England vs Spain LIVE: Women’s World Cup final build-up and Lionesses team news

Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka were among those who sent a message of support to the Lionesses ahead of the World Cup final against Spain.

Kane said, “Good luck for the finals. I will take care. So far the journey has been great, you should really be proud of yourself. We all have your back and know you can do it. Bring home the trophy.”

The King has urged the Lionesses to “roar to victory” in the Women’s World Cup final.

Charles’ battle cry came on the eve of the historic showdown between England and Spain at Australia Stadium in Sydney.

“Good luck today lionesses and may you roar in victory,” Charles said in a message posted to social media on Saturday.

Queen Letizia of Spain will travel to Australia for the final while the British royals stay at home.

Prince William and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will also not attend the game.

American referee Tori Penso will officiate England’s game against Spain in the World Cup final.

Penso also oversaw England’s victory over co-hosts Australia in the semi-finals and will take charge of the Lionesses for the second year in a row.

The pioneering MLS referee threw out both Alex Greenwood and Chloe Kelly in the semifinals, which the Lionesses won 3-1 in Sydney, but there could have been a lot more after tough tackles erupted in the 90 minutes.

Sarina Wiegman has a big decision to make as England meet Spain in the Women’s World Cup final and the Lionesses try for the first time to win the game’s biggest prize.

After ending her run of semi-final defeats by hosts Australia in Sydney, Wiegman must decide whether to bring star striker Lauren James back to her starting line-up for the final.

James was sent off for kicking an opponent in England’s Round of 16 win over Nigeria but has now served her two-game ban and is available for the final.

England’s Ella Toone impressed with her performance against Australia and also went on the scoresheet when she scored the opener, meaning the Manchester United midfielder will be hard to beat.

But James was one of the World Cup players in the group stage, scoring three goals and could mean the difference for England who are looking to win the World Cup for the first time.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the World Cup final

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin will not take part in the Women’s World Cup final, despite the fact that the European confederation, Spain and England, represented two teams at the final in Sydney.

Uefa will instead be represented by Nadine Kessler, the body’s technical director of women’s football.

Ceferin’s absence is the latest in a series of snubs from figures alleged to support or represent women’s football, including FA President Prince William and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The main reason given for Ceferin’s snub was the length of the trip to Australia.

Exclusively by Miguel Delaney

England “fought”. Two games into the World Cup and the final seemed a long way off. Despite the opening victories against Haiti and Denmark, England had to change. While players and managers at major tournaments often reiterate that it’s results that count, Sarina Wiegman was more concerned that her side had underperformed. The Lionesses lacked creativity and were vulnerable to counterattacks.

But Wiegman and her coaching staff had a backup plan. A change in formation was an idea she and her staff discussed in April when devising a way to make England more unpredictable at the World Cup. A 3-5-2 system was identified as a way to get more out of certain players in the roster and play to their strengths while giving opponents new food for thought. But when Wiegman was faced with the decision to break England’s approach and start over, it took her courage and conviction to embark on it.

How Sarina Wiegman changed England’s World Cup

The Prime Minister has told England’s Lionesses that “the whole nation is crossing their fingers for you” as they prepare to face Spain in the final of the Women’s World Cup.

In a letter, Rishi Sunak wished England coach Sarina Wiegman and her players the best of luck for the final in Sydney, Australia on Sunday, writing: “You all made us proud.”

Mr Sunak has opted not to attend the Southern Hemisphere final in person and has sent Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer to Australia to represent the UK Government.

Addressing the letter to “Sarina and all our lionesses,” the Prime Minister said: “On behalf of the entire country, I want to wish you the best of luck against Spain in the World Cup final!”

“You made us all proud again this summer. From defeating Australia in your own backyard to winning a penalty shoot-out, you’ve inspired us with your skill, teamwork and courage.

“This weekend, like millions of others, I will be watching and cheering for you.

“But whatever the outcome, I want you to know that you have already secured one lasting legacy: that every girl in this country will have equal access to all school sports, including football.”

In the last few days before a World Cup final, when every touch on the training ground is charged with greater excitement, it’s still difficult not to fall back into the lightness of youth. Here, first of all, the actual meaning of all this becomes clear.

“When I was a kid we played football in the garden where we had to score to stay in,” smiles striker Alessia Russo at the English stadium. “It was fun and played freely. As a kid, the thought that we would be playing in a World Cup final in a few days was a special feeling.”

There is a universal feeling when it comes to this game because this game is truly unique. Nothing else comes close. That’s why everyone is here. Jenni Hermoso expressed exactly the same feelings in the Spain camp.

“Everything I do on the pitch, I learned on the street, playing in my neighborhood, playing in the park under my grandparents’ house… Of course you imagine victory, you imagine, with the World Cup after return to Spain. I hope this dream will come true.”

The way these players inspire generations to come means that these simple joys should not be forgotten as all of these players strive to do something that will be remembered forever.

England vs Spain – World Cup Final Preview, by Miguel Delaney

Good morning! It’s the final day of the World Cup and the nation faces a standstill as the Lionesses play Spain in Sydney for the top prize of the game.

England are in a World Cup final for the first time in 57 years, whether men or women, in a historic event. Manager Sarina Wiegman has prompted their players to block out the “noise” of 1966 while England look to add the World Cup title to last year’s Euro triumph.

With a 3-1 win over Australia in the semi-finals, the Lionesses and Wiegman’s team reached the World Cup final for the first time managed to keep cool and defeat the hosts with a clinical presentation in Sydney.

Spain, who are also contesting the inaugural Women’s World Cup final, have done so navigated an off-field player mutiny and questions surrounding their manager Jorge Vilda, but ‘La Roja’ remain a dangerous opponent and will be spearheaded by their squad of Barcelona stars.