Lionesses eye historic victory over Australia

Women’s World Cup final today.

The Matildas recorded a surprise 2-0 win over the European Champions in London four months ago and it remains the only defeat of Wiegman’s 37-game England reign.

But she believes that match – and further study of Australia at this tournament – have left them well equipped to upset the co-hosts in Sydney this morning.

“That game gave us a lot of information so we learnt from that. It is good to have that experience and take that with us tomorrow,” said Wiegman. “We have analysed Australia during the tournament so we are very well prepared for what they want to do. We are ready for it.”

Australia have never reached this far at a Women’s World Cup, while this is England’s third consecutive semi-final appearance at the quadrennial event.

But the Matildas have already beaten Olympic champions Canada and heavyweights France and can rely on fullthroated backing at the 81,000-capacity Stadium Australia.

“I don’t think they are the underdog. They are playing at home, the stadium will be really full,” added Wiegman.

“There are two teams that are very strong and have grown into the tournament, so I think it is going to be brink of World Cup glory in 2019 and won the last two European Championships, with the Dutch in 2017 and the Lionesses last summer.

“It’s special to go so far in the tournament but when you are there, you really want to go to the final,” she said. “I feel privileged that we got this far and I really want to take the next step too.”

Australian media have attempted to draw on a long-standing enmity with England that runs deep in some sports, but Wiegman insists her team “don’t feel that rivalry that much”.

“There is a lot of rivalry in rugby and cricket – we just know it’s going to be a very competitive game. Lots of players from Australia also play in the Women’s Super League, so they know each other really well. Of course they want to beat us and we want to beat them.”

Chief among Australia’s threats will be striker Sam Kerr, who has terrorised English defences in three free-scoring and trophy-laden years at Chelsea.

“Of course she’s a threat. She’s a very good player. There’s lot of respect. But there is more than Sam Kerr, because at the end it is always a team performance,” said Wiegman.

“Australia is not just Sam Kerr. Yes, we have a plan if she starts. She can play and she can start on the bench, so that’s the situation.”

England survive scare as Farrell gets shock red card reprieve

FRANK DALLERES

ENGLAND have received a major boost ahead of the Rugby World Cup after captain Owen Farrell avoided a potential multi-match ban for a high tackle.

Farrell was sent off in Saturday’s win over Wales for a challenge on Taine Basham and was summoned to appear at a disciplinary hearing yesterday morning.

But the committee cleared the Saracens fly-half of wrongdoing after it was ruled that Jamie George’s contact with Basham made it harder for Farrell to adjust his body position. A “late change in

WHERE TO WATCH THIS MORNING’S WORLD CUP SEMI

Redwood

The London Bridge sports bar based next to The Shard has indoor and outdoor screens across two floors to watch the Lionesses’ semi-final clash with Australia.

Windsor Fenchurch

Fenchurch Street haunt Windsor has long been a favoured spot for those in need of a midday pint. They too will be showing the football this morning on their screens.

Beechwood

A short walk from Shoreditch High Street Station, Beechwood offers a sports bar feel throughout the day. Booking is recommended here but there’s plenty of space to stand.

Rialto Casino

Fancy something different? Take a trip into central London and head to The Rialto Casino and Backstage Bar in Leicester Square. There are allocated seating booths in front of a huge sports screen and even Black Jack tables to mess around with at half-time.

Flying Horse

A traditional boozer in the Square Mile, the Flying Horse is perfect for a lunchtime pint and some footie. The Matildas and England clash at 11am, when the Flying Horse opens this morning, so you’ll need to make sure you’re in position outside as doors open.

Cycling

GB cycling golden era doc slapped with four-year ban

dynamics” due to England hooker George “brought about a sudden and significant change in direction from the ball carrier”, the committee said.

It means Farrell is free to play in England’s Rugby World Cup opener against Argentina on 9 September as well as their remaining warm-up matches, this weekend against Ireland and then against Fiji.

The overturning of Farrell’s red card will also raise questions about rugby union’s new “bunker” system in which players shown yellows are removed, as he was, while TMOs rule on whether the offence is worth upgrading.

FORMER British Cycling and Team Sky doctor Richard Freeman has been banned for four years for breaching anti-doping rules.

He was found to have been in possession of a banned substance and for lying to UK anti-doping authorities.

The former British Cycling doctor was struck off in 2021 and Freeman becomes the first staff member to be banned from an era of cycling in the United Kingdom which saw the team showered in gold medals and victories.

The doping violations concern 30 Testogel sachets sent to British Cycling’s headquarters in 2011. Freeman said in 2017 that he’d ordered the sachets for a non-riding member of staff.

“This case sends a strong message to all athlete support personnel that the rules apply equally to them, just as they do to athletes, and that they have a clear responsibility to uphold the values of integrity in sport,” Jane Rumble, UK anti-doping chief executive, said after the hearing.

“We have stated previously that Richard Freeman’s conduct during his employment by British Cycling bore no resemblance to the high ethical and professional standards which we, our members and our partners rightly expect,” a statement from British Cycling chairman Frank Slevin read.