Originally published here.

Some members of the Lionesses squad had to work two jobs while playing professionally as the women’s game struggled for recognition, a top footballer has said.

Bristol City midfielder Aimee Palmer, who has played for England’s under-17, under-19 and under-21 squads, has played alongside a number of the Lionesses in the past, including goal scorer Ella Toone.

Toone scored England’s first as her side beat Germany 2-1 to secure England’s first major tournament since 1966.

Ms Palmer said the remarkable victory “brought a tear to my eye”, adding “I know what people have been through”.

The 22-year-old said: “For me it was very emotional, I know a few of the girls and have played with them for England.

“I’ve played with Ella Toone, she’s one of my best friends, so when she scored it brought a tear to my eye.

“I know what people have been through, some have had to work two jobs while playing at an elite level.

“It is crazy to see how far the women’s game has come, everything they have done, every sacrifice has been worth it.”

Ms Palmer added it was frustrating that it had taken the Euros victory to bring women’s football to the fore, but insisted the “effect is going to be massive”.

“I am so glad we have won but women’s football has been a thing for years, it’s now got the limelight it finally deserves but it shouldn’t have to take this,” she said.

“It is frustrating but the effect is going to be massive. I think it is going to have an impact on both youngsters and professionals.

“For youngsters the best thing for them is being able to see it is possible, we’ve heard pundits saying in the past playing football in PE has not even been possible for girls. This shows them what is possible.

“It will also have an impact on the professional game, showing sponsors how much money there is to be made.”

She added: “Having it streamed on the BBC and having tickets so readily available, it would have had a really positive impact on people who have never watched it before.

“It will encourage people who go and see the men’s teams and go and see the women’s teams.

“Women will soon hopefully be able to play in the same stadiums as the men, it will align the men’s and women’s game to be more similar.”

Asked about Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s failure to attend the game in person after he went to the men’s Euro 2020 final against Italy last summer, Ms Palmer said it showed “there still needs to be barriers broken down”.

She added: “A few people are late to the bandwagon, it is going to take time for everyone to get on board.

“Only a small amount of people don’t understand how big women’s football is.”

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