She does not have an official title or even a formal role, but Jill Scott remains almost as important to England now as she did when she was a marauding, destructive midfielder in her prime.
She does not have an official title or even a formal role, but Jill Scott remains almost as important to England now as she did when she was a marauding, destructive midfielder in her prime.
There are 23 players in the England squad in Switzerland, as well as a legion of coaches and support staff under manager Sarina Wiegman. Then there is Scott. The I’m A Celebrity winner and prominent podcaster remains – as she always has been – at the heart of things at the European Championship.
She has appeared regularly on the Lionesses’ social media channels, asking players questions sent in by fans, but it is her role behind the scenes that is the most crucial. Part mentor, part in-house entertainment, she is like a mother to some of the younger players and a trusted sounding board for the more senior ones.
Asked about her former team-mate’s continued presence in and around the camp, captain Leah Williamson was lavish in her praise.
“We can’t get rid of her,” she laughed. “I’ve had a couple of conversations this tournament already with Jill, one-to-one.
“I know she’s a funny character and one of the less serious of previous teams, but she can be and she has so many experiences of her own. She has this incredible perspective, she does actually help us out.
“When she retired we were begging for somebody to employ her within the FA just to bring her along. I’m glad that she is here and she’s found a way to be here. It’s only ever a positive thing for the team.
“She’s one of the greatest team-mates I’ve ever had. Even the girls that weren’t in that team and just know her as who she is now, can see why. I think she’s a great example of who we should aim to be so I’m glad she’s around.”
Scott retired three years ago and last played for her country when she came off the bench as the Lionesses beat Germany in the final of the 2022 Euros. It was a memorable climax to an illustrious playing career and the last of her 161 appearances for England.
She has enjoyed plenty of success since, being crowned “Queen of the Jungle” in I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here in 2022, becoming a key part of Gary Neville’s Overlap podcast stable – where she has formed an unlikely friendship with the prickly and argumentative Roy Keane – and enjoying a role on the BBC’s coverage of the Euros.
Cockroach tickling your ear drum, no thank you very much!!! @jillscottJS8 playing an absolute blinder there. 🪳👂 #ImACelebpic.twitter.com/6Om4nHie6x
— I'm A Celebrity... (@imacelebrity) November 17, 2022
Scott also remains a part of the England team, in a non-playing capacity, with the Football Association sensibly keeping her around. She performed a similar role at the World Cup two years ago, talking to players and helping steer them through the stress and strain of a major tournament.
As one source within the England camp told Telegraph Sport: “Everyone loves having Jill around. If you know Jill, if you’ve ever met her, you’ll know why.
“She is brilliant around the place. She comes and goes, she lifts spirits, she makes people laugh, but there is a serious side to her as well.
“People go to her for advice, no matter who they are or how experienced they are. Everyone respects her, everyone listens when she speaks. It just makes sense to have her around and Sarina loves and trusts her.”
Influence secret to England’s recovery
Wiegman said England would not have won the last Euros without Scott, even though she barely got on the pitch. She was the glue that helped stick things together behind the scenes and has continued to be.
Scott’s influence has been one of the secrets behind England’s impressive recovery from an opening defeat by France. England responded to that desperately poor performance with a 4-0 win over the Netherlands and a 6-1 thrashing of Wales. After two years of inconsistent form and worrying results, they are playing like one of the tournament favourites again.
When Georgia Stanway spoke to the media before the Netherlands game, she talked about wanting to play “proper English” football again. She talked about everyone pulling together. She said she was sick of talking about how good England could be, it was time to prove it.
It is something Wiegman has since revealed was the thing she was most pleased about in the aftermath of that setback. It was a message Scott has constantly endorsed as a player and now a mentor.
But there is, as ever with this effervescent character, always humour and fun. As part of her role with the BBC, the former Sunderland, Everton and Manchester City midfielder is accepting a series of challenges from the Lionesses. These include playing the Swiss Horn, a challenge set by Keira Walsh, and trying fondue, from Lauren Hemp. There are plenty of double entendres, but mainly just laughter and smiles. The affection both players have for Scott is obvious in the videos setting the challenge.
Scott’s life may have moved on since retirement but she will never leave the Lionesses entirely – and nobody involved would want her not to be there.
Category: General Sports
