Goalkeeper Mary Earps insists the Lionesses are ‘having fun’ but they face a huge challenge against world’s second-best side
Sheffield has already experienced the fan walk, the colourful pageant that has preceded fixtures during the Women’s European Championship this summer. First Dutch supporters caused gridlock with a sea of flags and cutouts spelling “Oranje”. Then Sweden followed up, a wave of blue and yellow belting out Abba. Tuesday night is likely to feature a parade of a different order altogether, however, as fans of the Lionesses make their way to Bramall Lane for a defining semi-final.
England are one game away from making their mark on the international stage. Reaching a final would be a signal of improvement for a side that has tended to fall short at the business end of tournaments. But it would also put the cap on a sporting event that has bubbled up in the popular consciousness as it has gone on, its highlight – so far – a raucous 2-1 comeback victory against Spain last week.
