Shelina: ‘I’m proud of the desire, fight and grit’

Captain Shelina Zadorksy couldn’t ask for much more from her teammates in Sunday’s battling performance against Manchester United Women, despite the 2-1 defeat.

“We talked about it in the huddle after the game - I’m super proud of everyone’s desire, fight and grit,” she said. “The way we were creating chances and frustrating them, we’re all competitors and we all want to win, but the stadium was electric, people were loud and supportive and obviously I absolutely love playing here.”

United asked plenty of questions of us defensively, and we looked assured at the back for the majority of the game, in spite of the goals conceded.

“We’re tighter as a team, harder to beat and harder to break down,” Shelina commented. “Obviously the second goal is unfortunate, but it happens in football. The goals we’re conceding are minor fixes, but overall I’m really proud of everyone’s work ethic, to stay hungry. You have to be comfortable without the ball so you can do what you want on it.”

When Bethany England scored the equaliser for us with a beautiful bottom right finish in the 75th minute, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium erupted.

“My heart rate was probably 200 and I didn’t even score! I’m really proud of her. She’s made an immediate impact and you can see that. She’s a great competitor and a good teammate to have. I’m lucky to learn from her and vice versa. Just to give the fans a moment to remember.

“I love to soak it in. After the goal, I was waving at the fans, trying to get the energy going, because it’s a special occasion. I want this to be regular in women’s football, because you can see the calibre of players out there. It’s time and women’s football deserves this. I’m really glad it was a good game and hopefully we’ll be back here.”