Lionesses might be gamechangers but focus must be on Euro 2022 final, says Leah Williamson

Goals from Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby powered England to a 4-0 semi-final victory over Sweden at Bramall Lane and a first major tournament final since Euro 2009.

Germany stand in the way of Lionesses getting their hands on major silverware for the first time in their history.

When asked about the development English women’s football has had and working towards a moment like Sunday, Williamson said: “We started a journey, and people have changed the game.

“That’s the likes of (former England skipper) Carol Thomas, (current Lionesses) Jill Scott, Ellen White, who I looked at and was inspired by when I was younger.

“And now it is about doing our job on the pitch. That’s the most powerful thing, the biggest way we can contribute, and that is what we are focusing on.”

The 25-year-old Arsenal defender added: “To walk out onto that pitch (on Tuesday) was an incredible feeling and I can imagine at the weekend that will be incredible.

“I’ve got a scarf around my neck which says ‘home is where the heart is’ and to have our families on this journey, to walk out at Wembley, I think that is something we have to take in.

“I want to appreciate it for what it is. But I have got a job to do and that will be the most important thing.”

Williamson has also promised that Sunday will be an occasion “we will enjoy”.

She said: “I am not much of a smiler pre-game, I keep it pretty game-faced, because I am focused, but the last two national anthems I can’t help but smile because it feels amazing.

“I know I have a job to do, but who says I can’t enjoy those moments and the team can’t enjoy those moments? That’s what I hope, that we are giving off that vibe, because that’s what it is. It’s genuine and the crowd can enjoy that with us.

“I hope that crowd at Wembley has as good a time as we are going to have, because I promise you, we will enjoy it.”

After Mead’s 34th-minute opener, Bronze doubled the advantage for Sarina Wiegman’s side with a header three minutes after the break, substitute Russo made it 3-0 with a fantastic back-heel finish, and Kirby’s chipped effort then wrapped things up.

Just before Russo’s goal, Sweden had gone close, with Stina Blackstenius being denied by a great save from Mary Earps as she tipped the ball over the bar. And Williamson was keen to single out the goalkeeper for praise, saying: “I will speak about one individual, because Mary made a save at a key moment of the game which was incredible, an incredible turning point for us, and we go up the other end and score.

“That is what the team is about because at two opposite ends of the pitch everybody is making it count. I think that moment deserves a shout out.

“Everybody was absolutely incredible and delivered what they needed to deliver, and we go again on Sunday.”

Lucy Bronze has revealed she has been playing through the pain during England’s Euro 2022 campaign due to the lingering effects of her knee issue.

The 30-year-old full-back, who this summer left Manchester City to join Barcelona, underwent knee surgery just under a year ago after playing for Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics, before returning to action in January.

And Bronze said: “It’s been difficult to come back from a knee injury which has lingered for a very long time and still is now. I’ve just got to play through it. There are plenty of players who are having to play through pain in their career and I’m now one of them.”