Sheffield, July 27 (BNA) Former and present English footballers hailed the “special” national team after beating Sweden 4-0 on Tuesday to reach the European Women’s Championship final.
Goals from Beth Meade, Lucy Bronze, Alicia Russo and Fran Kirby propelled England to a thrilling victory in front of a large crowd at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, and saw them qualify for their first Euro final since 2009, Reuters reported.
“Is this real? Someone is pinching me! It’s hard not to feel emotional,” Alex Scott, who made 140 appearances for the England women’s national team between 2004 and 2017, told the BBC.
“The amount of investment and everything that was invested in the women’s game is for a moment like this. For this team to get to Wembley is something special. They deserve every accolade on their way.”
The final will be played at Wembley Stadium in London on July 31 against either Germany or France, who will meet in the other semi-final match later on Wednesday.
Arsenal star Ian Wright said England’s win could inspire a new generation of players.
“Whatever happens in the final, if girls are not allowed to play football in (physical education) like boys, then what do we do?” Wright told the BBC.
“This will inspire a lot of people. The girls should be able to play. That’s as proud as I’ve ever felt in any England team.”
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, England’s top scorer, also praised the women’s team.
Rooney wrote on Twitter: “A well deserved final. Congratulations to all the players and coaching staff.”
England and Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane also took to Twitter to celebrate the win, adding: “They made the final.”