I CANT WAIT FOR BEST FINALS EVER

IRELAND great Lynne Cantwell says there are so many reasons why the Women's World Cup kicking off tonight will be the greatest ever.

- BY MICHAEL SCULLY

Hosts England - on a 27-game unbeaten streak - take on the USA in the opening game in front of over 40,000 spectators at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.

After finishing as runners-up to New Zealand in Auckland four years ago and as the current No.1-ranked side, England will be expected to push for a third World Cup crown in the coming weeks.

Competing on the biggest stage for the first time since hosting the finals in 2017, Ireland's own bid gets underway against Japan at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton on Sunday.