Neville backs ‘leader’ Guthrie to guide England to the final
England will look to Serena Guthrie, their talismanic captain, to propel them to a first World Cup final tomorrow, with head coach Tracey Neville insisting her leader will “go down in the history books”.
Guthrie has been the standout act for England throughout the tournament, dominating the midcourt with her blend of power and agility as the hosts secured their semi-final spot against New Zealand with relative ease.
A veteran of the past two World Cups, Guthrie was only made captain on the eve of the tournament when regular choice Ama Agbeze was omitted from the squad. She has thrived in the role, throwing herself about the court with trademark abandon and helping England maintain a 100 per cent record in Liverpool.
“Serena was a world-class player before she became captain, but she’s become a leader now,” Neville said. “She’s unique. She’s going to go down in the history books.
“She’s so slight, she’s a breeze that goes through and when she hits the floor she’s got nothing to hurt. It’s like a stick hitting the floor. That’s quite normal for her.”
Today’s semi-final will see an epic battle at centre, where Guthrie will face off against the vastly experienced figure of Laura Langman, New Zealand’s captain and mostcapped player in history. It is a prospect Langman, a double Commonwealth Games gold medallist, is relishing.
“Oh, she’s amazing,” Langman said of her opposite number. “I think she looks so fit. She’s the most influential centre in the world – and what an occasion to be playing in a semi-final in your home country.
“It’s going to be a battle. The crowd is probably going to play an epic role. Serena loves an event and it’s going to be one.”
After playing six games in seven days, England’s players had a day off at their hotel yesterday, with all members of Neville’s squad taking part in player analysis of their opposite numbers in the New Zealand side.
Having contested the past five World Cup finals, where they played Australia on each occasion, this is familiar territory for New Zealand. The Silver Ferns have finished outside the top two just twice in 14 World Cups, although they underwent a major rebuilding process after the shock of failing to win a medal at last year’s Commonwealth Games.
“I always think being the home side makes a difference, and rightly so,” Noeline Taurua, the New Zealand head coach, said.
“They were the gold medallists in the Commonwealth Games and they’ve done a lot for our sport with regards to raising its profile on this side of the ditch, so I think a crowd does make a difference, but you’ve also got to be able to deliver.
“It can bring a bit of pressure either way but it’s going to be an awesome day.”
Victory for England could set up a rematch of last year’s epic Commonwealth Games gold-medal match against Australia, who are expected to triumph over South Africa in today’s other semi-final.