The Lionesses have done it. This Euros win will change women’s football for ever

"Even before Chloe Kelly’s late winner, Sarina Wiegman’s team captured the country’s imagination. They will inspire a generation of girls and boys alike.

Sarina Wiegman’s team have done just what Gareth Southgate’s men did last summer – they’ve captured the imagination of the entire country with their determination, happiness and outrageous skill. Not only that, they went one better – although they went to extra time, Chloe Kelly scored to make England the champions of Europe.

This has been the most-watched Women’s Euros in history. It broke the previous record for Women’s Euros in-person attendance way back in the group stages, when a cumulative total of 248,075 fans had already been through the turnstiles after just a few games. To top it off, the 87,192 fans at Wembley on Sunday meant that England v Germany had the highest attendance of any European Championship final – men’s or women’s.

Throughout the tournament, the team has been electrifying. That thunderbolt from Georgia Stanway cracking into the net against Spain as the clock ticked down towards the end of extra-time; Alessia Russo’s backheeled nutmeg goal, a stunning piece of cheek against Sweden (and the third of four goals that England scored against the top-ranked side in Europe); the calmness and confidence of Leah Williamson, captaining her country in a senior tournament for the first time. The Lionesses have truly been roaring.

The FA’s aims – for 75% of schools to provide access to girls’ football and 75% of grassroots clubs to have at least one girls’ team – are also important steps. The Lionesses have been inspirational role models for the next generation – of both girls and boys, just as Southgate’s side were in 2021 – and the path needs to be clear for the superstars of tomorrow to progress and shine. The momentum from this exciting, exceptional group of players and their achievements this summer will go some way to doing that – and with that legacy, they will ensure that this tournament goes down in history in more ways than one."

Written by Carrie Dunn - The Guardian