Serena Williams has joined the growing number of neutrals rooting for England to win the World Cup.
The 36-year-old remained on course for an eighth Wimbledon crown by dispatching Evgeniya Rodina 6-2 6-2 on Monday, to book a quarter-final clash with Italy's Camila Giorgi.
The 23-time major champion then admitted she has been won over by Gareth Southgate's England - who face Croatia on Wednesday night for a place in the World Cup final.
"When I'm here in London, Wimbledon, it's the atmosphere, seeing all the English just get so excited - you can't help but root for the team," said Williams.
Hailing England's 2-0 quarter-final win over Sweden, Williams continued: "Oh my God, what a game that was. Those goals were just incredible.
"They were playing so aggressive. Man, they really brought a power game to that. I thought that was really cool."
Current world number 181 Williams became the lowest-ranked Wimbledon quarter-finalist in the Open era by way of her brisk victory over Russia's Rodina.
Williams continues to balance motherhood with tennis dominance, but also revealed she can squeeze in a spot of World Cup viewing.
"I just love it, it's so fun to watch. The World Cup is a special time of the year," she said.
"I just get almost depressed that there's only two more matches, then one more. What is going to happen to my life after that? I don't know what I'm going to do for a couple of months.
"I'm going to be a little bit low. Hopefully I'll recover and just wait for the next World Cup."
