3 minute read
Sarina Wiegman believes England are ready to move to the next level and make history and reach a World Cup final next month.
The Lionesses are the 5/1 second favourites behind the current holders USA (13/5) and kick off their tournament on Saturday against Haiti.
Wiegmann's squad are based on the Sunshine Coast and they will travel south to Brisbane for their opening group game on Saturday morning (10.30am BST).
Asked if she was confident, Wiegmann, whose Netherlands side reached the final in 2019, told Sky Sports: "You never know. We came here with a dream and that's what we go for.
"England has done well in former tournaments and yes, we want to win every game."
Wiemann lost to the USA in the final four years ago, but she believes the Lionessess are in "a good place".
"You can be very excited, I think we're in a good place," she said.
"Everyone is getting to the next level again. The team is very excited, we have one more week to prepare for Haiti and we'll be absolutely ready to go."
The locals in Queensland have also taken England to their hearts.
"When you get close to the first match, fans will be close, we'll get the vibe. We've already got the vibe - 3,000 people came to our first training session. We didn't expect that.
"They were very positive towards us, we're very popular."
England are aiming to get the balance of training and time off right as they bid for maiden World Cup glory.
"We're working hard, but the balance between working hard to improve and having some time off to switch to get some headspace is important," said Wiegmann.
"We are not robots. This environment helps too. We want everyone to be fit and well when the tournament kicks off.
"I went whale watching, we had one day off, so I went with the group, it was really nice. The beach is in walking distance, so sometimes I go for a little dive in the sea.
"Of course it's intense, I want to do well and perform, but I do switch off. Switching off can be half an hour, an hour and then go back to work… perhaps I have a drink. I don't go out all evening, I don't really need that."
