ENGLAND head coach Tom Coyd praised his side’s composure and resilience after they overcame France to retain the Wheelchair World Cup, whilst his French counterpart, Cyril Torres, acknowledged that England were the stronger team on the night.
Coyd was particularly pleased with the way England responded when France threatened to take control, highlighting the importance of keeping their heads in a fiercely competitive final which they won 50-38.
“There were moments throughout both halves where France got the rhythm into their game, and they’re a dangerous force when they do that,” he said.
“But the guys stayed connected, they kept cool heads, and we got the game back on our terms. I think that was where we won it.
“It was obviously very competitive and very aggressive from two sides who are very close; both had great tournaments.
“When you’ve been number one in the world for four years, and you’ve been hunted by a pack, I think you feel the weight of that.
“I’m so proud of that performance. That France team, I expect, will have been gunning for us since the 19th of November 2022 (the day after England won the previous World Cup Final) and they’re a fearsome group, but the way that we fronted up and kept cool heads when they were throwing everything they had at us, I’m really chuffed for them.”
Torres was gracious in defeat, recognising England’s standing in the international game while expressing pride in what his own squad had achieved.
“Tonight, England were stronger. But it wasn’t just only tonight. In the last ten-to-twelve years, England have been one of the best, if not the best,” he said.
“We were feeling good when we opened up a lead, but maybe at this moment we played the wrong way. But in the end, we gave everything we had tonight, and that’s the important thing.”
