England Lionesses' Triumph Inspired by Everton Women

Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images

The nation is rightfully saluting another triumph for England Women following their successful defence of their European crown, a feat which has seen the Lionesses become the first national football team of England to win a trophy on foreign soil.

And while all the talk will be about - and deservedly so - the managerial acumen of Serena Wiegman, the emergence of young star Michelle Agyemang onto the international stage, and the sheer grit and determination of one-time Toffee Lucy Bronze playing through

the pain to overtake former Blue Jill Scott as the Lionesses’ record appearance holder, a very encouraging stat will have been missed by most outside of Merseyside.

No fewer than eight members of Wiegman’s 23-women squad have some affiliation to Everton. Be it loan spells, graduating through the club’s academy or making a move to the Toffees at some point in their career, Bronze, Chloe Kelly, Grace Clinton, Jess Park, Aggie Beever-Jones, Anna Moorhouse, Esme Morgan and Alex Greenwood have all proudly worn Royal Blue.

Photo by Chris Brunskill - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

And a number of former Blues were key to the eventual triumph in Switzerland, with England having to come from behind on more than one occasion as they progressed through the tournament.

Trailing 2-0 against Sweden in the last eight, Kelly proved to be the game-changer as the team pegged back a two-goal deficit against Tony Gustavsson’s side.

Indeed, the first goal was made in Everton with the 27-year-old producing an inch-perfect cross for Bronze to head home.

Not only a provider, Kelly was on hand to net England’s winner in the semi-final victory over Italy, and was one of the three - along with Greenwood - who converted from the spot in the final shootout to cap off a solid display at the back, as England avenged their World Cup final defeat against Spain by downing the world champions.

And with the Women’s World Cup heading to the United Kingdom in 2035, the Everton blueprint will continue to be pivotal for both club and country.

Though not English, highly-rated Spanish star Martina Fernandez has returned to the Blues following a hugely successful loan spell earlier this year. The 20-year-old’s decision to leave Barcelona was greatly influenced by Everton coach Brian Sorensen’s track record of developing young players, a factor that has seen Aston Villa forward - and England international - Katie Robinson head north after joining on a season-long loan from the Villains.

And with club captain, Scouser and academy graduate Megan Finnigan, as well as rising English stars Issy Hobson, Macy Settle and Ellie Jones already plying their trade in Merseyside, many young girls heading to Goodison Park next season may well be daring to dream far beyond simply sitting in the stands.

Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images

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