England star Millie Bright fires strong warning to Australia crowd ahead of Women's World Cup battle
England star Millie Bright has fired a warning to Australia ahead of Women's World Cup showdown
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England star Millie Bright has made it clear the Lionesses don't fear the crowd ahead of their Women's World Cup showdown with Australia.
The hosts are set to have a bigger support roaring them on than Sarina Wiegman's side at the Stadium Australia on Wednesday.
Many Aussie fans have been able to purchase tickets originally intended for England supporters.
But Bright has now warned today's opponents that she's not afraid - insisting they'll give their all in order to make the final.
Sarina Wiegman has started Millie Bright as England look to beat Australia
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She said: "It is exciting. We are ready as a team, ready to perform and step up as always.
"Really excited for the atmosphere. Credit to Australia for creating that throughout the tournament, we have felt welcomed by everyone on and off the pitch.
"Who wants to play in a quiet semi-final? Not us!
"The game is between two teams that know a lot about each other.
"But tournament football is all about turning up, fighting for your place in the next game. We are ready to do absolutely everything."
Australia have opted to be bold by starting Sam Kerr.
The Chelsea striker was seen with strapping on her leg on Tuesday and is yet to play a full 90 minutes at the tournament.
Instead, Kerr has been restricted to cameo appearances in victories over Denmark and France.
Bright knows all about the 29-year-old, with both players strutting their stuff for Chelsea in the Women's Super League.
When asked about going up against her team-mate, she stated: "I am approaching it in the same way as any other forward.
"We all know she is a world class striker, she has proved that on many occasions and doesn't need me to say it again.
"I think I thrive in any moment against any opponent but playing against the best is always a bonus."
Regarding the crowd, meanwhile, Australia boss Tony Gustavsson acknowledged they could determine how his side fare during the contest.
However, he also ramped up the mind games by saying England were the favourites to go through.
"If you look at rankings they're favourites, if you look at where their players play, they have starting players in top clubs in top leagues all over the world," he said.
"Not just the starting 11, down to 15, 16.
"We have bench players in those teams. We have players playing in mid-table teams in Sweden.
"So if you look at all that and you look at resources, financially, obviously they are massive favourites going into this game.
"But the one thing that we have that they don't have is the support and belief from the fans.
"That in itself is going to be massive tomorrow."
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England are hoping to beat Australia at the Women's World Cup
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Australia got the better of England the last time the two teams met, with the Matildas winning 2-0 in a friendly back in April with Kerr and Charlotte Grant on target.
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