GAME CHANGERS: 'THE REALITY IS WAY BIGGER THAN THE DREAM WAS'

FOLLOWING THEIR EUROS VICTORY, ENGLAND LIONESSES KEIRA WALSH, ELLEN WHITE AND LUCY BRONZE TELL OK! THEY'RE HOPING TO IMPROVE THINGS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS NOT JUST IN FOOTBALL, BUT ALSO IN SOCIETY

- KIRSTY HATCHER AND NICOLA FAHEY

Not many sporting events have captured the nation’s imagination quite like the epic Women’s Euro 2022 final. A record crowd of 87,192 fans roared the Lionesses on to victory at Wembley Stadium – and a further 17.4 million people watched at home, making it the most viewed women’s football game to date in the UK.

The England squad, who were congratulated by the Queen, are set to be a huge inspiration to women and girls around the country following their remarkable achievement. But when we arrive at our exclusive shoot to catch up with three members of the team – Lucy Bronze, Ellen White and Keira Walsh – it’s clear their accomplishment still hasn’t sunk in.

“It’s a blur,” admits Manchester City player Keira, 25. “It still doesn’t feel real.”

Ellen, 33, who also plays for Manchester City, adds, “My husband keeps walking around the house with my medal saying, ‘Put it on, put it on.’ He’s very proud.”

The trio all have their gold medals with them as they get glammed up for our shoot and reflect on their recent success.

“Things like this are something we’re getting a bit more used to. It’s nice,” says Lucy, 30, of her first OK! shoot.

“I don’t think we’ll ever get used to kicking a ball in heels and a dress though!” she adds with a laugh.