Hometown pride for Lionesses ahead of final

Yahoo

26-07-2025

Friends and fans in the Warwickshire hometowns of football stars Jess Carter and Hannah Hampton have spoken of their pride at the Lioness' success.
Carter took her first steps in football with Warwick Juniors as a six-year-old and those who watched it happen said she stood out instantly.
"She just shone, she had to play against the quality players of West Bromwich Albion, and Coventry City FC and was superb, " said Dean Brandrick, a coach for Warwick Juniors.
He added: "At the end of her career with us she won the county cup, she was just above anybody at that time."
Mr Brandrick coached Carter until she left for Birmingham City and they have remained in contact.
He described how seeing her being presented with a cap to mark her 50th appearance was a proud moment.
"Tremendous achievement for her, from being a grassroots footballer for so long, she's achieved everything I think possible," the coach said.
In Studley, where goalkeeper Hampton grew up, pride is evident as specially knitted postbox toppers have lined the village.
Monica Smith, of Spotty Pots Pottery Painting, told the BBC: "She came from Studley, she's played here, she's part of the fabric of this little village.
"There's a lot of buzz around, we've got lots of flags in shops, people are talking about it and we are just so proud of them all and so excited to see what happens on Sunday."
England will face Spain in Sunday's final at 17:00 BST.
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