Georgia Stanway: The Euro 2022 winner fulfilling her dream in Germany

I stepped to the side before hitting it. I usually play the ball out to the wing, but for some reason nobody came towards me and it was the perfect time to hit it.

Georgia Stanway's eyes light up when she's asked about her thunderous extra-time winner for England against Spain.

Stanway started all six of the Lionesses' matches as they won the tournament.

Less than two weeks before England's opening game, coach SarinaWiegman was in a dilemma. The coach of the Lionesses wasn't sure if she could accommodate Stanway in her preferred position because she hadn't been selected frequently in central midfield.

Stanway says that Sarina told him that she wasn't sure where he would fit in. The only outcome for me was to do everything I could to prove what I can offer.

It was in Switzerland for England's final warm-up game that Stanway convinced Wiegman to start her in the Euros opener.

Stanway was able to play in the middle of the field in Switzerland. It was a thank you to Sarina for trusting me. I just bring a different dynamic to that area.

'I plateaued at City'

Stanway said that the change in England's mentality was due to the work ofWiegman.

She says thatarina has taught them to trust the process. She wouldn't allow anyone to look too far ahead with her. We thought we could do this after the semi- final.

Stanway has had a lot of activity in the last few months. Things had soured at City and she decided to sign for the German team.

She was at City from the age of 16 to 23. I won seven trophies and was the club's all-time leading scorer. I felt like I had peaked.

At left-back I was asked to fill in. While I'm happy to do a job, I didn't think I was getting any better.

It wasn't the way I wanted it to end when they offered me a contract very late. I wondered if it would be now or when. Is it a good time to go overseas? Is it the right time to move on?

'I do the dirty work - and Bayern appreciate that'

Stanway considers her combative style of play a perfect fit for the German game and is excited about her arrival.

Germany was the only team that regularly beat England in the youth teams. I kept an eye on the men's and women's national teams.

Germany were the team that everyone was scared to play against, and that fascinated me. Most of the girls are soft and lovely, but why were they perceived as having a hard shell? It's hard to crack.

When people don't want to play against me, I like it. Being able to match it with the tactical and technical aspects is what a team appreciates. I'm pretty amazed.

They were right for me when they approached me. When I win the ball back, I like to create catalysts. I can do the dirty work here. They really like the side of my game that's not flashy.

'I want to show the player I can be'

Stanway had other offers but, in just over two months, has immersed herself in Bavarian life and has been rewarded with a new set of team mates.

She says it's a real family feel. Good people are signed by them, not just good players.

I'm here to improve in life and find myself as a football player. Throwing yourself into a new culture, being rich in life and experience, the language, the food, the different environment, it's great and really eye- opening.

One of the most anticipated aspects of Stanway's arrival is the understanding she could have with the other person.

One of the players who faced Stanway in the Euros final is an attacking livewire for the team.

Stanway says he enjoys playing with his friend. I think we bounce off each other in that way because we both like to pass and keep the ball.

In the coming weeks, one of the key tests will be a meeting with Barcelona in the European Championship.

The Lionesses will be having a reunion for Stanway. Walsh and Bronze left City this summer to join Catalonia.

Stanway says it will be good to see them in their colors. I will be a little deeper and she will be a little deeper, that's the only good thing. We'd have a few laughs in the game if I were higher.

Stanway believes that signing for Bayern before the Euros influenced her performances at the tournament and that she is now in an environment that can nurture her talent further.

I think the reason I did so well at the Euros was because I was free at the time, and I already had a place to call home. I want to show the player that I'm capable of being.