Lioness goes deep into preparing for a match for a quarter-final clash with Sweden in the women’s Euro on Thursday evening, with Alex Greenwood likely to be a starter
Alex Greenwood hopes to perform similarly to his outstanding show against the Netherlands last week as the Lioness faces Sweden on Thursday evening. After passing the women’s Euro group stage – there was a moment of doubt early on, but the English team is preparing for a quarter-final clash with the Swedes, with much support from fans and their families.
For some time in Greenwood’s corner, Jack O’Connell, his partner who has been dating England International since the sixth Form College. Like the 31-year-old defender, former Premier League star O’Connell dedicated his life to football as he was a product of Blackburn Rovers Academy.
He made one appearance on the Lancashire side and eventually signed Brentford following a string of loans to Rotherham United, York City and Rochdale. O’Connell eventually settled in Sheffield United’s Starting XI in 2016, playing a key role in his promotion from League One to Top Flight, spending seven years at Blade.
The 31-year-old made 35 appearances in the Premier League, but injuries prevented him from his final two seasons with the Blade, forcing him to retire from the sport in 2023. O’Connell issued a statement on social media about his departure from professional football.
“Today I’m announcing my retirement from football. I’ve been involving my heart and soul in this recovery since knee problems began in June 2020, but this is a battle that I can’t win.”
O’Connell also notes the support of his partner Greenwood through the ups and downs of his career, calling her the “best talented” player and person. He added:
“And I am grateful for the games I played, the moment I lived on the pitch, and my teammates, many of whom will be friends forever.
“A few thanks so far. First off, to Alex, my partner who has given me support through my worst moments. She is a very talented footballer and it was a great comfort to see her career move from strength to strength. I am her biggest fan.”
Following his own sad exit, O’Connell was on hand to console Greenwood the same year that England advanced to the Women’s World Cup final in Australia. The former defender, as he told Sky Sports, was praising his girlfriend’s performance on the biggest stage. “(I’m) really proud of her.
“I was there from the beginning. I went to see Alex when she was 16. I can’t believe how much she’s grown up to now. I’m also her biggest critic, the standard she sets herself.
Now, Greenwood is aiming for even more international glory with Lioness as he is trying to hold the Eurotrophy in Switzerland. The UK will face Sweden in the Euro quarterfinals and kick off at 8pm on Thursday evening. They bounced back from their opening 2-1 defeat to France with 4-0 and 6-1 victories in the Netherlands and Wales, respectively.
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