Lauren Hemp celebrates with Ellen White of England
(Picture: The FA via Getty Images)England’s Lionesses will play in front of another sell-out crowd on Friday at Euro 2022 as it emerged the tournament has already broken the record for the total attendance at a European Women’s Championship.
Despite the tournament still being in the group stage, a record 248,075 fans have already attended matches.
Euro 2017 in the Netherlands was attended by a total of 240,055 supporters, the record until it was broken last night as 8,173 fans watched France beat Belgium 2-1 in Rotherham.
England’s 1-0 win over Austria in the tournament opener also grabbed the record attendance for a women’s Euro’s match when it was watched by a record 68,871 at Old Trafford.
It was 27,570 clear of the previous landmark when Germany beat Norway in the 2013 final in Sweden.
And England will play in front of another huge crowd on Friday as around 32,000 fans are expected at Southampton’s St Mary’s stadium for the final group game against Northern Ireland.
The popularity of the tournament is seen as a huge indicator of the growth of the women’s game.
England have already qualified for the quarter-finals after their stunning 8-0 win against Norway, while Northern Ireland cannot qualify after losing their first two games.
However, the game between British rivals is still expected to be taken seriously by both teams.
England coach Sarina Wiegman said: “I believe in rhythm. When you have nine days in between the Norway game and the quarter-finals, it’s too long.”
