Jill Scott on England's chances in the upcoming European Championships: "It's 'dare to dream' time, because being in this squad for so long, the only thing that's missing is a gold medal"
Tuesday 28 June 2022 17:17, UK
By the time we sit down it is almost 9.30 at night. She had a 6am pick-up, a four-hour delay at the airport and she's still wet from the post-dinner team walk in the rain where, for the record, she was one of the only players not in a coat – 'you can't take the Sunderland out of the girl' etc.
Jill Scott is, as ever, a walking bundle of warmth, positivity and fun.
The 10 major tournament appearances and 156 caps have taught her to appreciate every moment, even if it's in a departure lounge not knowing when a replacement pilot might arrive. "It went pretty quickly," she says. "I just had a cup of tea and as we were all back home this weekend it was quite nice to catch up with the girls."
If that's the most disruptive thing to happen over the next few weeks then the Lionesses can think themselves lucky - major tournaments have a habit of throwing up the unexpected. Having people who can embrace the unpredictable and unforeseen and take it in their stride, in Scott's case a very long one, could prove crucial if England are to win a first major trophy.
She's certainly ready for the ride: "I am so excited, I'm like a kid again. It's an incredible feeling to be going into a home euros with such a talented squad. I'm so excited for this journey, it's like going on a rollercoaster and I am going to be the one at the back with my hands up in the air.
"I want to go and enjoy it all take it all in. I don't want to miss a second - I am going to have my eyes open at the back of this ride."
It's taken a bit of time but there is an acceptance from Scott, who is currently without a club next season after leaving Manchester City, that as much as she feels she still can at 35 she's unlikely to play every minute of every game: "I'm really hoping during this tournament I can be a big help off the pitch as well. It's no secret that I haven't had a massive amount of game time over the last year for England but I am trying to help the girls in other ways too.
"Maybe a bit of tactical stuff in midfield or just being there for them to speak to and offload on - playing in tournaments is difficult, especially when you get to game six or game seven."
That said, 16 years on from her debut Scott is as eager as ever to make a playing impact: "I still massively believe that I can add value on the pitch.
"I don't want people thinking I am solely here for off-pitch involvement. I'm training everyday at such a high standard, I made sure I was fit [having missed the end of the WSL season with a knee injury] and ready to compete for a place and then got picked, so I think it's kind of finding that balance.
"In every training session I'm going to push myself, I think it's so important that you bring that energy and that professionalism. I'm hoping I can just kind of have an overall role. I don't know how the tournament is going to pan out but if I'm needed I'll be ready."
Scott certainly showed that willingness in her performance against Spain earlier this year, holding her own against the Ballon d'Or winner Alexis Putellas in the Arnold Clark Cup. "I think that was kind of good for myself, I hadn't had a lot of game time at Man City and then I was called upon to start against one of the best teams, playing against some of the best players in the world.
"I thought I did alright and although I'm 35 now, I feel good. I think that's down to the training and expertise, I have to keep pushing."
Whatever part Scott plays over the next few weeks there is no doubting the impact she's had on her sport. Whilst some of the England squad might be a little hesitant about the prospect of being thrust in the spotlight during a home Euros, Scott will, no doubt, cope effortlessly with the pressure.
"I love people," she says. "I love having conversations so I don't mind at all. I love talking about football and meeting new people."
Anyone who has listened to her podcast will testify to that. She's clearly revered and trusted by her former and current teammates to open up. "Some of those stories should have been edited out," she jokes. In reality, it was the unedited, completely authentic version of Scott that she set out to reveal.
She also understands what is at stake over the next few weeks aside from results. Scott knows this is a game-changing moment for women's football in this country. The midfielder is using her status to help sustain that interest and emotional connection with a group of players she believes can go and make history.
There's one more challenge before the tournament starts, as England take on Switzerland on Thursday with Scott hoping to make her first appearance since being confirmed in Sarina Wiegman's 23-player squad. She finishes by saying: "It's 'dare to dream' time, because being in this squad for so long, the only thing that's missing is a gold medal."
Keep up with all the latest from Euro 2022 across Sky Sports and Sky Sports News this summer.
Coverage will be anchored by Sky Sports WSL presenter Caroline Barker, alongside Jessica Creighton and Kyle Walker. Meanwhile, Karen Carney, Sue Smith, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk and Laura Bassett will give analysis throughout the tournament.
They will also be joined by experienced England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley and Manchester City defender Esme Morgan.
The pundits and presenters will work from the Sky Sports Women's Euro 2022 Mobile Presentation Bus, which will follow the Sky Sports News team around the country to the various stadiums where matches are being played.
In addition, Sky Sports' Essential Football Podcast will be rebranded for the tournament to Sky Sports Women's Euros Podcast rom 21 June. Hosted by Charlotte Marsh and Anton Toloui, it will feature exclusive news and player interviews in addition to a strong programme line up around the tournament.
Group A: England, Austria, Norway, Northern Ireland
Group B: Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland
Group C: Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Switzerland
Group D: France, Italy, Belgium, Iceland
Group stage
Wednesday July 6
Group A: England vs Austria - kick off 8pm, Old Trafford
Thursday July 7
Group A: Norway vs Northern Ireland - kick off 8pm, St Mary's
Friday July 8
Group B: Spain vs Finland - kick off 5pm, Stadium MK
Group B: Germany vs Denmark - kick off 8pm, London Community Stadium
Saturday July 9
Group C: Portugal vs Switzerland - kick off 5pm, Leigh Sports Village
Group C: Netherlands vs Sweden - kick off 8pm, Bramall Lane
Sunday July 10
Group D: Belgium vs Iceland - kick off 5pm, Manchester City Academy Stadium
Group D: France vs Italy - kick off 8pm, New York Stadium
Monday July 11
Group A: Austria vs Northern Ireland - kick off 5pm, St Mary's
Group A: England v Norway - kick off 8pm, Brighton and Hove Community Stadium
Tuesday July 12
Group B: Denmark vs Finland - kick off 5pm, Stadium MK
Group B: Germany vs Spain - kick off 8pm, London Community Stadium
Wednesday July 13
Group C: Sweden vs Switzerland - kick off 5pm, Bramall Lane
Group C: Netherlands v Portugal - kick off 8pm, Leigh Sports Village
Thursday July 14
Group D: Italy vs Iceland - kick off 5pm, Manchester City Academy Stadium
Group D: France vs Belgium - kick off 8pm, New York Stadium
Friday July 15
Group A: Northern Ireland v England - kick off 8pm, St Mary's
Group A: Austria vs Norway - kick off 8pm, Brighton and Hove Community Stadium
Saturday July 16
Group B: Finland vs Germany - kick off 8pm, Stadium MK
Group B: Denmark vs Spain - kick off 8pm, London Community Stadium
Sunday July 17
Group C: Switzerland vs Netherlands - kick off 5pm, Bramall Lane
Group C: Sweden vs Portugal - kick off 5pm, Leigh Sports Village
Monday July 18
Group D: Iceland vs France - kick off 8pm, New York Stadium
Group D: Italy vs Belgium - kick off 8pm, Manchester City Academy Stadium
Knockout phase
Quarter-finals
Wednesday July 20
Quarter-final 1: Winners Group A v Runners-up Group B - kick off 8pm, Brighton and Hove Community Stadium
Thursday July 21
Quarter-final 2: Winners Group B v Runners-up Group A - kick off 8pm, London Community Stadium
Friday July 22
Quarter-final 3: Winners Group C v Runners-up Group D - kick off 8pm, Leigh Sports Village
Quarter-final 4: Winners Group D v Runners-up Group C - kick off 8pm, New York Stadium
Semi-finals
Tuesday July 26
Semi-final 1: Winners quarter-final 1 v Winners quarter-final 3 - kick off 8pm, Bramall Lane
Wednesday July 27
Semi-final 2: Winners quarter-final 2 v Winners quarter-final 4 - kick-off 8pm, Stadium MK
Final
Sunday July 31
Winners semi-final 1 v Winners semi-final 2 - kick off 5pm, Wembley
