One Norfolk venue will be particularly rowdy when the Lionesses attempt to make history by bringing home the Women’s World Cup trophy for the first time ever on Sunday.
North Walsham Football Club - the former home of star forward Lauren Hemp - will be abuzz with club members young and old cheering on the England team.
Lauren Hemp celebrates after scoring England's equaliser against Colombia (Image: PA)
Steve Gibbs, club chairman, said if the atmosphere during the club’s screening of Wednesday’s 3:1 win over Australia was anything to go by, the final against Spain would be a day to remember.
England’s Lauren Hemp celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final match at Stadium Australia, Sydney. (Image: PA)
He said: “We had some of our girl members down there as well as parents. It was a bit nervy at points but when Lauren scored, the roof nearly came off the clubhouse - there was a great buzz.
READ MORE: What a year! Lauren Hemp on the Euros, Christmas and her World Cup hopes
Young fans cheering on Lauren Hemp and the Lionesses at North Walsham Football Club during the semi-final against Australia on Wednesday (Image: Supplied)
“It was a fantastic win, and fantastic for the kids - especially the girls - to be able to see someone like Lauren from a small rural town that they can aspire to.”
Bob Wright, town mayor, said excitement was building ahead of the final.
Fans cheering on the Lionesses in the Euros final at North Walsham Football Club last year. (Image: Stuart Anderson)Mr Wright said: “The whole town is immensely proud of what Lauren has achieved, and what she will hopefully achieve this weekend.
“After the Lionesses won the Euros last year we gave Lauren the freedom of the town, now we’ll need to find something to top that.
A young Lauren Hemp, who played for North Walsham Football Club before moving on to Norwich City, Bristol City and eventually Manchester City and the England national team. (Image: Supplied)
“This is where she began her career and there’s a special reason to be proud.”
In March, businessman Rob Scammell commissioned a mural of Hemp on the side of a town centre building he owns.
The Lauren Hemp mural in North Walsham. (Image: Supplied)
Mr Scammell said he would not be able to extend the mural if England wins, but he would support another themed artwork elsewhere in the town.
“Lauren was phenomenal on Wednesday and this brings a huge feel-good factor to the town,” he said.
Due to space constraints, the football clubhouse will only be open to club members, but venues including the King’s Arms and the town's other pubs are planning to screen the game.
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