Lionesses are very human people doing superhuman things.
Women's football has to seize this golden opportunity to improve the sport further
The Lionesses have gifted the FA and the WSL a golden opportunity to grow the women’s game in player and supporter numbers that would be criminal to waste. That was quite a night, and quite a show of resilience from the Lionesses, the Unbreakables. They deserve all the praise they are getting, the public acclaim tomorrow in Trafalgar Square (and where better to celebrate an English victory after a tournament that began against the French and ended with the Spanish) and the gongs they will receive in the next honours list (and overseas list in Sarina Wiegman’s case).
The FA, WSL clubs and all involved in women’s football have to combine to surf the wave launched by these indomitable Lionesses. WSL gates dropped by 10% last season, partly because of relegation for well-supported Bristol City, who played at Ashton Gate, but even traditionally popular Arsenal saw a dip. Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur improved their numbers but overall the drop was concerning. Whatever the reasons, and some point to issues with kick-off times, the high profile of the Lionesses, their success and character, can lift the game, and a country needing role models. Here are some of the issues that need highlighting as the game – and country - seeks to build on the Lionesses’ European glory.