Women’s World Cup final team news as Lionesses put Lauren James on bench

England face Spain in their first Women’s World Cup final as Sarina Wiegman and her players look to bring the game’s biggest prize home from Sydney.

It’s the first time the England men’s or women’s team have reached a football World Cup final since 1966, with the nation set to come to a halt for the historic occasion.

Wiegman is well aware of the 57 years of hurt that the nation has endured but said the Lionesses will feel the support of the country back home when they face Spain, while captain Millie Bright said England will need to play the “game of our lives” in Sydney.

Lauren James returns to the bench as Wiegman named an unchanged side for the World Cup final, with the star forward now available for selection after serving her two-game ban.

Spain have named one of their star players, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, on the bench but have brought 19-year-old sensation Salma Paralluelo into the starting line-up.

Follow all the build-up to England’s clash against Spain in the final, get all the latest Women’s World Cup odds here and find latest tips for the game itself here.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Latest England news ahead of Sunday’s final

• England face Spain in final as Lionesses look to win first World Cup, with kick-off at 11am BST

• PREVIEW: England stand on the brink of history — and a moment to change the game forever

• MIGUEL DELANEY: Sarina Wiegman: ‘Stop talking about the result — we know what we want’

• KELLY SMITH: Wiegman has already made the biggest decision of England’s World Cup

• ENGLAND XI: Earps; Carter, Bright, Greenwood; Bronze, Walsh, Stanway, Daly; Toone; Hemp, Russo

• Lauren James returns to the bench as England name unchanged team for World Cup final

• Rishi Sunak wishes Lionesses ‘good luck’ – but will watch World Cup final from home

• Alexia Putellas left out of Spain starting line-up

Women’s World Cup Final – build up ahead of kick-off

10:26 , Ben Fleming

The 22 players on the pitch will be joined by today’s referee – Tori Penso -who will take charge of England’s match against Spain in the World Cup final.

Penso also officiated England’s victory over co-hosts Australia in the semi-finals and will therefore take charge of the Lionesses for the second match in a row.

Find out more below:

World Cup final referee: Who will take charge of England vs Spain?

‘I’m just enjoying the moment’ – Bronze speaking to BBC Sport

10:20 , Ben Fleming

“I’m just enjoying the moment like I have in every game. We’ve played in this stadium and on this pitch two times now and once against the hosts so a lot of the girls are pretty relaxed. A lot of the girls are pretty relaxed and excited for the next 90 minutes.

“We’ve got the most experience coming into this, not just our players but also our manager is the only person who’s been in this position before so we can draw on the fact that we know how it goes under pressure, what it feels like – scoring goals in finals, conceding goals in finals, winning finals – I think it makes a big difference to how you start the game and hopefully it can give us that edge tonight.”

‘James is ready’ – Wiegman speaks to BBC Sport

10:14 , Ben Fleming

“I hope everyone who starts the pitch on the game will have an impact on the game. We have a lot of players who can impact the game when they came on. Of course, it is really nice to have Lauren James on the bench too and if necessary she is ready.

“We have spoken about our plan, the strengths and weaknesses of Spain and how we want to play. Want we mostly want to do is play our best game ever and also enjoy the moment because it’s very special.”

Women’s World Cup Final – confirmed team news

10:09 , Ben Fleming

A reminder if you have just joined us of the team news ahead of the final. Spain announced their team rather early, with the big news that Alexia Putellas will have to settle for a spot on the bench.

England, meanwhile, have opted to maintain the same eleven, meaning that James will stay on the bench with Toone starting for the Lionesses.

Spain XI: Cata, Batlle, Paredes, Codina, Olga, Abelleira, Bonmati, Hermoso, Redondo, Caldentey, Paralluelo

England XI: Earps; Carter, Bright, Greenwood; Bronze, Walsh, Stanway, Daly; Toone; Hemp, Russo

England stand on the brink of history — and a moment to change the game forever

10:06 , Ben Fleming

In the final days before a World Cup final, when every touch on the training ground is charged with greater tension, it’s still difficult not to revert to the lightness of youth. That is where the very meaning of all this is first set.

“When I was a kid we used to play ‘World Cup’ in the garden, where we had to score to stay in,” striker Alessia Russo smiles in England’s base. “It was having fun and playing free… as a kid growing up, to think we’re playing in a World Cup final in a couple of days is a special feeling.”

It is a feeling that is universal when it comes to this game, because this game is truly unique. Nothing else comes near. It is why everyone is here. Jenni Hermoso expressed exactly the same emotions in the Spain camp.

“Everything I do on the pitch I learned it on the street, playing in my neighbourhood, playing in the park underneath my grandparents’ house… of course you imagine winning, you visualise going back to Spain with the World Cup. I hope that dream becomes reality.”

The manner these players inspire next generations means these simple joys should not be forgotten, as all of these players seek to do something that will be remembered forever.

With under an hour till kick-off, read Miguel Delany’s World Cup final preview:

England stand on the brink of history – and a moment to change the game forever

England unchanged for World Cup final

09:54 , Ben Fleming

The big call was between James and Toone and Wiegman has stuck with the Manchester United attacking midfielder who scored in England’s 3-1 victory against Australia.

James lit up the early part of the tournament and she’ll be looking for a similar impact if called upon from the bench.

Lionesses inspect Stadium Australia pitch ahead of Women’s World Cup final

09:44 , Jack Rathborn

England unchanged for World Cup final

09:38 , Jamie Braidwood

England manager Sarina Wiegman has named an unchanged team for the Women’s World Cup final as Lauren James returns to the bench against Spain.

After successfully ending their run of semi-final defeats to beat hosts Australia in Sydney, Wiegman has stuck with the same side that impressively beat the Matildas 3-1 as Ella Toone keeps her place.

James was sent off for stamping on an opponent in England’s last-16 win over Nigeria but has now served her two-match suspension and could make an appearance off the bench.

Toone impressed with her performance against Australia and was also on the scoresheet as she scored the opening goal.

But James was one of the players of the World Cup during the group stages, scoring three goals, and could be the difference late on for England as they look to win the World Cup for the first time.

England XI: Earps; Carter, Bright, Greenwood; Bronze, Walsh, Stanway, Daly; Toone; Hemp, Russo

England ready to play ‘the game of our lives’ in World Cup final

09:31 , Jamie Braidwood

England captain Millie Bright ahead of the World Cup final: “I think for us we live in the moment, and yes it’s a World Cup final, but for us our mentality is it’s another game.

“I think our preparations don’t change no matter the stage in the tournament and to me that’s the key part of preparation.

“I want our players to prepare in any way they need to, like they normally do, and we’ve got a game plan that we have to go out and execute, but I think everyone knows how big this is.

“I think it’s been players’ dreams for years.

“We know how passionate our nation is back home and how much they want us to win. But for us, there is a process. We have a game plan to execute. We need to play the game of our lives.”

Why are England wearing blue kits for the World Cup final?

09:16 , Jamie Braidwood

While the fixture will obviously be held on a neutral ground, Spain are Team A for the final and thus have kit precedence.

That means that Jorge Vilda’s team will play in their red home strip, with dark blue shorts and socks.

While England might be expected to then wear their traditional white shorts, the Lionesses’ home kit now includes dark blue shorts after lobbying from players over concerns about wearing white during their periods.

The matching shorts necessitates a change: England will wear their light blue away kit for the final, with white socks.

Lionesses ‘transformed’ into winners since Euros

09:04 , Jack Rathborn

“2019 was heartbreaking, when the USA put us out. She was about to win European player of the year, it felt like we had missed something,” Jorge Bronze adds, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“The Euros gave us belief. We’ve been in the England set-up for a while, booking hotels each round. The Russo family just book straight to the final. They know what winners do, it’s nice to see the transformation and confidence of the players.”

Lucy Bronze ‘cold as ice’ for Women’s World Cup final

09:02 , Jack Rathborn

“Lucy hasn’t spoken to us for a few days, she’s as cold as ice,” says Lucy Bronze’s brother Jorge.

“Our job is to give them some downtime away from football. Be normal, play some Fifa, play some ping pong.

“Let the kids play with the girls. Make them relaxed. Once we’re out the way, it’s gametime.”

Women’s World Cup final: England vs Spain

09:01 , Jack Rathborn

The stage is set, it’s just over two hours until kick-off in Sydney.

The final is delicately poised, with not much to split the teams.

Will Spain’s decision to not start Putellas is a huge call, and one that will be debated long after the final no matter the outcome.

Jorge Vilda: Spain’s World Cup coach at the heart of a civil war

09:01 , Jamie Braidwood

With so much still unsaid around this Spain team, three statements before the World Cup final stood out all the more, that illustrate much of the story of their run.

One was Tere Abelleira immediately after the semi-final victory over Sweden in Auckland. “Now we can talk about a ferocious team spirit,” she said. It was as the midfielder was saying this in the Eden Park mixed zone that Jenni Hermoso was striding behind and shouting: “Come on! We’re in the final of the f***ing World Cup!”

That is now the most important fact of all. It was amid this mood of jubilation, however, that the abrasive Spanish federation boss Luis Rubiales came out with something that was much more open to dispute.

“What we have endured is a lot,” said Rubiales. “That questions have been asked of Jorge Vilda, who is a hard-working man, a world-class coach, who has turned down other federations that have offered more money and stayed with Spain. We have stuck with those who have always wanted to be here, that have valued the great work that he has done to grow, and we have forgotten the people with resentments. He has continued working with his people and not paid attention to those who wanted to destroy him.”

It was the first time at this World Cup that anyone in the camp has publicly raised the squad mutiny that has shaped Spain’s entire run.

By Miguel Delaney on Spain’s complicated World Cup

Jorge Vilda: Spain’s World Cup coach at the heart of a civil war

Women’s World Cup final team news as Spain leave out Alexia Putellas

08:48 , Jack Rathborn

Spain XI: Cata, Batlle, Paredes, Codina, Olga, Abelleira, Bonmati, Hermoso, Redondo, Caldentey, Paralluelo.

The big news for Spain is there is no Alexia Putellas, the Ballon d’Or holder.

Ella Toone or Lauren James? Sarina Wiegman has already made the biggest decision of England’s World Cup

08:44 , Jamie Braidwood

“England stand on the brink of greatness. The European champions are one victory away from being the best team in the world. But this has not been an easy tournament for Sarina Wiegman and her players.

“While the Euros saw emphatic victories – the best being 8-0 vs Norway and 4-0 vs Sweden in the semi-finals – and exultant home support, England have got into gear in a slower, more controlled way in this tournament (they did beat Sunday’s opponents Spain 2-1 in extra time. in their toughest “match in 2022 excluding the final, in case anyone had forgotten, but that was a rather different Spain team).

“Sarina is characterised for her consistency, bordering on stubbornness to her critics, but in this tournament she has had to change things up: the shift to a 3-5-2 against China was an inspired throw of the dice after some pretty drab stuff against Haiti and Denmark. The England head coach has also had to do without the enormously gifted Lauren James after her red card against Nigeria, having brought her in to start against the Danes. James was the best player in the group stages for England, scoring three and assisting three.

“But in her absence, two things have occurred…”

Read Lionesses legend Kelly Smith’s latest column ahead of the World Cup final

Sarina Wiegman has already made the biggest decision of England’s World Cup

Prince William blasted by Lionesses fans for missing Women’s World Cup final in Australia

08:31 , Jamie Braidwood

The Prince of Wales is facing criticism after it was confirmed that he will not attend the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney on Sunday.

Rishi Sunak has also come under fire for not having plans to attend the historic occasion for the England team in Australia.

The Lionesses are set to compete in their historic World Cup final against Spain, after they beat Australia 3-1 in the nail-biting semi-final on Wednesday.

Prince William, who is the president of the Football Association (FA), tweeted a personal message of congratulations following the victory over Australia, describing it was a “phenomenal performance”.

Kensington Palace confirmed that he will not fly to Australia to cheer the team on in the final, and instead would watch the match on television. It is understood that the decision was made because it would involve flying across the world for a very short period of time.

Lionesses fans blast Prince William for missing Women’s World Cup final

Sarina Wiegman: ‘Stop talking about the result — we know what we want’

08:17 , Jamie Braidwood

When it gets to this stage before a big game, even someone as experienced as Sarina Wiegman finds she can’t take her mind off it. Or, rather, she doesn’t want to take her mind off it, which is precisely why she’s so experienced.

“No, and I don’t want to relax,” she smiles.

“It’s Spain,” Wiegman says of her thoughts before taking on Sunday’s opponents. “Everything now is Spain. When you’re so close, well, I have that feeling a little bit anyway, but when you go to the next game, you’re only thinking ‘OK, what’s next? What can we get in front of us? What challenges can we expect? How are we going to prepare the team?

“I just want to get ready.”

Wiegman has ensured England have never been more ready. The national team are on the brink of bringing a decade-long project to glorious completion and winning a first ever Women’s World Cup because of her crucial influence. The 53-year-old from The Hague can now be classed as the best manager in the game. While the key elements of that story are tactics, patience, strategy and the will – as well as investment from the FA – to hire a manager this good, there is also something acutely personal.

Read Miguel Delaney’s in-depth piece on the Lionesses’s iconic manager

Sarina Wiegman: ‘Stop talking about the result — we know what we want’

Sarina Wiegman thankful for ‘dream’ support as World Cup final set to unite country

08:02 , Jamie Braidwood

England manager Sarina Wiegman said the Lionesses will feel the support of the country back home and urged her players to play their “best game ever” when they face Spain in the World Cup final in Sydney tomorrow.

The nation is set to come to a stop on Sunday morning as the Lionesses feature in England’s first World Cup final since 1966 and Wiegman said reaction to their historic success at the tournament has been a “dream”.

Wiegman led England to their groundbreaking victory at the European Championships last summer and said her players are determined to create another moment that will inspire lasting change for women’s football while uniting the nation.

“It’s really exciting to play the game tomorrow and we are eager to win it,” Wiegman said in her pre-match press conference at Stadium Australia. “It shows how football unites. It brings people together.

“It’s incredible what happened. We felt the support, we felt the support here, but also from the other side of the world in the UK. That’s something you dream of and we hope we play our best game ever tomorrow.”

Sarina Wiegman thankful for ‘dream’ support as World Cup final set to unite country

Harry Kane tells Lionesses to ‘bring it home’ and ‘we are all behind you’

07:48 , Jamie Braidwood

Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka were among those to send a message of support to the Lionesses ahead of the World Cup final against Spain.

Kane said: “Best of the luck for the final. I’ll be watching. Amazing journey so far, you should be really proud of yourselves. We’re all behind you and we know you can do it. Bring that trophy home.”

Meanwhile, England men’s boss Gareth Southgate admitted he had “no advice” to offer a team that has accomplished what his has not.

Southgate said: “Hi to you all out there in Australia. You’re doing a brilliant job, so that’s the first thing, and of course there is no advice because you’ve done more than us already, and you know what is needed to win. So all that remains is to wish you the very best for the final, and we hope you can bring that trophy back. Good luck everybody.”

King urges Lionesses to ‘roar to victory’ in Women’s World Cup final

07:36 , Jamie Braidwood

The King has urged the Lionesses to “roar to victory” in the Women’s World Cup final.

Charles’ rallying cry came on the eve of England’s historic showdown with Spain at the Stadium Australia in Sydney.

“Good luck today Lionesses, and may you roar to victory,” Charles said in a message posted on social media on Saturday.

Queen Letizia of Spain is set to travel to Australia for the final, while UK royals are staying at home.

Both Prince William and prime minister Rishi Sunak will also not be attending the game.

World Cup final referee: Who will take charge of England vs Spain?

07:25 , Jamie Braidwood

American referee Tori Penso will take charge of England’s match against Spain in the World Cup final.

Penso also officiated England’s victory over co-hosts Australia in the semi-finals and will therefore take charge of the Lionesses for the second match in a row.

The ground-breaking MLS referee booked both Alex Greenwood and Chloe Kelly during the semi-final, which the Lionesses won 3-1 in Sydney, but there could have been many more after the 90 minutes saw a number of heavy challenges.

World Cup final referee: Who will take charge of England vs Spain?

England vs Spain predicted line-ups: Team news ahead of Women’s World Cup final

07:11 , Jamie Braidwood

Sarina Wiegman has a big decision to make as England face Spain in the Women’s World Cup final and the Lionesses look to win the game’s biggest prize for the first time.

After successfully ending their run of semi-final defeats to beat hosts Australia in Sydney, Wiegman must decide whether she will bring star forward Lauren James back into her starting line-up for the final.

James was sent off for stamping on an opponent in England’s last-16 win over Nigeria but has now served her two-match suspension is available to play in the final.

England’s Ella Toone impressed with her performance against Australia and was also on the scoresheet as she scored the opening goal, so the Manchester United midfielder will be difficult to drop.

But James was one of the players of the World Cup during the group stages, scoring three goals, and could be the difference for England as they look to win the World Cup for the first time.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the World Cup final

England vs Spain team news and predicted line-ups

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin snubs Women’s World Cup final

06:59 , Jamie Braidwood

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin will not be attending the Women’s World Cup final, despite the European confederation having two teams at the Sydney final in Spain and England.

Uefa will instead be represented by Nadine Kessler, technical director of the women’s game for the body.

Ceferin’s absence is the latest in a series of snubs from figures who purportedly support or represent the women’s game, including president of the FA Prince William, and UK prime minister Rishi Sunak.

The length of the journey to Australia was put down as a primary reason for Ceferin’s snub.

Exclusive by Miguel Delaney

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin snubs Women’s World Cup final

How England changed the World Cup and found their greatest strength

06:39 , Jamie Braidwood

England were “struggling”. Two games into the World Cup and the final seemed a long way away. Despite the opening wins against Haiti and Denmark, England needed to change. While players and managers at major tournaments often repeat the line that results are all that matter, Sarina Wiegman was more concerned with how her side were underperforming. The Lionesses were faced with a lack of creativity and a vulnerability to the counterattack.

But Wiegman and her coaching team had a backup plan. A change in formation was an idea she and her staff discussed in April when they were designing a way for England to be more unpredictable at the World Cup. A 3-5-2 system was identified as a way to get more from certain players in the squad and play to their strengths, while also giving their opponents something new to think about. Still, when Wiegman was faced with the decision to rip up England’s approach and start again, she required courage and conviction to commit to it.

This is how Sarina Wiegman changed England’s World Cup

How England changed the World Cup and found their greatest strength

Sunak to Lionesses: ‘You have made us proud — I will be cheering from home’

06:19 , Jamie Braidwood

The Prime Minister has told England’s Lionesses that the “whole nation is rooting for you” as they prepare to take on Spain in the Women’s World Cup final.

In a letter, Rishi Sunak wished England boss Sarina Wiegman and her players good luck for the final in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, telling them: “You’ve made us all proud.”

Mr Sunak has opted not to attend the southern hemisphere final in person, sending Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer to Australia to represent the UK Government.

Addressing the letter to “Sarina and all our Lionesses”, the Prime Minister said: “On behalf of the entire country, I want to wish you the best of luck against Spain in the World Cup final!

“Once again, this summer, you’ve made us all proud. From beating the Aussies in their own backyard to winning that penalty shoot-out, you have inspired us with your skill, teamwork and courage.

“This weekend, like millions of others, I will be watching and cheering you on.

“But whatever the result, I want you to know that you have already secured a lasting legacy: that every girl in this country will have equal access to all school sport, including football.”

England stand on the brink of history — and a moment to change the game forever

06:03 , Jamie Braidwood

In the final days before a World Cup final, when every touch on the training ground is charged with greater tension, it’s still difficult not to revert to the lightness of youth. That is where the very meaning of all this is first set.

“When I was a kid we used to play ‘World Cup’ in the garden, where we had to score to stay in,” striker Alessia Russo smiles in England’s base. “It was having fun and playing free… as a kid growing up, to think we’re playing in a World Cup final in a couple of days is a special feeling.”

It is a feeling that is universal when it comes to this game, because this game is truly unique. Nothing else comes near. It is why everyone is here. Jenni Hermoso expressed exactly the same emotions in the Spain camp.

“Everything I do on the pitch I learned it on the street, playing in my neighbourhood, playing in the park underneath my grandparents’ house… of course you imagine winning, you visualise going back to Spain with the World Cup. I hope that dream becomes reality.”

The manner these players inspire next generations means these simple joys should not be forgotten, as all of these players seek to do something that will be remembered forever.

England vs Spain – World Cup final preview, by Miguel Delaney

England stand on the brink of history – and a moment to change the game forever

How to watch England vs Spain: TV channel and kick-off time for Women’s World Cup final

06:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Good morning! It’s World Cup final day and the nation is set to come to a halt as the Lionesses play Spain in Sydney for the game’s biggest prize.

England are in their first World Cup final, men’s or women’s, in 57 years on what is a historic occasion . Manager Sarina Wiegman has urged her players to block out the “noise” of 1966 as England look to add the World Cup title to last year’s Euros triumph.

The Lionesses reached the World Cup final for the first time with their 3-1 win over Australia in the semi-finals, with Wiegman’s side managing to stay cool to defeat the hosts with a clinical display in Sydney.

Spain, who are also playing the first Women’s World Cup final, have navigated a player mutiny off the pitch and questions surrounding their manager Jorge Vilda, but ‘La Roja’ remain dangerous opponents and are led by their contingent of Barcelona stars.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the World Cup final and find latest tips for the game itself here.

England vs Spain: Kick-off time and how to watch World Cup final on TV

Spain and England football fans dance together at Women’s World Cup final

10:21 , Jack Rathborn