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David Beckham has wished Sarina Wiegman’s “inspiring” England team good luck ahead of their Women’s European Championship semi-final clash with Sweden on Tuesday, as the Lionesses look to end a run of major semi-final defeats.
Wiegman’s side have produced several scintillating performances as tournament hosts, scoring a remarkable 14 goals as they cruised through a group containing Austria, Norway and Northern Ireland, before coming from behind to clinch a 2-1 quarter-final win over Spain.
Georgia Stanway’s extra-time stunner against La Roja was the 100th goal England have scored in just 18 matches under Wiegman, while their current 10-game winning run is their best ever such streak.
However, England are likely to face a tough test when they meet Sweden in their Bramall Lane semi-final, having fallen at this stage in three consecutive major tournaments (the 2017 Euros and World Cups in 2015 and 2019).
Ahead of that vital contest, the Lionesses have been wished well by England legend Beckham, who thanked the team for inspiring his own daughter through their performances.
“I just wanted to send you a message, firstly, to say congratulations on an incredible tournament so far,” Beckham said in a video posted to the team’s Twitter account.
“It’s been so uplifting, it’s been so exciting, and it’s been so inspiring. For me personally, I have a daughter, and for her to be inspired by you girls and your performances has been incredible.
“But it’s not just the girls being inspired, the boys are getting inspired as well by this, we all know that when big tournaments come around, our country and our fans get behind us like no other.
“It’s been incredible to see the performances but for me personally, the game against Spain was what really brought the nation together.
“To win a game like that, in that manner, has really uplifted the whole country.
“Good luck for the semi-final, we’re all behind you, we’re all excited to see it and I know there’s one person that is really excited to see it; my daughter Harper. Thank you for inspiring her and good luck girls.”
Should England extend their fine run with victory in Sheffield, a Wembley final against either Germany or France – and a shot at a first major tournament success in the women’s game – will await on Sunday.
