WATCH - young Leeds United player's heart-warming reaction to Lionesses gesture after EURO 2022 celebration goes viral

A future Leeds United star captured the nation’s hearts on Tuesday night as England beat Sweden 4-0 to reach the Euro 2022 final.
By Flora Snelson
Published 28th Jul 2022, 15:51 GMT
Updated 28th Jul 2022, 16:12 GMT
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Eight-year-old Tess Dolan from Knaresborough was shown dancing and singing along to Sweet Caroline on television after the final whistle at Bramall Lane sealed the Lionesses’ passage to the grand finale of the home tournament.

With goals by Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby, England gave a barn-storming performance to see off the one-time champions in front of a record-breaking 28,624-strong crowd in Sheffield.

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As celebrations went on in South Yorkshire and across the country, footage of Tess giving an impassioned performance of the nation’s beloved football anthem circulated on social media.

The following morning, Tess and her grandmother Susan spoke to England and Arsenal legend Ian Wright on BBC breakfast to give her reaction and make a prediction for the final, which the Lionesses will compete against Germany at Wembley on Sunday evening.

"It was the best football match I've been to so far,” Tess said. "It was amazing. I didn't know I was on television until my mum got lots of text messages from people. I was just dancing and enjoying myself.”

A Manchester United fan from North Yorkshire, Tess also revealed that she will soon be donning the colours of her rival club as she has been accepted into the Leeds United regional talent centre.

Tess Dolan, 8, has become an Internet sensation after being filmed dancing at the England Women’s game last night in Sheffield, pictured at her home in West Yorks, Jul 27 2022. See SWNS story SWLEfan. A young England fan who captured the hearts of the nation with her joyful celebration is hoping to roar the Lionesses on to Euros success in the final on Wembley. Tess Dolan, eight, warmed the hearts of tv viewers when cameras caught her singing and dancing to Sweet Caroline after England smashed Sweden 4-0 at Bramhall Lane. Now the footy-mad youngster hopes to be at Wembley on Sunday when Sarina Wiegman's side take on the winners of France vs Germany. And while she insists she 'can't predict the future', Tess said: "I have a lot of faith in them to win. I feel like they have a big chance of beating either of them. Tess Dolan, 8, has become an Internet sensation after being filmed dancing at the England Women’s game last night in Sheffield, pictured at her home in West Yorks, Jul 27 2022. See SWNS story SWLEfan. A young England fan who captured the hearts of the nation with her joyful celebration is hoping to roar the Lionesses on to Euros success in the final on Wembley. Tess Dolan, eight, warmed the hearts of tv viewers when cameras caught her singing and dancing to Sweet Caroline after England smashed Sweden 4-0 at Bramhall Lane. Now the footy-mad youngster hopes to be at Wembley on Sunday when Sarina Wiegman's side take on the winners of France vs Germany. And while she insists she 'can't predict the future', Tess said: "I have a lot of faith in them to win. I feel like they have a big chance of beating either of them.
Tess Dolan, 8, has become an Internet sensation after being filmed dancing at the England Women’s game last night in Sheffield, pictured at her home in West Yorks, Jul 27 2022. See SWNS story SWLEfan. A young England fan who captured the hearts of the nation with her joyful celebration is hoping to roar the Lionesses on to Euros success in the final on Wembley. Tess Dolan, eight, warmed the hearts of tv viewers when cameras caught her singing and dancing to Sweet Caroline after England smashed Sweden 4-0 at Bramhall Lane. Now the footy-mad youngster hopes to be at Wembley on Sunday when Sarina Wiegman's side take on the winners of France vs Germany. And while she insists she 'can't predict the future', Tess said: "I have a lot of faith in them to win. I feel like they have a big chance of beating either of them.
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"I'm very excited but the thought of wearing a Leeds tracksuit is weird,” she said, “But it is a big opportunity.

"I hope to play for Manchester United and England when I'm older."

After the aspiring footballer explained that she didn’t have tickets for the Lionesses’ historic final on Sunday, BBC presenter Gabby Logan invited Tess to join her on the live broadcast of the second semi-final between Germany and France on Wednesday night.

Live on air, Logan told Tess that she could have two tickets for the Wembley showdown and the youngster’s reaction was priceless.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Lucy Bronze, Fran Kirby and Lauren Hemp line up for the national anthem during the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 Semi Final match between England and Sweden at Bramall Lane on July 26, 2022 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Lucy Bronze, Fran Kirby and Lauren Hemp line up for the national anthem during the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 Semi Final match between England and Sweden at Bramall Lane on July 26, 2022 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Lucy Bronze, Fran Kirby and Lauren Hemp line up for the national anthem during the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 Semi Final match between England and Sweden at Bramall Lane on July 26, 2022 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
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Lost for words, Tess clutched her face with excitement and nodded enthusiastically as Logan explained that the England players needed her support in the stadium.

On Sunday evening, Sarina Wiegman’s players will fight eight-time Champions Germany for their first ever European Championship title.

Kicking off at 5pm, the match will be broadcast live on BBC One and streamed on BBC iPlayer.

Related topics:EnglandKnaresboroughIan WrightBBC