England hero Georgia Stanway has revealed Declan Rice is among the members of the men's team giving the Lionesses tips on reaching a first European Championship final.
Stanway scored a stunning extra-time winner as England came from behind to beat Spain 2-1 and set up a semi-final against Sweden or Belgium on Tuesday.
Like the men, who lost to Italy on penalties last summer, the Lionesses are aiming to reach a first Euros final on home soil, and Stanway revealed they have the full backing of Gareth Southgate's squad.
“We got a few messages off the men, just supporting us, willing us all the way, saying they're coming to the next match,” she said. “We're definitely a united nation.
“We've had messages off Declan Rice, just the lads that were involved last year. They're giving us tips on momentum, taking it forward and just support really.”
Rice appeared to be among the more than nine million people who watched the game on the BBC on Wednesday night, with the West Ham midfielder tweeting: “Georgia Stanway Ballaaaaa”, accompanied by three flame emojis, after her 20-yard strike.
“It's pretty surreal," Stanway said. “But we want as many people on our journey as we can and we want as many people watching us, supporting us, believing in us. I feel like we showcased that and that's what we're capable of.
“You kind of just forget about [the attention],” she added. “We're in our little zone of focussing on what we do. You get snippets of what's going on outside and the support.
“We see it in the stadiums when everybody is up on their feet, everybody is getting involved when we're on attack, in defence, everybody is cheering us on and that's just all part of it."
Ella Toone, whose 84th-minute equaliser cancelled out Esther Gonzalez's strike for Spain, credited head coach Sarina Wiegman with instilling a never-say-die mentality in the squad.
“[The win] shows we have character, resilience and togetherness and there was never a doubt we would go on and win that game and that’s just the mindset we have and the belief we have in each other," Toone said.
“Obviously [Spain] was our first challenge, we went behind and managed to come back and I’m so proud of everyone.
“Sarina coming in has given us that mindset, that belief, I think we know we have a strong and talented team and we believe in ourselves and each other and that just showed. We dug deep right to the very end and managed to get the win."
Toone added that the Lionesses are aiming to make the country proud and inspire the next generation with another win in Sheffield next week.
“For all of us it would be amazing to get that win in the semi-final,” the Manchester United midfielder said.
We’re getting more and more fans involved, everyone’s loving it and we just want to make everyone proud.
“Obviously the game was really special in front of that crowd and every game we’ve played has been amazing, the atmospheres have been unbelievable. We’re so grateful for the fans that support us whether that’s in the stadium or at home and we just want to keep making them proud.
"Hopefully we see everyone’s beers flying around and that they’re enjoying the game, we just want to make everyone proud. That’s the main thing - inspiring the next generation. Hopefully we can go on and put in another big performance in the semis.
"It’s great for the momentum, that was our first challenge in this tournament and we’ve shown we can come from behind in a game which is a great asset.
“We’re getting more and more fans involved, everyone’s loving it and enjoying it and we just want to make everyone proud. Hopefully we’ll have even more fans supporting us in the semis.”
