Olivia Hughes
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 was a fantastic display of incredible talents. However, it is fair to say the Lionesses impressed everyone! Although they fell just short at the final hurdle, their performance was something to be incredibly proud of.
Mary Earps Penalty Save against Spain in the Final
Where better to start than the final of the World Cup? Mary Earps in the 69th minute saving a crucial penalty from the Spanish Star Jenni Hermoso. The save solidified Earps as the Golden Glove winner of the tournament and showed the world why she is FIFA’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper in 2023. Earps had been in disagreement with Nike before the World Cup regarding them not selling her shirt, but Nike U-turned on the decision after the final and agreed to sell a limited amount of Earps Jersey. However, Earps did not let the dispute impact her performance at all. If anything, she showed Nike what they were missing.
Chloe Kelly’s Penalty v Nigeria
It was safe to say that the game between England and Nigeria had most of Britain on the edge of their seats. With the unparalleled dramatics of Lauren James being shown the red card and sent off, Nigeria certainly proved an incredibly difficult opponent for the Euros winners. The drama came to a head when no goals from either side had been scored in the final minutes of extra time meaning England were heading to penalties.
Georgia Stanway was the first to stand before the Nigerian Goalkeeper. Unfortunately, she just put it wide of the net. Luckily, Beth England, Rachel Daly, and Alex Greenwood scored their penalties, and Nigeria missed two of their penalties. It all came down to Euros Winning Goal Scorer Chloe Kelly to seal Nigeria’s fate. Just as she had done in the Finalissima against Brazil earlier in the year, she sunk it in the back of the net.
Lauren James v China
This game was potentially one the best games of the tournament for England. Despite the world-class midfielder Kiera Walsh being off for a knee injury gained earlier in the World Cup, this did not stop the Lionesses from performing magically on the night. Katie Zelem made her international debut for England. However, anyone in the stadium could have told you that night was all about Lauren James.
From the minute she stepped on the pitch, she was electric on the ball. She assisted Alessia Russo in the first goal of the night. She scored a freekick sent in by Greenwood from the edge of the box. Then, James scored another banger into the top corner, but it was called offside. Later in the game, in the 65th minute, Jess Carter crossed the ball to James who scored again. It was fair to see after this performance why James was being hailed as the best young talent the England squad have got.
The Social Media presence
One of the best parts of many of England’s campaigns in other tournaments is their social media presence. From YouTube content filming with Jill Scott and Kyle Walker to the wonderful TikTok talent that is Rachel Daly and Millie Bright. Social media was what really engaged the nation. 21.2 million people watched the final live. This was crucial in getting fans to support the girls for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
@rachdaly3 just your Daly dose of brightness back at it #fyp @Millie Bright
♬ Million Dollar Bill – Beyond Chicago & Majestic & Alex Mills
Alex Greenwood in Defence
Alex Greenwood was perhaps one of the standout performers of the World Cup in general. The Manchester City star was key defensively for the Lionesses as Euros Captain Leah Williamson was out due to a torn ACL. Who could forget Greenwood powering through and staying on the pitch during the final against Spain despite blood rushing from her head?
She also had defensive moves securing England’s place in the final when playing against Australia. Of course, she is famous for her free kicks and corners. Greenwood was a real asset to the team this Summer, and watching her play was a treat.
To Many More Victories
There were some truly fantastic moments from FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, as well as some heart-wrenching ones, but we would not have it any other way. Great Britain will play in the Olympics next Summer in Paris, where some of your favourite lionesses will take to the field again. We’re sure more magic moments are on the way!
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Featured image courtesy of jason charters on Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.
