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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Shane Ireland

Ex-England star Jill Scott predicts how Lionesses will fare at Women's World Cup 2023

Former England midfielder Jill Scott has full confidence that the Lionesses can win the Women's World Cup and believes that Sarina Wiegman's team will be the most well-prepared side at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

The Euro 2022 winner Scott commended the "humble" nature of England’s travelling squad ahead of their Group D opener against Haiti on July 22 and while insisting she is ready to enjoy the spectacle as a pundit rather than a player this time.

Scott told PA: "I've watched the Lionesses a few times as a player since I've retired – they were too fast for me, and too good! We've got a great group of girls – grounded, humble, but also incredible players.

“I think it'll be the best-prepared team going out to the World Cup. Yeah, there's going to be competition from the likes of Spain, Brazil you can never ever write off, (and) USA's mentality – that winner's mentality.

READ MORE: Women's World Cup 2023 prize money: How much Lionesses could earn after FIFA boost

“But I do think that we'll do well. I think we'll be the best-prepared team and can we win it? Course we can."

Speaking at the unveiling of a 4.5-metre statue of herself by the Angel Of The North in Gateshead to promote her role as a captain on Sky's popular show A League Of Their Own, Scott added: "I'm standing here and it's just such a surreal moment, to think I've actually got my own statue. And I think she looks pretty decent, to be honest.

"The attention to detail is brilliant. Although I did joke that I don't think my legs have been that smooth, ever! It's just such a proud moment for me and my family to think that I've got a statue."

Reflecting on how her life has changed since winning the Euros and being voted Queen of the Jungle, Scott admitted: "Yeah, life's changed a lot. I was used to just going to football every single day.

"Now I have to check my itinerary every single week and try and make sure I'm at places on time. I'm enjoying that, I've got to do some incredible stuff. I was at Royal Ascot last week, I'm going to Wimbledon this week. So there's some great opportunities that are coming along and I'm just grateful to have work, especially after you retire."

This article was crafted with the help of AI tools, which speed up the MEN's editorial research. A Manchester Evening News editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to newsdesk@men-news.co.uk*

*You may notice the below message on a small number of Manchester Evening News articles. We like to innovate and this is part of a trial to look at whether AI can help speed up the publishing process. We will always declare where this happens.

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