England win hailed as ‘big moment’ as fans flock to central London

Thousands of fans are celebrating England’s historic Euro win as the team is said to have inspired the nation.

The Lions beat Germany 2-1 after extra time in front of 87,000 fans at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, securing the country’s first major league title since 1966 and setting a television viewing record. Figure.

Fans in Trafalgar Square hailed the win as a “big” moment for women’s football, while the FA’s director of women’s football, Baroness Sue Campbell, said England’s victory would create a “distinct phenomenon”.

Crowds of supporters flocked to central London on Monday to join the team at an event organized by former player Alex Scott.

Ryan Grumbridge, 40, and Gemma Grumbridge, 43, traveled from Oldham to the capital to watch the final with their two daughters.

Mr Grumbridge, coach of the 250-strong women’s soccer club Crompton FC, said it was a “big” moment for women’s football.

“It’s good that they’re getting some recognition – I hope it continues to grow and grow, and we’ll continue to get moderate-sized crowds.”

He said Lionesses is a “great role model” for his daughters Ruby and Amelia, aged 11 and 13.

Yvonne Morrison, 61, took her grandson Ronnie, nine, to see the Lions in Trafalgar Square.

Ms Morrison, from Wiltshire, said it was “amazing that they’ve come this far, and they’ve raised the bar in women’s football, which is long overdue”.

She added: “Hopefully it will increase their salary and status. It’s time for them to be on par.”

The final drew the highest television audience of 17.4 million, a record for a women’s football match in the UK, according to overnight ratings published by the BBC.

The previous record was set in the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup England was defeated by the US, where the highest audience reached 11.7 million people.

Earlier, Baron Campbell told BBC News: “I think it’s going to really take it to another level. But I think what happened yesterday is much broader than football.

“I think it will change women’s perception of sport in general and I hope to give women and girls real optimism that if they want to do something in life, whether it’s whatever, if they do it, they’ll get it. . “

She said she wasn’t surprised by the TV viewing numbers, adding: “I think we’ve inspired a nation here.

“It’s not just people who were interested in football before. We have a lot of new people who have watched the women’s game and a lot of people that I hope will continue to support and watch the women’s game.

“But we’ve also inspired a lot of young people to realize that the sport, football, is for them.”

Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham told the BBC Breakfast success would “accelerate” women’s games in this country.

“The last few years have been unbelievable. We invested a lot and the Lionesses took their chance and they created something incredible.

“It was a great month and a great day yesterday,” he said.

“I think it’s really going to speed up charging everything that we’ve done in the women’s game.

“There’s no reason why we shouldn’t have the same number of girls playing as boys and that should inspire a whole new generation of players.”

The free admission event at Trafalgar Square is on a first-come, first-served basis, with live music by DJ Monki, a performance of tournament highlights and a Q&A session involving players and manager, Sarina Wiegman, before the trophy was lifted.

It comes after the Queen praised the team, saying “their success goes beyond the title”.

“You all have set an example that will be an inspiration to girls and women today, and for future generations,” she said in a statement.

The Duke of Cambridge was among the supporters from the sidelines, and after the game he said it was “wonderful to see history made”, while captain Leah Williamson called it a “moment proudest in my life.”

Supporters who attended the match described the team’s victory as “a victory for girls across the country”.