Millie Bright credited the England fans with giving her one of the biggest nights of her career as they roared Sarina Wiegman’s team to the European Championship semi-finals.
Player of the match Bright put in a heroic performance for the Lionesses, from unnerving the Spanish defence for Ella Toone’s late equaliser to standing firm in the face of relentless waves of attack throughout the 120 minutes.
Georgia Stanway’s rocket in the first period of extra time sent those inside the Amex into raptures but England needed Bright to remain resolute as Spain pushed for a second.
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A 28,994-strong crowd smashed the record for a Women’s Euros quarter-final, while an audience of 7.6 million watched on at home - and Bright was overjoyed with their contribution.
She said: “This was probably one of the biggest [nights I’ve experienced as a player] with it being a home Euros and having all the fans there.
“The atmosphere’s incredible. Everyone keeps talking about the pressure that’s on us but we embrace every moment, we’re embracing the fans.
“The fans have been unbelievable and they really keep the momentum throughout the game. They give you that burst of energy. It means everything to us players so we’ll keep fighting all the way.”
It was looking like the hopes of the nation would be crushed by a superb Spain side as England trailed 1-0 with just seven minutes remaining.
But Bright, thrown up front in search of a late leveller, was there to occupy the Spanish defence when substitute Alessia Russo nodded down for fellow replacement Toone to prod home and keep the dream alive.
And the 28-year-old, who returned to her defensive role for the remainder of a memorable night, emphasised the importance of the whole squad post-match.
She said: “Our squad is unbelievable and every single player could start, or could come on and make the difference, but our subs have taken us to the next level whenever they’ve come on.
“In games like that you need them to come on and bring that little bit more energy. [Toone] has been doing that in training. In a game that’s so mentally and physically tough they really do boost you.”
And after a nervy 25 minutes following Stanway’s wonder strike, there was one emotion that dominated for Bright.
“Just relief that the game was done,” she said. “Everyone can see the talent of the Spanish team. We knew we probably wouldn’t have the ball that much.
“I thought our mentality to stay resilient and ruthless throughout every single minute was unbelievable. I thought we showed what we were about.”
Tickets are on sale now for fans to experience a history-making tournament that aims to unite football and communities and amplify the growth of the women’s game. www.uefa.com/womenseuro/ticketing
