The girls taking inspiration from the World Cup

England's World Cup match against Ghana may have been somewhat disappointing for fans, but the potential footballers of tomorrow say they still find themselves inspired watching their heroes on the world stage.

"I find it really exciting, because I picture myself playing there one day," said Emily, who plays for Worcester City FC's (WCFC) under-13 girls. "It's my dream."

The club's owner Simon Lancaster said there were now around 500 boys and girls playing for its various youth sides.

"That's vital for the football club to secure its future, because they're the future fans and sponsors - and players," he said.

Like Emily, Georgia and April from the under-14 team want to be professional footballers.

"I think it's really inspiring," said April. "They started from very little and they've become these big players.

"Watching them play, it's just really inspiring.

Georgia added: "It gives me confidence in myself that I can make it one day."

Lancaster said it was vital that the club "tapped into" that excitement.

"We want to get the boys and girls along to watch matches, and play with the youth teams, and get involved with the provisions that we're putting into schools and into the community, because they're future of the football club.

"It's mutually beneficial because it's brilliant for them, for their mental and social and physical skills.

"And it's vital for the sustainability of the football club - hopefully it might produce a star or two for England in the future."

"Without them, we wouldn't have grassroots football," added Hayley Tally, WCFC's general manager and youth secretary. "So it's important to get as many players involved as we can.

Tally added that the World Cup gave young players something to aspire to.

"Obviously the boys, normally it's Ronaldo or Messi or someone like that," she said. "And now with the girls and the Lionesses, they just look up to them.

"It gives them something to strive for and think: 'I could be be these one day, be on the pitch in Wembley or on the other side of the world.'

"It's so important for all our youth players."

So following the disappointing result against Ghana, how do the girls think England will fare against Panama on Saturday - and beyond?

"2-1 to us," said Emily. "If we just keep believing, we'll go all the way," said Georgia.

April was less optimistic.

"I think we have a slight chance," she said.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.