Just days after hitting rock bottom, Laura Bassett was smiling again and a proud owner of a World Cup bronze medal.
“Wrong colour but we go again,” the admirable central defender told FATV in Edmonton, after playing her part in the 1-0 victory over Germany.
Only 72 hours earlier the 31-year-old had to be helped from the pitch after her stoppage-time own goal consigned England to an ill-deserved semi-final defeat by Japan.
Laura Bassett talks exclusively to FATV
But Bassett was soon back doing what she does best, excelling in a wholehearted performance against a Germany side many thought would prove too strong for the Lionesses.
“We made the best out of a bad situation,” she said.
“We’d have loved to be in the final. But to go away with a bronze medal around our necks and to prove that we are a nation to be reckoned with… we’ve changed even more opinions of this England side.
“For so many years England has suffered against Germany. So to go up there and get our medals and see the reaction of the German players – it is so good that the roles have been reversed.”
Laura Bassett is consoled by Jo Potter
Bassett says the fact she was able to return to the scene of her heart-breaking own goal and play to a high standard is down to the support of her team-mates.
“I couldn’t have done it without them. Since Wednesday they have supported me in ways that I will never be able to repay them,” he said.
“They have been there and likewise all the staff and Mark [Sampson].
“Everyone has been so supportive. I’ll never forget that.
“The only way I could repay them was with a performance. It was hard, it was nerve-wracking and it was anxious.
“[But] it was good enough today and that feels good.”
