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England go Fara than ever before in WWC
If Mark Sampson’s England side hadn’t already created enough history in the 2015 Women’s World Cup, they won the landmark first third place play-off match at Women’s World Cup; and the Lionesses rid the demons of twenty painful previous defeats to Germany. Richard Lewis takes a looks back on the highlights of England’s Women’s World Cup campaign.
Will to Win!
Edmonton had been the scene of England’s most unfortunate exit against Japan in the semi-finals from a freakish Laura Bassett own goal, but England managed to contrive some good memories of the city by beating the top ranked side in the world. It isn’t even the first time this week that a British lady has stood tall against a world number one, as Guernsey-born tennis player Heather Watson ran American giant Serena Williams close in their encounter at Wimbledon.
Ironically, it was also a Williams who defeated the Germans at the World Cup — with Liverpool Ladies midfielder Fara Williams expertly tucking away a spot-kick, just as she had done against Japan in England’s semi-final heartache. Williams has scored penalties against Colombia and Japan, but in hindsight, this one meant the most. Influential substitute and Arsenal striker Lianne Sanderson won the penalty by being fouled in the box by Tabea Kemme. This triumph also confirms that England are one of, if not the top side in Europe, as only Japan and America can get shinier medals than the English this summer. Take note, Roy Hodgson! That is how you beat Germans courtesy of a penalty.
Honest Heroines!
There are many reasons why the English public have got behind the Lionesses this summer, not the least their results in comparison to the men’s, but importantly, it is because they are honest and open to the fans. A taste of real people — the down to earth girl-next-door living the dream brand — as opposed the mega-persona, commercialized men’s players. A lot of the England squad are open about “real life” speed bumps which people can relative to, such as depression and homelessness, as well as being truthful about their sexuality.
England have two openly gay players in forms of Lianne Sanderson and former captain Casey Stoney – both of whom were substitutes against Germany game. However, in the men’s squad there are no openly gay players. The girls of the England squad have also publicly spoken about mental health issues, such as depression, with winger Karen Carney and striker Fran Kirby sharing their stories and showing how far they have come. The women footballers are also open with realizing their positions as role models, especially when it comes to signing autographs for the fans on matchdays.
Fara Williams may be the queen of set-plays for England, but it hasn’t always looked so easy for the 31-year-old Londoner. She may be England’s most capped player — men or women — but she has also told of spending six years of life homeless. Williams just shows you do not need to give up, even if you do not have a roof over your head.
England are definitely taking Bronze back with them!
Credit is due to Laura Bassett, who responded from her infamous own goal which sent England crashing out of the World Cup, by playing a blinder at the heart of defense against Germany to pick up a deserved tournament medal. Captain Steph Houghton lead her ladies up to the ceremony of the Bronze giveaway, and like full-back Lucy Bronze, this is a copper color I don’t see the Lionesses ever letting go. Even before the Germany game we knew Bronze was going back on the plane to an English airport, but now twenty-three medals will join Lucy. The Manchester City full-back scored winners against Norway and Canada in earlier knockout rounds and is the only English name on the list for player of the tournament.
England fans, meanwhile, can only hope that the US beat Japan, who seemed to lack respect for England after their semifinal meeting, in Vancouver’s final tomorrow. Hopefully, Alex Morgan (not the Football Every Day writer!) and her US team-mates will be able to revenge their 2011 World Cup final loss to Japan. While the USA and Japan are used to reaching this stage of the competition, but England Women have made history and experienced a new high, only bettered by the male 1966 World Cup winning team. The Lionesses can now return home with pride and a piece of priceless metal to go with it — with 22 out of 23 of the squad having first team game time over the seven matches, it was a collective success.
Homepage photo credit: James Boyes on Flickr