 As much as England go in a){kind=link}
York full-back, who’s enjoyed her switch to the centre in the World Cup, says England have discussed the men’s side’s painful semi-final exit and they don’t intend to go out the same way in Monday’s big last-four clash against favourites New Zealand
Tara-Jane Stanley says England men’s gut-wrenching World Cup semi-final defeat has strengthened the women’s side’s resolve ahead of their own last-four showdown tonight.
On Monday, they face New Zealand for a place in Saturday’s final, barely 48 hours after Shaun Wane’s team suffered a shock exit at the hands of Samoa. England’s women’s side have comfortably won all three games but face a huge challenge against New Zealand Ferns at York star Stanley’s home ground. The 2022 Woman of Steel said: “We had a little conversation after the men’s game.
“It was just around how we’re enjoying ourselves so much and living in the moment that that’s really the first time that we’ve recognised it’s going to end. We don’t want it to end the way it ended for the men. It was gutting. We know we need to perform but we know we can do it. That’s all that matters.”
New Zealand almost caused an shock when pushing back-to-back champions Australia so close in their final group game before being edged out 10-8. Stanley, starring at centre after a surprise switch from full-back, said: “It was a fabulous game. They’ve a strong side. They have some great individuals there and are a big nation. They are known for their power.