MK Dons Girls Centre of Excellence star Alice Hassall helped England Girls progress to UEFA Women’s Under-17s Championship semi finals on Monday.
In front of a crowd of 1,931 at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium, Hassall finished with a goal and an assist to her name as the young female Lions thrashed Group A rivals Portugal 6-1 to set up a meeting with Spain in the Final Four.
Hassall, who has eight international caps to her name, started alongside players from across the 32 FA Centre of Excellences, knowing victory would guarantee England a place in the semi final.
The Dons starlet provided the cross for Atlanta Primus to score the game’s second goal early in the first half before she later turned scorer with a well-taken penalty to increase England’s lead to 5-1. Hassall was then substituted in the 67th minute.
MK Dons Girls Centre of Excellence Manager Charlene Ward said afterwards: “We are all so proud of Alice. She is a great player who has worked so hard to be considered for the squad and is now showing what she can do amongst some of the best Elite Female footballers, not only nationally but now in Europe.
“We have been lucky enough to have Alice at the Centre since under-12s and we have seen her develop so much as a player in that time. Her effort and attitude has always helped inspire those around her, we are just so pleased that she is now getting chance on the international stage.
“We had the privilege of seeing Alice in the opening game of the Championships and despite the narrow loss against Italy the backline, with Alice in it, looked comfortable. We wish her and her England team mates the best of luck for the semis.
“This has not only been a great event for Alice, the Centres and players that have been represented, but this has also been a great event for female football generally, something we are all very proud to be part of.”
Hassall will now be hoping to be involved in the mouth-watering clash with the Spanish this coming Thursday with a place in the Final against either Germany or Italy up for grabs.
.Click here for full detailsTickets for both semi-finals are priced at £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions.
