Laura Bassett: 'I wish no-one knew my name' says footballer in first interview since own-goal in England Women's World Cup defeat

The footballer made headlines around the world after scoring an own goal which lead to England's 2-1 defeat by Japan this week

Laura Bassett after her own goal cost England women a chance to play in the World Cup final (Getty Images)

England defender Laura Bassett has said she wishes no-one knew her name, in her first interview since scoring an own goal in England’s semi-final World Cup match against Japan on Wednesday.

The Lionesses seemed on the brink of reaching their first Women’s World Cup final, when Laura Bassett conceded an injury-time own-goal. The team then lost 2-1 to Japan. Bassett broke down in tears on the pitch following the unlucky own-goal.

In an interview with BBC Newsbeat, the footballer has described how she felt “heartbroken and devastated.”

The 31-year-old said: “The hardest thing is looking at other people here who committed themselves to this team- for the first time in a long time everyone believed England could do it. I’d prefer no one to know my name.”

She said she is still too upset about the match to talk to her parents: “I haven’t been able to speak to my mum and dad over FaceTime yet because they will just set me off crying. I’ve messaged them and I know they are so proud but I keep thinking about that moment and I would do anything to change it.

“Something took over me where I was out of control. I just wanted to get off [the pitch]. I just wanted to cry and be on my own.”

England will now face Germany today in a third place play-off. England’s manager Mark Sampson said of the match against Japan: “Laura Bassett has been courageous, strong, kept this group together, she didn’t deserve that. She’ll be looked upon as [a] hero, the Laura Bassett who headed and blocked.

“I told the girls it is OK to cry. They left everything on the field, they could not give anymore. I am so proud of them. They have inspired a nation.”