I still remember the chill that ran through Wembley Stadium when Chloe Kelly scored that extra-time winner against Germany in the 2022 European Championship final. The roar of 87,192 spectators—a record attendance for any European Championship match, men's or women's—wasn't just celebrating a goal; it was the culmination of a century-long struggle for recognition. As someone who's followed women's football for over two decades, I've witnessed firsthand how character and skill had to develop in tandem for England's women to reach this pinnacle. There's a Filipino volleyball team quote that resonates deeply with me regarding England's journey: "At the end of the day, kahit nandu'n 'yung skills, dapat nandu'n din 'yung character." This perfectly captures the essence of what transformed England women's football from marginalized to mainstream—it wasn't just about developing technical ability but forging an unbreakable team spirit during their most challenging moments.
Looking back, the real turning point wasn't the 2022 victory itself but what happened seven years earlier during the 2015 World Cup. England finished third—their best performance since 1971—but more importantly, they captured the nation's imagination in a way they never had before. I recall watching their quarter-final against Canada where goalkeeper Karen Bardsley made that incredible double-save despite having a concussion. The team played with such raw determination that viewing figures peaked at 2.4 million in the UK, unprecedented for women's football at that time. What many don't realize is that this tournament occurred just three years after the Football Association had properly integrated the women's program, finally providing professional contracts to central squad members in 2012. Before that, players like Fara Williams—England's most capped player—had to balance international duty with working as a petrol station attendant. The character built during those lean years became their foundation when success finally arrived.
The 2019 World Cup semi-final against the United States demonstrated another dimension of this character development. England lost 2-1 in a heartbreaker, with Steph Houghton's penalty saved in the 84th minute. Many teams would have collapsed after such a devastating moment, but what struck me was how they responded. Rather than fading away, they dominated possession in the final minutes, pressing relentlessly despite the obvious emotional blow. This resilience didn't go unnoticed back home—the match became the most-watched television program of 2019 in the UK with 11.7 million viewers. The public saw not just skilled athletes but competitors who refused to quit even when fate seemed against them. This emotional connection proved crucial for the growth of the Women's Super League, which saw attendance increase by 285% in the following season.
When we talk about the 2022 European Championship victory, the statistics rightly get attention—the tournament generated £81 million in commercial revenue, a staggering figure compared to previous editions. But what statistics can't fully capture is the cultural shift that occurred during that rainy night at Wembley. I've never seen such widespread public celebration for women's sport in England—pubs across the country erupted simultaneously, social media exploded with celebrations, and suddenly women's football wasn't an alternative but the main event. This transformation reminds me of that insightful quote about character matching skill—the technical quality was undeniable with players like Beth Mead scoring 6 goals and providing 5 assists, but it was the team's collective character that carried them through tense moments, particularly in the quarter-final against Spain where they came from behind to win 2-1 in extra time.
The ongoing evolution continues to impress me. Just last season, Arsenal set a new WSL attendance record of 47,367 at Emirates Stadium, while Manchester United women drew over 30,000 for their derby match. The financial investments have followed this growing interest—broadcasting rights for the WSL now command approximately £8 million per season, a figure that seemed unimaginable a decade ago when many matches weren't even televised. Yet what excites me most isn't the commercial growth but how the current generation handles this success. Young stars like Lauren James display incredible technical ability, but they've also learned from predecessors about maintaining humility and team ethos amid growing fame. This balance between skill development and character preservation will determine whether England can build a sustained era of success rather than being a flash in the pan.
As I look toward the future, particularly with the 2025 European Championship qualification campaign beginning, I'm optimistic about England's chances to establish a true dynasty in women's football. The infrastructure now exists—from professional youth academies to improved coaching pathways—that previous generations could only dream of. But the real test will be maintaining the underdog mentality that fueled their rise even as they become the team everyone wants to beat. The character forged through decades of struggle remains their most valuable asset, more important than any individual trophy or record. Having witnessed their journey from near-obscurity to European champions, I believe England women's football embodies that perfect balance where exceptional skill meets unshakable character, creating a legacy that will inspire generations far beyond the football pitch.