Carney feels win would take stars to next level
FORMER international Karen Carney believes a Euro 2022 win for England will elevate players like Millie Bright to world-class status.
Carney, who won 144 caps for her country, believes deserved recognition has been missing due to a lack of major honours.
But if Sarina Wiegman’s side, who face Sweden in the semi-final at Bramall Lane tonight, lift the trophy at Wembley on Sunday a number of the squad can expect to see their profiles rise.
“For a long time I’ve always felt she has been one of the best centre-backs in Europe,” the 34-year-old former Birmingham and Arsenal midfielder said about Bright.
“But over the next 12 months she could establish herself as being one of the best central defenders in the world and get the recognition perhaps that she hasn’t really had.
“I think it is about winning trophies. I played with Kelly Smith for years and years and I still think she is the best player we ever produced.
“She would have been the stand-out player in this team but she was just a generation too early I think.
“But Kelly didn’t get the recognition as she never won a gold medal with her national team and the same for Lucy Bronze, she’s had the accolades of best player but what every player needs to get the credibility they want is that illustrious gold medal.
“I think it (a tournament win) would catapult the whole team but even more so the individuals.”
Carney believes the success of this summer’s Euros has broken down any remaining barriers in the women’s game.
“When I was growing up the barriers were there that there wasn’t as many opportunities for me – or the perception wasn’t there – but the tournament offers that,” added Carney.