettyRishi Sunak urged the Lionesses to ‘finish the job’ against Australia, pictured the England line up for the quarter-final against Colombia[/caption]
GettyEngland aces Chloe Kelly and Alex Greenwood[/caption]
Mr Sunak wants the football team — led by captain Millie Bright, to go one better than England’s male cricketers — who recently drew their Ashes series with Australia.
He told The Sun: “It’s been an amazing summer of sport for our country and having fought back from the brink to draw the Ashes, it’s time to finish the job. The nation’s hopes of beating the Aussies now rest on our Lionesses.
“They’re just one win away from creating history by reaching their first World Cup final. They’ll take the fight to them in their backyard and we’ll all be roaring them on back home.”
Fierce sporting rivalry between the two countries boiled over in July during the bitter Second Ashes Test at Lord’s.
Aussie Alex Carey controversially stumped Jonny Bairstow — effectively wrecking England hopes of winning the match.
It led to chants of “Same old Aussies, alway cheating”.
Today coach Sarina Weigman’s Lionesses face tournament hosts Australia — known as The Matildas — in Sydney at 11am UK time.
Millions across the globe are expected to tune in to watch the crunch match on BBC1 at 11am.
Last night Three Lions legend David Beckham sent a “good luck” message to the team and revealed the Lionesses are inspiring his 12-year-old daughter Harper.
The ex-England skipper, 58, said in a video: “Hey girls, I just wanted to say, wow, what a tournament it’s been so far.
“It’s been so much fun to watch and we’re all so proud, as a nation, of what you’ve achieved already. But seeing you girls play as a team, it’s been really incredible. So continue to do so.
“Good luck in this next game and just know that our whole nation is behind you as always.”
The video, posted on England’s official social media, then panned to Harper, who waved and said: “Good luck, Lionesses.”
David added: “And there’s Harper. Keep inspiring these girls because it’s incredible to watch and I’m very, very happy you’re doing it for this one.”
Meanwhile bosses were warned that England fans should be allowed to work from home today or they will call in sick.
Employment advisory service Acas urged firms to plan for staff working remotely and to be more flexible with day-off requests.
Aussie supporters yesterday insisted their stars present a stiff challenge for the Lionesses — but admit they fear the England team.
Sarah Thomas, 46, who flew 644 miles from Hobart in Tasmania for the World Cup, said yesterday: “It’ll be tough because England’s a really good side.” She made the flight with 54-year-old Katja Brede, who said: “I’m most worried about England’s strikers.
“I thought Alessia Russo scored nicely against Colombia (in the quarter-finals) and Lauren Hemp too. I think England have a pretty good squad and they have an exceptionally good coach.”
Footie fans who are half British and half Australians are torn over who to cheer on.
Samantha Mawdsley, 37, of Brisbane, often supports England due to her dad being born in Liverpool.
She has been going to England and Australia games during the tournament and has both countries’ kits — but cannot decide who to support today.
She said: “I really don’t know who I’d prefer to go through.”
Teaching assistant Meika Wallace, 39, was born in Queensland but her family moved to England when she was eight.
Meika, of Kidbrooke, South East London, admitted: “I’m rooting for Australia but I’m happy with either team going through.”
The winner’s of today’s match will face Spain in Sunday’s final.
Dan Charity / The SunRishi Sunak said: ‘Having fought back from the brink to draw the Ashes, it’s time to finish the job’[/caption]
AlamyEngland captain Millie Bright speaks to media ahead of the crunch game[/caption]
Estate gets in the mood
A HOUSING estate renowned for its passionate support of England teams is decked out in St George’s flags ahead of today’s semi-final.
Residents of the Kirby Estate in Bermondsey, South East London, who painted a mural of injured star Fran Kirby before Euro 2022, have even daubed garages and bin stores red and white.
PAEngland flags and a mural of Fran Kirby on Kirby Estate in London[/caption]
We waltz to Opera House
THE Sun waltzed past the Matildas’ defence to take over the Sydney Opera House ahead of England’s semi-final against Australia today.
Our reporter Eleanor Sharples cheekily flew the St George’s flag to back our girls opposite the city’s iconic venue — a 5,738-seater building on the edge of Sydney Harbour.
Copyright: SnappleyardSun Reporter Eleanor Sharples in Sydney[/caption]
Aussies nick our tents
THE FA has said it is “disappointed” after reports suggested semi-final tickets allocated for England fans were bought by Australia supporters.
A unique supporter code was reportedly leaked on social media ahead of the Lionesses’ crunch match with the Matildas today — and a number of Australia fans used it to purchase tickets.
GettyInside the impressive Sydney Football Stadium[/caption]
Chopper spy on Lionesses
THE cheating Aussies were up to their old tricks when a helicopter was caught spying on England.
Manager Sarina Weigman was running her Lionesses through their final training session before today’s big match when it was spotted.
The Australian Daily Telegraph said it had funded the mission.
The paper said the Lionesses were in “for a rude shock” if they could quietly prepare.
It said: “We’ve sent the chopper up to see how the old enemy are preparing … Welcome to the jungle, Lionesses, we’ve got fun and games.”
“It might not be in the spirit of football, but after last month’s men’s Ashes cricket series we will let the moral arbiters England pass judgment on what is and isn’t acceptable in the world of sport.
“But make no mistake, England are here to ruin Australia’s party…”
Editorial and helicopter photos in Australia’s Daily Telegraph