England vs Sweden: Meet Birmingham’s women footballers leading the Lionesses to victory in the Euros

Three team members of the senior squad of the women’s football team have links to Birmingham, and they have an amazing career ahead.
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The Women’s football team of England, the Lionesses, will be playing in the final of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tonight at 5pm at Wembley stadium in London. They are yet to win the cup but after beating Sweden 4-0 on Tuesday they have seem to have a real chance this time. The strong team has raised hopes and supporters are backing them with zeal.

The national football team has players from all over the country - and there are three players who hold special significance for Birmingham. Do you know who they are? Read on to find out more about our hero local footballers - don’t forget to give them a cheer tonight!

1. Hannah Hampton

Hannah Hampton and Ellen White celebrate victory.Hannah Hampton and Ellen White celebrate victory.
Hannah Hampton and Ellen White celebrate victory.
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The 21-year-old stopper was born in Birmingham and grew up in Studley, Warwickshire. She currently plays for Aston Villa WFC. She made her England debut the past February after being called into the team in March 2020. She joined the Lionesses for the USA trip for SheBelievesCup.

She moved to Birmingham City in 2016 from Stoke City after becoming a regular for the Young Lionesses. In 2013, she represented U15 at the age of 12 and since then has been part of U17, U19 and U21. Her senior debut was in February 2022 during England’s successful Arnold Clark Cup campaign.

2. Demi Stokes

Yet to be given a chance this tournament. The 30-year-old boasts more experience than most Lionesses and was unfortunate to have been held up by a minor knee issue. If Wiegman is to make any changes for the semi-final, you expect she might consider introducing the Manchester City star.Yet to be given a chance this tournament. The 30-year-old boasts more experience than most Lionesses and was unfortunate to have been held up by a minor knee issue. If Wiegman is to make any changes for the semi-final, you expect she might consider introducing the Manchester City star.
Yet to be given a chance this tournament. The 30-year-old boasts more experience than most Lionesses and was unfortunate to have been held up by a minor knee issue. If Wiegman is to make any changes for the semi-final, you expect she might consider introducing the Manchester City star.

The 30-year-old defender was born Dudley in the West Midlands but raised in South Shields. She joined Sunderland at the age of 16 and was a key member of the Black Cats when they reached the Women’s FA Cup Final in 2009. She helped England win the U19 Euros in Belarus that year. She made her England senior debut in a 1-1 draw with Norway in January 2014. She scored her only England goal in the 9-0 demolition of Montenegro just three months after her debut.

She wasn’t picked for Canada 201 but made a comeback for EURO 2017 where the Lionesses reached the semi-finals, much like this time. She is one of eight players in the current squad to have earned at least 50 caps. She currently plays for Manchester City WFC.

3. Jessica Carter

England's defender Jessica Carter (C) warms up ahead of the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 Group A football match between England and Austria at Old Trafford in ManchesterEngland's defender Jessica Carter (C) warms up ahead of the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 Group A football match between England and Austria at Old Trafford in Manchester
England's defender Jessica Carter (C) warms up ahead of the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 Group A football match between England and Austria at Old Trafford in Manchester
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The 24-year-old defender was born in Warwick but has been a first-team regular on the Barclays FA WSL scene with her first club Birmingham City. She now plays for Chealsea FC Women. She has been capped by England at U19, U20 and U23 level, and received her first England senior opportunity during the qualifying stages for the 2019 FIFA World Cup for a double header against France and Kazakhstan in November 2017.

She debuted as a senior in the 5-0 win over Kazakhstan. She was called-up by new head coach Sarina Wiegman in her first squad for games in September 2021. She was part of the England squad who won the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup in 2022.

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