19 August 2023 , 10:00
1151
0
Ella Toone is hoping to score in the FIFA Women's World Cup final tomorrow as England's Lionesses take on Spain.
But away from the pitch, Toone, who put England 1-0 in the first of the semi-final against Australia but away from the pitch, her life is relatively different. However, she has revealed she's been given "strict orders" by friends should she manage to net a goal.
As she scored the first goal on Wednesday, viewers around the world saw Toone, 23, plant a kiss on her wrist before making a heart-shaped gesture into the air. Now, she's confirmed the reasoning behind this. However, while Ella may play for Manchester United, it appears there's some rivalry in her home as her boyfriend, Joe Bunney is a fan of an opposing team. The star and Joe have been strong supporters of one another's careers as he plays for a non-league club.
Lioness legend Ella Toone has been with her boyfriend for four years (Instagram/@ellatoone)
Joe has been described as Ella's "biggest cheerleader" (Joe Bunney Instagram)The couple met one another through mutual friends and dad-of-two Joe, 29, has been hailed as Ella's "biggest cheerleader". While he may not be part of a premier league team, he currently plays for Stalybridge Celtic, based in Greater Manchester. Speaking previously to The Sun, a source said: "Ella and Joe are very much in love and have been together for a while now. They are both from Manchester and have mutual friends who introduced them.
"Those who know them think they are the perfect pairing. Joe is Ella's biggest cheerleader and he could not have been more proud to watch her lifting the trophy at the Euros." There is one issue, however, as Joe is an avid Manchester City supporter, although their relationship has proven that they can withstand team rivalry in the sport.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
Ella is often pitchside for James' matches and explained that she is always inundated by fans asking for pictures with her which often makes her smile. Their relationship has stood the test of time with the couple often jetting off abroad together, with their four-year romance even seeing the, heading to Ibiza raves with one another.
The Manchester-born legend has revealed the reasoning behind her celebratory gesture (Getty Images)Away from her relationship, many may have wondered why Ella made a heart gesture following her impressive goal on Wednesday but in one interview, she disclosed the real reasoning. Ahead of travelling down under, she and a group of friends made the decision to get matching tattoos on their wrists.
Discussing the prospects of scoring during Sunday's final, Ella told BBC Five Live: "In tournament football moments fall to different people and it's if you take those moments. We've definitely had a lot of them throughout the tournament. I'm sure if it falls to me in the box then I'd be buzzing if I put it away. Usually (with celebrations) anything happens.
"But, I'm on strict orders from my mates. We all got a matching tattoo before I came out (to Australia). They want me to kiss it and do a little love heart. I promised them I'd do that." On Tuesday, Aussie manager Tony Gustavsson claimed England were the favourites but Aussie Matilda's would have a "massive" support network behind them. Speaking at a press conference, he said: "You guys are better than me at speculating that. But if you look at rankings they (England) are favourites. If you look at where their players play, they have starting players in top leagues around the world."
Want to get your hands on a FREE poster to support the Lionesses? Click here!