SO LAST week I turned 23 and England beat Wales. I don’t know if it gets any better than that.
We all decided to watch the bitter rivalry together as a team and what a game it was.
To see the Welsh girls celebrating Joe Hart’s opener to the silence at the final whistle when Daniel Sturridge secured the victory late on was just perfect.
Training the next day was fun to say the least, although these celebrations were short-lived as England struggled to break down a Slovakian side and Wales unfortunately put three past Russia.
With all the group games played Wales have finished top of the group.
The Welsh girls thought it was appropriate to turn up to training the next day in Wales attire. I hope management took notice and they all get fined to teach them a lesson.
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Let’s digress. Firstly, I understand squad rotation is important in major tournaments and some players would need a rest coming off the back of a demanding football season.
But six changes I feel was a little drastic. Especially after just scraping the result against Wales.
How we’ve managed to draw again with the amount of possession we had is beyond me.
However, I remain positive as we go into the last 16 unbeaten and face Iceland on Monday night.
Also, finishing runners-up of the group is not the end of the world. I did try to tell the Welsh girls that we are both on and off the pitch tactical geniuses as by being runners-up of the group we have an extra two days rest.
Wales have to play on the Saturday and we play on the Monday. This could be a problem for Wales as I wonder how Gareth Bale’s back will hold up after carrying the nation all tournament.
I’m sure he could have done with the extra two days rest.
This week was topped off with a behind-closed-doors friendly against Yeovil Town Ladies, who are currently top of WSL 2.
It was a great chance to get out there and shake a few cobwebs off before the second half of the season gets underway.
We won the game 3-1 and displayed some great football in spells which the management was pleased with.
On a more personal note, I was chuffed to get on the pitch for the last 15 minutes after not playing competitively in months.
Now all preparations will focus on the Arsenal game which is just over a week away.
As you may have already seen advertised, the Arsenal fixture will feature directly after London Bees v Chelsea.
This double header will be taking place at The Hive next Saturday (July 2).
London Bees kick-off 2pm and ours is 5pm. For all information on ticket prices please visit reading.fawsl.com.
Hopefully see you there.
Got a question for Lois or a topic you’d like her to cover in her next column? Tweet us @WokinghamSport or email [email protected].
Questions from @Basilisagooner:
How has your life changed since becoming professional?
Lois: Day-to-day life has changed dramatically from sitting in an office 9-5 to training full time, whether it be in the gym or out on the training pitch.
Becoming a professional footballer has been a dream come true not only for myself but for all us girls. I feel so lucky that now my life revolves around what I love doing and what I’ve wanted to do since I could remember.
And is it what you expected?
Lois: It’s everything and more than I expected. Everyday is a different challenge and I’m really enjoying it.
Some days are very demanding and I think us girls and our bodies are still adapting to it. It’s hard work and I don’t think there are days where I’ve not got DOMs (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) or a little niggle here and there but I guess we wouldn’t change it for the world.
