Olly Ashall-Bott proud of girlfriend Georgia Stanway following Lionesses’ success
Toulouse full-back Olly Ashall-Bott has expressed his delight for girlfriend and England star Georgia Stanway following their Euros success over Germany.
The Lionesses claimed a 2-1 victory during extra-time at Wembley Stadium, lifting the trophy in front of a crowd of 87,192.
Ashall-Bott, 24, flew over from France for the game on Saturday and had the chance to join the after-match party before catching an early-morning flight back to prepare for Thursday’s Super League game at Hull KR.
He flew to London after his side’s loss to Hull on Friday night at Stade Ernest-Wallon.
I was buzzing and so happy for her: Olly Ashall-Bott on Georgia Stanway
“I’m just so glad that I got the chance to go see her,” said Ashall-Bott.
“I hadn’t caught an England game before because our fixtures didn’t align. When I was playing, she was playing. But we had the weekend off and Sylvain Houles let me go – I don’t think he could have said no.
“And what a game to go see! They got the job done in front of a full stadium. I was buzzing and so happy for her and the team.
“It sounds weird but it feels like I played in it myself. Because we’re so close, I think I got the same feeling as her – maybe not quite as much but I still feel like I won as well.
“And sharing moments like that with her is just incredible for me. There’s a video of me on TV giving her a hug at Wembley, memories like that you never forget.
“I got to go to the after-match party and see all the girls – I know most of them because I’ve been with Georgia for a long time.
“I’m not going to say too much because she’ll get big-headed but she knows how proud I am of her.”
A massive achievement for every sport
Meanwhile, Ashall-Bott believes the Lionesses’ triumph can leave an indelible mark on world sport. Stanway, 23, scored England’s match-winning goal in the quarter-final against Spain. She will get to return the favour on Thursday night at Craven Park, with Toulouse facing Hull KR.
“I don’t think they’ve stopped partying yet,” he said. “I said to her: ‘Enjoy these moments because they don’t come around often’.
“I just think it’s massive for every sport out there, all genders. A few years ago when I first got with Georgia, they were getting just over 1,000 people to a game.
“I’ve been fully behind it since I met Georgia and it’s crazy how big it’s got, for women in general, forget about football and sport, it’s massive for women.
“I don’t think you can compare men’s and women’s football any more, it’s just sport now.”
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