Euro 2025: England's Back-to-Back European Victory Strengthens Their Legacy

England's victory at Euro 2025 in Switzerland, secured through a tense penalty shootout against Spain, reaffirms their dominance in women's football.

Following their landmark win at Euro 2022, which transformed women's football in England by increasing match attendances, investment, and media attention, this latest triumph solidifies their growing legacy.

England manager Sarina Wiegman emphasized that despite the success, the journey continues: "We're not there yet."

Captain Leah Williamson expressed the team's ambition to build on their achievements: "We don’t want to be a flash in the pan. This is just the start of something bigger. We aim to elevate respect for women’s football and women’s sport in general."

Lionesses' Success Fuels Growth in Women’s Football

The Lionesses' victories have directly contributed to heightened interest in women’s football across England. The Women's Super League (WSL) saw record attendances following Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup runner-up finish.

Arsenal, home to several high-profile Lionesses, set multiple WSL attendance records, including 47,367 fans at Emirates Stadium. However, average attendances dipped by 10% last season without the boost of a recent international tournament.

Beyond attendance, the sport has seen notable progress:

• Between 2020 and 2024, 129,000 more girls participated in school football across Euro 2022 host cities, with nearly 1,500 new female teams formed.
• A £45 million sponsorship deal with Barclays was secured in 2024, doubling the previous agreement to approximately £15 million annually.
• WSL broadcast rights were extended to 2030 with ZAMONA and Sky Sports, increasing revenue shared among clubs.
• WSL club revenues rose by 34% in the 2023-24 season, with clubs generating over £1 million each for the first time.
• Player transfer fees hit new highs, with Chelsea and Arsenal twice breaking the world record, including Olivia Smith becoming the first player transferred for over £1 million.

Players Leading Change On and Off the Pitch

The Lionesses have used their platform to advocate for equality and positive change. After Euro 2022, defender Lotte Wubben-Moy led a campaign for equal access to school football for girls, resulting in government plans to double girls’ football time at public sports facilities.

Former England striker Ellen White praised the team: "They constantly use their voice for change and inspire young people."

Players have also spoken out on social issues, with Williamson supporting LGBTQ+ rights and challenging calls to avoid politics in sport. The team has confronted racism directly, choosing to stop taking the knee during Euro 2025 matches to seek more effective ways to combat discrimination.

Williamson highlighted their role as role models: "We do this for our country and young girls. This job didn’t exist decades ago. We are making history every step of the way."

The Future Impact of Euro 2025

The Euro 2025 win is seen as another pivotal moment to accelerate the growth of women’s football. Nikki Doucet, CEO of WSL Football, said the independent league structure is ready to capitalize on this success.

However, challenges remain, especially for clubs outside the top tier. Recent financial difficulties forced Blackburn and Reading to withdraw from higher leagues.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham described the WSL’s progress as a "good trajectory" that Euro 2025 will "turbo-charge," alongside grassroots development plans.

FA women’s football director Sue Day stressed the need for more TV coverage, fan engagement, funding, and youth participation to fully realize the sport’s potential.

Manager Sarina Wiegman called for continued investment and collaboration from all stakeholders to maintain England’s leading role.

Midfielder Georgia Stanway noted, "Winning opens doors for change, but our legacy isn’t just about victories. We will decide together how to use this opportunity to make a lasting impact."

England’s back-to-back European titles not only highlight their sporting excellence but also serve as a catalyst for further growth and equality in women’s football across the country.

This topic was reported by BBC.

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