England star 'had it all' from a young age - coach

The first football coach of Lionesses star Esme Morgan has said the defender "had it all" from a young age.

Morgan was part of the England side who came from behind to beat Italy 2-1 on Tuesday to book a place in Sunday's Euro 2025 final against Spain.

The 24-year-old plays her club football for US side Washington Spirit, but began her footballing journey under the tutelage of Martin Windle in her home city of Sheffield.

Mr Windle described his former protégé as a "really, really nice human being" and remembered her footballing ability as "absolutely brilliant".

Morgan joined Ecclesall Rangers, where Mr Windle is still chairman, aged seven and represented the club's boys teams in the Sheffield & District Sunday League until she left to sign for Manchester City aged 15.

"She had it all - she was brilliant," recalled Mr Windle, who paid tribute to his son Jon, another coach at Ecclesall Rangers, for his role in Morgan's early development.

"I couldn't have said to you 'She's going to be a professional footballer', because the likes of that didn't exist 20 years ago.

"My job was introducing her to football and she's carried on from there."

Morgan has made two appearances for Sarina Wiegman's side during the tournament in Switzerland, one as a substitute against Sweden before starting against Italy.

She was also part of the Lionesses squad which reached the Women's World Cup final in 2023, when they lost out to Spain.

The former High Storrs pupil, who attended the same school as Kyle Walker, impressed in Tuesday's semi-final, meaning she could be in line to feature again in the final.

Morgan's former school said they "couldn't be prouder" after more late drama sent England into their second successive European final and third in as many major tournaments.

"Her contribution was immense and I think they should stick with her," said Mr Windle, who has been involved in grassroots football for 36 years and counting.

"Forwards and strikers win you games, defenders win you the cups and tournaments."

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