In a remarkable turn of events for women’s football in England, the Lionesses have not only won their second consecutive European Championship title in 2025 but have also solidified their legacy as a transformative force in the sport. The dramatic victory over Spain in a tense penalty shootout marked a significant moment, achieving the historic feat of being the first English football team to retain a major title on foreign soil. Manager Sarina Wiegman, while celebrating the achievement, stated, “We’re not there yet,” highlighting the ongoing journey and the work still needed to promote women’s football in the country.
The impact of the Lionesses’ success cannot be quantified merely by trophies but extends far beyond the pitch. The victory in Euro 2022 was a pivotal moment that catalyzed a surge of interest in women’s football, leading to a dramatic increase in match attendances, greater investment, and enhanced media coverage. The echoes of Euro 2022 are felt still, but the triumph in Euro 2025 could prove even more crucial. Captain Leah Williamson articulated this sentiment prior to the final, expressing a desire for the Lionesses to leave a lasting legacy, insisting that they aspire to be more than just a fleeting memory in the realm of sports.
Interest in the women’s domestic game has surged in direct correlation to the Lionesses’ success. Following the Euro 2022 victory, every club in the Women’s Super League (WSL) experienced escalated attendances in the subsequent season, mirroring the enthusiasm that rose after the latest World Cup, where England narrowly lost to Spain. Notably, clubs housing high-profile Lionesses, like Arsenal, have set new attendance records, showcasing the increasing popularity of women’s football. This recent trend, however, is in juxtaposition with a reported 10% decline in average attendances during the last season, indicating that the momentum sparked by major tournaments needs to be sustained.
In a broader context, developments since Euro 2022 reflect a significant cultural shift. The Football Association (FA) reported that over the last four years, 129,000 girls began participating in school football in cities that hosted Euro 2022, with nearly 1,500 new women’s teams being formed. Furthermore, a landmark sponsorship deal with Barclays worth £45 million for the WSL and a new broadcasting agreement with the BBC and Sky Sports were crucial in enhancing financial stability and visibility for women’s football in England. These developments signify growth, yet challenges persist, particularly for clubs outside the top tier, exemplified by Blackburn’s and Reading’s financial struggles leading to their withdrawal from competitive play.
Yet, the Lionesses haven’t shied away from their influence beyond the pitch, using their platform to advocate for greater equality in women’s sports. After Euro 2022, defender Lotte Wubben-Moy led an open letter campaign demanding equal access to school football for girls, positively influencing governmental policy. Former England striker Ellen White noted their activism as that of “perfect role models,” aiming to inspire a new generation of young athletes.
The Lionesses have also demonstrated a readiness to tackle social issues, including diversity and representation in sports. Williamson’s visible support for LGBTQ+ rights and previous calls for brands like Nike to do better in women’s merchandise mean they are unafraid to use their voices for change. As the squad prepared for the Euro 2025 tournament, they critically decided to discontinue taking the knee before games, believing the gesture had lost its intended impact, and seeking more effective methods to combat racism in football.
Looking forward, the FA emphasizes the need for increased investment and community engagement to continue building on the momentum generated by recent successes. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and director Sue Day advocate for more matches on television, a higher number of young girls playing football, and opportunities for fans to interact with the sport.
The Lionesses’ recent triumph is more than a sporting achievement; it creates a narrative that extends beyond winning. As midfielder Georgia Stanway noted, the power of their victories opens doors for further impact in the community and advocates for sustained change in women’s football. This clarion call ensures that the journey of the Lionesses—and the future of women’s football in England—is only just beginning. With commitments to inspire and enact change, they are laying the groundwork for an enduring legacy in the sport.
