England Lionesses calling the Toone
ELLA DESPERATE TO SEE BEERS FLYING AFTER THE EURO SEMI
ELLA Toone wants to spark further scenes of jubilation among England fans and “keep making them proud” after they made the Euro 2022 semis.
The tournament hosts set up a last- four clash with Sweden or Belgium at Bramall Lane next Tuesday with a thrilling 2- 1 extra- time victory over Spain at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday night in which Sarina Wiegman’s side battled back from a goal down.
Toone’s 84th- minute equaliser, Georgia Stanway’s stunning winner six minutes into extra time and the final whistle prompted wild celebrations from the 28,994 crowd in attendance for a contest that was also watched by over nine million people via the BBC.
Toone described her feeling after her goal as “probably the best I’ve ever had in football”, and when asked about what it would mean to get fans around the country jumping around by doing something similar in the semi- final, the midfielder said: “It would be amazing.
“For all of us it would be amazing to get that win in the semi- final. Wednesday was really special in front of that crowd and every game we’ve played has been amazing, the atmospheres have been unbelievable.
“We’re so grateful for the fans that support us, whether that’s in the stadium or at home, and we just want to keep making them proud.”
It has been announced that the semi- final will be screened in Trafalgar Square.
And Toone said: “Hopefully we see beers flying around and they’re enjoying the game, and we’re making them proud, that’s the main thing, and we’re inspiring the next generation. Hopefully we can go on and put on another big performance.”
The 22- year- old Man
United star added: “I think we’re getting more fans involved, everyone’s just loving it and enjoying it, and I’m sure we’ll have even more fans supporting us in the semis.”
The Lionesses – on a quest this summer to secure their first major trophy – have gone as far as the semi- finals in each of their last three tournaments.
Their male counterparts made it one step further with their runners- up finish at the Euros last summer, and Stanway has talked about messages of support from the England men’s team showing “we’re definitely a united nation”.
Momentum
Stanway, who has joined Bayern this summer after leaving Man City, said: “We’ve got a few messages off the men, just supporting us and willing us all the way, saying they’re coming to the next match.
“We’ve had just certain messages off Declan Rice, just the lads that were involved last year. They’re giving us tips on momentum, taking it forward
“We’re definitely a united nation.” Stanway got the
winner in the quarterfinals and has vowed to have more long- range shots.
She said: “A lot of the girls before the game have said to me I need to shoot more, because coming into this tournament, I’d not had masses of efforts on goal.
“I don’t know why I shot, I don’t know what came over me. Usually I would probably pass that ball to the winger and expect the ball to be put back in the box. But I just thought ‘ what is the worst that can happen?’
“I think it was because nobody came to me. I’d expect a defender to step out to me and put me under some pressure or challenge my decision- making. But nobody came to me, and I feel like when the defender makes the decision for me, it’s easier. I honestly don’t know why I shot but I’m glad I did.”