Football-mad reporter Ashlie Blakey said she 'never had role models like this growing up'
11am on Wednesday. It's my day off from work and the Lionesses are playing in the World Cup semi-final against host nation Australia.
I'm feeling nervous. Then the nerves turn to elation. My neighbours who work from home probably get a shock when, 36 minutes in, I shout my first 'COME ON'. Tyldesley's own Ella TOOOONE - in her own words post-match - whacks it top bins. Full time, the ref blows the whistle. England have done it, our first national side to reach a World Cup final since 1966.For England, Sweet Caroline blasts out in the dressing room as the party just begins. For me, I'm buzzing.
One of the girls comes on air to speak. I can't remember exactly what she said, but it put a massive smile on my face. That little girl was inspired and in awe.That was me when I was younger. Football has always been a big part of my life. My family's mad on it, my partner's mad on it. Now, not just thanks to this team and their momentous achievements, but to every single player who paved the way before them, you can take your pick of the role models.
But this might have been the first you'd really heard about how England were doing in this tournament. Was the hype around this team really built-up before the round of 16?
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