BONDS OF ENGHERLAND

THE CHILDHOOD PALS THAT GIVE LIONESSES IMMENSE TEAM SPIRIT

- LAURA CONNOR

THEY forced the nation to sit up and take notice of women’s football as they smashed their way to today’s Euros final – but England’s Lionesses say that is all down to their unbreakable bonds.

The immense team spirit that took them all the way to Wembley is built on friendships that go all the way back to their childhoods.

And their revolution in female football is inspired by attentive mentoring from older players.

The stars of the game have opened up about how they’ve inspired each other as they bid to become the first England team to win a major trophy in 56 years.

As children, defenders Lucy Bronze and Demi Stokes used to travel to games with Lucy Staniforth and Jordan Nobbs – two midfield aces who just missed out on being picked for the squad this time.

The two Lucys grew up together in the tiny Northumberland village of Anick. They went to the same primary school and ended up as neighbours.

Lucy Staniforth, 29, who also plays for Manchester United, recalled: “There was a girl there with a short bob and red hair and I was looking at her like, ‘Who the hell is that?’ It was only Lucy!

“We joined the school on the same day and then, lo and behold, we moved house and our new home actually backed onto Lucy’s garden.

“It’s such a strange circumstance. She basically had no choice but to be my friend. I was just a little weirdo looking for someone to cling on to.