Guernsey Press

‘I had a tear in my eye’ – David Seaman ‘so proud’ of Lionesses’ achievement

The 58-year-old was a key member of the England men’s team when they reached the semi-finals of the 1996 European Championship.

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Former England goalkeeper David Seaman said he had a tear in his eye when the Lionesses lifted the Euro 2022 trophy.

The 58-year-old was a key member of the England men’s team when they reached the semi-finals of the 1996 European Championship, also hosted in England.

The Lionesses went a couple of steps further on Sunday, beating Germany 2-1 after extra time at Wembley to claim their first major trophy.

England’s Lauren Hemp (left), Jill Scott (centre) and Beth Mead celebrate with the trophy after England win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday July 31, 2022
England stars celebrate with the trophy (Nigel French/PA)

“When I couldn’t watch it on TV – (when) I was overnight fishing – I listened to it on the radio. So that’s how much I wanted to listen to it and watch it.

“And then I watched the final on Sunday and I just felt so proud. Proud of what they’ve done, what they’ve achieved, because it’s not just about Sunday’s final, it’s about what they’ve all gone through before.

“When I watched them receive the trophy, I had a tear in my eye. It’s so special. So special for me but it’s going to be so special for so many girls out there, and they’re going to be inspired by what they’ve seen.

“It’s going to get bigger and better, there’s no doubt about it. For inspiring young girls and having football in schools and giving them the option of playing football if they want to.

“All that sort of thing is now going to be readdressed and hopefully in a positive way.”

England’s Goalkeeper David Seaman in action during the Soccer Aid match at Stamford Bridge, London
David Seaman (Nigel French/PA)

“I went up to St George’s Park just before the tournament started and I was helping to coach with the men’s goalkeepers, and then one of my friends asked if I would do a Q&A for the girls.

“Two hours later we were still chatting away, because the girls wanted to know so much about goalkeeping and about what I achieved.

“And then at the end of two hours we realised there was one missing, and it was Mary!

“But she went on to do some amazing things, especially in the final, especially the save that she didn’t get much recognition for.

“She touched the ball onto the bar and then got the rebound and the commentators didn’t quite pick up on that but I’ll give her all the credit she deserves.”

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