‘A World Cup final. It’s been a while’: Kane, Lineker and king hail Lionesses
Harry Kane and King Charles III led the congratulations after England swept aside the co-hosts Australia 3-1 to reach their first World Cup final.
“Massive congratulations to the Lionesses,” Kane, the England men’s captain, told Sky Sports. “It sounds like a heck of a game and massive congratulations. We’re all behind them and hopefully they can do it in the final.”
Spain will be England’s opponents on Sunday. A statement from the King said: “My wife and I join all our family in sending the mighty Lionesses our warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the World Cup, and in sharing our very best wishes for Sunday’s match. While your victory may have cost the magnificent Matildas their chance for the greatest prize in the game, both teams have been an inspiration on and off the pitch – and, for that, both nations are united in pride, admiration and respect.”
England’s men won the World Cup in 1966 but no England team have participated in a World Cup final since. Gary Lineker, who won the Golden Boot for England at the 1986 World Cup, said: “Absolutely superb performance. A World Cup final. A World Cup final at football. It’s been a while. What a wonderful achievement.”
Beth Mead, England’s player of the tournament when they won the European Championship last summer but not at this tournament because of injury, wrote on Twitter: “World Cup Final baby! Get in Lionesses.”
The retired Euros winner Ellen White said on the BBC: “I feel quite emotional because what this team have done, the legacy they have created … To finally say we’re in a World Cup final, I feel so proud of this team. It is ridiculous.
“They have had roller-coaster tournament and at times been criticised for the way they played, but the bond they share, to make a World Cup final is incredible and for Sarina [Wiegman] to make World Cup finals back-to-back [she led the Netherlands to the 2019 final] shows what a coach she is. I’ve never seen her like that, quite emotional, but it is because she puts so much into it.”