Love the Lionesses!

England v Germany

I am writing this before the ladies Euro final has been played, but whatever the result, I have to say that I absolutely love the Lionesses!  I will be delighted if they win.  

Let’s hope I’m not tempting fate, but up to now they have been really impressive. They play as a team, they play to entertain, they score goals, and they are so together. From what I’ve seen so far, I can’t praise them enough. They also all appear to be really nice people, and I absolutely love watching them.

When watching the Semi-Final at Bramall Lane, I noticed a stand named after Tony Currie, which instantly made me think of John Motson’s legendary commentary on one of his goals. Quite fitting really as Alessia Russo’s back heel was definitely “a quality goal by a quality player. ” The cheek of it. Absolute brilliance! Beth Mead’s opening goal was a great finish too, and set us on our way.

Early in the second half, Lucy Bronze doubled our lead, and I thought Mary Earps excellent save at 2-0 was a very significant moment too. Late in the game, the excellent Fran Kirby made sure that Fara Williams pre match prediction was correct.

In the Quarter Final, I was really impressed how the Lionesses ground out the result. At first, I thought that the high standard of the Spaniards was a shock to the system, but the Lionesses found a way. Clever substitutions by Sarina Wiegman, and pure determination from the players won it. Ella Toone’s equaliser was such a relief, and Georgia Stanway’s winner was a great strike. I was shouting at the screen for her to pass it down the wing, but she had a much better idea!

For me, the pick of the group matches was the 8-0 thrashing of Norway. Made me think of our 9-0 victory at Dagenham. Norway were ranked eleventh best in the world, so it’s not as if we were playing against San Marino. The first half was amazing and was a joy to watch. Beth Mead was incredible.

An interesting question that I simply can’t resist asking, is whether the Lionesses games against Norway and Spain are the two most famous games that have ever been played at the Amex? Could it therefore be that the two most famous games ever played at this ground didn’t involve the club side that play there? Whilst I’m biased, I’m going to say that the answer is yes! Poor Old Brighton! In fairness to Brighton though, I have to say all the fans at these games did appear to be having a really good time.

Finally, I wait in anticipation for the final against the Germans.

But whatever happens, I thank the Lionesses for what I’ve seen so far.

Bill Thomas