"The experience of the youngsters out in Belarus will also prove vital when it comes to the Champions League.

England claimed a first UEFA European Women’s Championship in any age group with a 2-0 victory over Sweden.

Having scored 12 goals and conceded none, coach Marley said the title was reward for consistency and having had that “little bit extra” in the final.

Swedish counterpart Calle Barrling put it more strongly as he conceded Sweden had “lost to a better team.”

Marley said: “Over the competition, we were probably the most consistent team. We've come across some excellent sides and the final was exceptionally difficult for the players.

“They struggled to find their fluidity, but when it's tight it's all about that little bit extra. I've said to the girls all week that the final will be decided by that little bit of quality and that was the difference between two strong, brave teams. We know we've had a tough game, and we've come through.

“This is the result of 15 years work from grass roots level right up to the senior teams, and over the last four or five years that effort has started coming out on the pitch.

“We've done well in the past and I think there's more to come. We talked to the players before the game about setting the path and not following the trail and now this age group has done it we'd like to think there was more to come across the board. We hope this is only the start.

“It's an unbelievable feeling. Everybody aspires to do it and it's your ultimate ambition but I never thought it would be this England team, something I was involved in. We're all just delighted, shocked. It's great and will hopefully inspire us for the future.”

Starting on Thursday, perhaps...