On Sunday evening, the Lionesses made history by becoming the first English senior side to ever defend their title in a major championship.

In 2022, they secured a victory over Germany and last week they successfully beat an exhausted Spanish side 3-1 on penalties after an equaliser by Alessia Russo in the 57th minute.  

In the season following that first trophy, 1,500 new teams were registered in England, with the number of girls and women playing the game increasing by more than 50%. 

Their road to victory this time round has been fuelled by gruelling stamina where they mustered up the energy to triumph at penalties or extra time, demonstrated by defender Lucy Bronze playing the entire 2025 Euros final with a fractured tibia.  

As they’ve soldiered on throughout the tournament and won the Euros – for the second time running – they’ve shown the world the very best of Britain. Their determination and strength are an inspiration to us all and their reach extends far beyond football. 

65,000 people celebrated with the Lionesses in London.  To put that into perspective, at the 2022 celebrations, crowds reportedly reached 7,000. Fans were far beyond your average stereotypical women’s supporter. A mix of all ages and genders.

I’ve spoken before about the role sport plays in changing lives and bringing communities together. Last week’s win – amidst the rising popularity of women’s football – is evidence of that.  

With the crowds in London, you get the sense that they weren’t just celebrating England beating Spain in the 14th Women’s European Final; they were marking that with each tournament, the value of women’s football is being recognised. With each game and headline, perceptions are changing and spaces are opening up for broader, more inclusive participation.  

And as someone with a young daughter at home, I can tell you that representation matters. 

Organising support within the community is a huge part of levelling the playing field when it comes to women’s football.  

Local teams Crewe Alex and Nantwich Town FC have recognised the impact this will have on the sport for generations to come. Further afield, Cheshire Women’s League has enjoyed an active following, that I’m sure has only been boosted by the Lionesses’ recent successes. 

In short, last week reflects exactly the kind of progressive patriotism that we need in 2025. I am extremely proud to be part of a country – and a government – that champions diversity in achievements and breaks down barriers for everyone. 

Putting words into action, Labour have set out targets to more than double grassroots slots for women and girls, supporting their Opportunity Mission to inspire future Lionesses. 

As an industry, women’s football is sadly behind other professions when it comes to equality. 

Whilst the FA has paid England’s women players the same as men in terms of match fees and match bonuses since 2020, discrepancies lie with bonus prize money and sponsorship deals. 

For the 2022 women’s win, it was reported that each player took home a £55,000 bonus. In comparison, the men’s team received £300,000 each for just reaching the final of the 2020 Euros. 

As the UK uses this increased momentum to bid for hosting the 2035 Women’s World Cup, I look forward to the government likewise further improving pay parity and equality in the sport.