Everton Women Head Into World Sevens Semi-Finals

Everton Women are into the semi-finals of World Sevens London against Manchester United after a thrilling 8-2 win over Leicester City in their final group stage game.

A dominant performance from the Toffees saw them race into an early lead with Katja Snoeijs’ brace adding to strikes from Kelly Gago and a first in blue for Australian international Clare Wheeler.

Ruby Mace, Hannah Blundell, Hikaru Kitagawa and Rosa van Gool added to the scoreline in the second half as the Toffees added to their opening day victory over London City Lionesses, following a narrow extra time defeat to Chelsea.

The tournament, the first to be run in the United Kingdom, has earned rave reviews with players from all eight teams producing unique walkouts onto the pitch and elaborate goal celebrations.

The Toffees have been as creative as anyone in that regard, with the team producing a choreographed “birth” routine that garnered wide attention and paid tribute to the injured Everton players who could not make the tournament.

Scott Phelan’s side will take on United at midday on Saturday, looking to advance to the final at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium later in the day.

“(The tournament) has been unbelievable, in terms of the energy in the stadium, the noise and the excitement,” said Phelan.

“The players are able to be creative on and off the pitch, and showcase their personalities.

“I think our group have shown their togetherness and unity. They’re so close on and off the pitch, and that’s been reflected in certain moments.

“The way that they recognised the injured players who couldn’t be here, with the routine they choreographed through the day, was amazing.

“We’ve had fun on and off the pitch, and that was proven in the goals that we scored (against Leicester).

“We’re looking forward now to the semi-final today.”

Midfielder Ruby Mace, with two goals to her name so far in the tournament, is loving the excitement and the vibes around the tournament, and is looking forward to the Toffees taking on United.

“It feels crazy to be in the semi-finals,” said Mace. “We came into the tournament not expecting too much but we are so happy to be here. For us to come out on top in the last two games and to get to the semi-finals, there is more to play for.

“This tournament is so different to what we are used to and coming here with these girls and the energy that we have has made it a hundred times better.

“I’m so proud to play for Everton. In moments like this, we get to score goals and celebrate together. I feel like sometimes in life you find where you feel at home, and I definitely feel that at Everton.

“Everything about Everton feels like home for me, the way we play, the people, the supporters and I feel at my happiest here.”