England secured their birth in the World Cup quarter finals following a 3-0 win over Cameroon - will football finally be coming home in 2019?
Lucy Bronze, England V Norway, Fifa Women's World Cup
World Cup fever is sweeping England for the second year in a row as England’s women’s team secured their place in the quarter finals of the tournament in France with a 3-0 victory over Cameroon, in a game that saw even more VAR controversy – a bit of a theme for the tournament thus far. The tournament is getting down to brass tacks now, with only eight teams remaining and Phil Neville’s Lionesses – currently ranked third in the world – have a great chance to lift the trophy on 7th July in Rhone. But first comes the challenge of Norway tonight, who overcame Australia 4-1 on penalties after extra time saw the teams level at 1-1 in their round of 16 game. England saw off Norway in round of 16 stage at the last World Cup in 2015, where goals from Steph Houghton and Lucy Bronze completed a 2-1 comeback win.
Faye White will know exactly what’s going through the Lionesses heads at this crucial point of the tournament, having made 90 appearances for England, most of which were as captain. Her stellar career also featured over 30 trophies in 300 games for Arsenal, one of the most dominant forces in women’s football over the past decade. She is also encouraging the nation to re-create the scenes of summer 2018 alongside pub chain Greene King, calling on communities to come together and support the lionesses.