Northern Ireland Women v England (12/04/2021)

MARISSA CALLAGHAN ON AN AMAZING JOURNEY…

Since making her debut for Northern Ireland in a friendly against Scotland in 2010 the midfielder has experienced many more lows than highs. But now that the form book has been well and truly ripped to shreds, and reaching their first major tournament (UEFA Women’s Euro 2022) is a reality, she could not be happier. The Northern Ireland captain said: “Being part of a team who have created history and made it to the Euros makes me immensely proud. “Every single player and member of staff have worked so hard to get to where we are now. The journey has been amazing. We have changed the face of women’s football in Northern Ireland and, for me, that is something to be so proud of.” But before the Euros kick off in England this summer – when Northern Ireland will face Norway (7 July), Austria (11 July) and England (15 July) in the group stages – there is a huge game against England in Belfast tonight. Like a lot of the more experienced players in Kenny Shiels’ squad, Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan thought the chances of the senior women’s team ever getting to a major tournament were, to say the least , slim.

12

NIR V ENG