'You made this little town feel like a city...' the incredible legacy of Ella Toone despite Lionesses' defeat against Spain

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

The family and friends of England's Ella Toone boasted their pride of the Lioness at the Union Arms during the women's World Cup Final.

Fans packed out the pub which has a giant mural of the 23-year-old attacking midfielder on its outside wall. In Toone's hometown of Tyldesley, in Wigan, her loved ones kept spirits high following the heart-breaking defeat to Spain in Sydney.

The Lionesses, who won the European Championships last year, lost to Spain 1-0 in Australia. Jack Toone, Ella's brother, told the M.E.N.: "It was a buzzing atmosphere for the whole team and Ella, even when 1-0 down everyone was still loving it and giving it one hundred percent. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features. “She inspires all the young girls, even the men - everyone around here.

It has people believe that she can achieve great things like she’s doing. I couldn’t be any more proud of her, I’m just absolutely gutted the team couldn’t bring it home but they’ve still done so well, they’re a young team, a lot of young players, and we’re just ready for the next one to win it next time.” And Ella's auntie, Nichola, added: "We’re so proud and it’s been a great tournament, disappointing obviously with not winning but to get to the final is an amazing achievement. “We’re still going to party probably here at the Union when she comes home, we’re going to celebrate because she’s a winner - she’s definitely won in our eyes.” “I’ve known Ella since primary school and even when she left everyone still spoke of her - she’s an inspiration.