Our young fans will inspire us

Youthful support drives players on

- HOLLIE BONE and JEREMY ARMSTRONG

ENGLAND'S Lionesses say the support of young fans is spurring them on as they gear up for the World Cup Down Under.

Back home, millions of children are set to tune in for the 10.30am kick-off on Saturday, the first day of the school holidays for many.

Captain Millie Bright, 29, has promised that the team has a "lot of things in place to stay connected with our fans" despite being 10,000 miles away.

She added of the support among schoolkids: "They've been a massive part of our journey so far so that is really important." Euro 2022 star Alessia Russo, 24, also spoke of the boost given to the team by their young fanbase.

The forward said: "You love seeing the boys and girls there with the signs and banners. They just want to be there to follow our sport."

Thousands of supporters have turned out to see the Lionesses train on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia.

The players have taken time out to go whale watching, catch up on Love Island, walk on the beach and enjoy occasional zoo trips.

But coach Sarina Wiegman, 53, is also working them hard for the opening game against Haiti.