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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Emma John

From Lionesses to missed chances: why elite success doesn’t always transform the grassroots

England’s Beth Mead, Jill Scott and Lauren Hemp of England pose with the Euro 2022 trophy.
England’s Beth Mead, Jill Scott and Lauren Hemp of England pose with the Euro 2022 trophy. Photograph: Lynne Cameron/The FA/Getty Images

On Tuesday, the FA announced that tickets for the England women’s football friendly against the USA in October had gone on sale. Within an hour, its website had crashed from the demand. Gabby Logan had predicted as much when she signed off from the Lionesses’ victory at the European Championships last Sunday. “You think it’s all over?” she told viewers. “It’s only just begun.”

In the week since England’s historic win over Germany in the final, there has been understandable excitement about the future of women’s football in the UK. Even the Queen, not noted for her football punditry, has added her voice to the throng. “You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations,” she said in her congratulatory message to Leah Williamson’s side.

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