England: Lauren Hemp still adjusting to being a role model after Euro 2022 | OneFootball

Any England fan can reflect on Euro 2022 and confidently say it lives as one of their core memories, so how must it feel for the players who made the magic happen?

The Lionesses ended the nation’s 56-year wait for a major trophy last summer after toppling European giants Germany in front of a record Wembley crowd.

While it’s a huge milestone moment for young players like Lauren Hemp, this is still just the start of their career.

The 22-year-old has been regarded as one of England’s most exciting young stars for many years now, but since becoming a regular for both club and country, Hemp is now a household name.

So many young girls were able to watch and be inspired by the Lionesses who made history at Euro 2022. A new generation has been rallied and the English game has changed forever.

However, being viewed as a role model is still something that Hemp is trying to wrap her head around.

Lauren Hemp adjusting to becoming a role model

“When I was younger, I never thought that I would be a role model,” she admitted after accepting her PFA Vertu Motors Fans’ Player of the Month Award earlier this season.

“I’ve looked up to so many people like Jill Scott and Steph Houghton, who I always wanted to be like when I was older, so to be recognised like that myself, it’s crazy.

“I’m still young so I feel like I’m still looking up to people now.”

Hemp plays with Houghton at Manchester City and shared the European stage with Scott when England lifted the trophy last summer.

And despite her modesty, she is one of the most recognised England Women’s players and many know her for her incredible attacking influence on the pitch.

Video: Watch Lauren Hemp reflect on winning Euro 2022 with England

Last season, she tallied ten goals and six assists in the Women’s Super League. She also contributed six goals for England throughout 2022, including one against the USA which, despite being a friendly, was very much viewed as a grudge match from the 2019 World Cup.

As well as lifting the Euro 2022 trophy with the Lionesses, she also won the Continental Cup with Man City.

“It’s been a pretty crazy year,” Hemp continued. “I feel like we haven’t had a chance to properly switch off and reminisce over how much of a fantastic year it’s been.

“I don’t think I’ll realise for another few years how special it has been because when you’re in the moment, you don’t realise how big [of an achievement] it is.

“With the Euros win in the summer then going straight back to club football, you don’t get time to think about how much has happened and how big it will be for the future of women’s football.”

What is next for Lauren Hemp?

Hemp is currently looking at defending the Conti Cup with City, as well as challenging in the FA Cup and for a spot in the Champions League next season.

As it stands, City are currently fourth in the WSL, just two points behind Arsenal who occupy the third and final European spot.

Hemp has contributed two goals and two assists in the WSL so far this season.