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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Millie Bright sends England Lionesses World Cup qualification message after Euros glory

Millie Bright insists England are fully focused on qualifying for the Women's World Cup... just 33 days after their euphoric Euros triumph.

The Lionesses will qualify for next year's tournament in Australia and New Zealand if they avoid defeat to Austria in Wiener Neustadt on Saturday evening. Even if Sarina Wiegman's side fail to do that, victory against Luxembourg in Stoke on Tuesday night will be enough to book their place at the World Cup.

Chelsea defender Bright, 29, started England's historic victory against Germany in the Euros final but is now looking at getting her hands on the World Cup trophy. England haven't lost since Wiegman took charge a year ago, a run stretching 20 games.

The Lionesses also have a brilliant record in qualifying, winning all eight of their fixtures so far - scoring 68 goals without reply. They've also recorded some huge victories on the way to the World Cup, beating Latvia 20-0 and Tuesday's opponents Luxembourg 10-0.

"You compete on the highest levels - you have success - at some point we do have to look forward to the next challenge and that is securing qualification in the World Cup," said Bright. "Our minds are completely set on the job we've got to do this week."

More than 87,000 attended Wembley to watch England win their first ever major trophy in July, but only 3,000 are expected at the Stadion Wiener Neustadt on Saturday. The ground doesn't even have a dedicated press room, with a tent put up for the occasion.

England won the Euros just 33 days ago (PA)

Do you think England will beat Austria on Saturday evening? Let us know in the comments below!

Wiegman admits the facilities are poor but believes the criticism is a sign of how quickly the women's game is growing. "I think we could fit more people, or we would like to have seen more people," said Wiegman. "I think the Austria team too are ready for that.

"It's a little bit disappointing, but it also shows the women's game is developing so much that we need to think a little bigger. We can play at bigger stadiums. It's good that it's sold out, but we hope they will take another decision [in future]."

Bright added: "We're just so focused on ourselves and our game plan going into this game, getting the job done really and having a good performance. Any stadium we play in, we want to perform and focus on ourselves. It would be nice to have bigger crowds but again, we're hoping the women's game can keep moving in that direction and everyone can push for bigger stadiums."

The Lionesses will have to overcome Austria without Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly, who scored the winner against Germany in the final. She is nursing a minor leg injury.

Chelsea playmaker Fran Kirby is also absent with a foot complaint, while legends Ellen White and Jill Scott have both retired from professional football. Alessia Russo is expected to replace White up front and Ella Toone, who came off the bench to score England's first goal in the 2-1 win against Germany, could also start.

England XI (likely): Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Leah Williamson, Rachel Daly, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp.

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