Stanway: England want to 'inspire the next generation' at Euro 2022

Manchester City ace Georgia Stanway is excited by the prospect of representing England on home soil at Euro 2022.

The attacking midfielder, 23, netted twice as the Lionesses beat North Macedonia 10-0 in a World Cup qualifier last Friday, with Sarina Wiegman's side next in action against Northern Ireland tomorrow. 

But the 30-cap international already has half an eye on July's continental showpiece.

Speaking at a McDonald’s Fun Football event, Stanway said: "We’re going to get out there and showcase to the world, Europe and the country what we can do.

"We know what is expected of us on the pitch especially at a home tournament. We want to inspire the next generation.

"It is an exciting time for the team and women’s football in general and we saw how the nation got behind the men’s team playing at home last year.

"I’m enjoying my football and can’t wait to step out on to the pitch in front of our fans this summer." 

Tough competition

Stanway was the youngest member of England's squad at the 2019 World Cup, where the Lionesses ultimately came up short to the United States at the semi-final stage.

This time around, she has more experience under her belt but is aware once again that England will face an uphill task to lift the trophy on July 31.

The Three Lions No8 added: "On the day, anybody’s a challenge. I think the likes of Netherlands, Spain, Germany and Sweden will be up there as they’re unbelievable competitors.

"They have a lot of experience of playing in major tournaments and understand what it takes to win. I expect them to be tough.

"Hopefully we can do the job in the summer where we play good football, we can inspire a nation as the men did and hopefully it inspires people to participate.

"Even if it means one person and we can get one extra person to a session then we’ve done our jobs."

Home comforts

The tournament is set to see record-breaking crowds, with 31 games held across 10 venues in eight cities.

And playing in a major tournament in her home country will make Stanway's journey to the top all seem worthwhile.

Reflecting on her route to the England side — which began aged just four playing for her brother's team in her native Cumbria — she said: "Having your name on the back means a lot to my family who have sacrificed in order for me to be where I am today.

"I grew up in Barrow-in-Furness and my closest girl’s academy was in Blackburn, so that meant two hours’ drive there and a two hours’ drive back. 

"At the time, all you’re bothered about is getting to training on time, it doesn’t matter how you get there.

"My mum’s rushing around out of work, making sure I’ve got my spaghetti hoops on toast, making sure that I’ve got it on my knee ready to eat on the way to training.

"It’s one of those things that you don’t realise until you get a little bit older." 

Like many in the England set-up, Stanway's humble beginnings in grassroots football made the prospect of featuring for her country at a major tournament on home turf just a dream.

In a few months, that dream is set to become a reality.

To give your child their grassroots debut and for the latest information about McDonald’s Fun Football sessions, which provide free football for children aged five to 11, visit McDonalds.com/Football and follow @FunFootballUK on Twitter and Instagram.