Phil Neville consoled an emotional Fran Kirby after England Women's 1-0 win over Argentina at the World Cup, saying they hoped the late mums of both Kirby and goalkeeper Carly Telford were looking down on them.
The Lionesses duo both started in England's second World Cup clash in Le Havre on Friday night, with a second-half goal from Jodie Taylor pushing them through to the last 16 with a game in hand.
After the match, Neville could be seen consoling an emotional Kirby who had played the game on her late mum's birthday.
Her mum died suddenly after suffering a brain hemorrhage when Fran was 14 years old. Telford's mum passed away last year after suffering from cancer.
Asked about the exchange with Kirby, 25, in his post-match press conference, Neville said: "We're a family.
"We were aware today [Friday] that it was Fran's mum's birthday.
"It's been well documented, her love, and the affection that she has for her mother, and how much she misses her.
"We had Carly Telford who lost her mother this [past] year as well.
"Carly made her World Cup debut today after being in many, many a World Cup squad, many a European Championship squad and never having to get on the pitch.
"I think in the huddle at the end, what we did, we made reference to the fact that we hope their two mums were looking down on them, they were very proud of their performances.
"I thought Fran was outstanding tonight. We help each other, today's been a really emotional day today for everybody.
"Fran is a special person who misses her mum, and so too does Carly Telford.
"We shared their emotion, we shared their happiness, and we shared their sadness."
