‘It’s the fans who get us through’: Lioness Millie Bright praises supporters and says squad can be ‘proud’ after reaching England’s first ever Women’s World Cup final
- Fans and celebrities have praised the team after the game, which ended 1-0
Lioness Millie Bright has praised supporters and said the squad can be ‘proud’ after reaching England’s first ever Women’s World Cup final.
Crying players were consoled on the pitch in Australia after suffering the agonising defeat 1-0 defeat against Spain, having inspired millions of fans to tune in up and down the country.
In an emotional interview, team Captain Millie showed her appreciation for the fans after the devastating lose, saying: ‘Thank you for always supporting us, always believing in us. It’s the fans that get us through; it’s the fans that give us our motivation and our drive tp be better – not only on the pitch but off the pitch setting our values and standards.
‘We really appreciate you all and will see you very soon.’
She also acknowledged the hard work of her team, saying: ‘I wouldn’t want to be a part of any other team. The girls have been outstanding the whole tournament, and every single day.
Calls have grown to throw the England squad a heroes’ parade and give players gongs for reaching the first ever Women’s World Cup final
The team were told they can be ‘proud’ of their historic achievement after they lost 1-0 to Spain today
Crying players were consoled on the pitch in Australia after suffering the agonising defeat against Spain, having inspired millions of fans to tune in up and down the country
England fans looked glum as they reacted to the match, which saw England lose 1-0
Mary Earps won the Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper, having saved a penalty during the match
‘I think we can look back in a couple of weeks once the emotions have settled and really appreciate our journey.’
She added: ‘Looking back now there’ve been so many laughs and so many highs and things that we’ve achieved and challenges we’ve overcome, and different sides to this team that we’ve seen in the games. We just fell short today.’
Earlier the team’s manager Sarina Wiegman told the team they can be ‘proud’ of their historic achievement after they lost 1-0 to Spain.
Keir Starmer was first to call for the Lionesses to be given honours after they came runners-up in the game.
He said the team had ‘galvanised the whole nation through their historic achievement’ after becoming the first senior women’s England team to make the final two in a World Cup competition.
The Opposition leader said there was ‘no doubt’ that they should be given gongs to mark their second place achievement.
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said ‘everyone on the team’ deserved an honour.
Fans took to Twitter to praise the team after the match, calling for them to be given a parade and gongs for their achievement.
One person wrote: ‘Gutted but so proud. I hope there is a homecoming parade for when they’re back, they deserve it win or lose! Heroes.’
Another said: ‘I do hope @EnglandFootball @CityWestminster @MayorofLondon @UKParliament are planning a huge welcome home parade for the @Lionesses. They got into the last two of the #FIFAWomensCup which needs celebrating. Proud.’
A third wrote: ‘Proud of you, each & every one of! You’ve inspired us, through your team spirit, determination & performance!
‘The final was one step too far, this time. Fantastic performance! Next step a very well deserved London bus parade & visit to Downing St/Buckingham Palace.’
Fans took to Twitter to praise the Lionesses after the game, calling for them to be receive a parade
Keir Starmer was first to call for the Lionesses to be given honours after they came runners-up in the game
Keira Walsh and Alex Greenwood console each other following England’s World Cup final defeat to Spain
Dejected Alessia Russo and Keira Walsh of England at the end of the World Cup final against Spain
England captain Millie Bright looks on with tears in her eyes following a painful World Cup defeat
Alessia Russo also appeared emotional as England tragically fell at the final hurdle
The Lionesses smile through the pain as they pose with their runners-up medals following a painful World Cup final defeat
England boss Sarina Wiegman alongside a dejected Lauren James and Jordan Nobbs
Spain players celebrate after winning the World Cup with a 1-0 win over England
Spain’s players celebrate after beating England 1-0 in Australia to win the World Cup
England fans look devastated following the final whistle of the World Cup defeat to Spain
England fans react after watching England lose 0-1 to Spain during the England Women’s World Cup final
The Lionesses have been given a lifeline after goalkeeper Mary Earps saved a Spain penalty to keep them in their historic World Cup final
Mary Earps celebrates after saving a crucial penalty in the World Cup final against Spain
Jennifer Hermoso of Spain takes a penalty saved by Mary Earps of England in the World Cup final
Members of the Lionesses team found themselves recognised after their Euro 2022 victory last year.
Captain Leah Williamson, who was forced to miss the World Cup through injury, was among four European Championship winners to be named in the New Year Honours List.
She was made an OBE while her teammates Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead and Ellen White were all made MBEs.
Mead missed out on a spot in the squad that flew to Australia due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while striker White retired from football in August 2022, a month after the Euros win over Germany at Wembley.
Bronze and Mead were made MBEs by the Prince of Wales at an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle in May.
READ MORE: England fans are left crestfallen as Lionesses lose 1-0 to Spain in World Cup final – after millions flocked to fan parks and beer gardens across the country to watch crunch match
Wiegman, the team’s Dutch head coach, also received an accolade as part of the New Year Honours 2022, after the Foreign Office made her an honorary CBE.
Praising the team, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed said: ‘The Lionesses have made the whole country proud.
‘Last year they brought home the Euros and they put up an incredible fight in the final of the World Cup today.
‘They have inspired millions and brought football fans across the country together. Their incredible achievements deserve to be rewarded with honours for everyone on the team.’
British stars from the world of showbiz and broadcasting shared messages of appreciation for the Lionesses who lost today.
Consoling the team, who appeared visibly emotional after the final whistle was blown, former footballer turned pundit Chris Kamara tweeted: ‘England did us proud, great tournament and getting to the final was amazing.’
The 65-year-old added: ‘Got that horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. But well done Spain worthy winners on the day.’
Similarly, former England footballer and Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker, 62, tweeted: ‘Gutted for the @lionesses who gave their all, but congratulations to Spain on winning the World Cup.
‘They were the better team and thoroughly deserved their victory.’
The Apprentice star Lord Alan Sugar tweeted: ‘Unlucky ladies you gave your all. You did so well to get to final of the world cup @Lionesses.’
Meanwhile, former Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis, 76, said the Lionesses ‘played with guts and did us proud’.
Players were consoled after the devastating loss earlier today
England’s Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Lucy Bronze during the national anthem ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup final
Among the heartbroken supporters watching the match included members of the original 1972 Lioness team (pictured)
Fans embraced one another at the Boxpark Croydon as England failed to win the final
The penalty was given for a handball against England’s Keira Walsh following a lengthy VAR review
Mary Earps of England saves a penalty taken by Jennifer Hermoso of Spain
Spain’s Salma Paralluelo reacts after being shown a yellow card by referee Tori Penso as England’s Alex Greenwood receives medical attention
Spain’s Aitana Bonmati, right, challenges for the ball with England’s Alex Greenwood
Mary Earps and Jess Carter roar with passion following the goalkeeper’s crucial penalty save
England boss Sarina Wiegman has turned to the returning Lauren James to try and salvage their World Cup final as they start the second half a goal down against Spain
James (left), arguably the Lionesses’ star of the tournament, has missed the last two matches following a red card against Nigeria, but was brought on at half-time along with Euros hero Chloe Kelly to try and turn the tide of the match
The England players watch on as Spain’s Olga Carmona opens the scoring in the World Cup final
England players look dejected as Spain’s Olga Carmona celebrates after opening the scoring
England’s Lucy Bronze drops to her knees in frustration during the World Cup final with Spain
England’s Jessica Carter and Mary Earps ask questions of each other after conceding the opening goal to Spain
Olga Carmona of Spain celebrates after scoring her team’s first goal in the World Cup final against England
England’s Mary Earps was helpless as Spain opened the scoring through Olga Carmona
The match was briefly halted in the first half by a pitch invader, wearing a ‘Stop Putler’ t-shirt, which compared Russian President Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler
Lauren Hemp was inches away from opening the scoring in the first 15 minutes when her looping effort came off the upright
Lauren Hemp was inches away from opening the scoring in the first 15 minutes when her looping effort came off the upright
Goalkeeper Mary Earps of England makes a save during the World Cup final against Spain
Salma Paralluelo of Spain is unable to control the ball during the World Cup final
England’s Alessia Russo shields the ball from Spain’s Olga Carmona during the World Cup final
Spain’s forward Mariona Caldentey fights for the ball with England’s midfielder Keira Walsh
Teresa Abelleira (L) and England’s midfielder Ella Toone fight for the ball during the World Cup final
The 63-year-old added: ‘Not their day in the final result but a great tournament for them regardless.’
TV presenter Rylan Clark, who found fame on The X Factor in 2012, tweeted: ‘The @Lionesses keeping it going right to the last seconds. We’re all proud of ya!!!!’
British stand-up comedian Mark Steel also joked: ‘Now, to prove England’s women have achieved equality with men, they should all trash the local tapas bar.’
Similarly, Victoria Coren Mitchell, writer and host of the BBC’s Only Connect, tweeted: ‘Ah well. Useful lesson in disappointment for our children there. No point getting one’s hopes up in life.’
READ MORE: The pride of a nation in tears after World Cup heartbreak: Crying Lionesses are consoled on the pitch following agonising 1-0 defeat to Spain – as Prince William says they’ve ‘inspired’ a generation
Further tributes came flooding in today from other politicians as well as celebrities and royals.
Prince William, who is president of the FA, has faced a backlash in recent days for his decision not to attend the historic match in Sydney, but Kensington Palace confirmed he was watching the game with wife Kate and children George, Charlotte and Louis at home in Sandringham, Norfolk.
In a personal message on X, formerly Twitter, the heir to the throne wrote: ‘Although it’s the result none of us wanted, @Lionesses you have done yourselves and this nation proud.
‘Your spirit & drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come. Thank you for the footballing memories. Congratulations to Spain. W.’
Meanwhile, King Charles praised the Lionesses’ ‘skill, determination and team spirit’ for reaching the last stage of the tournament and sent his ‘heartfelt thoughts and commiserations on the result’ – but appeared to miss the game himself.
The monarch said the Lionesses’ achievements would ‘serve as an inspiration for generations to come – and, for that, your place in the history books is assured’.
But the King and Queen appeared to have missed watching the bulk of the game on television.
Charles and Camilla were pictured arriving at Crathie Kirk for a Sunday service while the England squad were being put through their paces in the tense clash in Sydney.
A Palace source had said on Saturday: ‘Both Their Majesties will be following Sunday’s events with the greatest interest.’
England’s Ella Toone kicks off the World Cup final in the Lionesses’ historic clash with Spain
The England team line up ahead of their historic World Cup final against Spain in Sydney
England line up for the national anthem prior to the FIFA Women’s World Cup final
Queen Letizia of Spain applauds as she attends the Women’s World Cup soccer final between Spain and England
England’s Alessia Russo, centre, challenges for the ball during the final of Women’s World Cup soccer between Spain and England
England fans ahead of a screening of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 final between Spain and England at BOXPARK Croydon
Millions of fans are tuning in across the country, including a crowd at Croydon’s Boxpark
Players stand for the national anthems ahead of the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup final football match
Football fans at Victoria Park ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup final between England and Spain
Charles, who is head of the Church of England, was driving the couple’s car on Sunday, while Camilla was seen smiling in the front passenger seat.
Last year, fans were left furious after just four members of England’s Euro 2022-winning team were recognised in the New Year Honours list.
Captain Leah Williamson was made an OBE, while Beth Mead, Ellen White and Lucy Bronze received MBEs.
But despite their role in winning England’s first major football trophy since the men’s 1966 World Cup success, the remainder of the squad were overlooked.
Asked why not all the England squad have been recognised following their Euros triumph, Sir Hugh Robertson, chairman of the honours sports committee, said: ‘The approach that we’ve tried to take with this is when we have these events there is a danger in sort of carpet-bombing the entire squad because then you get people who’ve done five minutes on the pitch and get an award.
‘So what we’ve tried to do is stick to the principle of the honours which is to recognise excellence and to recognise extraordinary contributions.’
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