The English play their first Euro final against Germany on Sunday, July 31, at the iconic Wembley Stadium. The country is gripped by an unprecedented fever for women’s football to support its “Lionesses” (its lionesses).
An unprecedented enthusiasm. In North West London, this Sunday afternoon, families, couples and friends were already crowding around Wembley Stadium in a good-natured atmosphere. At 5 p.m. (local time) the final of the Women’s Euro football between England and Germany is held, and the excitement is felt. The more the hours pass, the more the red and white tidal wave, with some German red, yellow and black touches, thickens. Faces are covered in paint, children blow trumpets and national flags flutter along the street leading to the stadium. This day should sign a record for Wembley, as the match is sold out. A little over 87,000 football lovers will watch from the stands the meeting between the two teams, which turns out to be promising. Millions more have planned to hunker down in fan zones, pubs or behind their televisions. Last year, 67,000 supporters were in the stands for the men’s Euro final. The Italians then shattered the dream of the England team, winning the trophy after the penalty shootout. Men and women alike, the English have been begging for an international trophy since 1966 and the men’s victory at the World Cup.
In the heart of the British capital, we also celebrate the “Lionesses”, nickname of the English team of this women’s Euro, which packs the crowds across the Channel. While at 10 Downing Street, the facade was decorated with dozens of flags, a few meters away, in the courtyard of Buckingham Palace, the iconic guards took over the fans’ anthem at the start of the afternoon. English Sweet Caroline, traditionally sung before a game. Prince William, second in line to the throne, posted a video on Twitter where he wishes good luck to the “Lionesses”. His daughter Charlotte, 7, concludes the whole thing: “Good luck ! I hope you will win!” Finally, a sign that this Women’s Euro is exceptional, an aerial ballet, led by female pilots, is planned just before the first whistle. A popularity and enthusiasm that have been long overdue, note Gemma and Tom, a couple of supporters with English flags on their backs: “Year after year, there are more and more people who follow women. Surely because there is more media coverage than before, especially on the BBC. They’ve been pushing hard lately, so that helps.”
A competition in the form of a catalyst?
A highlight that encourages many little girls to pursue their dream of becoming a professional footballer. In the crowd, dozens of kids put on their cleats for the occasion. As a child, Gemma did not “never seen women play football. And I think it’s very important for future generations.” to see both genders, she says. Her boyfriend abounds: “Girls will be able to grow up with role models, and imagine themselves playing at Wembley later on. It’s really important.” In the world of football, women are still widely discriminated against. Lack of funding, representation and a still very present sexism discourage many apprentice footballers from pursuing a career. Richard Harman, father of a nine-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a professional footballer, hopes this Women’s Euro will be a “the catalyst and momentum we need in women’s football. We need more equality between boys and girls in this area.”
“Whatever happens at Wembley tonight, I know the playgrounds and parks of this country will be filled with girls and women who will have no doubt that football is not just for boys, but really for everyone», summarized the outgoing Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, in a letter sent to the players this Sunday. A sentiment shared by Labor opposition leader Keir Starmer: “They have already made us proud, but if they win it will be a historic day – which should be marked by a day of celebration, where clubs can open up and promote access for women and girls”he wished on Twitter.
Behind the scenes, the players, calm and resolute according to their coach, did not fear the fateful meeting. If they win, they will have accomplished two feats: winning this European competition for the first time – Germany has already won the trophy eight times – and popularizing women’s football across the Channel and, perhaps even to be international. “The final is not the end of the journey but its beginning. And this, whatever the final result, […] we will have really started somethingwelcomed the captain of the Lionesses, Leah Williamson, at a press conference on Saturday. What we see in this tournament is that it’s not just a game-changer for women’s football, but for society in general, how we are perceived.