ENGLISH FOOTBALL has been urged to ensure the host nation’s run to the Euro 2022 final leads to a lasting legacy.
Sarina Wiegman’s side thrashed Sweden 4-0 in the first semi-final at Bramall Lane to book their place in Sunday’s showpiece at Wembley against France or Germany.
Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby all found the net to leave Ian Wright feeling “as proud as I’ve ever felt of any England side”.
But he had a warning for those who run the game, saying on the BBC: “Whatever happens in the final now, if girls are not allowed to play football in their PE, just like the boys can, what are we doing?
“We have got to make sure they are able to play and get the opportunity to do so.
“If there’s no legacy to this – like with the Olympics – then what are we doing as this is as proud as I’ve ever felt of any England side.”
Former England and Arsenal defender Alex Scott believes the team’s success is a result of years of hard work to grow the women’s game.
“It is hard for me not to get emotional right now because the amount of investment which has gone into the women’s game is for a moment like this,” she said on the BBC.
“For this team to get to Wembley, they are creating something special and deserve every accolade which is coming their way.
“But (after) the FA investment, everyone who has been involved in women’s football has been waiting for this moment. It’s special.”
I ❤️ @IanWright0 so much. #ENG #ENGSWE pic.twitter.com/3G2QGRXKnn
— Sooz Kempner (@SoozUK) July 26, 2022
Scott was impressed by the squad effort it took to reach this weekend’s final.
“Is this real? What England have shown throughout this tournament, which is absolutely a credit to them, is all sides (of the game),” she said.
“You’ve seen them frustrated in their opening game, you’ve seen them blow away Norway, you’ve seen them on the ropes against Spain and today a pure and intelligent England finding a way back into the game and brushing away Sweden.
“Every single game England have had different players step up.”
Former England midfielder Fara Williams said Wiegman’s side had answered any questions over their ability to go deep into a tournament.
“I don’t have the words to explain or express how it feels. I’m super-proud of the girls and what they have done,” she told BBC One.
“They had a tough quarter-final and it was a game people, myself included, questioned were they at the level to go this far – and they have gone on to dominate the team (ranked) second in the world.
“The game is in a fantastic place. I’m super excited for the final on Sunday. I don’t care who they get.”
England’s victory earned praise from members of the men’s national team, who reached their European Championship final last summer.
Men’s captain Harry Kane wrote on Twitter: “Yesss @Lionesses ! Bring on the final”, while Raheem Sterling highlighted the Mead and Bronze connection that led to the first two goals.
Record England goalscorer Wayne Rooney tweeted: “What a performance by @Lionesses tonight. A well-deserved #WEURO2022 final coming up. Congratulations to all the players and staff”.
Mcdaids performance should be lauded the same way as Clifford’s and Walsh’s. Actually think mcdaid should get player of the year.
@Barry Newell: Mcdaid was unbelievable yesterday, MOTM for me.
@Barry Newell: Yes indeed, I’ve watched McDaid since the CShip started, He was excellent in every match . Scored Four points yesterday from Midfield- he is a powerhouse . Just a pity they have a habit of giving Man of the Match to the winning side. There was a case for JOINT Man of the Match there yesterday , — Walsh gave an exhibition .
I think everyone was expecting Kerry to annihilate Galway yesterday BUT Galway were brilliant. They might have been second best but that only happened when things began to unravel near the end. They have the tools and talent and have obviously bonded well that it is now only a matter of working on the finer points of the game before they start collecting several Sam’s over the coming years. As a Dub, I cannot help but admire the resilience of that Kerry team and even though they beat Galway and Dublin, in the game of the year, given their ‘resources’, I expected them to be more convincing against both Congratulations to both Kerry and Galway on a brilliant game and the real winners in the future will be the fans. I hope the Ulster teams will learn from these displays, get rid of ‘ possession football’ and incorporate the hidden skills they obviously have.
@Barrycelona: an Ulster team won Sam just 11 months ago or did that slip your mind
@Barrycelona: it might have Been because I was hungover but I thought the game was crap. Virtually no atmosphere for long periods and possession seemed to be what we were watching for the most part. Soft fouls as well are terrible to watch. I hate to back up hurling snobs but it’s such a better game to watch now.
Walsh was clear MOTM match IMO – even better than brilliant Clifford
Mayo next year me thinks?
Barrycelona Kerry had 14 men in their own half for much of the game it appears that they have adopted the Ulster way. One very bad Refereeing decision yesterday at a vital time in the game.
@Kevin Byrne: 2 very bad decisions in quick succession. Both teams scored from the frees so evened out.
A dour affair, we were all spoiled by the silky skills of the Dublin six-in-a-row team. Maybe next year.
@Jim O’Sullivan: are ya catching much lately Jim. Great time for fishing.
Rule is 4 steps – 7 or 8 by Walsh for one great point that should have been disallowed