England’s Lionesses hailed for lifting nation by inspiring generation of girls
ENGLAND’s Lionesses have lifted the nation by inspiring a generation of girls like never before, football heroes and sport chiefs said yesterday.
Ex-England stars Ian Wright and Alex Scott hailed the sparked by our Euro success.
Up to 90,000 fans will watch Sarina Wiegman’s heroines take on Germany at Wembley from 5pm tomorrow.
Parties will kick-off across the nation with a record 19.5million Brits expected to watch on TV.
The game will be refereed by Ukrainian refugee Kateryna Monzul, 41, who fled blitzed Kharkiv to start a new life in Italy.
Arsenal legend Wrighty, 58, called on all schools to give girls the chance to play footie.
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He said: “Whatever happens in the final now, if girls are not allowed to play football in their PE just like the boys can then what are we doing?
“We have got to make sure they are able to play and get the opportunity to do so. This is as proud as I've ever felt of any England side.”
Fellow Gunners icon Alex, 37, said the final will set a new benchmark after 28,000 fans saw the 4-0 semi-final win over Sweden at Sheffield’s Bramall Lane.
Alex said: “For this team to get to Wembley, they are creating something special and deserve every accolade which is coming their way.
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“Everyone who has been involved in women’s football has been waiting for this moment. It’s special.”
And Sport England said: “The Lionesses have once again captured the nation’s attention — and hearts.
“The performances of Beth Mead, Kiera Walsh and Millie Bright are showing young girls that a career in football is possible.
“Whether in a school PE session or playing for a team on a Saturday morning, every girl should have the opportunity to play and engage with activities of all kinds, football included.
“The key is now for organisations to ensure that every young girl can carry out their dream of playing and emulating their heroines.”
Last week Princess Charlotte, seven, asked dad William to tell skipper Leah Williamson that she is “really good in goal”.
William visited the team at St George’s Park in Burton, Staffs, and said: “You are all trailblazers for women’s sport. The best of luck.”
David Beckham, 47, has revealed his 11-year-old daughter Harper is a huge fan and told the team: “We are all behind you and excited to see it.”
Yesterday stars such as Fran Kirby and Rachel Daly trained at Teddington, South West London, ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster clash.
The tournament’s success has boosted the economy with fans spending £248million in hospitality venues and £975million with retailers.
Ref Kateryna spent five days cowering in a bomb shelter from Russian forces in February.
She fled to Turin with her two sisters and their three sons.
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Kateryna, in charge of two Euro games so far, said: “It’s a really important competition for me, and to represent Ukraine.
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"It’s not possible to forget about the war but my aim as always is to do my job in a professional way.”
- Follow face painter Trudles Doodles .