ELLA Toone said that her goal in the quarter-final of the Women's Euros was "probably the best [feeling] I've ever had in football".
Ella, from Tyldesley, scored an 84th minute equaliser for England on Wednesday, July 20, as the tournament hosts were close to being knocked out by Spain.
After the Manchester United midfielder's goal, England went on to progress into the semi-finals as Georgia Stanway fired a stunner six minutes into extra time.
Playing to a crowd of 28,994 fans at Brighton's Amex Stadium, and a peak television audience of 7.6 million, Ella told the BBC:
"[The quarter-final] was really special in front of that crowd and every game we've played has been amazing, the atmospheres have been unbelievable.
"We're so grateful for the fans that support us, whether that's in the stadium or at home, and we just want to keep making them proud."
— Ella Toone (@ellatoone99) March 9, 2017
Ella, who went on to study at Wigan & Leigh College, has played football since being around five years old.
Her first memories of football are said to be at Hindsford Football Club in Tyldesley, where her brother played and her dad played and managed.
She then joined Astley & Tyldesley Girls team and was the only girl footballer in the team at St George's Primary School and Fred Longworth High School - where she still pays a visit from time to time.
After training with Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City Centre of Excellence, she signed for her supported club Manchester United in 2018.
Just 2 girls living their dreams ! See you in Tokyo 😁❤️ @keelyhodgkinson @FredLongworth @FLHSPE pic.twitter.com/lB2OjphXKn
— Ella Toone (@ellatoone99) June 27, 2021
With the Women's Euros shining more light on the sport, game, the 22-year-old told England Football:
"It is amazing how much is being done now to encourage girls to play football.
"Little girls now have role models where we are on the television a lot, we’re on social media and loads of girls are coming to games now.
"We just want to be the perfect role model for them and show them that they can achieve what they want to achieve.
"The game is really growing and hopefully, it grows even more and we can get more young girls into football."
With England due to face either Sweden or Belgium in the semi-final next week, the players have received messages of support and advice from the England men’s team as the country hopes they can bring the trophy home.
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