ROAR YEARS
Ex-england star Carney: Sarina’s young squad are SO talented and loved... they can become the dominant force in the game and rule world for ages
KAREN CARNEY believes the Lionesses can rule the world for the next FIVE years.
Former England star Carney, 34, reckons Sarina Wiegman is building a dynasty to last well beyond the Euros.
England’s thrilling journey to the final at Wembley on Sunday has captured the imagination of the nation, with record TV audiences and sold-out stadiums.
The tournament has been a game changer and Carney believes Wiegman is assembling something special built on the foundations laid in the Euros.
Carney said: “People have fallen in love with it. The team has surprised me. It can’t have gone any better.
“It’s a young squad, they could win this and experience the winning feeling and then have a World Cup in a year’s time, which could help them dominate for the next four or five years.
“The world is their oyster, an incredible opportunity for them to really start something special and leave a lasting legacy.
“For everyone who has got the women’s game to this point, it will be so important and also for the foundations for the future of the game.
“That would change things forever. People’s perceptions, how we’re spoken about, and to win it would take it to another level.
“It would be brilliant because the WSL has been outstanding. Look at all the England players – they were all brilliant in the WSL last season, Beth Mead breaking records and it’s a credit to our league.
“Then we’ll go back into a new WSL season, straight to a World Cup and it’s frightening where the game could go next. It’s so exciting.”
Wiegman has been the driving force behind England’s march to the final but ex-birmingham and Chelsea star Carney believes it is also in the strength of the team unit and squad depth.
“They blitzed Sweden and they are the No.2 team in the world,” said Carney. “But the reason why teams win is because they are a team. If you look at Mary Earps, she made so many good saves. But there were so many good performances.
“I presented player of the match after the game. I was lucky to be in a box, Phil Foden was next door and I asked him, ‘Who would you give it to?’
“He didn’t know and we stood there, you could go through the whole team and it was so hard to pick it because everyone has been amazing.
“Sarina is so humble. I’ve spoken to players and they say they are so well-drilled, they know their jobs and exactly what they are supposed to do.
“For someone so little, she’s got such a big aura. She’s so special. I’ve only met her a few times but each time she’s blown me away.
“Me and Kelly Smith met her at the Euros draw last November and we both came away from the conversation saying, ‘I’d bloody love to play for her’.”
Carney is convinced the atmospheres and packed grounds will only help the growth of the women’s game in
England. She added: “It will be such an occasion at Wembley. I even saw Geri Halliwell at the semi-final, it’s just mad who is supporting the team.
“Every England game has been so entertaining... goals, incidents and drama.
“There’s been a different vibe in the crowds, that’s amazing and it’s been so good.
I’ve completely fallen in love with it again.
“I’d love for the players to win. To have that winner’s medal, no-one will ever be able to take that away.”
For someone so little, Sarina has got such
a big aura