The Lionesses were roared to glory last year, as England was gripped by Euro fever — but this summer's World Cup will be completely different.
England will be as far from home as possible when they head to Australia and New Zealand in a bid to become world champions.
It would appear a daunting prospect after England were backed by such strong home support on their way to winning Euro 2022, but captain Leah Williamson believes it could be an advantage.
The pressure is on the Lionesses to deliver and win England's first-ever women's World Cup, and being on the other side of the globe will allow them to block out any noise.
“It is nice for us,” Arsenal star Williamson tells Standard Sport. “You have got to think, home Euros, it was kind of Covid. Coming out of that stage, there is a lot to be had from going somewhere new, a new environment and feeling fresh in that sense.
“You really will be in a little bubble — for good and bad. One hundred per cent that could be a lot easier.”
Last summer was a landmark moment for women's football in England, as the Lionesses captured the hearts of the nation. They played in sold-out grounds throughout the Euros, including 87,192 fans at Wembley for their 2-1 win over Germany in the final.
That match also attracted a peak audience of 17.4million on BBC1, making it the most-watched women's football game on UK television. Given the time difference, England's matches for this summer's World Cup will be broadcast in the morning as opposed to prime time, but Williamson is not concerned.
“In terms of the nation, it's probably the first time I am not worried if people are going to be watching — because I believe that they will be,” she says. “I believe we have done enough to capture people's attention and I hope, leading up to that with Brazil at Wembley. It's another opportunity to get people on board and make sure we are not out there alone.”
Tonight's game at Wembley against Brazil certainly suggests support for the Lionesses is only growing heading into the World Cup. The match is the inaugural women's Finalissima, which involves the European and South American champions going head-to-head, and it is a sell-out.
England will then face World Cup hosts Australia next Tuesday at Brentford's GTech Community Stadium and tickets for that sold out in just over 24 hours.
“Any opportunity to go back to Wembley with a sold-out stadium and put our mark on the world again is amazing,” says Williamson. “Australia are in unbelievable form. Brazil are like a force of nature. It is going to be really good and I am really excited about the camp and the prospect of it, especially that Brazil game.”
Williamson is still riding high after the Euros and only last month the Lionesses were honoured again, winning the Power of Football Award at the London Football Awards.
“It is nice to be recognised for the work everybody did in the summer,” she says. “It takes you back. We are closer to the next one than the one that has passed, but it's nice to remember.”
Williamson will never forget the feeling of lifting the Euros trophy, but just as important to her is the legacy the Lionesses have left.
After the squad lobbied the Government, last month it was confirmed that schools in England will be required to offer equal access to sport for girls and deliver a minimum of two hours of physical education per week.
“We've got the memories, we've got the medals round our necks, we know what that feels like,” says Williamson. “But it would have been such a waste if we hadn't used that opportunity.
“Winning a trophy is my job, is it not? I am a footballer. Obviously, I am incredibly proud of that and I proud to be part of that team. But something like what we have done [with Government reform] feels like a moment you look back in your lifetime and say: ‘We've made a difference’.”
