England’s World Cup Lionesses hailed for ‘converting how the UK perspectives ladies’s football’

Thousands of Lionesses enthusiasts shared the crew’s semi-final heartbreak towards the US closing night – however, delighted in a World Cup run that has converted perceptions of women’s football.

Pubs, bars, and fan zones across the capital had been full of supporters final night time as England’s girls succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to the reigning champions. Despite the loss – which covered a rollercoaster of emotions amid VAR controversy – spectators said this yr’s Women’s World Cup become a recreation-changer for a game that has historically been performed inside the shadow of the men’s game. “The group has played properly thru the complete match and should be so proud,” stated Charlie Green, 25, a King’s College, a clinical student from Wandsworth. “I wish it’s far a catalyst of change for girls’ soccer. Compared to 4 years in the past, the media insurance and prominence of the game is a lot better.

“The Lionesses are a high-quality team and made one of these valiant attempts.” Watching the sport in the free fan zone in Battersea Park, tech entrepreneur Tim Hogwood delivered: “It has been exceptional. This tournament has changed how the kingdom perspectives women’s soccer, and it’s far exciting to peer wherein it could pass.” Chloe Woolaway, 22, a sabbatical officer at Canterbury Christchurch University who performs as a right-winger for Herne Bay Ladies, brought: “Hopefully, this will encourage more ladies to get worried in soccer. I watched every single game of the ultimate women’s world cup, and the great has were given a lot higher.

Friend Laura Buttimer, 23, an occupational therapist from Canterbury, said the pair had traveled to France to look at England vs. Cameroon sport and met the Lionesses and manager Phil Neville post-fit. “They were a bit deflated after all the controversy around that recreation. However, they have saved centered and performed truly well,” she said. Couple Brit Paul Rooke, 58, and American Maggie McCarthy, 54, each senior manager inside the tech enterprise, had a mainly hectic 97 minutes helping the rival teams. Ms. McCarthy, who hails from New York, but lives in Greenwich with Mr. Rooke, said: “There have been a few friendly contentions. “The team did truly well; they need to be so happy with themselves.”

The pair watched the sport with Mr. Rooke’s youngsters, Phoebe, 22, an art representative, Ollie, 24, an operations manager, Ed, 33, an IT manager, and his female friend Leah Hidden, 22, a local engineering co-ordinator. “We figured that either way, we’d be winners,” brought Ms. McCarthy. “The complete match has been first-rate and raised the profile of women’s football. “As soon as we observed out England might be playing the USA, the own complete family has been from side to side on Messenger.”