View From The Field: Kerys Kicks (Kerys Harrop column)

Writing after Wembley rather than before it, Birmingham’s captain congratulates Manchester City and Chelsea on trophies she wanted and describes a final she will not forget regardless of the result. The details are what stay with her: changing rooms decorated by the staff, mementoes laid out for each player, printed canvases in the tunnel, fireworks, the anthem, and supporters calling out names for autographs afterwards. Her highlight came before kick-off, a photograph of her brother in front of the Wembley arch, having flown from Los Angeles without telling anyone – watching him play and win as a child was why she started. She signs off wishing the Lionesses well, and admits mild apprehension about a coach full of excited girls heading to England v Spain.