BRIGHT SPARKS

ENGLAND’S rock Millie Bright says the Lionesses will play “the game of their lives” in today’s World Cup Final, roared on by huge support back home. 

- JEREMY ARMSTRONG

More than 20 million fans were set to tune in on TV at 11am to cheer Bright and her team as they faced bookies' favourites Spain.

A raucous 75,000 fans - including thousands of expats and 5,000 diehard fans who travelled from the UK were heading for Sydney's Stadium Australia.

Skipper Bright joined manager Sarina Wiegman for a final press chat at their Central Coast training HQ in New South Wales before the team made an eve-of-match trip to the stadium.

PASSIONATE 

Bright, who turns 30 tomorrow, said: "Everyone knows how big this is. I know how passionate we are as a nation back home. We need to play the game of our lives." Asked what her nine-year-old self would have thought of her leading out England in a World Cup final, Millie said: "She would have said you were being silly and it was not going to happen.

"But I guess dreams come true. It is a really proud moment. We are getting a shot at the trophy we always wanted." Dutch manager Wiegman said: "It is incredible. We feel the support from the other side of the world in the UK. It really is something you dream of.