Former England captain Faye White believes there has never been more excitement for a women’s major tournament than there is for this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2017.

England get their campaign underway against Scotland on Wednesday, while games against Spain and Portugal will also provide a tough challenge in the Netherlands.

The ex-Arsenal defender now has a watching brief as England do battle in the Netherlands, but found an opportunity to strap on her boots and help launch The FA’s Girls’ Football Week – Euro Celebration.

Between July 16 and August 6, girls around the country back home will be able to emulate their football idols by taking part in sessions throughout the entirety of the tournament.

More than 130,000 girls got involved last year but, with the excitement of Euro 2017 continuing to increase, White believes that number can be smashed as The FA look to double women and girls’ participation by 2020.

“Those three weeks will be an opportunity for those girls to go out and mimic their heroes, go out and doing stuff that they’ve seen on television in a number of fun sessions,” she said.

“When I was England captain, one of my passions was to promote the game and be a role model, so the fact I can still be involved even after I’ve retired is really nice to be part of, seeing the excitement of everyone in preparation for the European Championships.

“I remember when I was playing, you always saw the big international competitions as a big chance to promote women’s football, you felt a bit of an expectation and weight to do well to raise that profile.

“The girls watch it and then want to go out and play, they want to put on their club shirt or England shirt, and mimic the players on the field.

“There’s a real buzz around this competition, probably more than we’ve seen in previous ones.”

White was joined by a team from Haringey Districts for a training session under the famous Wembley arch, with the girls’ group also getting some tips of what it is like to be a Lioness.

With 90 England caps to her name, the defender was in the perfect position to pass on her advice, while also being impressed with the technical skill and determination on display.

There are currently over 168 partners across the country set to deliver The FA’s Girls’ Football Week – Euro Celebration sessions, and White believes there is no reason for aspiring female footballers of all ages and abilities to take to the pitch over the summer.

“It’s about not only girls who have played for a long time or part of a team, but about trying to encourage new girls to play,” she added.

“Every year we see the improvement in the younger age groups, Haringey Districts were very skilful and also very strong, I had to up my game because I haven’t played for a few years, but it was good to run around with the ball at my feet.

“It’s about coming and enjoying it, getting involved ahead of the Euros and ahead of watching their heroes.

“My message to young girls thinking about it is just to be bold, just do it and you never know if you’re good at it until you try it.”

To find out more about Girls’ Football Week – Euro Celebrations and register your involvement, visit: www.TheFA.com/ForGirls