England women's defender Laura Bassett has thanked her team-mates for their support after her stoppage-time own goal ended the Lionnesses' World Cup dream on Wednesday night.
Bassett was left in floods of tears after her goal condemned England to a 2-1 semi-final defeat against Japan, although she is now expected to start Saturday's third-place play-off against Germany.
Speaking to the BBC in her first interview since the Japan match, Bassett said: "I have to say a big, big thank you to my team-mates. We've come on a long journey.
"The togetherness we've created and team spirit hasn't just happened overnight. It's been a long journey for all of us. It's been overwhelming. I'd change (the ending) in a heartbeat if I could."
The images of Bassett crying on the pitch brought an outpouring of support - while also bringing comparisons to the teary images of Paul Gascoigne after he was booked to earn a suspension when the England men reached the World Cup semi-finals in 1990.
Bassett admitted she is not known for showing emotion but could not control it at the final whistle.
"Some people have said I kind of lack emotion and nine out of 10 times I'd agree with that," the 31-year-old Notts County defender said.
"Something took over me, I was out of control. I just wanted to get off there, I just wanted to cry and be on my own."
Source: PA
