England and Castleford women’s forward Grace Field excited for 2021 World Cup

Sebastian Sternik

Castleford and England forward Grace Field is beginning to get the World Cup fever with less than 500 days to go until the 2021 tournament.

The two-time Grand Finalist is not only looking forward to the World Cup as a potential competitor but also as a fan of the game.

She said: “I think it’s really exciting! The fact that it is now on the horizon, it now feels like it’s happening and that it is real.

“As a fan I am excited to watch the world’s best play and do what they do best.”

When asked whether she was looking forward to potentially featuring for England in the tournament, Field admitted that she would leave no stone unturned as she battles for a spot in the World Cup squad.

She said: “I think it’s an honour to just be in consideration to play alongside the best in the world and against them.

“Hopefully, should I get the opportunity to play, I will be doing everything I can to make a good showing of myself. Hopefully I can follow in the footsteps of some of the greats like Emma Slowe and Andrea Dobson.

“With less than 500 days to the World Cup, it’s very exciting. But it’s also a time to kick on and make sure that I’m doing everything possible as a player to get my name in that squad and my name on that teamsheet.”

The forward, who made her England debut last November during a two-match tour of Papua New Guinea, is also pleased that her country will be based in her hometown of Leeds for the 2021 tournament.

Field continued: “I’m a Leeds girl so I’m very happy that I get to be local if I do get selected. My dad made the joke that I could catch the 444 to training if I wanted to.

“Having it in Leeds is a good city to be in. It’s vibrant, there’s plenty of culture and I think it’s located in an accessible place for all the girls to get to. It’s very central and a very nice city.”

Field also believes the new #PowerOfTogether brand image for the World Cup is the right message at a difficult time.

She added: “With everything that’s going on at the moment in the world, I think it’s important to make sure that it’s an inclusive tournament, that it’s branded with the message of ‘togetherness’ and that it inspires people to come together.”

The Women’s World Cup will begin on November 13, with hosts England competing in the opener at Anfield in Liverpool.

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