Women's World Cup: England boss Phil Neville pays touching tribute to Fran Kirby and her late mum

'We shared their emotion, we shared their happiness and we shared their sadness'

Phil Neville dedicated England’s Women’s World Cup victory over Argentina to the late mothers of Fran Kirby and Carly Telford, telling his players: “We are a family.”

England secured passage to the round of 16 with their second win from their first two group games, though the three points came hard-earned against a resolute Argentina side, inspired by goalkeeper Vanina Correa.

Kirby lost her mother Denise to a brain haemorrhage 11 years ago, when she was only 14-years-old, and the win over Argentina came on what would have been her mother’s birthday.

The Chelsea playmaker broke down in tears after the final whistle at the Stade Oceane in Le Havre, only to be comforted out on the pitch by Neville and several of her team-mates.

Telford, meanwhile, made her first appearance at a major finals despite being named as a back-up goalkeeper in each of England’s last four tournament squads. The 31-year-old lost her mother to cancer last year.

Neville paid tribute to both players and their families after the win, telling Kirby: “We are a family. We were aware today that it was Fran mother’s birthday. It’s been well-documented, her love and her affection that she has for her mother and how much she misses her.

“We had Carly Telford who lost her mother this year as well. Carly made her World Cup debut today after being in many, many a World Cup squad and many, many a European Championship squad and never having to get on the pitch.

“I think in the huddle at the end, we made reference to the fact that we hope that their two mums were looking down on them and were very proud of their performances. I thought Fran was outstanding tonight.

“We help each other. Today’s been really an emotional day for everybody because Fran is a special person who misses her mum. So does Carly Telford. So today we shared their emotion, we shared their happiness and we shared their sadness.”