EURO 2022

When I first managed to buy tickets to the 2022 Women’s Euros just over a year ago, I half hoped that if I did, England had no choice but to make it all the way. Little did I ever dream of them actually doing it. 

 

Yet, on Sunday the 31st of July, I found myself proudly wearing my England shirt, sitting down to watch England vs Germany in the final at Wembley stadium.

 

Having played football from around six years old, I never thought I would experience something like that final day. Trekking through central London to Wembley, I was constantly faced with people wearing England shirts. Seeing the back of those shirts adorned with “Williamson” or “Mead” reminded me of when I would have to take my top to a shop and spell out my favourite players name to be printed on the back. 

 

Inside the stadium was an ocean of white and red. The crowd erupted when the teams first walked out, and it certainly was not the only time we were to hear the crowd roar. Everyone’s eyes were glued to the pitch, and after each call from the referee, each pass from Walsh, each tackle from Bright, each save from Earp, each shot from White, the crowd’s reaction reverberated around the stadium. We wanted to win.

 

It felt as though the entire future of the women’s game in England was riding on this match. As a player myself, I felt that even more so.

 

Watching Chloe Kelly scramble for the winning goal in extra time was exhilarating. Everyone went wild and it seemed as though we celebrated that goal forever. Witnessing Kelly’s celebration sent my mind immediately back to Brand Chastain’s winning penalty for the U.S. Women’s National Team at the 1999 World Cup. I religiously watched the documentary “Dare to Dream” from that World Cup growing up and seeing a very similar moment play out right before my eyes was a full circle moment. 

 

Once the final whistle blew, the stadium shook, and everyone went crazy. Most spectators stayed for at least 30 minutes afterwards to watch the medal ceremony and the madness that ensued. It appeared that everyone understood that this was a once in a lifetime experience, and that we were a part of history, wanting to relish every second. Watching misty eyed as the players pranced around, making snow angels in the fallen confetti, it was clear how much it meant to both the players and the crowd.

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After the initial shock started to settle, we managed to drag ourselves out of the stadium, shortly stumbling into a nearby pub. After a long queue, we managed to grab a pint amongst all the hustle and bustle. The pub was buzzing. Groups of people all kitted out in England tops, face-paint, bucket-hats, you name it, had taken over the place. “Sweet Caroline” played over and over and over again while an inflatable trophy was passed around, everyone having their go lifting it up to a crowd a people. 

 

Safe to say, we didn’t want to leave. The atmosphere was extraordinary, and all in the name of England Women’s Football.

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It finally came home.