Gunning-Williams looks ahead to ‘very important’ final with Young Lionesses
It’s set to be an important couple of weeks for Lenna Gunning-Williams both on the international stage and then back home at Spurs.
It all kicks off on Friday (17 April) when our Academy graduate will compete for WU23 European Competition glory with England Under-23s after they reached the final on Monday with a 1-0 win over the Netherlands in the semi-final.
Lydia Bedford’s side will take on Sweden Under-23s – which will consist of Spurs duo Matilda Nilden and Hanna Wijk – in the competition’s second-ever final and Lenna feels the experience of competing in these types of games can only help with their development.
“It’s very important for us to experience playing in finals because it prepares us mentally to deal with the pressure when there’s a trophy on the line,” she said.
“Everyone knows the England senior squad have made it to three finals in the past three major international tournaments so, as part of being in the squad as the next generation of Lionesses, we want to keep that reputation.”
Our young forward has played a key role in England’s journey to the final so far, scoring her maiden goal against the Netherlands in the last international window to help her nation progress to the semi-finals and then assisting the winner to secure their spot in the showpiece event.
“I’m very pleased with my last two performances with the Under-23s,” added our number 18. “I’m still buzzing with my goal from last camp and also really happy to assist the winning goal in our semi-final win over the Netherlands earlier this week.
“I feel really confident and valued in this environment, and I’m hoping I can bring this good feeling back to Spurs for the final few games of the season.”
Following the opportunity to earn silverware on the international stage, the 21-year-old will then return to Hotspur Way to prepare for our final three games of the Women’s Super League campaign, beginning with Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 26 April (12noon UK) – tickets available to buy here.
Progressing through our Academy system, signing her professional contract with the Club to now a regular member of our senior squad, Lenna is looking forward to being back in N17 once again.
“I’m very excited to be back at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium,” she said. “Coming through the Academy, having the opportunity to play there is always rewarding and a special moment. It’s always a great occasion and hopefully we can put a show on for the fans there.
“We’ve been in a bit of a rough patch at the moment, but I believe as long as we play the way we want to, which we have shown we are more than capable of doing, then we can get some really positive performances and results in these last three games of the WSL campaign.”