Lucy Bronze has urged the Lionesses to seize the chance of a lifetime with the whole country gripped by Euros fever.
Television figures hit a peak of 9.3m for England’s semi final win over Sweden as they clinched a place in Sunday’s showpiece final at Wembley. The BBC also received another 2m requests for online streams of the game.
UEFA also released extra tickets - around 2,000 each have been held back for both finalists - and they were snapped up within minutes of going on sale on Wednesday morning with the 90,000 seater stadium guaranteed to be sold out.
But England hero Bronze insists just reaching the final will not be enough as the Lionesses are determined to win their first major trophy in front of a new record TV audience and crowd. Bronze said: “It’s certainly not done yet. For players like myself and Ellen and Fran who’ve experienced a lot of semi-final defeats, it’s nice to get over those defeats and get over the line and finally get ourselves in the final.
“But it’s certainly not job done though. I think anyone I’ve spoken to before the tournament knows I was always focused on wanting to win the final. Now we’ve every chance of doing that. That was a job we came here to do and now we’ve got ourselves in the best position to do that.”
The Football Association already have new security measures in place after the shocking crowd violence seen at the men’s Euros last July with an alcohol ban in specific areas around the stadium, a wider perimeter and extra security measures. Police experts also believe a different crowd plus an earlier kick-off time of 5pm will ensure there is less risk of trouble while several other high-profile sporting events - including Tyson Fury's world title fight - have passed off since without major issues.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - Prince William is president of the FA - are set to attend the showpiece final while it is certain to attract footballing royalty and showbiz stars. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin is set to present the trophy to the winners, having done the same at the men’s Euros final a year ago.
Meanwhile, Bronze has revealed she has bravely played through the pain barrier after a long-running knee injury needed surgery. Bronze added: “I’ve just got to play through it. There are plenty of players who are having to play through pain in their career and I’m now one of them.
"Everyone keeps saying that but I don’t feel like I did a couple of years ago. The Lucy Bronze of a couple of years ago was ‘the best player in the world!’ But I’m still happy to be contributing to the team.”
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Meanwhile, Alessia Russio claimed she got “lucky” with her wonder goal after “just swinging her foot at it.” England supersub Russo’s incredible back heel which nutmegged Sweden keeper Hedvig Lindahl will go down as the best goal and an iconic moment of the tournament. It deserves its place in English football legend and will be replayed for years to come with a whole generation of kids now trying to “do a Russo.”
But Manchester United star Russo admitted she should have scored at the first attempt and was just trying to make up for her miss. Russo said: “Once it fell back to me I thought ‘what’s the quickest route for me to get this ball in the back of the net?’ Because I should have scored in the first place, so I just swung a foot at it and luckily it hit the back of the net. I’m loving it so that helps with confidence. I think when you’re enjoying your football you play your best. Maybe it does show confidence but I’m just loving playing football.”
Russo has had to make do with a bit-part role as a sub but she has been crucial, often coming on for Ellen White to provide fresh legs and goals. But that goal will be remembered forever and is exactly the sort of skill needed to highlight the success of this tournament. Russo added: “To score in a semi final and progress to the final is a huge highlight of my career. I don’t normally score back heels and I don’t think you’ll see one again, I’ll take it for now. But I’ll take any time I get to play for England. It’s been amazing and I’m loving playing for the Three Lions and everyone else.”
