Stanway scored a stunning extra-time winner as England came from behind to beat Spain 2-1 and setting up a semi-final against Sweden or Belgium on Tuesday.
Like the men, who lost to Italy on penalties last summer, the Lionesses are aiming for a first European Championship final at home, and Stanway revealed they have the full support of Gareth Southgate’s side.
“We got a few messages from the guys, who were just supporting us, wishing us all the time and saying they would come to the next game,” she said. “We are absolutely a united nation.
“We’ve been getting messages from Declan Rice, just the guys who were involved last year. They give us tips on momentum, moving forward and just really supporting.”
Rice appeared to be one of more than nine million people to watch the match on the BBC on Wednesday night, with the West Ham midfielder tweeting: “Georgia Stanway Ballaaaaa”, accompanied by three flaming emojis, after her 20-yard strike.
“It’s pretty surreal,” Stanway said. “But we want as many people on our journey as we can and we want as many people as possible to look at us, support us and believe in us. I feel like we showed that and that’s what we are.” capable of.
“You just kinda forget” [the attention]she added. “We are in our small zone where we focus on what we do. You get snippets of what’s going on outside and the support.
“We see it in the stadiums when everyone is on their feet, everyone joins in when we attack, defend, everyone cheers us on and that’s just part of it.”
Ella Toone, whose equalizing goal in the 84th minute overturned Esther Gonzalez’s strike for Spain, credited head coach Sarina Wiegman for infusing a never-say-die mentality into the squad.
In photos | Women’s Euro 2022 (quarter-final): England vs Spain
“[The win] shows that we have character, resilience and togetherness and there was never any doubt that we would go on and win that game and that’s just the mentality we have and the faith we have in each other,” Toone said.
“Clear [Spain] was our first challenge, we fell behind and managed to come back and I am so proud of everyone.
“The arrival of Sarina has given us that mentality, that belief, I think we know we have a strong and talented team and that we believe in ourselves and each other and it just showed. We dug deep until the end and managed to take the win.”
Toone added that the Lionesses aim to make the country proud and inspire the next generation with another win in Sheffield next week.
“It would be great for all of us to get that semi-final victory,” said the Manchester United midfielder.
We’re getting more and more fans, everyone loves it and we want to make everyone proud.
“Obviously the game was really special for that crowd and every game we’ve played has been great, the atmosphere was incredible. We are so grateful for the fans who support us, whether it’s at the stadium or at home, and we just want to keep making them proud.
“Hopefully we see everyone’s beers flying around and enjoying the game, we just want to make everyone proud. That’s the most important thing – inspiring the next generation. Hopefully we can continue and put in another great performance in the semi-finals .
“It’s great for momentum, that was our first challenge in this tournament and we’ve shown we can come from behind in a game that is a big asset.
“We’re getting more and more fans, everyone loves it and enjoys it and we want to make everyone proud. Hopefully we will have more fans supporting us in the semi-finals.”