dreams to reality

36.

"Your gonna smash it baby I know you are. I know the euros is on the line but just think of it as 90 minutes of football, the game you've loved all your life. I know there pressure but your Leah Williamson. Captain of the lionesses, you've came so far and there is no turning back, you have everyone behind you. We love you more than you'll ever know" I said on the phone, "I know. I love you. Thank you so much I needed that" she said voice still a little shaken. "I know you did. I'll be in the crowd cheering you on alright. Go enjoy it, I'll see you soon" I said smiling into the phone, we said our goodbyes and ended the call.

I had a lot of time to spare before the final. England vs Germany. I feel so nervous for Leah. I don't care about anyone else, if they win then Leah will be lifting the European championship. I don't think I've ever felt physically sick like this before. I needed to distract myself, I was meeting up with Lisa and Erin for lunch in half an hour.

I tided up my house in the meantime before Lisa picked me up. "Hi gal, how you feeling" she said and I gave her a small smile, "nervous but excited" I replied honestly. "I understand, how's Leah feeling" Lisa asked and I chuckled. "She's the same actually, probably better than me" they both laughed. "Yeah that's usually how it goes" Erin said.

****

The game kicks off in 20 minutes and the teams are heading in. I watched Leah the whole warmup, she seems to be fine which relaxed me. The wait before they walked out killed me, I was sat a few rows down from Leah's mum, I looked up and noticed she was looking at me she smiled and mouthed 'we've got this' I knew she was reassuring me which I appreciated.

As Leah led her team out, I had goosebumps. She was lined up and blew me a kiss and waved at her mum. I smiled to myself. No matter the result she knows we'll be so proud.

Both teams had their fair share of possession in the first half, they both were creating chances but the final touch was missing. Soon the teams came out for the second half.

62' Ella toone is one on one with the keeper. She chipped it over her and it bounced into the back of the net.

The stadium erupted. I couldn't hear myself think. I scanned the pitch and looked for Leah. I saw the emotion in her face, it made me smile.

The next 20 minutes Germany took a foot hold in the game and managed to equalise. The stadium was silent for a few moments.

The rest of the match was very tight, and headed to extra time. I don't think my head could take this. I sat down waiting for the game to resume.

The game could literally go both ways which made everyone in the stadium even more anxious.

***

That was it. Game over. England were European champions. I looked over and saw Leah jumping on Mary. I was so happy for her. I saw the emotion on her face, she cheered with her team before coming over to where I was situated. She came up the banister, I went down a few rows. "I'm so proud of you" I shouted down to her. "We did it. We fucking did it" she screamed as tears ran down her face, immediately making tears come out of my own eyes. I mouthed 'I love you' and she did it back. "Go lift that fucking trophy!" I shouted at her making her chuckle.

I say and enjoyed the ceremony, seeing them all celebrate with the fans afterwards singing sweet Caroline. This is gonna be huge for Women's football. Slowly the crowd started to clear out as the plays started to see their families, leah was doing an interview when I got a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see Amanda, Leah's mum. She pulled me into a hug and I could see she'd been crying. "I can't believe it" she said with tears of joy rolling down her face. "My bubba has just won the euros" she said making me she tear up, "and lift it" I added with a chuckle. "She's unbelievable" I said looking towards the pitch, "she really is" her mum said.
We both enjoyed the moment, watching Leah celebrate with her team. She started to walk over to me noticing her mum was with me. A huge smile grew on her face just when I thought it couldn't get any bigger.