England women news RECAP: Build-up to the Lionesses' Women's World Cup final against Spain with less than 24 hours to go, as Sarina Wiegman's side aim to clinch title for first time

00:47

Time for UK-based readers to get their beauty sleep with just over 10 hours to go until kick-off...

We'll be back sharing live coverage bright and early tomorrow morning - see you then! 

00:24

As World Cup final press conferences go, it was about as excruciating as you will get and not encouraging for a Spain team hoping to take down England on Sunday.

Spain's gifted Ballon d'Or holder Alexia Putellas on Saturday sat alongside the manager, Jorge Vilda, and steadfastly avoided any eye contact with him, while Vilda steadfastly ignored any question of the players being in an act of open revolt against him. 

When it was put to him that Spain were in a state of 'anarchy' and 'crisis', with 15 players - six from Barcelona - declaring themselves unavailable for selection here, he blanked the question and simply asked for another.

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00:16

There are three tattoos on the left arm of England captain Millie Bright. On the outside is an eye and half of a tiger. The eye is a design of her partner, Levi, while the tiger represents one of the most important parts of her game - strength.

On the top of her arm is an owl, a reminder of her rural upbringing and a childhood spent in the stables. But the one that stands out is on the inside. 'I designed a dreamcatcher,' said Bright before the tournament. 'My mum says: "Dream big" before every game.'

On Sunday, Bright will look to fulfill her biggest dream of all - lifting the World Cup trophy.

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23:51

At moments like this, it can be the books the managers choose to read which reveal the most.

Before one of the tournaments he led the England men's team into, Roy Hodgson was reading Stoner, the 1960s novel by American John Williams about an unsensational, conservative academic who is patient, earnest, enduring and steadfast in equal measure. Hodgson, in so many ways.

Sarina Wiegman doesn't read novels – only non-fiction works - and that adds up. She seems so fixed on the here and now, the precise tactical and interpersonal dynamics of the team, the challenge, all the conceivable whys and wherefores of the next 90 minutes, that you imagine it does not leave much time to escape into another world before switching off the light.

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23:15

In a small Kentish market town lies an unlikely connection between England’s World Cup heroes of 1966 and the Lionesses who could match their achievement on Sunday.

Until the age of 15, England’s star forward Alessia Russo competed for Tonbridge Athletic Club alongside Ellie Cohen - granddaughter of George, a member of Sir Alf Ramsey’s world champions.

George regularly attended track meetings to support Ellie and was introduced to Alessia, little realising she might become a World Cup-winner herself.

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22:53

Sarina Wiegman is a legend.

It's as simple as that. A legend.

Four consecutive major finals reached. Let that sink in, because before we blink it could become five, six, whatever she wants to achieve. Wiegman never has been one to look at a history book and leave it unruffled.

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22:45

22:37

To be stood pitchside at Wembley last summer watching the Lionesses beat Germany to win the European Championship in front of nearly 90,000 fans was something special.

But to be crowned world champions little more than 12 months later would catapult this team — and women's football in England — into another stratosphere.

We could then finally stop talking about 1966 being the last time an England side won the World Cup. This Lionesses team have already inspired a younger generation of girls and boys, but beating Spain to go all the way would be the ultimate tribute to their progress under Sarina Wiegman.

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22:18

England's Lionesses are considering 'industrial action' over the Football Association's refusal to pay bonuses for their achievements at the World Cup.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that some members of Sarina Wiegman's squad may scale back on the commercial work that they currently carry out on behalf of the FA for free – unless a row over bonus payments is resolved.

FA bosses this weekend face intense pressure to settle a dispute that rocked the England women's World Cup preparations.

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19:59

England fans are set to spend big on food and drink ahead of Sunday's Women's World Cup final against Spain - before tuning in to the TV in bumper numbers.

Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses made the final after seeing off Australia in Wednesday's semi-finals, and now the showpiece finale features an English side for the first time since the men made the World Cup final in 1966.

As many as 13.7 million people are expected to tune into coverage on BBC One or ITV, as England and Spain face-off for the title in Sydney.

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19:21

She's a menacing Lioness on the pitch but off it Lucy Bronze spends her time on a more low-key, intricate hobby - she is building the Spongebob cast out of Lego.

The star defender has revealed that she has winding down between World Cup matches by making the Nickelodeon character and his friends, Sandy, Patrick, and Plankton while in Australia.

Ms Bronze said: 'Not to blow my own trumpet but it is quite impressive.

READ MORE BELOW. 

18:50

The trophy-ladened manager has been Down Under on commentary duty for ITV - and will be no doubt on the mic at Stadium Australia tomorrow to share her choice opinions on the final. 

Hayes is the WSL manager with the greatest number of players still at the tournament, including Hannah Hampton, Niamh Charles, Jess Carter, Lauren James, and captain Millie Bright. 

18:21

England will take on Spain in their first ever World Cup final on Sunday and the country will be watching.

Sarina Wiegman's side are looking to become just the third women's team to hold both the European Championships and World Cup at the same time and take their undisputed seat at the top of the world game.

It won't be an easy game. Spain are an exciting side with ambitions of their own and they'll be out to upset to Lionesses in their own first ever final.

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17:53

When the final whistle blew on England's 3-1 victory against Australia, Sarina Wiegman's England team made history as they qualified for the first World Cup final clash in their side's history. 

Just one year on from the team's European Championship triumph, the squad - led by captain Millie Bright, will look to pull of the scarcely-seen feat of holding both trophies simulultaneously, an achievement only managed by two times previously. 

But as Wiegman finesses her preparations with less than 48 hours to go until her side steps out onto the pitch at Stadium Australia, a less well-known squad is readying themselves for their own small, but significant, role in England's story.  

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17:36

'This is the one thing I've always wanted, to be in the final of a World Cup,' admitted an emotional Lucy Bronze in the aftermath of England's 3-1 win against Australia on Wednesday. 

She and her team mates had finally ended the succession of semi-final failures in the competition, following heartbreaking losses in 2015 and 2019. 

Bronze, one of only two players - along with Alex Greenwood  - to be a part of all three squads, has been one of the country's most influential players during that time period. 

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17:22

Prince William has apologised for not attending the Women's World Cup final in person to cheer on the Lionesses in a video message with Princess Charlotte.

The Prince of Wales, who is also the president of the Football Association, has faced a major backlash over his decision not to fly to Australia for England's first World Cup final since 1966, despite members of the Spanish royals planning to travel.

England will take on Spain in the final, which kicks of at 11am BST on Sunday. 

16:58

In less than 24 hours, the Lionesses will do battle against Spain in their first-ever World Cup final, kicking off at 11am at Stadium Australia in Sydney.  

Both ITV and BBC will be presenting coverage of the event, both teetering on the edge of making history, commentators already dreaming of etching their own iconic quote into public consciousness for decades to come. 

There's barely a whisker between the quality of the broadcasters, both of whom have taken viewers through the competition so far, with both organisations packing their studios to the rafters with top talent. 

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16:43

16:36

The Foreign Secretary is flying to Australia to cheer on the Lionesses, despite once admitting he's 'not particularly knowledgeable about football'.

James Cleverly will attend the Women's World Cup final in Sydney tomorrow instead of the Prime Minister and Prince William.

But Mr Cleverly, whom aides claim is a big Arsenal fan, has previously suggested he prefers rugby.

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15:50

England have been enjoying some well earned R&R ahead of the World Cup final on Sunday. 

It's the first time an England senior women's side has reached the final of the tournament, with Manchester City and Lionesses star Laura Coombs giving fans a glimpse of how the side have been relaxing between training sessions. 

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14:54

Spain have lost all but one of their World Cup games, which came in a 4-0 defeat by Japan in the group stages.

Despite that, Jorge Vilda's side have been impressive throughout the tournament, securing several big victories in the knockout stages to book their place in the final. 

La Roja first thumped Switzerland 5-1 in the last 16. They then went on to defeat Netherlands in extra-time 2-1, with Salma Paralluelo scoring in the 111th minute of the match to secure a dramatic victory. 

Spain went on to defeat Sweden again scoring late on to advance to the final. 

But their World Cup campaign has been shrouded in some controversies, following reports of unrest within the playing group towards their manager. 

It comes after 15 Spain players last year announced that they would be removing themselves from selection for the national side as they had disapproved of the coach's tactics and methods. 

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14:37

Millie Bright has thanked the fans who have supported the Lionesses throughout the tournament. 

'Even though we're a million miles apart it's amazing what football can do, really bringing everyone together, especially our nation,' she said in a press conference earlier today. 

'We're really proud. 

'Stick with us, one more game!' 

14:13

Jess Carter has been a pivotal component in England's World Cup campaign so far. 

She has played in all but one of the Lionesses games in the tournament, notably also teeing Lauren James up for a goal during their 6-1 triumph against China.

Her calmness summarizes this team perfectly, with England notably not panicking at any adverse situation, whether that's going a goal down or having a player sent off. 

Carter made her England debut at 20 years of age in 2017 before making her next international appearance for the national side four years later. 

Since then she has risen to become one of the most pivotal players in this team. 

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13:26

England's 3-1 win against Australia earlier in the week was an enormous statement, with Sarina Wiegman's team booking their place in their first ever Women's World Cup final with a simply sensational performance against Australia in front of 80,000 fans at Stadium Australia.

It was a massive win for the Lionesses and while they showed their respect to the Australian team after the match, but once they had returned to the dressing room, the England players were in full voice singing and dancing to celebrate the win! 

12:54

More from Millie Bright and Sarina Wiegman's earlier press conference now, and the England captain has said that the Lionesses will need to be in their best form tomorrow if they are to be victorious in Australia. 

‘I think everyone knows how big this is, I think it’s been players’ dreams for years,’ Bright said.

More below...

12:52

Messages of support are starting to come in for the Lionesses with England men's captain Harry Kane sending the side a heartfelt message on the eve of the tournament. 

The 30-year-old, who scored on his full debut for Bayern Munich yesterday, urged the Lionesses to 'bring home the trophy.'

In a message on his Instagram, he said: 'Hi Lionesses just waned to say best of luck for the World Cup final on Sunday.'

'I'll be watching. It's been an amazing journey so far and you should be really proud of yourselves.

'We're all behind you, we're all supporting you and we know you can do it. So go and get that World Cup win and bring that trophy home. All the best!'

More below...

11:31

Speaking in Mail Sport's new preview show our columnist Chris Sutton believes Sarina Wiegman can't put Lauren James straight back into the starting XI to face Spain in the World Cup final.

Sutton said: 'The team actually seemed to be getting better as the tournament has gone on. 

'The fact Lauren James comes back and sits on the bench gives England another attacking player to come on and make an impact.' 

11:05

And it's full-time in Brisbane where Sweden have beaten the hosts, Australia, to claim third place at the Women's World Cup. 

Fridolina Rolfo's first-half penalty was supplemented by a pinpoint strike from Kosovare Asllani, with Sweden going on to win the game 2-0. 

Michael Rudling has all the reaction below...

The Lionesses have been preparing for the match at the Central Coast Stadium on Saturday ahead of tomorrow's match. 

10:30

Tomorrow's game is set to be a huge clash, with both England and Spain possessing some very talented players. 

England have made their way to the final with wins against Nigeria, Colombia and Australia - three very tough opponents who have all asked questions of Sarina Wiegman's side. 

Equally, Spain have had to work hard to book their place in the tournament too, defeating Switzerland, the Netherlands and Sweden in the knockouts. 

The final test for both sides will see some huge battles with Georgia Stanway likely to go head-to-head with Aitana Bonmati while Rachel Daly will come up against Alba Redondo, one of the Spanish league's most prolific scorers last season. 

Kathryn Batte has the full analysis...

10:08

Speaking on the growth of the women's game in recent years, Millie Bright added: 'We are very open about what we stand for.

'The growth of the game has been incredible and we appreciate all the work that goes on. As players we don’t stop here, and we are always pushing for more.'

09:41

Lauren James was given a two-match ban after she received a red card for stamping on the back of Nigeria's Michelle Alozie during England's round of 16 win. 

James is now available to play again and Wiegman has isued an update on whether she could feature tomorrow.

'She’s good. She’s kept training. It’s nice to have 23 players available for tomorrow.'

Speaking on the red card, she added: 'Lauren was just a moment. We all know it should not be part of football. She regretted it. She apologised. She lost her emotions.. Now she’s ready to play again.'

It comes as Chelsea boss Emma Hayes has backed James to be ready for tomorrow's final.

09:35

Sweden have taken the lead in the third place playoff. Fridolina Rolfö to put her side 1-0 with scoring from a penalty. 

More below... 

09:30

England captain Millie Bright has spoken of how proud she has been to lead the Lionesses during the competition adding that England have a game plan for tomorrow's match.

'We have seen how hard the games have been. It’s a proud moment as a player and a woman to show the level we are at on the world’s stage.

'We live in the moment. It’s a World Cup final but for us it’s another game. Our preparation remains the same. We’ve got a game plan.

'Everyone knows how big this is. It’s been players’ dreams for years. We know how big it is back home but it’s just another game.

'It’s massive, but it’s for everyone. It’s an honour and a dream to come true to lead the girls out, but ultimately it’s the team.'

09:28

Sweden and Australia are currently in action in the third place playoff at the World Cup. 

Sam Kerr starts up top for the Aussies with the game currently 0-0. 

You can stay up-to-date with all the action from that game at our live runner below, where our reporter Michael Rudling will be bringing you all the action from that match. 

09:24

Spain have lost just one game in their World Cup campaign so far, booking their place in the final with a 2-1 win against Sweeden on Tuesday. 

Speaking on their opponents Wiegman said: 'The Spanish team is in a good place. They have had a very good tournament so far. They are dynamic and will look to keep possession.

'They are not different to what I’ve seen before.'

09:20

Asked to describe her team and style of play, the England manager hoped their brand of football and team spirit will inspire more girls and women to play football all around the world

Wiegman: ‘Togetherness. Adaptable and resilient, that’s our style of play. The team has inspired the nation so much last year but also at the World Cup also on this stage. Hopefully it will inspire more girls to play football, not just in England but around the world.’

She added: 'I hope more and more women start coaching. It’s getting better but the balance needs improving.

'It’s important women see women on the pitch because what you see is what you can be. It’s important to keep pushing.'

09:17

Hello and welcome to our live blog building up to tomorrow’s Women’s World Cup final that will see the Lionesses go up against Spain.

It’s only 24 hours to go until England’s Women side will make history and play in their first ever World Cup final.

But first, we’re going to jump straight into the action as Sarina Wiegman and Millie Bright have just been speaking to the media ahead of the match!

Wiegman was fielded several questions but notably spoke on just how much she was looking forward to Sunday’s final.

The Dutch manager said: ‘It’s really exciting to play the game tomorrow and we are eager to win it. It shows how football unites. It brings people together. That’s what you see in England, that’s what you saw in Australia. It’s so much more than just playing football.’