Come on England!(Pictures: Kirsten Robertson)
England fans have descended on Boxpark in Wembley as the Lionesses take on Haiti in their first Women’s World Cup fixture.
As early as 8am, supporters were waiting outside the venue in anticipation of the match.
The game is taking place in Brisbane, Australia, and kick-off is at 10.30am UK time.
Rain poured on the streets of London as supporters excitedly dashed from tube stations and bus stops with coffees in hand.
Many spoke of their excitement to see the likes of Chloe Kelly, Georgia Stanway and Alessia Russo kick-off England’s World Cup journey.
Natalie Busher, who travelled from North Wales, told Metro: ‘The buzz around the World Cup has been fantastic. The fact this [Boxpark] has been opened up for us so we can come together is brilliant.
‘I’m here with some Arsenal fans, and we’re just so excited.’
Rebecca Robinson, who travelled from St Albans, added: ‘We are missing Beth Mead and Leah Williamson in the squad, but we’ve got Alessia Russo now and Lotte Wubben-Moy still representing Arsenal on the world stage.’
Several famous faces also have made their presence known for this morning’s game.
Arsenal Women fans swapped Borehamwood and the Emirates for Boxpark (Picture: Kirsten Robertson)
Rachel Riley spoke to Metro alongside Weetabix, who are a sponsor of the Boxpark viewing party.
As a child, the Countdown star played football with the boys at lunchtime – but didn’t play at all at senior school due to the lack of opportunity.
Knowing her two children will grow up with role models in the women’s game feels ‘really special.’
She told Metro.co.uk: ‘Having England women win something in their lifetime is just brilliant.
‘I’m so excited for today, I’m hoping for lots of goals.
Hounslow Wildcats said they can’t wait to watch the Lionesses in action (Picture: Kirsten Robertson)
‘Playing football growing up kept me and my friends out of trouble and gave us huge confidence.
‘The fact more girls are being inspired and can experience that is fantastic.’
Huge adverts from the likes of EE, Sure and Weetabix are in place across Boxpark, with the images of Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Alessia Russo towering over arriving fans.
A breakfast bar is in place to help people kick-start their day, especially for those who may have stayed up to the early hours to watch USA take on Vietnam.
Fans young and old gathered together this morning to demonstrate their support for the Lionesses from thousands of miles away from Australia.
Kimberly Mpambawashe with Declan (left) and Keanno (right) ahead of kick-off (Picture: Kirsten Robertson)
Some of the original Lionesses, who played after the ban on women’s football was lifted in 1972, have also been able to attend thanks to the National Lottery.
They are wearing special t-shirts with the slogan, and reminder, ‘Yes, we were the first’.
Millie Bright will captain the squad in the absence of Leah Williamson through injury.
This morning, manager Sarina Wiegman said: ‘We’re here and we have a dream, and of course there’s always a chance to win the World Cup, and many more countries can win the World Cup I think, but of course we’re going to give our everything starting tomorrow.
‘What we’re just trying to do is play our game and focus on what we have to do and how we can win, and that’s basically what we do all the time, so bring it back to what actions we need to take as a team.’
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Come on England!Â
