Why the Lionesses’ Euros win was so significant and left women all over the world in tears

2022-08-01

If you watched the Lionesses win against Germany on July 31, you were lucky to see history in the making. The Lionesses, who are the England women’s national football team managed by Sarina Wiegman, thrilled millions of fans including royalty in a nail-biting match when they went on to win 2-1 against Germany.

The first goal from England’s Ella Toone in the 62nd minute, followed by an equaliser by Germany’s Lina Magull in the 79th minute had many dreading the match would go to penalties, who England have a heartbreaking history with.

Gary Lineker tweeted: “It’s going to be bloody penalties, isn’t it?” whilst Dom Joly echoed his nerve-shredding sentiment by tweeting: “It’s going to be penalties isn’t it? #EngvGer.”

England’s Chloe Kelly’s goal in extra time propelled the Lionesses to clinch their first win in a final since 1966. It was always going to be a match for the ages and one that will be remembered in many years to come.

The Lionesses broke records and that glass ceiling when they smashed their way through the tournament to become champions of the UEFA Women’s Euro final. What is amazing about the England women’s team, is that they were not allowed to play in 1966, when England won their last major competition which was the FIFA World Cup.

England played its first international match in November 1972 against Scotland when it was part of the Women’s Football Association. Since becoming part of the Football Association in 1993, it has risen to prominence to the talented club it is now today.

The Lionesses triumph is more than just a match win – it has filled the nation’s hearts with hope and inspired a new generation of female football players. Scenes that unfolded following the Lionesses’ win left many inspired, in awe and emotional.

Speaking about the win, Author Lucy Ward's now-viral tweet that has been liked over 118,000 times said: “This image of a woman shirtless in a sports bra – hugely significant. This is a woman’s body – not for sex or show – just for the sheer joy of what she can do and the power and skill she has. Wonderful.”

The Lionesses’ win saw celebratory messages pour in from across the country including Her Majesty the Queen. The monarch's message read: “My warmest congratulations, and those of my family, go to you all on winning the European Women's Football Championships.

"It is a significant achievement for the entire team, including your support staff. The Championships and your performance in them have rightly won praise. However, your success goes far beyond the trophy you have so deservedly earned.

"You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations. It is my hope that you will be as proud of the impact you have had on your sport as you are of the result today."

Gurinder Chadha, director of Bend It Like Beckham, a film ahead of its time that put women’s football on the map in 2002, tweeted: “OMG! We won! AGAINST Germany! Is it just me or is everyone welling up right now.”

The Spice Girls praised the Lionesses for their “girl power” following their historic win against Germany. The classic British girl group reshared a photo of the England women’s football squad celebrating on Twitter, writing: “Congratulations @Lionesses True #GirlPower right there.”

Superstar Adele was among the famous faces to praise the Lionesses following their victory in Euro 2022 against Germany. The Hello hitmaker shared a photo of the England women’s team celebrating their win on Instagram, describing the moment as a “game changer”. She wrote: “You did it!! It’s come home!! Congratulations @lionesses what a game changer!! So proud.”

David Baddiel praised the Lionesses’ victory over Germany as he said he can finally say the lyrics “it’s come home” from his football anthem Three Lions. The comedian recorded the classic football song with Frank Skinner and rock band Lightning Seeds back in 1996.

The match impacted a diverse range of people, which shows the appeal of the Lionesses and why they should be celebrated across the world. Dad Kevin Windsor wrote on Twitter in a now-viral tweet that has garnered over 44,000 likes: “This is why it matters. Representation. My daughter doesn’t have to have an interest in football. She just has to know that it’s an option. That she can become anything she sets her little heart on. From a princess to a lioness. And everything in between. #Lionesses #WEURO2022”

Ian Wright calls for more money to be dedicated to women’s football

Former professional footballer, presenter and pundit Ian Wright implored the Premier League to support women’s football and dedicate more money to the game. As reported by Express, Wright said the FA should take control of the grassroots women's game.

He said: “It's absolutely about what happens now and grassroots. What we want to do is continue to produce the quality that we've seen today.

"This generation of ladies have had to fight and scrap for everything. It's up to the FA, I think the FA should take over grassroots and get rid of all those barriers to get more people into the grounds.

"We need to get more money into the women's game in order to get more quality teams and start to really blast the women's game."

What's next for the Lionesses

There is an appetite for women’s football in the UK – as Gabby Logan said: “It has only just begun.”

Wright said he does not want the Lionesses’ success to stop at the Euros, saying: "It will be [going around the world] because what they've shown is that there is an appetite here for it, an appetite here for the women's game. We're seeing politicians jump on, we're seeing brands jump on, eating off the top of what they've done because of this tournament.

"But what you want to see, because you've got a World Cup coming up next year, you want to see them continuing to put money into the WSL, put money into the women's game so they can continue to bring success for us. There's too many people who will eat off the top of this."

READ MORE:

Lioness star Ellen White’s life away from sports including husband Callum Convery
Inside England football star Lucy Bronze’s home life including relationship with Keira Walsh
Meet the WAGs/HABs of the England Lionesses including Millie Bright and Demi Stokes
'Loneliness, the football bubble and sacrifices': Life as an England Lioness
Get exclusive celebrity stories and fabulous photoshoots straight to your inbox with OK!'s daily newsletter

Source: Read Full Article