Wimbledon bosses deliver Lionesses snub as they refuse to show Women’s World Cup semi-final with USA
WIMBLEDON tennis bosses have failed to join in the nation’s support of England’s Lionesses after refusing to screen their World Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
Phil Neville’s side face USA in Lyon in the biggest match in their history as they go looking to book a place in next Sunday’s final.
Glastonbury organisers agreed to show last week’s quarter-final win over Norway, and thousands took the opportunity to cheer them on.
But the All-England Club maintain the whole site is a tennis-only event and have no intention of breaking that stance just because the Lionesses are on the brink of history.
It means they will not screen the game, which kicks off at 8pm, to sports fans packed on Henman Hill, which could have enjoyed a carnival atmosphere after a day of tennis.
Instead, those looking to take in the action will have to pack up and leave Wimbledon early in order to find somewhere close by which has the TVs on.
Last year the same stance denied those at the tennis the chance to watch England face Colombia in the men’s World Cup, leading to thousands packing up early and leaving the tennis in order to find somewhere to tune in.
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That led to large groups congregating outside people’s houses trying to watch the action through their front room windows.
Around 10million viewers are expected to tune in to the game on BBC1 as the country begins to get behind the women’s game more and more.
Lionesses boss Phil Neville has told his players they should not be intimidated by USA when the two sides meet on Thursday.