Islanders praise 'safe' Euros after 'amazing' final

Guernsey's Maya Le Tissier celebrated after winning the Euros with teammates

Channel Islanders who travelled to Switzerland for the Euros have praised the tournament as being safe, accepting and inclusive after an "amazing" final.

The Lionesses became the first senior England football team - male or female - to win a trophy on foreign soil after beating World Champions Spain 3-1 on penalties.

Jo McKenzie-Larrabee travelled from Guernsey to Switzerland last week to watch England, along with her wife Pearl and friend Lisa.

She said the whole stadium "absolutely erupted" after Chloe Kelly scored the final penalty. She added: "I've been to a lot of football matches but I've never seen anything like that."

Jo McKenzie-Larrabee was in Basel to watch England with her friend Lisa and daughter Pearl

"I'm not a highly-emotional person, but it actually made me cry," she said.

"Sarina always comes up with the goods."

Mrs McKenzie-Larrabee, who also watched England's semi-final against Italy, praised the tournament's "inclusive" atmosphere.

"Everybody just kinds of gets on," she said.

"You're talking to the Spanish, you're talking to the Italians or whatever game you're at.

"You feel safe... It's been a wonderful experience for all of us."

Guernsey-born Maya Le Tissier was part of the Lionesses' record-breaking squad

Guernsey's Maya Le Tissier, who captains Manchester United, was in the record-breaking squad and provided valuable support for her teammates, despite not playing.

Her brother, Theo Le Tissier, was out in Switzerland supporting his sister and joined the team at their hotel after the match for their celebrations.

He said Maya was "ecstatic" after the victory and praised the team's "resilience factor".

"We don't like to make it look easy," he said

"I don't think my heart rate's stabilized yet."

He added he was excited to see "the impact this will have on women's football".

Alexandra, Sienna and Zara have been inspired to play football by the Lionesses

One of those feeling the impact back in the Channel Islands was Jersey footballer and community coach Roisin Flynn.

Miss Flynn said: "I remember I was one of the only girls at these camps about 10 years ago, so I love seeing all the girls come along - it's so much better now."

Her Jersey team-mate Poppy Benest said the sport's new-found popularity meant Jersey FA were able to put on two weeks of girls-only summer camps, compared to none a few years ago.

Chloe Kelly fan Cecily, 10, watched last night's game from back in Jersey, but got "so terrified she couldn't watch the penalties".

She said: "Some people say girls can't play, when we can."

Fleur, 6, said she was "amazed how all the players worked together and they all cheered".

She said she loved football because she got to "use my muscles" and enjoyed playing matches.

Fleur said she hoped last night's victory would inspire other girls to try football, but "if they don't want to they don't have to".