‘We are so excited’: England’s travelling fans hail team spirit and the hosts’ hospitality

Some have crossed land and sea to be there while others already live in Australia, but all are united in their support for a team on the verge of making history

When the England team walk out in Sydney’s Stadium Australia to face Spain in their first Women’s World Cup final on Sunday they will be backed, as they have been throughout, by a legion of fans. Some live in Australia, delighted to have the opportunity of watching their nation; many have travelled the long distance from home, filled with hope for what the Lionesses can achieve.

Sarah Rafferty and Evie Harrison are two friends who have made the journey over for the tournament. While Rafferty has come for a three-week trip, Harrison is in Australia on a working visa, having quit her job in June. “I’d decided to take a year out and starting with the Women’s World Cup felt like the perfect beginning,” she says. “I went to England-Haiti and Brazil-France before meeting up with Sarah and doing all the knockout games. I’m feeling confident. Spain are a good side, so we’ll have to be efficient in possession and clinical in our finishing.”

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