An Australian newspaper used a helicopter to spy on England’s final training session ahead of today’s World Cup semi-final showdown.
Both teams have played down the rivalry between the two countries but the Australian Daily Telegraph have ignited tensions on the eve of the big match.
The newspaper bragged that they had managed to film England’s final training session by sending a helicopter to take pictures and footage of their preparations at the Central Coast Stadium in Gosford.
‘If England’s Lionesses thought they would happily fly under the radar into the World Cup semi-final under the radar they were in for a rude shock,’ the newspaper wrote.
‘We’ve sent the chopper up to see how the old enemy are preparing… Welcome to the jungle, Lionesses, we’ve got fun and games.
‘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.
‘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.’
The outlet did not state whether the footage had been passed on to Australia’s coaching team or staff, but it is understood the pictures did not reveal notable information about England’s tactics.
The FA declined to comment.
The stunt is arguably the first flashpoint of what has been an otherwise largely amicable build-up to Wednesday's clash at Stadium Australia, when a place in the World Cup final against Spain will be at stake.
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