Few sporting occasions come more inspirational than the England Lionesses’ historic victory at the European Championship. There is again uplifting talk of a legacy, a cultural shift and positive social change that can come from this. But we need to admit that we have had nights like this and talked like this before. Super Saturday at London 2012 springs to mind.
There was lofty talk of legacies and inspiring a nation then, too. But as recent reviews of London 2012 have shown, from Tony Blair to UK Sport performance architect Peter Keen to the National Audit Office, we didn’t create the lasting legacy promised. It takes more than joy, elite success and a trophy to trigger an active nation – but this is the bigger goal we must keep in mind, long after the Wembley memories fade.
