Daly identifies biggest changes in women's football one year on from Euros win
Rachel Daly has spoken of the Lionesses’ pride in creating a lasting legacy for women’s football in England.
On the anniversary of the country’s ground-breaking triumph in the European Championships, the Golden Boot winner has detailed how that glory affected change.
And she has spoken of the determination of Sarina Wiegman’s squad to create more.
The victory at Wembley gave the Lionesses the platform to petition the government to allow greater access for girls in sport - a request that ended with £600m being made available to level the playing field with the boys.
Daly said: “It was a nice feeling to be able to put our name on something and move things forward.
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“We managed to secure something for the younger generation and for the greater good of the nation itself.
“Given our platform and where we are at, it’s great to be able to help.
“I think that’s the nature of the team and the girls within the team. They always want to give back and we will continue to do what we can to help others around us.”
Daly said that the other spin-off was the effect that it had on the top division.
She said: “I think you’ve seen the league grow - the Women’s Super League has definitely grown and more people now want to play in it.
Daly was part of the successful squad last summer (Getty Images)“As Lionesses, we have had a target on our back - we say that pressure is a privilege - and we have earned that right.
“But internally, we haven’t changed. We’re just the same old people as we were before although things around us have - because we’re getting recognised more.”
One of those successful Lionesses last July won't be present in Adelaide tomorrow as England are still coming to terms with the loss of Keira Walsh.
Although the Barcelona midfielder has only been confirmed as sidelined for tomorrow’s clash against China, it would be a major surprise if coach Sarina Wiegman selects her again.
Laura Coombs was her direct replacement during the win over the Danes and would likely be the first choice to step in.
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The Lionesses need a draw for qualification to be in their hands. Defeat would see them relying on the outcome of Denmark’s clash with Haiti in Perth.
Daly added: “It’s sad to see someone not being able to play but it’s a fantastic opportunity for someone else to step in.
“There will be tough moments - that’s the nature of a World Cup tournament. It’s a tight group - but we can only control what we can control - and that’s to concentrate on getting three points against China.
Daly is ready for the challenge of China (Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)“They’re a great side - ranked 14th in the world. We know they are going to be a different kind of opposition than we have had so far.
“We know their threats and what they are capable of. But the resilience of this team is something special. I think you saw that last year.
“You’ve seen it so far this year, too. There are going to be ups and downs. So we just need to prepare the best way we possibly can and hopefully get that next three points in the bag.”
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