England star Georgia Stanway's family were targeted by burglars during the Lionesses’ semi-final victory over Sweden this week.
Sarina Wiegman’s team reached the Euro 2022 final, securing their place in the Wembley showpiece with a 4-0 cruise against Sweden on Tuesday.
But the home of Stanway - who scored the stunning quarter-final winner against Spain - was targeted by burglars in the build-up to the semi-final at Bramall Lane. A gang arrived at the property seemingly in the belief that it would be empty and all of her family members would be at the match to cheer her on. However, a family member was still inside the property when the incident occurred at approximately 2:30pm
A three-man gang allegedly arrived at the house, with an individual in his 20s attempting to enter the property - only to be thwarted by the family member.
Stanway’s father Paul has since issued a statement confirming that their house had been targeted by burglars and appealed for any information that could lead to them being identified: “Bittersweet day. While we prepared for the Euros semis we were devastated to learn that our house was targeted by thieves who expected us all to be away.
“Thankfully they were thwarted by a family member who was unable to travel to the game.”
He continued: “Just a little warning to people. Be careful posting about your movements as there are definitely scumbags in Barrow. Lock your doors, keep an eye on your neighbour’s property, stay safe. Light blue (old) Ford Focus? Any info welcome.”
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Stanway, 23, again played a key role in the Lionesses latest victory, roared on at Bramall Lane by Paul and his 48-year-old wife Linzi — Georgia’s stepmum,
But there is concern that the incident could potentially be the latest in a trend of increasing attempted robberies on sports stars. The Sun have detailed that stars have turned to the assistance of former SAS soldiers in order to keep their homes protected through the remainder of the tournament.
The Lionesses have one further clash to navigate in their quest to be European champions, with Germany their opponent for the final at Wembley on Sunday evening.
Should they run out victorious, then that would represent England’s first major success since the men's side won the World Cup back in 1966.
However, it won't be easy against a Germany side who have had a strangehold over the tournament in recent years. They have lifted eight titles in all - a run that includes seven out of the last nine tournaments.
