England's football stars enjoy the sun before tomorrow's World Cup final

The Lionesses have been soaking up the sun Down Under as they prepare for the biggest game of their lives in tomorrow's World Cup final.

It is the first time the England senior women's team has reached a World Cup final, although many of the current squad were crowned Euros champions at Wembley Stadium in July 2022.

England and Manchester City star Laura Coombs gave fans a glimpse of how the Lionesses are relaxing between Sarina Wiegman's taxing training sessions in the glorious Australia sunshine.

The midfielder, who assisted one of England's six goals against China in the group stages, posted a video of the sun shimmering on the ocean as the Lionesses enjoyed some well-earned downtime on the beach in Terrigal where they have been based.

The 32-year-old, who has featured for the Lionesses in two out of their six games, quipped: 'Last morning in Terrigal. Fair to say Aus winters are better than our summers.'

But away from the beach, the Lionesses have been pictured being put through their paces by Wiegman - who is the first coach to take two countries to a World Cup final, having led the Netherlands there in 2019.

England star Chloe Kelly - whose emphatic penalty against Nigeria sent the Lionesses roaring into the semi-finals - was playfully given a hand in applying sun cream as the squad trained in the blistering heat.

Meanwhile Lauren James was also spotted as she fights for a place in the starting eleven after missing the quarter-final and semi-final through suspension after stamping on Nigeria's Michelle Alozie.

The Lionesses squad seemed in good spirits as they trained under blue skies at their World Cup base while surrounded by palm trees. Wiegman was seen addressing the group in a circle, no doubt delivering the final key tactical messages to her side.

They come into the final having seen of co-hosts Australia 3-1 in the semi-final thanks to clinical finishes from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.

All eyes will be on the Lionesses as they represent England in the country's first World Cup final since 1966. The momentous occasion has led to questions being asked as to why Prince William, the president of the Football Association, has snubbed the final in favour of a family holiday.

Speaking ahead of the final, England captain Millie Bright told reporters: 'It’s an honour and a dream to come true to lead the girls out, but ultimately it’s the team.'

Elsewhere, councils and police are being urged to 'turn a blind eye' to pubs opening early for tomorrow's final.

MPs have called on the authorities to ignore instances of pubs serving outside of their usual Sunday hours, after warnings that licensing rules mean leave some venues unable to serve pints or open early for excited fans on the day.

In Cornwall, the local council and police have already announced they will not take enforcement action for early opening during the big match.

An average of 4.6 million people tuned in on a working day to watch the Lionesses progress to their first ever World Cup final with the win being the most-watched game of the tournament so far.

Current regulations mean the sale of alcohol is widely prohibited before 10am on Sunday, but venues such as pubs also have specific hours they can stay open and serve alcohol depending on individual licences.

A blanket change to licensing hours across England would require the approval of Parliament, which is not currently sitting as it is the summer recess - and demands for an emergency recall to Westminster have been dismissed.

Conservative MP Sir Michael Fabricant has instead suggested his local police force 'turn a blind eye' to any pubs opening early for Sunday's World Cup final.

In a letter to Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Chris Noble and Staffordshire police and fire commissioner Ben Adams, the Lichfield MP wrote: 'As you know, the Women's World Cup Final will be held at 11am (BST) on Sunday.

'I think it would be a marvellous gesture if pubs could be allowed to open early and, although this would be contrary to the law, the police might turn a blind eye on this one occasion only.'

Sir Michael said in a statement: 'I think now is the time for the police to show discretion to allow pubs and other venues to open early allowing people to cheer on our wonderful Lionesses in the company of others. I hope other police forces might show similar flexibility too - on this particular Sunday.'

Labour shadow minister Stephen Morgan agreed pubs should be given flexibility with their Sunday hours.

'I think they've got to be flexible, let's be sensible. I think it makes sense,' he told Times Radio.

Communities Secretary Michael Gove wrote to councils on Thursday, asking them to do everything they can to help venues seeking to extend their hours for the game.

In response, Cornwall Council and Cornwall and Devon Police have confirmed they will not be enforcing licence conditions for pubs who open earlier than they would usually be allowed.

Linda Taylor, leader of Cornwall Council, said: 'Although it is too late to issue licences to allow our pubs and clubs to open, this is a sensible way forward, ensuring their businesses can benefit from the occasion, and so people can come together to enjoy the match together. I am delighted the police are supporting this move as well.'

One publican in Stoke on Trent described Mr Gove's letter to councils as 'too little too late'.

Victoria Mavin, who runs The Bellringer pub in Stoke-on-Trent, also told the PA News Agency: 'Historically the Government have made allowances for moments in history where they have relaxed licencing law - they have amended slightly, there is a blanket rule,' she said.

'If this isn't a moment in history then I don't know what is.'

Ms Mavin told the PA news agency allowances were made in the early 2000s for the Men's World Cup, for the jubilee and for the coronation.

She added: 'From my point of view you can't help thinking that had it been a Men's World Cup that somebody somewhere would have already noticed that actually these were the timings of it, this is what we could potentially put in place.

'It's just a shame that we're at the 11th hour and only now we're talking about it.'

The Home Office has written to police chiefs encouraging them to work with councils to ensure as many venues as possible can open.

Most pubs are likely to be unable to serve alcohol until 11am, and are unlikely to have had time for a temporary event notice (TEN) allowing to vary their hours to be processed.

A spokesperson for the Local Government Association said: 'Councils up and down the country are flying flags, lighting up buildings and hosting free screenings of the game on Sunday to mark this historic and exciting occasion.

'Licensing teams are working hard to ensure temporary event notices that were submitted with the legally required amount of notice are processed as efficiently as possible, but councils can only work within the existing law.'

James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, has meanwhile announced he will attend the match in Australia on Sunday alongside Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer.

'All eyes are on Sydney this Sunday,' he said ahead of the final.

'This is an amazing moment to celebrate the very best of women's international sport with Australia and New Zealand as our brilliant tournament hosts.

'Everyone back home is behind the Lionesses for their first appearance ever in a World Cup final, and I will be there in person to cheer them on.'