England play Germany in the Euro 2022 final on Sunday
(Picture: The FA via Getty Images)The Lionesses were on Friday urged to go out and “make history” as the build-up to Sunday’s final gathered pace.
The team are preparing to take on arch rivals Germany after dispatching sides including Norway, Spain and Sweden en route to the final under the guidance of coach Sarina Wiegman.
Their exploits have already shattered a series of viewing and attendance records as they bid to emulate the men’s team of 1966 with victory at Wembley. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said today: “On behalf of the whole country I want to wish the Lionesses the very best of luck in Sunday’s final.
“They’ve already inspired a generation of girls and created memories for millions, and now we want to see them go all the way and bring it home.”
His call was echoed by the two MPs competing to replace him at Number 10, with former Chancellor Rishi Sunak saying: “It’s wonderful to see how far the women’s game has come in this country. When I was younger, women’s sport didn’t get enough of a look in. Now it’s filling out the biggest grounds in the land and on primetime TV.
“I’m so proud that my two girls are growing up in a country where they can see terrific role models at the top of their game.”
Rival Liz Truss has predicted a 2-0 win for England, adding that she is planning to attend with the German foreign minister, so “there’ll be massive egg on my face if that doesn’t come to fruition”.
Among the next generation of fans who will crowd into Wembley on Sunday is 10-year-old Alexa Smith. The schoolgirl from south London plays for Beckenham Town and Crystal Palace and is inspired by fellow winger — and tournament joint top scorer — Beth Mead.
She said: “If I’m on the wing I try to do what Beth Mead does with her crosses and how she tries to dribble. I also like Lauren Hemp as well as Alessia Russo. I like all of them but Beth Mead to me stands out more”.
Her mother Sharon felt women’s football had changed beyond recognition since she was a girl. She said: “The nearest we got was we were allowed to be cheerleaders for the boys.
“I love watching Alexa play and that it’s a massive thing for the girls.”
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said the tournament was proof of “changing attitudes to women’s sport” with record ticket sales and millions of viewers.
She said: “But there is much more to be done to achieve equality. I’m clear that the success of staging events like the Euros can only be recognised if we place an equal emphasis on programmes that level up access to grassroots facilities for people wherever they live.”
Millions of fans are expected to tune in to watch the game live on BBC1 with TV bosses confident of a record-breaking audience — smashing the 11.7 million who saw England play the USA in the 2019 World Cup semi-final.
There will also be a special fan zone in Trafalgar Square for 7,000 fans.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “On behalf of all Londoners, I would like to wish our magnificent Lionesses the very best of luck ahead of Sunday’s historic final at Wembley.
“This team has captured the imagination of the entire nation and shown millions of girls and women that they can achieve their sporting dreams.”
Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “The Lionesses have inspired the whole country with their run to the final.
“A new generation of footballing heroes has been created - from the goal scoring exploits of Beth Mead to the audacity of Alessia Russo.
“Should they go all the way and bring it home on Sunday, it will be one of England’s greatest sporting moments.
“I hope their achievements will have a catalytic effect, inspiring women and girls who want to get involved in football.”
The FA are staying tight-lipped about any potential celebrations if the team win, saying their focus is on “supporting the squad” ahead of the game.
FA CEO Mark Bullingham said: “This final is an iconic moment for English football and should be another record-setting evening that raises the bar in women’s football.”
