England have been here before. Once. The World Cup final.
It's difficult to place the importance of Sunday's Women’s World Cup final. Whether you are watching a women’s game for the very first time or you’ve been an avid watcher of the Lionesses' journey will impact how important you take this game on a personal level. But for the nation as a whole and the future of football, it's set to be the most impactful game since 1966.
Big screens are going up in Manchester and London among other big cities in England. The players have already become household names, following up their European Championship win with a World Cup final appearance. It’s all set up to be a truly unforgettable day in a country that simply isn’t used to enjoying international glory.
England can do it.
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With Sarina Wiegman in charge they possess arguably the most talented manager in world football and a coach who has reached four major finals since 2017. That ridiculous record could carry England all the way, but they face a Spanish side which has got better and better, even under the rocky guidance of unpopular coach Jorge Vilda.
Seven million England fans tuned in to watch the semi-final success over Australia, making it the most-watched game of the tournament so far, and there is no doubt that football fever has once again gripped the nation. Getting swept up in tournament fever last year was the norm as the games were on at a normal time and fans were getting to go to the stadiums to see their heroes in person, but this World Cup has been the perfect follow-up.
Every game has been shown on TV, and the England games have been on at reasonable times in the morning. However, with school and work, the shine hasn’t been quite so bright this summer. This is where the World Cup final can change everything. Almost every single person in the country can watch this gargantuan game and the legacy it can leave will surpass anything any England side has done since 1966.
The men have come close and given us World Cup fever in both 2018 and 2022, but to reach the showpiece event for the first time since 1966 is something truly special. Get the bunting out, fly your flag, be truly proud of this England team for all they overcame to get to this stage. The injuries, the heartbreak, the tears. It’s all led to this moment.
Inspiring a generation is what happened 12 months ago. But this tournament has arguably been even more important in proving that what happened at Wembley wasn’t just a one-off. Women’s football is here to stay, like it or not, and we all have new heroes to treasure. England greats such as Harry Kane and Paul Gascoigne are now joined by Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Mary Earps. England’s heroes no longer have to have a penis.
Shirts bearing the names of our heroines adorn the streets, and the nation has embraced them. As little as 12 years ago the Women’s World Cup barely registered on the public’s consciousness. Now it’s all over the news, shown in every pub and the whole country can’t wait to watch England in a World Cup final.
Now there’s just one thing left to do. Win the bloody thing.
