The dream is over
England’s Lionesses failed to become the first English football team to win a major tournament since 1966. They would have also been the first ever to win a trophy on foreign soil.
In Sydney, Australia, Spain edged England’s women out of the World Cup Final 1-0.
England hit the crossbar early on and Mary Earps saved a penalty, to keep the Lionesses in the game, but Spain was too strong and too well-drilled for them.
Thousands watched on the big screens
Millions watched on TV and across the country city fathers put up big screens in thousands of towns and cities. Supporters came out in force, in England shirts, in the late summer sunshine.
The Lionesses fought hard until the end after a string of stunning victories in the tournament – few can fault their commitment.
England players won £1,000 each in 1966
But arguably this was a missed opportunity to boost the women’s game in England. Victory could have drawn a stream of new sponsorships.
When England won the World Cup, on home turf at Wembley, in 1966 the FA gave each player £1,000.
If the Lionesses had lifted the World Cup it would have opened the way to scores of lucrative sponsorship deals, worth millions. This could have changed the shape of the women’s game in England almost overnight.
Everyone loves a World Cup winner
Everyone loves a World Cup winner and the English game would have been awash with offers.
I am sure an army of entrepreneurs in the sports game, were rubbing their hands in expectation as the World Cup final kicked off in Sydney.
But it was not to be.
England acquitted themselves well in this tournament on and off the pitch. There is no doubt they will regroup and come back stronger at the next World Cup. After all, the game has come a long way.
Days of mud and amateurism
In 1984, England’s women got to the final of the European championships against Sweden. The second leg was played on a mudheap at Luton’s Kenilworth Road ground. The amateurs of England levelled the tie, but Sweden won on penalties.
On an afternoon of disappointment for English football – it is good to reflect on how far the game has come in nearly 30 years.
From amateurs sliding around in the mud to highly tuned, professional footballers able to hold their own against the best in the world.
Well done Lionesses – next time!
