England legend Karen Carney: 'I’d like to run a football club one day'

As England gears up to host Euro 2022, ardent women’s football fans will recall similar preparations in 2005.

Blackpool, Manchester, Blackburn and Preston were among the cities to host matches during the two-week tournament, which was eventually won by Germany.

England were unable to take advantage of the home advantage and finished bottom of their group. But despite the disappointing showing, a 17-year-old Karen Carney was still able to make a name for herself.

The teenager scored the winning goal in a thrilling 3-2 victory against Finland, an encounter which took place in front of nearly 30,000 spectators at the City of Manchester Stadium.

This is an impressive attendance figure even by today’s standards, but Carney told GiveMeSport Women that the women’s game has come on by leaps and bounds since she played at Euro 2005.

“I think the broadcast deals, the way sponsors have jumped in and supported the game, has been magnificent,” she enthused.

“I think there’s more awareness of the tournament coming up. There’s more acceptance around women playing. In 2005 we probably weren’t quite there yet.

“The Women’s Super League has been really great this season, really exciting, and the Champions League has been really good as well. I think that’ll just make Euro 2022 even more exciting.

“I think we will break crowd records, and it should be the biggest women’s sport event in England since 2012. So, it’s one to be really excited about and I think everyone will get behind it.”

England’s final position at Euro 2022 should also be in stark contrast to 2005. The Lionesses are one of the favourites to win the title. Indeed, Carney believes the side are among “four or five” teams who could lift the trophy.

“I think England are up