‘No revenge story’ – England star Kildunne on World Cup motivation

England vs. the United States: Women’s Rugby World Cup

Stadium of Light, Sunderland Date: Friday, August 22 Kick-off: 19:30 BST

England’s most recent Women’s Rugby World Cup defeat is acknowledged by star full-back Ellie Kildunne as a team aiming to win the trophy on their own soil.

England were eliminated by hosts New Zealand in 2022, down to 14 players for more than an hour, 34-31.

New Zealand has defeated England in the final five of its six matches.

“It was probably my first genuine rugby heartache,” Kildunne said.

We had 36 hours to sit on a plane and consider it when we returned from New Zealand, regardless of whether this is a good thing or not.

We couldn’t have given more to that tournament, so it wasn’t our day, I said as I spent the time reflecting on what had transpired.

I also made a plan for the remaining 1% that I could use both during and after the pitch to put me in a position where I’ll never experience that feeling again.

You can look back on the previous World Cup, but it’s not the result or the opponent’s performance that hurts you.

“That’s not what I want to feel again,” You must allow that to grow.

Before that final defeat, England had won 30 of its 27 games.

They are favored to win the title game against the United States on Friday.

Kildunne claims that a shift in perspective has relieved the pressure of expectation and the crowds at home.

When questioned whether England’s status as favorites was putting pressure on the team, she replied, “I don’t think it is.”

When a team is successful, expectations are always high.

We are only supposed to win if the story we’ve already created is changed, according to the author.

“A few years ago, we would be urging people to watch the game to see how good the team is and how they can win; now, as a result, people are anticipating that.”

We are attempting to bridge that gap. We’re attempting to fill an unfathomable void, and we’re going to continue to put everything in order over the coming weeks to make it happen.

“And we’ll make sure to inspire as many people as possible, regardless of whether we are successful or not.”

Kildunne, the reigning world player of the year, has been a prominent figure in the tournament’s promotional materials and sponsors.

She claims that seeing herself on billboards, magazines, and social media posts is awe-inspiring.

She says, “Yes, it feels strange because I’m just a Yorkshire girl playing rugby.”

I’m not anything special. I simply adore what I do. I just believe that being true to your values and remembering who you are and where you came from are important because that person is what brought you here.

“That young girl picked up a rugby ball, it’s not just the showbiz, the lights, and the cameras,” the said a young woman.

The 25-year-old straightened her distinctive curly hair on Monday after losing a bet during training, claiming that England’s sole priority will be the United States in their opening game while others may be anticipating the 27 September final.

She said, “We’ll be where our feet are, so we don’t look too far ahead.”

There is no point in anticipating a victory in the final, or when, because failure to do so will never be a thing. It’s all buts, buts, and maybes.

How do we focus on our culture and bonding tonight if we focus on the things we have to focus on right now, the week leading up to the United States, and we’ve already finished a challenging training session? How can we work together more effectively?