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Horse Racing Lianne Sanderson: USWNT are the favourites to win the World Cup
The Women’s World Cup is nearly here and we talked to former England international, Lianne Sanderson, who shared her thoughts on who she thinks will win the tournament, alongside topics like the potential surprises and players to watch throughout the World Cup.
Sanderson was part of England´s World Cup squad in 2007 and 2015, earning a third-place medal in the latter.
We talked to the former Chelsea, Arsenal and Juventus player who shared her thoughts on her favourites to win the tournament, the team that could make a few upsets and not least her prediction of the Golden Ball and Golden Boot winner.
In this article:
- USA are the favourites to win the World Cup
- Investment in the women’s game in Europe has bridged the gap
- Republic of Ireland could be a dark horse
USA are the favourites to win the World Cup
The Englishwoman feels that England could have been the favourite to win the World Cup if it wasn´t for all their injuries, which is why she is picking another team she also knows quite well.
“I would have said that England are the favourites to win the World Cup but they have so many injuries. They have played themselves into becoming the favourites by performing so well”, says Lianne Sanderson and continues:
“It’s like everyone is believing in England as a nation and especially after we won against Spain this huge belief came.”
“But you can never write off the USA. People are questioning them right now because England beat them at Wembley. So, my favourites to win the World Cup is America.”
“There are a lot of strong nations and again, we have to mention Australia. They are the hosts and they did beat England. New Zealand can do something as well and anything is possible.”
Investment in the women’s game in Europe has bridged the gap
Lianne Sanderson feels absolutely delighted that her home country has started to invest a lot more in the Women’s game, and she even says that England has closed the gap that previously was there in terms of the economy and facilities compared to the USA.
“I definitely think that all the investments in European women’s football have a lot to say. When I came to America 12 years ago, English players joined me in America but players don’t really go to America anymore.”
“Of course, they do go but it’s a lot harder now to convince an English player to go to America.”
“The facilities in England are much better now and they are getting paid more. I genuinely believe that 9 out of 10 times players will go where the money is, now you have better reasons in terms of that to stay in England.”
Lianne Sanderson adds that the investment in the Women’s game has not only taken place in England. Italy and other countries have played a huge part in making Women’s football more interesting.
“England has closed the gap now, but they are not the only nation doing well. Obviously, I have played for Juventus and I’ve seen how they are doing things there with Milan as well.”
“I think everyone has got on board properly, fully in the last year and two and it’s no coincidence that commercially, in England, it’s the first time there’s been a TV deal. So all those things play a factor.”
Republic of Ireland could be a dark horse
World Cups are known for all the fairytales we get to experience every fourth year both on the men’s and women’s side of football and once again this year, we could experience a team surprising the whole world according to Lianne Sanderson who gives a bold prediction.
“I think a lot of teams could be a dark horse for the World Cup trophy. There are a lot of good stories out there with Jamaica, Morocco playing their first World Cup and Ireland as well. I think Ireland has a decent shout in the tournament.”
“Obviously, opening against Australia will be difficult but I do think they could be the team that goes a bit further than people expect.”
“Of course, Ireland got Australia, Nigeria and Canada in their group. Canada won the Olympics against all odds and nobody expected them to do that.”
“So, it’s a really tough group but I think that Ireland will do a good job and go through.”
Alex Morgan will contend for the Golden Ball and Golden Boot
Lianne Sanderson tells people once again to keep a close eye on the legendary American, Alex Morgan, who could win the Golden Ball or Golden Boot and says that Megan Rapinoe will have a tough time winning it.
“I think that Megan Rapinoe will get a different role this tournament and will probably come off the bench a bit more. So it will probably be a little bit difficult for her to win the Golden Ball or Golden Boot.”
“Alex Morgan will always be up there. I also think that whoever starts as a number nine for England, whether it will be Alessia Russo or Rachel Daly, they can potentially win it.”
“England are in the group with Haiti, China and Denmark and I think England could score a lot of goals in that group.”
“But it’s still yet to be decided who will play as a number nine, but whoever it will be will have a good chance of winning it.”
“Sofia Smith could also win it and she is one of the players I love to watch the most. She’s absolutely one of my favourite players. She has been brilliant.”
