Political leaders have expressed support for the England women’s team ahead of the Euro 2022 final against Germany on Sunday.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to the “amazing talent” of the Lionesses team in a lucky message prior to the final at a sold-out Wembley.
England will take on eight-time champions Germany in search of the first piece of major silverware in the history of the women’s team.
They are back in a major final for the first time since losing 6-2 to the Germans and finishing second at Euro 2009.
The Prime Minister tweeted images of English flags on Downing Street.
And he wrote a letter to the team telling them they had inspired girls and women across England to “know without a doubt that football isn’t just for boys”.
He said: “Your passion for the game, your tenacity in tricky spots and most importantly your amazing talent on the pitch have already provided millions of us with a summer full of fantastic memories.
“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: “In every pride it is the lionesses who hunt relentlessly as a team and take home their prize, and I’m sure that will be the case against Germany”.
Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer expressed his best wishes and said he hopes history will be made on Sunday.
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.”
Sir Keir attended the Lionesses’ semi-final victory over Sweden on Tuesday, which he says will “be remembered for a long time”.
He added: “It’s coming home!”.
Germany won 21 of the 27 matches between the teams, including the 2009 Euro final, but Sarina Wiegman’s England won the last time they met earlier this year.
England defeated Sweden 4-0 in the semi-final at Bramall Lane on Tuesday.
The game comes a year after England’s final defeat at Euro 2020 at Wembley against Italy on penalties.