'We're all just delighted, shocked'

Mo Marley lauded her players for "setting the path and not following the trail" after England claimed a first UEFA European Women's Championship in any age group with a 2-0 victory over Sweden. Having scored 12 goals and conceded none, Marley said the title was reward for consistency and having had that "little bit extra" in the final. Calle Barrling put it more strongly as he conceded Sweden had "lost to a better team" but he believes the players will be stronger for the experience.

Mo Marley, England manager 
Over the competition we were probably the most consistent team. We've come across some excellent sides and today was exceptionally difficult for the players, they struggled to find their fluidity. But when it's tight it's all about that little bit extra. I've said to the girls all week that the final will be decided by that little bit of quality and that was the difference today between two strong, brave teams. We know we've had a tough game, and we've come through.

This is the result of 15 years work from grass roots level right up to the senior teams, and over the last four or five years that effort has started coming out on the pitch. We've done well in the past and I think there's more to come. We talked to the players before the game about setting the path and not following the trail and now this age group has done it we'd like to think there was more to come across the board. We hope this is only the start.

It's an unbelievable feeling. Everybody aspires to do it and it's your ultimate ambition but I never thought it would be this England team, something I was involved in. We're all just delighted, shocked. It's great and will hopefully inspire us for the future.

Calle Barrling, Sweden coach
Congratulations to England – it was an excellent performance not only today but throughout the tournament with the clean sheets and everything. We lost to a better team but the game is all we lost because we have also won a lot here – a [FIFA] World Cup place and a silver medal. Obviously we're disappointed but when we get home I think we will look back with satisfaction.

We knew England's movements, how they play and we had plans to tackle it but they were too quick, forced us to play too many aerial balls we don't like and they are excellent at heading. We changed things around two or three times but I wasn't really satisfied with the application of any of them but that sometimes happens when you meet better teams. We didn't play at our best today but sometimes it's all about your opponents.

We are young, make young mistakes and they punished us. I was pleased with our fighting though – we had keen legs for 90 minutes, despite the extra time against France. We never gave up and that team spirit will stand us in good stead for next year when, with improved passing, I hope to win another medal.