Millie Bright expects the hostile environment England will encounter against Australia in their World Cup semi-final to feel like well-trodden territory for the European champions.

Wednesday’s game is a sell out at the 75,000-plus capacity Stadium Australia in Sydney, with the vast majority issued to home supporters who have backed their side in rapidly-rising, record-smashing fashion.

While the Lionesses — who are hoping to advance to a first-ever final — have so far been warmly embraced Down Under, captain Bright is aware that millions of new friends will soon view them as foes.

She said: "We're always preparing for that, no matter the opponent. Their fans are always going to want the opposition to lose, that’s football. 

"We know that we’re going to have fans there, yes they’re going to have more, but we’ve been in these moments before and as players we’ve embraced these moments.

"It's all about us sticking to task, executing the game plan and embracing the moment. It’s the semi-final of a World Cup, you want that environment, you want it to be tense, you want it to be noisy.

"It's a proud moment in the women's game when people turn on the TV back home and they see what an incredible atmosphere we’ve created. 

"Credit to Australia for selling out the stadium and creating that atmosphere because like we always know, the women's game is still on a journey, but what a place to be."

The target on England’s back, at least publicly, has grown since Bright and her team-mates lifted the Euro 2022 trophy at Wembley last summer.

Inside the Lionesses camp, said Bright, the reality has always been different.

She added: "Honestly, I think for us there's always been pressure, whether it's looked like that from the outside or not. I think for us, that's what pushes us forward.

"I think we have an ultra-competitive group of players and staff where the competitiveness has always been there. 

"It's part of who we are. It's our DNA to fight and be competitive and to want to win."