The Red Roses are ramping up their preparations for the World Cup at home following the Lionesses' triumph this season, with England aiming for a first world title in a decade and the leading contenders kicking off on Friday against the USA in Sunderland before playing Samoa and Australia in Group A.
In photo: The Red Roses are enthusiastically preparing for the World Cup after the Lionesses' success
England's women's rugby team have drawn strength and motivation from the Lionesses' achievements at the European Championships as they prepare for the World Cup at home, which starts in the coming days.
The Red Roses' tournament opens on Friday against the United States, giving them a chance to continue their impressive run of success in women's sport this summer.
England are seen as the front-runners to win a World Cup they have not won since 2014 and head into the campaign with confidence following 27 successive wins, including test matches against Spain and France, and a seventh straight Six Nations title in April.
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The team's last defeat came in the 2022 World Cup final, where they lost 34-31 despite their opponents being left short-handed after being sent off in the 18th minute.
Pictured: Left to right: Abi Burton, Ellie Kildunn, Natasha 'Mo' Hunt and Zoe Aldcroft speak at a press conference at Twickenham.
The pressure of being favourites is reminiscent of the situation around the Lionesses ahead of Euro 2022 at home, and Sarina Wiegman's side coped with that to win the first of two successive trophies.
Now the Red Roses are looking to maintain the positive trend, live up to expectations and lift the trophy at a packed Allianz Stadium on September 27.
“The Lionesses' performance has been truly impressive,” captain Zoe Aldcroft said at a massive press conference at Twickenham, which was the largest in England's history.
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“We followed their game against Italy in the semi-final closely and were really rooting for them. It's amazing to see the whole country supporting them. We want to continue this momentum and achieve our goal.”
Centre Meg Jones added: “People say the Lionesses inspire the younger generation, but us older athletes draw on their energy too.”
Head coach John Mitchell sees similarities between the teams. “The Lionesses have played to a high standard. I'm sure our group has similar qualities.”
Pictured: The Lionesses beat Spain in the Euro final to win their second title in a row.
“To win a tournament, you have to go through a difficult path, and they did it. The team unity was a big factor. They are an example to follow.”
The Red Roses follow the Lionesses' lead as they play across England
Like the Lionesses in 2022, the Red Roses will play group matches in different cities: Sunderland, Northampton and Brighton against the USA, Samoa and Australia.
“By starting in Sunderland and moving around the country, we are making the tournament accessible to the whole of England, not just the south,” Aldcroft explained.
It's in contrast to Aldcroft's international debut five years ago in the US, where spectators stood pitchside: “There were about 30 people there, if not less!”
Pictured: England won their seventh consecutive Six Nations title in April.
Almost 60,000 spectators attended the women's team's first stand-alone Test match at Twickenham in 2023.
“We saw a real change in the perception of women's rugby then,” Aldcroft said.
“We hope that this tournament will attract even more attention and that the final at the Allianz will become a historic event for the development of our sport.”
Kildunn aims to move from words to action
Ellie Kildunn is looking forward to the start of the tournament.
In honor of the defender, fans can organize “cowboy” celebrations of tries, as they did with Chloe Kelly.
“Women's rugby has grown in popularity over the last three years,” Kildun said, lifting the players' spirits during the squad presentation.
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“After the last championship, everyone was talking about this. I'm not tired of talking, but I want to show everything on the field.
We are focused on ourselves. The growth of the fan base and the attention on social media inspires us.”
World Championship Format
- In 2025, 16 teams will participate, more than before.
- Groups of four teams; the top two advance to the playoffs.
2014 World Champion Nolly Waterman outlines how the Red Roses will cope with unprecedented pressure.
Waterman on Sky Sports:
“PWR [the league] is attracting new fans. Ilona Maher joining the Bristol Bears was a big step. Clubs are developing uniqueness.”
Pictured: Ilona Maher became a significant signing for women's football in England when she joined Bristol Bears in February.
“They attract players from all over the world.”
Waterman believes England will progress confidently from the group despite the physical matches.
“Their squad is strong. The opponents are serious, but the victories will be confident. In 2014, we beat Samoa, although they were powerful.”
Venues
- London, Sunderland, Brighton
- Bristol, Exeter, Northampton
- Manchester, York
“I hope viewers will appreciate the variety and energy of the games.”
New England coaching staff
The team has been aiming for gender balance in the coaching staff since Simon Middleton left in 2023. There are currently two men (John Mitchell, Louis Deacon) and two women (Sarah Hunter, Lou Meadows).
“It's a perfect balance,” Deacon said. “Sarah is a future head coach. Her knowledge is invaluable.”
Pictured: Former England captain Sarah Hunter is now part of the Red Roses' coaching staff.
At the Six Nations, only one woman led a team – France’s Gaëlle Mignot. At the World Cup, three of the 16 teams are coached by women.
Lou Meadows believes gender balance is key: “Diversity of experience is important. For example, the menstrual cycle requires a special approach. The men on the staff understand this, but women's empathy is essential.”
Women's World Cup Groups
- Group A: England, Australia, USA, Samoa.
- Group B: Canada, Scotland, Wales, Fiji.
- Group C: New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Spain.
- Group D: France, Italy, South Africa, Brazil.
The quarter-finals will be played in a knockout round to determine the semi-final pairings. The winners of Group A will likely face France in the semi-finals. The final will be held at Twickenham on September 27 if England win the group.
Sourse: skysports.com
