I don’t ever switch off, says Wembley hero Lloyd
A few hours after the final whistle had brought an end to Manchester City Women’s FA Cup triumph, their winger Nikita Parris strolled into a fast-food restaurant at the foot of Wembley Way.
It was still full of fans who had made the short walk down from the stadium, but she went virtually unnoticed.
In many ways, it was refreshing – imagine the reaction if a male footballer popped into the local McDonald’s hours after winning the FA Cup. But it also provided a reminder of just how far the women’s game has to go, and that these players, the best the country has to offer, are still some way short of being recognisable stars on these shores.
Saturday’s final was a step in the right direction, though, a muchneeded success for the game after Notts County folded last month. A record crowd of more than 35,000 streamed into Wembley, and the quality of Manchester City’s play in their demolition of Birmingham City Ladies was a wonderful advert. The 4-1 victory means Nick Cushing’s side now hold all three major domestic trophies.
At the forefront of their attack was Carli Lloyd, the world’s best player, who added an FA Cup final goal to a CV that includes strikes in two Olympic gold-medal matches and a hat-trick in a World Cup final.
Asked how she keeps excelling on the biggest stages, the American said: “I don’t ever switch off. My life is consumed around my training and that is all that matters to me.
“I pride myself on focusing and not letting outside distractions get in the way. I do all the right things.”
Lloyd joined the club in February, and returns to the US next month. But her impact has been obvious, and she brought her teammates into play as much as she led the line herself.
Lucy Bronze and Izzy Christiansen had given City the lead before Lloyd added the third, and then Jill Scott rounded off proceedings with a well-taken fourth after Charlie Wellings had pulled a consolation goal back for Birmingham. Birmingham City Booked Manchester City Subs Referee
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