Lionesses' superfan, eight, celebrates Euros win by holding trophy

2022-08-01

‘I want to be England’s next superstar!’ Lionesses’ superfan, eight, who captured nation’s hearts with rendition of Sweet Caroline celebrates Euros win by holding trophy aloft – before heading home so she can attend soccer camp

Eight-year-old Tess Dolan got her hands on the Euro 2022 trophy at the final
Schoolgirl went viral and stole the nation’s heart for her dancing at earlier match
England’s Alessia Russo thanked her for her support and gave the fan her shirt
She screamed in delight as she was interviewed by BBC1’s Gabby Logan

A young Lionesses’ superfan who captured the nation’s hearts with her rendition of Sweet Caroline held the Euros trophy aloft before rushing home to soccer camp and declared: ‘I want to be England’s next superstar’.

Footy-mad Tess Dolan, eight, was gifted tickets by the BBC after she was filmed dancing to the unofficial anthem following Tuesday’s semi-final victory.

The adorable youngster melted the country’s hearts again when she was interviewed on tv before the victorious final with Germany on Sunday.

She jumped for joy when she was handed the shirt worn by her favourite player Alessia Russo from the Sweden match and even celebrated with the trophy after the final.

But she was then straight on the train back home to Knaresborough, North Yorks., so she could be at soccer camp in Leeds for 10am this morning.

Appropriately dressed in her beloved Manchester United kit, Tess said she wanted to emulate Red Devils and England stars Russo and goal-scoring hero Ella Toone.

Speaking this morning (Mon), she said: ‘I haven’t played football since my season finished with Scotton Scorchers so I’m really excited.

Eight-year-old Tess Dolan got her hands on the Euro 2022 trophy at the final at Wembley

Tess Dolan with BBC Commentary Team before the England v Germany Final at the stadium

Schoolgirl Tess, eight, went viral after her celebrations went live to the nation on the BBC

‘I didn’t want want to miss soccer camp just because I stayed up late to watch England win. It makes me more inspired to and play football.

‘I want to play even more now and do what the girls have done. I want to be like Russo or Toone and play for Manchester United and England.’

Tess was mobbed for selfies before the game by adoring fans who recognised her from footage of her excitedly boogying to the victory anthem last week.

Once inside Wembley, the schoolgirl appeared on the Beeb’s pre-match coverage where she was presented with Russo’s shirt.

And after the game, she was able to pose for pictures with the championship trophy the Lionesses had battle so bravely to bring home.

Tess added: ‘I’m quite tired, but I had a very fun weekend.

‘Winning was the best bit – and going up to the presenting room.

She was interviewed by Gabby Logan, Ian Wright and Alex Scott on BBC1yesterday evening

Tess Dolan, 8, has become an Internet sensation after being filmed dancing at the England Women’s game in Sheffield

In an image that will live long in the memory, Chloe Kelly swings her shirt over her head after scoring the winning goal and securing the title

‘It was fun being on tv, but it was probably the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever done.

‘Toone’s goal was amazing and getting Russo’s shirt from the Sweden match was so exciting.’

After one final boogey to Neil Diamon’ds hit, Tess and her mum Sam got the 10pm train from London and arrived back home around 12.45am.

The nation’s most famous England fan was up early again for media duties when she appeared on Greg James’ Breakfast Show on BBC Radio One.

But she then put her football kit on and headed off to the Ultimate Football Coaching Academy’s summer holiday camp in Leeds.

Proud mum Sam, 49, said: ‘It was one of the most bonkers but amazing days.

‘We couldn’t go about five steps without people stopping us saying they recognised Tess from the tele.

‘Tess just took it all in her stride, she was posing for selfies with everybody.

‘When she went up to the studio and they put headphones on her and gave her the microphone, it was the first first time I’d seen her nervous.

‘But she handled it like a pro like she always does and we just made memories.

‘We got the 10pm train, we were offered to stay last night but she wanted to go to football camp, she’s really committed.’

She was interviewed by Gabby Logan, Ian Wright and Alex Scott on BBC1 before the England’s triumph against Germany.

Gabby Logan asked her what it was like to be at the final after her dance went viral and she said: ‘It feels crazy!’

‘I’m feeling very positive and I feel like we can win this match.’

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