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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Laura Connor

Lioness Jill Scott records touching message for first captain thanking her for 'paving way'

Lioness legend Jill Scott has thanked the first ever women's captain Sheila Parker for "paving the way" for their success.

The England midfielder, 35, filmed a touching video to Sheila, 75, at the Manchester coffee shop she runs with her partner Shelly, before the pair jet-off on a well-deserved holiday.

Happily posing with her Gold medal from Sunday’s spectacular defeat over Germany, she says in the personal video: "Hi Sheila, I wanted you to know that you are part of the Lioness family - the first ever captain, here's the Gold medal and I hope you know you've played your part as well. So from everyone who is now in the Lionesses, thank you so much for paving the way for us all and I hope you know you're appreciated - thank you!"

Reporter Laura Connor meets Jill Scott (Laura Connor)

While out grabbing a coffee in Manchester, I bumped into Jill at her Northendon shop, Boxx2Boxx - named after her infamous role as a box-to-box midfielder.

In between making coffees for her customers, Jill told me: “I have been playing for England for 16 years so to win now at this stage in my career... I just don't have any words.”

Jill with Chloe Kelly as they celebrate her winning goal against Germany (Getty Images)

Despite living in - arguably! - the world’s most famous footballing city, I can’t say the men’s game has ever interested me.

But I have been converted into a football superfan thanks to the Lionesses’ incredible performance in this year’s tournament.

The team beat Germany 2-1 (AFP via Getty Images)

And players like Jill have inspired women in her own team such as Chloe Kelly, 24 - the pair was pictured celebrating after Chloe’s extraordinary extra-time goal.

Jill adds: “It's so amazing to see the younger players come through like Chloe and how well they're doing. The game has changed so much and I just hope we made a difference for them.”

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