England are hoping their semi-final expertise may give them an edge of their World Cup showdown towards Australia on Wednesday, midfielder Keira Walsh has mentioned.
The European champions have reached the final 4 at 5 consecutive tournaments – together with twice on the World Cup.
Walsh mentioned: “Lots of us wish to go one step additional and attain the ultimate.”
However they’ve solely reached one remaining, profitable the European Championship final yr because the Lionesses claimed a primary main title at Wembley.
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Now it’s Australia’s Matildas, on residence soil, who’re additionally making an attempt to land their first World Cup, having already progressed additional than ever earlier than on the FIFA occasion.
Walsh mentioned: “The strain is on Australia. That could be a completely different factor to deal with. However they’re an amazing crew, whether or not they really feel the strain or not.
“The best way they play they do not seem like they really feel it. They’re very bodily and we have now to be prepared for that. It is nearly stepping into assured and enjoying on the entrance foot.”
Matildas-mania has swept Australia, lifting soccer to unprecedented highs in a rustic the place Aussie Guidelines soccer and rugby normally entice the largest crowds.
The Lionesses know they might be spoiling a house occasion after having fun with greater than 5 weeks right here already.
England’s Lauren Hemp celebrates after progressing to the semi finals of the World Cup
Walsh mentioned: “Australia has made us really feel actually welcome. We have all actually loved our time right here.
“However I feel as quickly because it involves the knockout phases, the main focus clearly shifts.”
The dimensions of the event in entrance of greater than 70,000 followers at a sold-out Stadium Australia shouldn’t be misplaced on Sarina Wiegman’s aspect.
It helps that their supervisor is accustomed to such events herself, having led her native Netherlands to Euros glory at residence in 2017 and reached the 2019 World Cup remaining.
No marvel the England coach “is fairly relaxed and is at all times very logical,” based on Walsh.
“She has a transparent plan and imaginative and prescient of how she desires issues to go. Even once we’re below strain, she by no means reveals it and that may calm you on the pitch.
“She has her household right here and creates a household really feel. She offers us an additional push on the pitch once we’ve been below strain.”