Central England Co-op colleagues backing their local Lioness heroes for victory ahead of Euros final

As the nation prepares for the final of the Women’s Euros 2022 at Wembley this weekend, Central England Co-op (CEC) colleagues are giving their support to some of the local Lionesses raised near their stores.

Colleagues across CEC’s 260 plus stores will be donning their England colours and dressing their stores to give their backing to the England team as they look to beat Germany in the final on Sunday.

However, some stores have special reasons to back the girls on Sunday with a number of the players having grown up in the communities they serve.

The Lionesses have featured three players from South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, where CEC have a number of food stores, with one of the players of the tournament centre-back Millie Bright growing up in Killamarsh, striker Beth England from Barnsley and goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck from Sheffield.

Steve Herbert, Store Manager at CEC’s Eckington food store just down the road from where Millie grew up, said his team were backing Millie and the team to bring it home on Sunday.

He said: “All of us here at Eckington have been really excited at the fantastic run to the final and the incredible performances of the Lionesses during the Euros.

“Seeing a local girl like Millie right at the heart of it all and playing so well has made it all the more exciting and we will be backing the team to go all the way and win the cup on Sunday.”

England’s number one goalkeeper Mary Earps made some vital stops in the semi-final victory over Sweden, and she was born and grew up in Nottingham.

Jenny Hurst, Store Manager at CEC’s Farnborough Road store in Nottingham, said: “Like the rest of the country I have been so proud of the Lionesses’ brilliant performances this summer and having a Nottingham girl really starring has made it extra special for the team here.”

Another key part of the England team’s success has been North Norfolk-born winger Lauren Hemp, who was born and grew up in North Walsham, between CEC stores in Cromer and Reepham.

Reepham Store Manager Brad Tuckfield said: “We will be backing the Lionesses this weekend to do the job and we’re thrilled that Lauren is representing North Norfolk so well and everyone here at the Reepham store will be desperate to see us win it on Sunday. It’s coming home!”

CEC stores have some great offers available this weekend for shoppers looking to stock up ahead of the game.

Customers and members will hopefully be able to toast an England win with Co-op Irresistible Prosecco available for £6, or for those particularly confident supporters Victorious Gin is available this weekend for just £10.

There are also some great snacking options, with Co-op Irresistible Crisps £1.25 a bag this weekend, 3 packs of popcorn and candyfloss 2 for £3 and for those after a bit of cake for the big game, Co-op Irresistible Chocolate and Red Velvet Cakes are just £2.50.

To find a local CEC store, visit https://stores.centralengland.coop