Alex Greenwood boyfriend: Sheffield United star who will be cheering on Man Utd captain

Alex Greenwood and the Lionesses will go head-to-head with Norway in the first quarterfinals game of the Women’s World Cup on Thursday. The defender has already helped her team to a 2-1 victory against Scotland and a 0-1 win over Argentina. And the Manchester United captain will likely be cheered on by her boyfriend Jack O’Connell, who could have travelled to France to support the England defender.

The couple met at school and have been dating for several years.

And the 25-year-old’s and her beau have a lot in common, with both being professional footballers.

Jack O’Connell, 25, is a Sheffield United defender and will be playing in the Premier League next season as the club advanced from the Championship this year.

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Greenwood on her end has also advanced to the highest tier of English football after Manchester United reached the Super League.

The left-back told the Mirror of the couple’s achievements: “It’s been an amazing season for us both – but we haven’t really seen each other.

“I’m really proud of what he’s achieved, but I’ve still got one more to go. So far, so good.

“It was a little bit difficult for us both as the season came to an end.

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“I didn’t want to speak to him about promotion – I just wanted it to be as normal as possible – for him, more than anyone. Until it was, we couldn’t switch off.

“There was a temptation to say to him at one point: ‘You’re up’ but I knew he didn’t want to hear it, so I just let him focus and concentrate.

“It paid off and of course I’m proud of him.”

Greenwood also shared her opinion on women’s football still having issues being accepted, but believes more barriers will come down over time.

Asked if she saw changing attitudes, Greenwood replied: “Yes, but there’s still a long way to go. I still see it on social media all of the time.

“Does it bother me? No. Not really. I see it. I laugh. I think it’s funny.

“They’re just small-minded people and you’re never going to get rid of them. It’s just how it is.

“We can’t control people’s comments. All we can control is what we do – winning matches. My concern is not that man who thinks I should be in the kitchen.”