England v Germany - Euro 2022 Final: Lionesses prepare to define new era at Wembley

Jill Scott says it will be a “very defining moment for the sport” when England take on Germany in tomorrow’s Euro 2022 final.

The contest takes place at a sold-out Wembley as the Lionesses bid to claim the first major trophy in their history.

Their last appearance in a major tournament final was at Euro 2009 in Finland, where they were beaten 6-2 by Germany to finish as runners-up for a second time.

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Midfielder Scott, who was part of the team that day and is at her eighth tournament with England this summer, said: “I think it’s a very defining moment.

England's Ella Toone, centre, and England's Jill Scott, right, celebrate beating Sweden at Bramall Lane in Tuesday night's semi-final. Picture: AP/Rui VieiraEngland's Ella Toone, centre, and England's Jill Scott, right, celebrate beating Sweden at Bramall Lane in Tuesday night's semi-final. Picture: AP/Rui Vieira
England's Ella Toone, centre, and England's Jill Scott, right, celebrate beating Sweden at Bramall Lane in Tuesday night's semi-final. Picture: AP/Rui Vieira

“I think there’s been lots of things along the way that have happened that have kind of progressed the sport.

“It’s hard when you’re in it because you are just logically thinking about the next game, meetings, training sessions, we don’t really see all the noise from the outside – but the things that we have heard have been very positive.

“We are very happy to be there on Sunday, I think the best two teams have made the final, which is great, and I think it is going to be a very defining moment for the sport.”

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The 35-year-old described the difference between 2009 and now, referring to things like attendances and professionalisation, as being “like night and day”, and said: “We don’t want to forget everybody that came before and wore the shirt, because that’s why we’re here today.

GROWING SUPPORT: England fans in Trafalgar Square  celebrate a second goal for England while watching a screening of their Euro 2022 semi-final win over Sweden at Bramall Lane. Picture: Kirsty O'Connor/PAGROWING SUPPORT: England fans in Trafalgar Square  celebrate a second goal for England while watching a screening of their Euro 2022 semi-final win over Sweden at Bramall Lane. Picture: Kirsty O'Connor/PA
GROWING SUPPORT: England fans in Trafalgar Square celebrate a second goal for England while watching a screening of their Euro 2022 semi-final win over Sweden at Bramall Lane. Picture: Kirsty O'Connor/PA

“It’s going to be a great moment – even thinking about it, I think my voice goes a little bit. We just have to try to remain logical, and it’s one more game to go out there and achieve our dreams.”

Scott added: “We said before we really wanted to inspire the nation, to do everyone proud, our families, our friends, we wanted to grow more opportunities for youngsters, more opportunities for women who want to work in football, we wanted to get the sport the respect it deserves. I think we’ve ticked all of those boxes.

“I think it’s been an incredible journey so far, we’ve ticked a lot of boxes and hopefully there’s one big tick left to do.”

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When asked what it would mean for women’s football in England if Sarina Wiegman’s side win tomorrow, Scott said: “I think it will be a game-changer.

England's Jill ScottEngland's Jill Scott
England's Jill Scott

“I think this tournament has already done that, but we know that extra step on Sunday could really make a big difference.

“I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t cross your mind, winning it, because you’re going to Wembley and it probably crosses my mind 50 times a day.

“But suddenly you think ‘we’ve got training, we’ve got to focus on the task in hand’, and it’s going to be such a difficult game.

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“Germany are always such tough opposition and we will give them the utmost respect – but you can’t help but dare to dream a little bit.”

England's Jill Scott during a media day at The Lensbury, Teddington. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PAEngland's Jill Scott during a media day at The Lensbury, Teddington. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA
England's Jill Scott during a media day at The Lensbury, Teddington. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA

As well as the 2009 loss, Scott was also part of the England sides beaten in the semi-finals at their last three major tournaments, moments she says “do really hurt, and do motivate you”.

The former Manchester City player – who has made three substitute appearances at this Euros, has 160 England caps in total, and also played at two Olympics – was asked if Sunday’s was the game to go out on.

And she said: “I said going into this tournament I was going to give absolutely everything I could to first and foremost make the squad – I’ve spoken about how talented the group is and it was going to be a task in itself to get here – and then just to give absolutely everything that I can every single day to be a good team-mate and try to push the team.

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“That’s taken a lot of energy in the past three months, and then, I think ... I don’t know. The answer is I actually don’t know.

“I’m going to see what this week looks like, and then next week there’ll probably be some conversations to be had, and then make a decision from there.”

Scott is currently without a club after leaving City this summer at the end of her contract.

Former Lioness Kelly Smith, meanwhile, has hailed the influence of Wiegman on the entire England set-up.

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“She looks calm, she looks cool, I’ve heard players talk about how honest she is with them,” said former Lioness Smith, who earned 117 caps for England.

“There’s no BS, which some managers can give you. She’s just, ‘this is what you need to do. If you don’t do this, then potentially you won’t play, I need to see this from you’.

“It’s very to the point, and I think the players have never had that before.

“And they’re liking it, that it’s kind of basic, but they’re taking it on board.

“They just seem so unified and united.”

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