Fan Diary: Following the Lionesses on this journey has filled my heart with pride

What a rollercoaster!

I knew tournaments were full of ups and downs, scary moments and tears of joy and sadness but wow I wasn’t expecting to experience it all in such a short amount of time.

These past two England games have been exhilarating. The Lionesses have captured everyone's hearts and kept us all on the edge of our seats. 

England versus Nigeria under the Brisbane lights. Thousands of passionate fans joined together to watch what turned out to be an incredible battle from both sides. The tension in the air was palpable, my stomach was in knots as the game went to penalties. The uproar of cheers as Chloe Kelly’s rocket hit the back of the net is a memory I’ll never forget. 111km-per-hour, a record-breaking speed! Onto the quarter-finals!

Back to Sydney, we go. Another chapter of this remarkable journey unfolded as we faced the colourful and spirited Colombian team.

The energy in the stadium was electric, with fans from both sides creating an atmosphere that could only be described as magical.

History repeating itself, with 2-1 in 2015 and again in 2023. In a crucial moment, the Lionesses beat Columbia sending them through to the semi-finals with Alessia Russo’s name echoing in the stands. 

Following the Lionesses on this journey has filled my heart with pride. The Lionesses don’t crumble under pressure; instead they fight with everything they have and with every win they inspire even more people. 

Now the semi-finals are upon us! Our Lionesses are set to face the co-hosts, Australia, in what promises to be an epic clash.

Both teams wanting to put everything they have on the line, it’s a match that’s not just about the game itself, but about the unity and progression that women’s football is showcasing to the world.