CARNEY: MY EUROS ON HOME SOIL IN 2005 WAS SMALL... THIS TIME WE CAN BE HUGE!

RICHARD EDWARDS KAREN CARNEY hopes England’s women generate as much excitement as Gareth Southgate’s side did on home soil last summer.

The Lionesses are among the favourites to win a first continental title.

For 144-cap England legend, now pundit, Carney (above), the Euros are the perfect opportunity for women’s football to continue its upward curve on a path she could never have imagined when she played in the Euros in England as a teenager, 17 years ago.

Carney said: “Tournaments are a massive catalyst.

“You saw last year what England’s run to the final did for the whole country. I would love to see that repeated this summer. It’s a massive opportunity for us.

“Back in 2005 the growth of the game really wasn’t there. I just couldn’t have anticipated how big the sport would be – the broadcasting deals we’ve got now, and the sponsors involved.

“There’s just so much more positivity around the game.”