England fans gathered in various locations to watch the Women’s World Cup final between England and Spain on Sunday, August 20, 2023. Parks, local football clubhouses, and pubs and bars were filled with enthusiastic supporters enjoying picnics, tea, coffee, and the company of fellow fans. The atmosphere was vibrant, with fans wearing stetson hats, blowing vuvuzelas, donning replica jerseys, and painting their faces in red and white. The unofficial anthem, “It’s Coming Home,” was sung with great enthusiasm, along with the national anthem, “God Save the King.”
Despite goalkeeper Mary Earps’ impressive second-half penalty save and a thrilling 13 minutes of added time, England’s hopes of securing their first World Cup victory since 1966 were dashed as Spain emerged as the winners with a 1-0 score. The defeat was met with a mixture of silence, tears, and respectful applause. Yvonne Roswell, a 43-year-old administrator watching the match with her daughter, expressed her disappointment but also praised the team’s performance, saying, “They did really well. Next time.”
The immense national interest in the Lionesses demonstrates the significant progress of women’s football, especially since Sarina Wiegman’s side triumphed in the European Championship the previous year. The final was broadcasted live on both BBC and ITV, generating record-breaking viewership numbers. The semifinal match between England and Australia attracted a peak audience of 11.5 million people. The match also provided a much-needed boost for retail sales of alcohol, soft drinks, and barbecue food in supermarkets and pubs.
The success of the women’s team in reaching the final has been credited with bridging the gap between men’s and women’s football. The players have become household names and icons, and their achievement has been recognized and praised by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Football Association President Prince William. Despite not attending the final, they acknowledged the impact of the Lionesses in empowering young girls and making football inclusive.
At the Boxpark venue near Wembley stadium, former members of the 1972 Lionesses team joined thousands of fans to watch the match. Fans in Croydon highlighted the pioneering nature of the 2023 team, remarking on their ability to bring people together and empower women. The positive energy and diversity displayed by the team were applauded. Observing the camaraderie among female fans, Bea Thomas, a 27-year-old teacher, remarked, “Women are nicer to each other.”
The triumphs of the women’s team in the tournament have left a lasting legacy. Tania Bushell, a 53-year-old charity worker, stated that the team represents the future of women’s football in the country, marking a significant shift from the dominance of men in the sport. The impact of the Lionesses is expected to bring about lasting change and transform the landscape of football in the UK.
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