Our Kiddo

This isn't the best area but it's home

It was match day number two. They were staying in a nice little hotel in Brighton. It was so peaceful and felt like they were on holiday. They ate breakfast together on the terrace and took walks along the seafront. There was lovely summer sun and all of them felt at peace.

Evie was so pleased that the game was down south. It meant that Mrs Cooper could come and Jemma and Ella would be there as well.

After their first match, Evie had sent one of her shirts to Coops and written a message on the front.

Thank you for everything you've ever done for me. I owe you more than I'll ever be able to give. I hope I'm doing you proud. Love Evie x

It was short but got what she wanted to say across.

The coach up to the stadium was electric. There were already a whole load of fans cheering and yelling even though it was hours until kick off.

They walked around and signed people's shirts and took photos before Evie spotted Jamie.

She ran over, pleased to see her brother even though it hadn't been very long since she last saw him. Jemma and Ella were also there, Ella over the moon to see her Auntie.

"V v!" she cheered excitedly, trying to jump out of Jemma's arms and get to her. After a gentle hand over, Ella began babbling away about a recent trip to the zoo and it was weirdly relaxing. It made Evie get out of her head space and stop thinking about the challenging game they were about to have.

All of them were sat in the changing room. Alessia was doing Evie's hair as the pair of them chatted. It took their minds away from the game.

The first five minutes of the match were stressful. England couldn't take control of the game. The ball seemed to bobble about, nothing much happening. Then there seemed to be a switch and all of their hard work and hours of training seemed to come together.

They built up attack after attack and it was so exciting to watch. Ten minutes in and England were awarded a penalty. Evie felt slightly bad for Norway as it was a very soft one but she didn't feel too bad.

Georgia hammered it home. It was never in doubt. From that minute it was an absolute master class. Not even three minutes after their first goal, they managed to double the lead. Lauren slotted it home and after a VAR check, the goal was confirmed.

On the half an hour mark, Ellen hassled for the ball, completely flooring the Norway player, before smashing it home. It was powerful and a classic Ellen White goal.

Then they got another one. Beth headed a Hempo cross in and then they were sorted. It was such a shock. Norway were meant to be their toughest group game and here they were four nil up after 35 minutes.

Beth got her second a couple of minutes after her first with an absolute beauty. She dribbled through their entire defence before slotting it in.

"Wow," was all Evie could think to say as the bench went mad.

A strong toe poke from Ellen made it six. Six goals. In one half. Holy shit.

The mood in the changing room was one of pure disbelief. None of them knew what to say so instead they laughed. A complete, stunned laugh.

Even Sarina didn't understand it. Norway were tough but England were out playing them. Every pass, every skill, every idea, was working.

When Tooney, Less and Evie were subbed on, they felt ready. They could use their skill and their pace to take the game even higher.

They'd been on the pitch for one minute when Evie won the ball and was off. She did a quick one two with Keira before crossing it in for Less. She nudged it goalwards but it fell into the keepers hands. Frustrating but a good idea none the less.