Bucks football stars prepare for Euros semi final tomorrow
Both Leah Williamson and Ellen White started playing football in Bucks
As the Lionesses prepare for their semi final match at Bramall Lane in Sheffield tomorrow night, excitement is mounting across Bucks, Beds, and Herts, as well as the rest of the country.
England are currently the favourites to win after having easily made it through their group stage against Austria, Norway and Northern Ireland, wracking up an impressive 14 goals in the process.
As well as a win over Spain last week following Georgia Stanway's goal six minutes into extra time which clinched them the win.
Women's football in Bucks
Whilst the Women's Euros have been special for many, there's a couple of reasons for the people of Bucks to be celebrating.
In addition to MK Stadium hosting several of the matches, including the other semi final game on Wednesday, two of the teams key players hail from Bucks.
Record England women’s goal scorer Ellen White comes from Aylesbury and attended The Grange School. Her dad ran a local football academy and White played for Aylesbury Town before she was spotted by Arsenal Scouts at age eight.
Captain Leah Williamson is also from Bucks, growing up in Newport Pagnell. The 25 year old went to Portfields School, as well as Ousedale School.
Vikki Pegg, Deputy Head at Portfields School and Leah's former teacher, said they knew from an early age that she was destined to be a great sportswoman and they couldn't be more proud.
When asked to consider how the Arsenal player might be feeling ahead of the match she said, "from what I remember personally about Leah and what I know about her know, I think she's a very humble person. I know she'll be feeling very excited, I also know she'll be feeling the pressure."
She added, "I know that every time she walks out on that pitch, she'll be thinking about her mum in particular."
Portfields School has also said the success of the team at this year's Euros has spurred on their girls to carry on playing and enjoying football.