Before rushing home to soccer camp, a young Lionesses’ superfan who won the nation over with her rendition of Sweet Caroline held the Euros trophy aloft and declared, “I want to be England’s next superstar.”
Footy-mad After being captured on camera dancing to the unofficial anthem following Tuesday’s semi-final victory, Tess Dolan, 8, received free tickets from the BBC.
The adorable child won over hearts all over the nation once more when she appeared on television for an interview prior to Sunday’s triumphant final against Germany.
When she received the jersey of her favourite player, Alessia Russo, from the Sweden game, she jumped for joy.
She even celebrated with the championship trophy after the game.
She then immediately boarded a train for her hometown of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, so she could arrive at the Leeds soccer camp by 10 a.m. this morning.
Tess claimed she wanted to imitate England and Manchester United stars Russo and goal-scoring hero Ella Toone while appropriately decked out in her beloved Manchester United uniform.
She said this morning (Mon): “I’m really excited because I haven’t played football since my season with Scotton Scorchers ended.”
Because I stayed up late to watch England win, I didn’t want to miss soccer camp. It increases my motivation to play football.
“Now that I know what the girls did, I want to play even more.” I want to play for Manchester United and England and be like Russo or Toone.
Tess was surrounded for selfies before the game by adoring fans who had seen her dancing enthusiastically to the victory anthem the previous week and recognised her.
The schoolgirl was given Russo’s shirt when she appeared on the Beeb’s pre-game coverage after entering Wembley.
She also had the opportunity to take pictures with the championship trophy that the Lionesses had fought so valiantly to bring home after the game.
I’m extremely exhausted, but I had a great weekend, Tess continued.
The finest part of winning was entering the presenting room.
Being on television was entertaining, but I think it was also the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever done.
“Toone’s goal was incredible, and getting Russo’s jersey from the Sweden game was so thrilling,” Tone said.
Following one last dance to Neil Diamond’s hit, Tess and her mother Sam boarded the 10 p.m. train from London and returned home at 12:45 a.m.
The most well-known England supporter in the country was up early for media obligations when she made an appearance on Greg James’ Breakfast Show on BBC Radio One.
But she later put on her football gear and left for Leeds, where the Ultimate Football Coaching Academy was holding its summer camp.
It was one of the craziest but most incredible days, said 49-year-old mom Sam with pride.
We could only make it about five steps before someone stopped us and said they recognised Tess from television.
Tess simply handled everything well; she was taking selfies with everyone.
“I had never seen her nervous until she went up to the studio, where they put headphones on her and handed her the microphone.
However, she handled it expertly, as she always does, and we simply created memories.
We were offered a place to stay last night, but she was insistent on going to football camp, so we took the 10 p.m. train instead.
Before England’s victory over Germany, she was interviewed on BBC1 by Gabby Logan, Ian Wright, and Alex Scott.
After her dance went viral, Gabby Logan questioned her about what it was like to be at the final, and she replied, “It feels crazy!”
I have a great attitude and believe we can win this game.