Ahead of their quarter-final match-up with Colombia (8.30pm AEST), European champions England have stunned Australian football with an incredibly generous act.
The world number four Lionesses have made Gosford’s Central Coast Stadium their base camp for their World Cup tilt, and will donate $A300,000 in gym equipment to local A-League team the Central Coast Mariners after the tournament.
The news was revealed by Mariners’ mens coach Nick Montgomery, and is a massive boost for the club making its debut in the A-League Women’s competition this season.
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“It is important we continue to build resources,” Montgomery told talkSPORT.
“FIFA invest a lot of money, and for us to get some gym equipment, the stuff they are leaving behind to the only club on the central coast, it is a great gesture from them.
“Not only will it help us develop the young kids, but also the first-team and W-League team as well.”
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England will be without Chelsea star Lauren James for their crunch clash with Colombia, after James earned a two-match ban for a rogue stamp on a Nigerian player in their penalty shootout victory in the Round of 16.
The winner of tonight’s clash at Stadium Australia will face the winner of Australia’s quarter-final against France (Saturday 5pm, Brisbane).
FIXTURES
Australia v France, 5pm AEST, Brisbane Stadium (Brisbane/Meeanjin)
England v Colombia, 8.30pm AEST, Stadium Australia (Sydney/Wangal).
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