Royals lead cheers for Lionesses as they reach first World Cup final
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The King and the Prince of Wales have led congratulatory messages for the Lionesses as they beat the old enemy Australia to reach their first World Cup final.
Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo gave England a 3-1 win over the Matildas after a superb display in Sydney on Wednesday.
In a message after the Lionesses’ comprehensive victory, Charles said the two nations were “united in pride, admiration and respect”.
His words, tweeted by the Royal Family account, read: “My wife and I join all our family in sending the mighty Lionesses the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the World Cup, and in sharing our very best wishes for Sunday’s match.
“While your victory may have cost the magnificent Matildas their chance for the greatest prize in the game, both teams have been an inspiration on and off the pitch – and for that, both nations are united in pride, admiration and respect.”
William tweeted his congratulations to the England team after the game in a personally signed tweet, saying: “What a phenomenal performance from the Lionesses – on to the final!
“Commiserations to the Matildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup.”
Toone made herself one of the heroes of the day with a brilliant first-half strike, making Lionesses fans believe they could make their first World Cup final.
Composed finishes from Hemp and Russo rounded off a professional display, helping England sweep aside the host nation.
Thousands of fans across the UK took time off work to watch the game, with many singing, dancing and slamming tables at fan parks.
Ahead of Sunday’s final, the three Boxpark fan zones in London – Croydon, Wembley and Shoreditch, sold all their 2,500 tickets in just eight minutes following Wednesday’s match.
Former England striker and presenter Gary Lineker, the Prime Minister and supporters across the country also heaped praise on the Lionesses after the game.
Lineker tweeted to say: “Well played Lionesses. Absolutely superb performance.
“A World Cup final. A World Cup final at football. It’s been a while. What a wonderful achievement.”
Rishi Sunak tweeted: “What a performance Lionesses.
“Just one more game to go… Bring on Sunday.”
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer will represent the Government at the final, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said.
Analysis by the PA news agency showed fans would have to pay almost £2,500 on return flights to Sydney if they want to attend the final.
But an extra bank holiday is not currently in the Government’s plans should the Lionesses win Sunday’s final.
A Government spokesperson said: “Winning the World Cup would be a massive moment for the country and make no mistake we’ll find the right way to celebrate.
“As Sarina Wiegman herself has said, the first thing to do is focus on the final and the whole country will be rooting for the Lionesses this weekend.”
The remarks followed an earlier statement to the BBC which also said: “The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established and there are no plans to change this.”
The Welsh Guards Band performed one of England’s footballing anthems, Sweet Caroline, during Wednesday’s Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace after the win.
Mischa McDonald, 12, was one of about a dozen young players celebrating the result at England captain Millie Bright’s former club, Killamarsh Dynamos, near Sheffield.
She told PA: “It was amazing, so nerve-wracking, but I’d predicted 3-1 before the start.”
On the final, Mischa, who attends Bright’s former school, said: “I know we’ll do it and I think Millie will lift the cup like Leah Williamson did (at the Euros).”
She added that the Lionesses’ success was “a really big inspiration”.
England cricket fans took great delight in the Lionesses getting one over the Aussies, with the Barmy Army tweeting “Oh bye bye Aussies, bye bye” towards the end of the game.
Fans at BoxPark Croydon had a few nervy minutes after Sam Kerr’s stunning strike levelled the tie for the home team in the second half.
But there were jubilant scenes as the final whistle blew and fans embraced each other ahead of the final against Spain on Sunday.
The final kicks off at 8pm local time (11am BST).
