Ellen White kicks off England’s Homecoming Series with surprise trophy visit

As the Lionesses prepare for their first match since becoming back-to-back European Champions, and the first game of their Homecoming Series, Ellen surprised a group of budding young footballers with the EURO trophy as well as tickets to the game. 

This was part of a mini trophy tour of Manchester to drum up excitement and promote the fixture to encourage a sell-out crowd on Saturday. 

The students were certainly excited, and after the initial shock of seeing Ellen and the EURO trophy, participated in a training session alongside England’s all-time top goalscorer who even ended up in goal to save some seriously challenging penalties. 

The session ended with another surprise as Ellen presented tickets for the Brazil match, and inspired by the summer’s success, these students will now get to watch their favourite players live at the City of Manchester Stadium. 

“It’s been beautiful to be at this school and surprising the girls with the trophy and then the tickets, the reaction was just so beautiful, you can see that the Lionesses have just had a huge impact on these girls,” said White. 

“I felt like I was going to bawl out crying to be honest, it’s just been so special. They’re so excited, so enthusiastic about football and that’s a credit to what the Lionesses have done and the impact that they’re having, but these girls having the opportunity to go and see the game and their heroes, and for some their first live game, is just amazing for them. 

“It’s really powerful and inspiring and they might not have been able to have that opportunity before so it’s been so beautiful to be here and give them the chance to go and see the Lionesses and be part of witnessing the impact they’ve had.”

The game will be England’s first trip back to Manchester since the opening game of EURO 2022, when the Lionesses beat Austria by 1-0 across the city at Old Trafford.

And having played for Manchester City during her career, White says the Lionesses can expect to feel the noise when they run out on Saturday.

“Manchester fans are just loud,” she added. 

“If we can go off the girls here today screaming in excitement, I think it’s going to be very loud, excitable, fun and just a really special crowd that you don’t want to miss out on being a part of. 

“This is also the first one back since winning back-to-back EUROs and it’s just going to be wonderful for the fans, but also the players as well. I’m sure Sarina will be telling them just how special it is for the fans to come out and see them and just to enjoy the moment. It’s going to be wonderful and I’m so excited to be there on Saturday to support!” 

Tickets for Saturday’s game with Brazil, and the match with Australia in Derby on Tuesday 28 October are on sale now.