Fansided

The Lionesses might actually bring football home in the World Cup

By Oliver Hunt

BRISTOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Keira Walsh and Lauren James of England celebrate after their sides first goal during the Arnold Clark Cup match between England and Belgium at Ashton Gate on February 22, 2023 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
BRISTOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Keira Walsh and Lauren James of England celebrate after their sides first goal during the Arnold Clark Cup match between England and Belgium at Ashton Gate on February 22, 2023 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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The Lionesses are looking exceptionally dangerous this year, with a better shot at the World Cup trophy than ever before. Under the impressive leadership of Sarina Wiegman, could football come home this summer?

If you’re a fan of English football and felt disappointed by their performance in Qatar, there’s never been a better time to jump on the Lionesses train. The English women are on a roll, quite literally. They haven’t lost a game since Sarina Wiegman took over in September of 2021. She led the Lionesses to their first major title during the 2022 EUROs. The Lionesses took that tournament with a victory over Germany, and they haven’t slowed down since. They added another trophy to their case this month with their win at the Arnold Clark Cup, smoking Belgium in the final with a 6-1 victory. They’ve shown promise against top-tier teams, beating the reigning world cup champs, the USWNT, in an October friendly match.

While leadership is a key component of their success, the players themselves are just as impressive as their manager. Beth Mead and Mary Earps are both finalists for the 2022 FIFA best player awards. Beth Mead was named player of the tournament for the EUROs after scoring six goals and logging five assists. Lauren James was named player of the tournament at the end of the Arnold Clark Cup. Both Captain Leah Williamson and star Chloe Kelley scored a brace in the Arnold Clark Cup final. Kelley opened the scoring in the twelfth minute, and the English didn’t let up with Williamson finishing the scoring by earning her second goal in the ninety-second minute.

If stats aren’t enough, it’s almost impossible to watch this team and not root for them. They charge forward with a ruthless attack and high press. It feels as though they can play with boundless energy. They’re hungry for the win and are constantly on the attack. Whether it’s a Georgia Stanway penalty zinger, a Chloe Kelly overtime winner or a Lauren James personal attack, the Lionesses are abundantly fun to watch. Not to mention the depth of their bench is a key point in their success. When their opposition takes a sigh of relief as Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, and Lauren James step off the pitch, they’re met with the fresh legs of Rachel Daly, Lauren Hemp, and Ebony Salmon.

Currently, FIFA has England ranked at number four, below the USA, Germany, and Sweden. However, it wouldn’t be far of a stretch to place bets on them taking home the World Cup this summer. Wiegman has experience in this, having led her Netherlands side to the World Cup final in 2019, only to fall to the USWNT. Could we witness an England v. USWNT rematch for the final in August? It’s still too early to tell, but English fans should be very excited to watch their side take on the World Cup this summer, where they will likely thrive.

The Women’s World Cup kicks off on July 20 in New Zealand and Australia. The Lionesses play their opening match against recently qualified Haiti on July 22.