Northern Ireland head coach Kenny Shiels says that Durham centre-back Sarah McFadden has been the best defender at this summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO alongside full-back Demi Vance.
Shiels made the comment in the post-match press conference following last night’s 5-0 defeat to England in Southampton.
Northern Ireland are going home after losing all three matches in the group stage but Shiels singled out McFadden and Vance for special praise.
“If you were picking a team of the tournament as of now, Northern Ireland have the best left-back in the tournament and we also have the best centre-back – Demi Vance at left-back and Sarah McFadden as our centre-half,” Shiels said.
“There’s nobody better in this tournament than those two but two isn’t enough, we have to try and develop players to reach those standards.”
Shiels went on the discuss the impact of McFadden further, outlining her qualities both on and off the pitch.
He said “She’s a brilliant competitor, she’s unbelievable in terms of if you are in her company, you warm to her. She’s the same on the pitch, she leads by her actions. She is a super human being and a fantastic player.
“She’s 35 and has just signed a full-time contract (at Durham) which is testament to her club. She’s a fantastic player and one who sets examples for the rest of the team.”
The UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 dream is over for Northern Ireland but players such as McFadden and Vance will be seen as pioneers of the women’s game in their homeland and they have set the standard for the nation’s future development.
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