On Wednesday night a senior England national team will play in the semi final of a World Cup for the first time in 25 years. I wasn’t even born when Gazza shed those famous tears, so it’s no wonder I’m so excited to cheer on the England Women as they take on Japan.
England’s fantastic run in the tournament has now grabbed the attention of most the nation’s media, yet many at home might be off put by the late kick off time. The match in Edmonton will kick off at midnight (UK time), far from ideal for those with work/school the following morning.
Nevertheless I urge you to resist those yawns, inject yourselves with some caffeine in the form of a cup of tea or coffee and cheer on your country from the comfort of your sofa. You may have to wait another 25 years to see an England team in a World Cup semi final.
Despite having never reached this stage of the competition before, England stand a good chance of making the final, having beaten opponents Japan in the tournament four years ago. England also come into the game on great form, the Lionesses have already seen off former champions Norway and hosts Canada.
England captain Steph Houghton is ready to lead her side out in Edmonton. “We should be really proud of being the first women’s team to get to the semi-final”, she said. “It’s the biggest game in English women’s football and I can’t wait”.
Houghton, who rose to national fame when she scored the winner against Brazil for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics in front of a record 70,000 at Wembley, also netted an all important equaliser against Norway in the last 16 a week ago.
Houghton told BBC Sport, “English women’s football is getting bigger and bigger each year and we knew the Olympics was a massive moment for us but to go that step further, it’s a huge opportunity to try and inspire young girls to play and look at us as heroes”.
As for team news, it’s anyone’s guess. Mark Sampson has used 22 of his 23 players, rotating the starting XI and the formations throughout the tournament. Sampson opted for a 4-2-3-1 last time out, with the impressive Jodie Taylor leading the line and scoring the opening goal against Canada.
If fit, Taylor will be expected to start once more and England will no doubt look to utilise her height and strength against the Japanese. In goal, Karen Bardsley may miss out after suffering what seemed to be an allergic reaction in her eye during the quarterfinal. Siobhan Chamberlain would be the likely replacement.
Whatever the line-up, you can guarantee that England will give their all on Wednesday night as they look to make even more history and become the first senior team to reach the final since the legendary 1966 winners. You don’t want to miss this!
