Live – England take on Spain in Women’s World Cup final
– Spain are ready to go, with Salma Paralluelo looking focused as she prepares to start. ? HERE WE ARE! — Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol (@SEFutbolFem) – Sarina Wiegman was characteristically restrained when asked about Lauren James’ return from suspension. Wiegman told BBC Sport: “First of all we hope everyone on the pitch, starting, will have an impact on the game. “We have players on the bench who can make an impact and it’s really nice to have LJ on the bench too, and if necessary she’s ready.” Our Finalists ? — England Football (@EnglandFootball) – England full-back Lucy Bronze is calm before kick-off, telling BBC Sport: “I’m just enjoying the moment like I have in every game. “We’ve played in this stadium twice before so it’s quite familiar territory for us now, so I think a lot of the girls are pretty relaxed and just excited for the next 90 minutes.” – Pre-match preparations in Sydney. In the building for the final! ? — Lionesses (@Lionesses) – England have arrived at the stadium, having earlier been cheered onto their bus by fans outside their hotel. Leaving the team hotel for the final! ? — England (@England) The stage is set. — FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) – England have named an unchanged XI for the final, meaning Ella Toone keeps her place with Lauren James on the bench. Your for the final! ? — Lionesses (@Lionesses) – “If you bring this home, man, I’ll be in Trafalgar Square, I’ll be topless, I’ll be in the water!” Rio Ferdinand promises he will be crying in the Trafalgar Square fountains if England win the trophy… Let’s go The nation is behind you, we believe ??????? Go Bring It Home ? — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) – Kelly Smith, second on the Lionesses’ all-time goalscoring list with 46, is tipping England to win 2-0. “I’m really calm, confident, I’ve got no nerves,” Smith told Sky Sports. “The way they played against Australia, they managed the game so well, all three forwards scored so that will have given them great confidence. “It’s the belief they’ve experience winning a trophy last year at the Euros, it’s the manager – the best manager in the world, Sarina Wiegman.” – Support from former Lionesses forward Toni Duggan. Most could only dream of this day, enjoy every minute of it girls. This is YOUR moment. Bring it home ????????❤️? — Toni Duggan (@toniduggan) – Former captain Faye White was fired up by the Lionesses’ hype video. Spine tingling….one last big push! Make are Dreams Come True ???????❤️?I believe you, your NATION believes in you!! — Faye White (@faye_white) – Spain have gone early with their team announcement! Super-sub Salma Paralluelo steps into a starting role for the big game, with Alexia Putellas on the bench. ? ??????? I ¡ESTA ES LA ALINEACIÓN DE ESPAÑA ???? ?? ????? ??? ???????! ? ??? ???? ??????????? que saldrán de inicio para representarnos en el partido por el título. ? – I — Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol (@SEFutbolFem) Will Sarina Wiegman follow suit by unleashing Lauren James from the start? We await news of the England XI. – England fans gathered ahead of the match have some live rugby to entertain them as well as a visit from Chelsea manager Emma Hayes. Chelsea boss Emma Hayes spotted near the England pub gathering meeting and greeting fans. It’s already packed here outside Sydney’s Stadium Australia for the final. — Rachel Steinberg – at the #FIFAWWC ?? (@rae_steinberg) – Our reporter Rachel Steinberg is in Sydney for the occasion and is bringing us some pre-match flavour, with both teams having strong support. ?? : These Spain fans have properly risen to the occasion. Just over three hours until the World Cup final kicks off! — Rachel Steinberg – at the #FIFAWWC ?? (@rae_steinberg) – Euro 2022 hero Beth Mead tells Sky Sports: “I’m sure the nerves are setting in and I’m sure they’ll be excited and ready to go, and I’m super excited for them.” “There’s a lot of experienced players on that bus, a lot who’ve experienced that final last year, and they can share that with the girls who’ve not been there before. “It’s been a tough tournament to sit there and watch the games when you know you could have been involved if I didn’t have the injury. I’ll be so proud if the girls lift that trophy but a little touch of sadness because I want to be there with them. I know the others will be feeling the same, Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby and the other girls.” – England men’s captain Harry Kane urged the Lionesses to “bring that trophy home” and James Maddison said they are “putting so many smiles on faces that (they) probably don’t even realise” in a message of support on social media. Our England. Our family. Messages of support for the from the ahead of today's final! ? — England (@England) Coach Gareth Southgate admitted: “There is of course no advice because you’ve done more than us already!” – Good morning and welcome to the PA news agency’s Women’s World Cup final blog. Stay here for all the build-up, key match action and post-game reaction as England and Spain clash at a sold-out Stadium Australia. The Final. ??????? One more push. Together. ❤️ — Lionesses (@Lionesses)