Sunday (arrival)

We all played our league fixtures on Sunday afternoon and then met up with the squad later on that evening. We played Cardiff and won 5-0 so I was smiling…. I met with Vic Exley and Siobhan who had played against each other, Bristol winning 4-2. Subsequently there was a lot of banter going on in the car - I had to break up a few fights along the way whilst driving :-)

My Sat Nav said it would take 2 and a half hours to get there; 4 hours later we were still stuck in traffic. We arrived at the Holiday Inn Maidenhead at 11 that night (a very long day!) Rach Unitt was out injured - a big blow to the team – however Bass was recalled and came straight back into the gang (she always brings the hot chocolate but we obviously like her for more than that!)

Monday

AM - It was an early wake up call (7am) and we had a lot to get through before the game on Wednesday. We trained at Bisham Abbey and the hard work starts, looking first at defending strategies. Then it was a quick shower and lunch and we were on the flight to Stuttgart. I was sat next to my car buddies which was really interesting (they slept for the whole journey waking up for a drink then back snoring).

PM -The most amusing part of the trip! Myself, Bass and Vic decided to watch Saw 2 when we received a phone call from Mary saying 'you have to come and see this'. Not knowing what to expect we marched down to Yanks and Mary’s room but just before we got there a scary lady appeared with a blue face, white dressing gown and buns in her hair!! It was quite a scary site we all screamed and ran off. Who was this person??? Yanks will hate me for taking her picture but that will teach her for doing a facial at camp!

Tuesday (day before playing World Champs)

We trained twice today to try to fit everything in so we were prepared for playing the best team in the world. Due to us training twice we needed a lot of recovery so two ice baths, two pool sessions and lots of food and rest and yes, another film. Tonight it was Save The Last Dance 2 and we were all swooning over Miles in the film. Early to bed.

Wednesday - Game day

The day was pretty quiet, we met a German family whom Yanks had befriended during Euro 2001, they taught us all about German history. It was very interesting finding out about different countries and cultures.

On the way to the game most people were focusing with their ipods on, there seemed to be a bit of tension on the bus and the realisation that we were actually playing the World Champs.

When we arrived there were already people at the ground so we knew it was going to be another big crowd. The game was live on ARD a German channel that is the equivalent of our BBC.

Game

The game started brightly for us as we competed in all areas and we scored a well deserved opener - Alex Scott great finish (not sure of the celebration, ha). Then the Germans started to take hold of the game and scored two quick goals and at half time it was 2-1. We had held our own against the World’s best and all the girls should have been proud.

In the second half we made a few changes and the Germans upped a gear, which we struggled to cope with. Prinz scored the third goal. This, I feel, was all set up for her, it was her 100th goal, 154th cap AND her birthday (wonder if she swapped her shirt at the end??!). The Germans then stormed on to win 5-1.

We were all really disappointed and down at the end of the game but then realised what a great experience it was and what lessons we have just learnt (this is what we have to aim to be like in 11months).

For me that was the best that we have played against the Germans we seemed to open them up more than ever before and maybe if we were a little bit more clinical and maybe had a little bit more belief the score line could have been different.

The night of the game most people were very subdued and most people just discussed the game in their rooms. How different from the celebrations in France (back to reality). Oh the highs and lows of football!!

Thursday

Early wake up call of 6.30am everyone was sleepy and tired and still thinking about the game the day before. However, when we arrived at the airport everyone suddenly woke up and decided to give me a make over (much needed with the bags under my eyes from the early morning)

Casey Stoney was very artistic doing my eye make up and painting tear drops on my cheeks. Bass joined in and totally stitched me up by making me look like a clown. At least it took everyone’s mind off the game for a bit even though I was the butt of the joke!

After much scrubbing of the face it was time to board the plane. It was really windy on the flight home so not the nicest journey (good job the gaffer wasn’t on board). Another three hour car journey back to Leeds ready for training to prepare for our big game against Blackburn.

By Sue Smith (helped by the gang)