As the small flames began to lick out of the sides of the dry tinder nest cupped in the hands of the representative of the Gubbi Gubbi, or Kabi Kabi, people who lightly blew into it, the Lionesses watched on, soaking in their first taste of Australia’s rich history. A small cloud of smoke wafted from the holder’s painted hands, a welcoming, blessing of luck and warding away of bad spirits; the traditional smoking ceremony was under way.
England need some luck, but then every team bidding to stop the USA from winning a third successive Women’s World Cup title needs some luck. The tournament, which kicks off in Australia and New Zealand on Thursday 20 July is going to be the biggest and best Women’s World Cup ever – and that is not hyperbole.
