Despite negativity from small factions online, England’s Euro 2022 success on Sunday captured hearts and thoughts, turning skeptics directly into believers, reducing neutrals to tears.
And, looking slightly even worse for wear after partying long to the night in celebration, England’s victorious team and coaching employees took to a stage in Trafalgar Sq ., London, as the celebrations began again.
When the tunes and dance moves kicked off in earnest — we’re taking a look at you, Mary Earps — some of the players and manager Sarina Wiegman, who have almost all been awarded the Freedom of London award, spoke to Scott about what the win at Wembley Stadium against Germany in the final meant to them and the future of the sport in the country.
Captain Leah Williamson — who accepted the team has “partied more than we now have played football in the last 24 hours” — said the success, played in front of a record crowd of 87, 192 for a Western european Championship final, in a number of or women’s, is just a start.
“The legacy of the competition was already made prior to the final, ” Williamson said. “What we now have done for women and young girls who can aspire to end up being us.
“I believe England have hosted an incredible tournament and we’ve changed the overall game in this country and, hopefully, across Europe and across the world. Yet we said we all wanted to make the legacy about winning and that’s what we do. ”
The 25-year-old added: “Dreams turn into reality. Hopefully, there is an era that is being inspired by us. ”
‘I have not stopped dancing’
From Shania Twain to Harry Kane , the country was held by what was on display on Sunday mid-day.
So much so that according to the BBC, the final was watched by a record-breaking audience of 17. 4 million upon UK television.
Plus although the breathtaking feats of brilliance on the pitch were engrossing — from Ella Toone’s sumptuous nick to Chloe Kelly’s first international objective — it’s the player’s personalities and charisma which have won over the whole country.
Kelly abandoning her post-match interview with the BBC to join her teammates in singing Neil Diamond’s classic “Sweet Caroline, ” Jill Scott pulling a good all-nighter in celebration and Earps singing “It’s Coming Home” standing on the desk from which Wiegman has been giving her post-game press conference: the squad members are becoming instant legends.
When asked about the girl delicate chipped objective to give England the particular lead and Kane’s praise for it, Toone said the lady “taught” the men’s England team captain that.
Kelly mentioned she’s been on the go ever since the final whistle: “I haven’t ended dancing, my feet just keep going. ”
She’s even had a two-time World Cup winner confirm her lifetime will never be the same from now on. “I see you Chloe Kelly, congratulations. Enjoy the free models of pints and dinners for the rest of your daily life from all of Britain. Cheers! ” US Women’s National Team legend Brandi Chastain tweeted .
And for Stansted City midfield Scott — who’s appeared for England with multiple unsuccessful worldwide tournaments — she thanked the backers the team has already established.
“It’s been wonderful, to be part of this team. I’m schooling with the best gamers in the world and it’s therefore tough keeping up with them. I am so honored to try out any part with this team.
“Everyone that has put the shirt upon, everyone who thought in women’s football. We just wished to be football, hopefully, that is how it really is perceived now all over the world. ”
And just before the 2nd round of partying kicked off in earnest, Bronze — in her winter sports goggles as is custom for celebrating teams — said actually despite her medal-laden career, there’s still one more on her container list.
“I’m sensation on top of the world, along with Europe. Another trophy but the best one particular by far. There is still one more we can get our hands on the coming year. ”