Nikita Parris paid tribute to the Lionesses squad after notching her first Euro 2017 goal in Thursday’s win over Portugal.
The Manchester City striker was given a starting berth by boss Mark Sampson, who made ten changes to his line-up as England finished their group stage with a perfect record.
And Parris repaid that faith by scoring a second-half winner to set up a quarter final match with France on Sunday evening.
“I’m just elated,” she revealed after the game, which saw Toni Duggan’s early goal cancelled out before Parris struck after the break.
“That result epitomises the squad, it’s a unique squad because everyone wants everyone else to do well.
“No matter who steps into a position, we know they’re going to do the job and they’re going to leave everything on the pitch to make sure England win.
“I thought we got a bit complacent after the first goal, but then in the second half we knew we had to get higher up the pitch and I don’t think we gave Portugal a minute’s peace on the ball which worked in our favour.
“We re-gained the ball so many times and that meant we could press them higher.”
Having played for the Lionesses at U17, U19, U20 and U23 level over the years, including an U20 World Cup in Canada, the Liverpool-born striker has picked up plenty of experience in her early career.
But she says being part of the group at Euro 2017 is a whole new level and something that she’s enjoying every minute of.
“For me, it’s my first time so I’m like a sponge, I’m absorbing everything,” she admits.
“The more experienced players, they’ve helped me throughout this job so I’m so thankful to have their experience because that’s invaluable.
“If I keep listening to them, I know I won’t stray too far from where I want to be.”
The Lionesses will take on France in the quarter final on Sunday evening, which you can watch live on Channel 4 or Eurosport.
