‘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

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. 

‘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.’

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.

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’.

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.’

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.’

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.’

Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Mail Online