LIONESSES legend Fara Williams believes England’s Coventry Arnold Clark Cup test will provide the perfect preparation for this year’s World Cup.
Sarina Wiegman’s European champions face Italy at the CBS Arena on Sunday after kicking off their title defence against Korea Republic in Milton Keynes on Thursday, with over 70,000 tickets sold so far.
Italy failed to make it past the group stages of Euro 2022 and Williams, who played in three World Cups and four European Championships for England, insists they will have a new hunger to prove their strengths in the West Midlands.
The 39-year-old said: “The Lionesses are going to be even greater this year.
“Last year, the Arnold Clark Cup was the tournament that really sent the Lionesses on their way to success and gave them that confidence going into the Euros.
“This time it’s a different test, with three different types of opposition preparing them for the World Cup in Australia.
“I think for Italy, this is a chance for them to re-evaluate where they are.
“At the Euros, I think they would have felt like they left themselves down so coming back they will want to showcase their star players and let people know that they are better than what the showcased.
“Belgium probably did better than expected in the Euros but they are a team that are becoming our bogey team.
“So this is a tournament I think we should win, but it will be a good test going into a World Cup where our opponents will be so varied.”
The Arnold Clark Cup is providing a thrilling double-header treat for fans this year, with ticket holders privy to not one but two world-class games of football on match day.
And with the final few tickets on sale for Milton Keynes and Coventry, there’s still time to catch the European champions continue their roaring period of success.
Williams said: “Hopefully we get the support for the Lionesses but also for the other teams that are coming over.
“We want to support the women’s game as a whole.
“I think a day out at women’s game is such a different atmosphere.
“The entertainment they put on, if you want to take your family or friends who are interested in football, there’s loads going on.
“The quality and calibre of players on the pitch is another dimension now so for any football fan this is a great opportunity to see some high-quality football.”
Roar on the Lionesses in the Arnold Clark Cup, 16-22 February 2023. Last remaining tickets available at: www.arnoldclarkcup.com
