A Lioness on the hunt for trophies, Toni Duggan is ready to take on the world this summer. Ahead of England's 2019 World Cup group opener in Nice this weekend we caught up with Duggan in Barcelona as she talked us through embracing the Spanish culture, her World Cup preparation, and her nation's expectations in France this summer.
Four years ago Duggan was part of the Lionesses team that conceded a stoppage time own goal in the semi-final of the 2015 World Cup in Canada, a moment of indescribable emotion but the type of moment that can trigger a new level of motivation and mental toughness. And that's what this group of Lionesses have heading into France this summer determined to go one better. For decades England teams were made up of England-based players, but no more – the Lionesses are roaming around the world – and in Barcelona there's a Scouse spy built strong from stepping into the unknown and creating her own stories.
Arriving in Catalonia with a crumpled one-way boarding pass in a pocket full of Spanish, Duggan left behind the impressive facilities of Manchester City for a new adventure in hope of progressing her game, learning new playing styles, and ultimately a new way of life. It's a move that could have scared off the more reserved – joining a club as its only Englishwoman – but Duggan is embracing her new home and is set to take on the world's elite armed with knowledge, experience and mental strength.
Talking to @monkidj for SoccerBible, Duggan is in relaxed mood as the days count down to what will be the most covered, most anticipated and for those reasons - biggest Women's World Cup of all time. Under the leadership of Phil Neville, the Lionesses arrive on the back of lifting the SheBelieves Cups, and Duggan's confidence in her teammates is a vibe that has us backing them to the very end.
Watch the full Toni Duggan episode on our IGTV.
