10 YEARS OLDER

England boss Sarina says epic shootout win put years on her

SARINA WIEGMAN heaved a sigh of relief after admitting Nigeria pushed the Lionesses to their limits. 

The Dutch coach said she was “10 years older” after Lauren James was dismissed – and then saw her 10 remaining players grind their way to a penalty shootout.

Nigeria enjoyed by far the better of the chances, testing the woodwork twice as England didn’t get going in Brisbane.

But they scrapped their way to victory and a place in the quarter-finals after coming through extra-time unscathed.

Wiegman was naturally delighted – but also relieved.

She said: “I don’t know about my heart rate. I just know I’m 10 years older.

“It was a really intense game. I haven’t been involved in many games that were as intense as this one has been.

“We were totally tested. We have experienced so many things. We’ve had many setbacks. So I’m proud of the team.

“When Lauren was sent off, we re-organised straight away. We didn’t need more than one minute to do so.