This is the alternative story of a historic day that saw England reach their first World Cup final since 1966
How did the game feel for fans watching in both countries? What was the reaction of a coach who worked with three of England’s heroes in their younger days? How did supporters in the clubhouses of local football teams with connections to some of Australia’s stars react as hopes of a home triumph were dashed?sent reporters to tell the story of the match and wider occasion, from the fan zone outside the stadium to a working-class pub in London, via some of the players’ childhood clubs…Melanie...
“We always knew she would become something,” says Jodie Paine, the club’s senior vice president. The crowd are ready to see what she and the Matildas can do tonight.— a screening event in a pub in east London Emmanuel has been in the throes of World Cup fever since the tournament kicked off. “Everyone’s talking about it,” the boy continues. “Everyone is so excited and nervous.”
Phil Buckingham in Rotherham, England – watching with Scott Duncanson, who coached Mary Earps, Millie Bright and Bethany England at Doncaster BellesDuncanson, now head of academy recruitment at Rotherham United, has skin in the game as he sits down in an executive box at the New York Stadium . There is an emotional attachment to Mary Earps, Millie Bright and Beth England, a trio he helped on their way with the Belles back in the day. “My heart is racing when I’m watching them,” he says.
It’s hard not to get lost among the crowds, with one heading to the stadium and those not lucky enough to have tickets watching in the fan zone instead. A nation expects.I turn up at my local pub in south London just as it opens at 11am . It turns out I’m the only person in The Kings Arms and barman Tom Flynn, from County Meath in Ireland, refuses to let me pay for my Coca-Cola while being frank about the limited appeal of this game compared to men’s football in his pub.
A couple of children in Australia shirts are sat cross-legged a few feet away from one of the many big screens, eyes fixed on the game as they dip french fries in ketchup. Meanwhile, adults nurse beers and cans of Diet Coke and analyse the game. Everyone is sporting thick yellow and green stripes across their cheeks.Advertisement
Tom the barman has seen the goal and agrees with me that it was pretty special. As an Irishman, he’s not invested in the outcome but is impressed by what he’s seen so far. The crowd absolutely erupts when Kerr scores. They can’t get enough of it and they cheer and scream at every replay.I’ve got a bit of company in the pub now — Ronnie is a regular here and has been watching lots of the World Cup.He is Irish but has lived in England for 45 years, so wants the Lionesses to win.The clubhouse has exploded. Every single person — apart from the English coach — was on their feet. They cheered and slammed the tables.
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