It was impossible not to be inspired by the fight of the England Lionesses in Euro 2017 – from the grit against possession-heavy France and Spain to the goalscoring heroics of the golden boot winner, Jodie Taylor. The huge disappointment that Mark Sampson’s side did not come home clasping silverware, as the highest-ranked side left in play at the penultimate round, is balanced by pride in England’s second consecutive semi-final at a major tournament. That pride is easy. This team feels like a side not far off making that crucial final leap.
With investment and participation on the up, FA commitment to further growth and clubs seeing both the financial and social benefits of thriving women’s teams, there is rightfully hope that these factors will ultimately yield greater success on the pitch in years to come. At present few, if any, England internationals have played professionally for the entirety of their career. With professionalisation increasing across the Women’s Super League — with some exceptions illustrating that it is not all plain sailing; Sunderland recently reverted to part-time status — women’s football in England is heading towards a new era, one in which girls will be able to aspire to play professionally from a young age. With their pathway through to the national senior side now mapped out by thriving youth teams, there is a bigger pool of talent to pick from.
Related: Holland victory a triumph for Dutch flair and Sarina Wiegman’s coaching nous | Priya Ramesh
Related: There’s a huge TV audience for women’s football. It’s time to capitalise on it | Anna Kessel
Continue reading...