Lauren Hemp insists the Lionesses will embrace the “incredible” atmosphere at Wembley.
England will face Germany in front of a sold out stadium which could easily be intimidating for what will be the biggest match of their lives. But Hemp says being tournament hosts will only inspire them against the eight-time winners in a date with destiny and a repeat of the 1966 World Cup final.
Lionesses star Hemp said: “It's going to be incredible. Obviously we've experienced that a bit at Old Trafford, so hopefully Wembley's going to be just the same and we'll embrace every moment. I think it's unbelievable, the way women's football has grown, especially over the last few weeks as well.
“Having packed out stadiums, it's just incredible and to go out on that pitch and hear the crowd roar and every single time we score, it just gives us such a boost. It's going to be important in the final. Obviously it's been sold out now for a while and we're so lucky to be there and that has always been the aim, and we're hoping to go that one step further this time. It's going to be an incredible occasion and I can't wait.”
It will be another huge test for England against the most successful team in the history of the Euros as they have won all eight of the finals they have played in. But England have won through against Spain and Sweden in difficult knock-out matches and Hemp says they will not be scared of Germany.
Hemp said: “I think it's all down to the preparation we do during the week to make sure we're the best-prepared team going into games, and hopefully teams feel threatened by us. We've got so much respect for the likes of Sweden, Spain, anyone that we've played. But I think we've just been the England that we want to show, and we've done that, we haven't changed anything.
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“Whenever we've come up against teams that have played different styles, we've just stuck to what we do, and I think that's important and that will be important for the final as well. We're just going to make sure we show the country what we've shown so far and hopefully put on a show.”
All eyes will be on Wembley for what will be a huge occasion with pomp and ceremony. Hemp smiled when asked why she always laughs when the national anthem is played before games. She said: “I just think whenever the camera's on me I just giggle to myself! I'm obviously always focused on the game, but yeah, that's my way of relaxing, just sort of being myself, the smiley person I am. So I think that comes across whenever the camera's on me.”
Hemp also paid tribute to Sarina Wiegman and the way the England coach has utilised the squad with her substitutes and says they are ready to put on another “fantastic performance.” She added: “Sarina's such a fantastic coach. We've got such a massive depth in the squad that anyone can come on and produce a fantastic performance and do a job, and that showed tonight with the substitutions we made as well. We were still firing and still scoring goals and everyone in the team has put in some massive performances in this tournament and I think that shows. It’s incredible and so great to be a part of. I'm just embracing every moment and enjoying it all.”
