England have been bolstered by the support of the Duke of Cambridge and his daughter in a video message ahead of their Euro 2022 final against Germany.
The Lionesseswidely praised for inspiring more girls to play football received a “good luck” message from William, while seven-year-old Princess Charlotte said: “I hope you win”.
This reflects the Prime Minister’s support Boris Johnsonwho thanked the team for creating “a summer of fantastic memories for millions”, Labor leader Sir Keir Starmerand the captain of the England men’s team Harry Kane.
The European Championship final is expected to attract the largest home television audience ever recorded for a women’s football match, with Wembley stadium packed and millions more viewers across the country.
In an endearing 10-second video message with his daughter, William said: “We both want to wish the Lionesses the best of luck tonight.
“You’ve done incredibly well in the competition and we’re rooting for you all the time.”
Charlotte, sitting next to him, said: “Good luck, I hope you win. Bye”.
In a letter addressed to manager Sarina Wiegman, captain Leah Williamson and the England team, the prime minister also wished the party “all the best” in the final “on behalf of the whole country”.
He said: “Your passion for the game, your tenacity in tricky spots and most importantly your amazing talent on the pitch have already created a summer full of fantastic memories for millions of us.
“You can see it in the sold-out stadiums, in the overcrowded fan zones, in the little kids dancing wildly to Sweet Caroline and the TV ratings that have seen records crumble almost as completely as the Swedish defense in the semi-finals. ”
Johnson added that whatever the outcome on Sunday, “fields, playgrounds and parks” in the UK “will be filled as never before with girls and women who know without a doubt that football isn’t just for boys”.
Meanwhile, Labor leader Sir Keir, who watched England’s 4-0 win over Sweden on Tuesday, said his daughter was one of those inspired by the team.
He said: “As a parent, I know how important it is to see strong, successful role models in sport.
“What you and your team achieved this summer will be celebrated not only as a great moment for English football, but also as one that has encouraged and inspired young women like my own daughter.”
Harry Kane said he would be one of the spectators at Wembley.
In a video posted on Twitter, the England captain said: “Hello Lionesses, I just wanted to wish you all the best for today’s game against Germany.
“It’s going to be an incredible experience, an incredible atmosphere at Wembley.
“I can’t wait to be there myself, so I wish you all the best.
“Good luck, go get that win, the whole country is behind you.
Hoping to bring back the championship silverware for the first time, the Lionesses are the underdogs against their eight-time Euro-winning opponent, but they will get huge support from the home crowd.
Some 90,000 fans will fill Wembley Stadium – many hoping the Lionesses secure the first major tournament title for an England team since 1966 – while millions more watch from homes, pubs and fan zones.
The record UK viewership for a women’s match is nine million, which was achieved during England’s defeat to the United States at the 2019 World Cup, according to ratings organization Barb.
Ahead of the kickoff at 5pm on Sunday, an all-female RAF fly pass will take to the air over the arena in north-west London.
Flanked by two Typhoon fighter jets, a C-130 Hercules transport plane will be manned by three women.
For those watching at Wembley, the main road leading to the stadium is a no-drinking zone due to the chaos that overshadowed last year’s Euro 2020 men’s final.
Thousands of ticketless fans crowded into the stadium for England v Italy in the summer of 2021 – although this year’s women’s final is expected to draw a different crowd.