Exclusive photos from England Lionesses’ training session ahead of World Cup semi final

If England’s Lionesses thought they would happily fly into the World Cup semi final under the radar they were in for a rude shock. We’ve sent the chopper up to see how the old enemy are preparing. See the exclusive photos.

Welcome to the jungle, Lionesses, we’ve got fun and games.

If England’s Lionesses thought they would happily fly into Wednesday night’s World Cup semi-final under the radar direct from their secret Central Coast hideaway, then they were in for a rude shock, as these exclusive images show.

As the Matildas held their final training session behind closed doors at Kogarah, about 100km north at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford the England team attempted to finalise their preparations without any prying eyes.

But just as we did last week when we wanted to know if Sam Kerr was back in full training mode or on restricted duties with her calf injury, The Daily Telegraph went to the sky with these exclusive aerial photographs of England’s final training run.

England Women’s Football team training at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, ahead of their semi final game against Australia. Picture: Richard Dobson

The Poms are preparing to spoil our party Picture: Richard Dobson

Working out how to shut down Mary fowler. Picture: Richard Dobson

It might not be in the spirit of football, but after last month’s men’s Ashes cricket series we will let the moral arbiters England pass judgment on what is and isn’t acceptable in the world of sport.

But make no mistake, England are here to ruin Australia’s party.

It will be 11 players up against an entire nation and star midfielder Keira Walsh wouldn’t want it any other way.

Australians usually do their circle work in a V8. Picture: Richard Dobson

Preparing to be peppered by Kerr missiles. Picture: Richard Dobson

The Lionesses can’t be taken lightly. Picture: Richard Dobson

“When you have the crowd behind you it gives you that extra push,” she said.

“But I also think that when you are playing against it, when you can quieten the crowd, it’s also a very nice feeling.

“Maybe trying to take the momentum out of (their) game is going to be important.

“So there’s positives and negatives to both and I’ve experienced both.

“It is every footballer’s dream to play at a World Cup final so for us that’s the aim and we hope we can get the job done on Wednesday.”