CAN’T START A FIRE WITHOUT A SPARK! The Lionesses and their Legacy
No-one thought the Lionesses could top Euro 2022. But they did. The England fans who travelled with them to Switzerland – and those glued to their screens back home – were on a rollercoaster of emotions throughout Euro 2025. From despair to joy, from peeking through fingers to punching the air, this was not a journey for the fainthearted. But by the end, the Lionesses were dancing in the park. St Jakob Park, Basel, that is.
Three years ago, England and their manager Sarina Wiegman celebrated in Trafalgar Square with 7,000 fans. This time they flew home and went straight to No. 10 Downing Street on Monday, and the next day came down the Mall on an open-top bus to Buckingham Palace – in front of 65,000 fans. The vibes were immaculate. Kerry Davis was the trailblazing Lioness chosen to present the Euro Trophy back to England captain Leah Williamson. And it wasn’t “Nobby dancing” this time, but Sarina boogying with Burna Boy.
The Lionesses’ legacy is happening in real time, and we’ve spoken to an entire 23-strong squad of people to gauge their reactions. From original 1971 England players to head coaches to those who went on the fan-walks, plus a club owner, BBC commentator, two actors, ‘The Lost Lionesses’ playwright – and Kerry Davis herself – not to mention the youngsters (and oldsters) inspired by the Lionesses, this is the legacy told in their own words:
Thea (8), new England fan and budding poet:
Smiles and Frowns.
My smile was wide,
And happiness came raining down on me.
No frowns, but then I realise…
The Spanish might be sad,
They lost the championship of 2025.
But we all lose sometimes,
So just smile.
Kerry Davis, the first black Lioness (90 caps, 43 goals) – who handed over the trophy at Buckingham Palace:
This Euros win will be for the greater good of the women’s game. It will encourage investment development, diversity, and inclusion at all levels of the women’s game, with great importance at the grassroots level.
The visibility on TV and in the media will let girls and boys know, “If you can see it, you can be it”
Cherry (13), England fan:
When the finals were on I was on scout camp. First we were in the minibus, listening to it on the radio. We were all tense and very excited. Then when we got back, me and every other scout and leader gathered round the leader’s phone to watch it during dinner and that was very nerve-wracking. And after dinner it was the penalties… and after we won me and the other scouts were cheering and celebrating (see photo, top right). It was a very fun experience.
Hannah Hampton was amazing as she saved the penalties; she was quick and precise. Lucy Bronze was determined as she kept on playing after she got injured badly.
It makes me feel proud to be a woman as these amazing players have taken up their time putting effort into their training and skill to play in the Euros for England – and winning.
Nicole Allison, Worcester City Women owner:
The Lionesses’ European Championship win was a landmark moment, not just for the national team, but for every girl watching who saw themselves in that success. Research showed a 140% increase in participation in girls’ football after the 2022 Euros, and that impact is being felt at clubs like Worcester City Women. Sustained success at the top level fuels both grassroots growth and commercial investment, creating a stronger, more visible future for the women’s game at every level. But we need to see that sustained investment into the grassroots and Tiers 3 and 4 of the women’s football pyramid.
Sam Parks, Lionesses and Arsenal Women fan – and actor:
I remember the semi-final against Italy vividly. Having watched most of the game in my dressing room, I had to go onstage for the long final scene [of ‘A Man for All Seasons’]. England were trailing 1-0. At the curtain I raced backstage expecting to watch the post-match pundits discussing what could have been. But then I heard from my dressing room the roar of the crowd. We were still playing!! Managed to catch the CK rebound penalty live! I sat in my costume in disbelief! How had we won that? And the joy of being in another final!
They are an extraordinary group of women, doing wonderful things on and off the pitch. I feel the Lionesses achievement will change a lot. Attendance will go up for the game from grassroots upwards. Wages will increase. More boys and men will watch women’s football. And up and down the country girls and boys will be ‘doing a Chloe Kelly’.
Gill Sayell, original Lost Lioness from 1971:
This is girl power in action. If you are told you can’t, just say: yes I can, because I can see it, and I believe I can be it! Follow your dream.
Zelda (13):
I feel empowered. I feel happy. When they won the Euros both times, I felt proud to be English. All these women have overcome all these obstacles to be professional footballers and be the best in Europe. It makes me think I can do that too – and makes me want to play football.
Lee Burch, Rugby Borough Women head coach:
I think the first Euros win was a great platform for the progression made since, and the second will be an injection into all areas from sponsorship, crowds etc. But also it shows that we can win and continue winning on the international stage.
Emily Herbert, BBC Commentator:
The win has rewritten the narrative of this team – not just for women’s football, but for commentators too. I’d say I’ve witnessed a shift from describing the historic firsts to documenting a golden era for this team. I don’t think it’s just a ‘Kelly’ match moment anymore – it’s a whole new identity for them. I think commentating their games now involves trying to tell the whole story, not just about the 90 minutes, but incorporating the nation’s belief, and seeing the Lionesses in supermarkets, and kids walking down streets with their shirts – and trying to emulate that constant growth of the game.
I’d also like to point out that this coverage is no longer “making space” but is on prime-time television (which also means our fee is increased) and the coverage has improved. Along with behind-the-scenes things like stats, news, just general information makes my job a lot easier. I’d also like to think that boys growing up think it’s normal and there’s just two England sides.
Veera (9), Lionesses and Man City Women fan:
I knew they would win! I felt very excited and on edge during the final match. After the win I was overjoyed and ecstatic!
England have done two penalty shootouts during the Euros and won both, and as soon as there were going to be penalty shootouts I knew the Lionesses would win, especially with Hampton the Hero and no. 18, Chloe Kelly!
Dan McKimm, London Bees head coach:
I think it’s remarkable what they’ve achieved. Legacy-wise I think we’ll see this play out over the next few years in terms of the number of people that they’ve engaged through their achievements, and whether the sport can sustain this interest. What the Lionesses have done is give visibility and elevated the game in the mainstream over the past few years, it’s now down to the various administrators of the game to capitalise on this and develop the game on the back of this position and opportunity the Lionesses have created.
Jill Stockley, original Lost Lioness from 1971:
There are still hills to climb, although times are changing, there is still a pay gap. Although the girls won and get a reward of cash, the tax man will take most of it. Education is still the key to success for the Lionesses as they don’t earn enough money for their future and have to continue studying whist playing in the women’s super league (WSL) so they can support themselves when retiring. Our captain is studying accounting so that she can have a future, as the money she is earning won’t be enough to retire on.
Times will change for the next generation of girls coming through, thanks to the success of our team in 2022 and 2025. It’s only taken 55 yrs to reach the point we are at now. Thank goodness times have changed and hope they carry on changing men’s perspective of the women’s game today.
Cari Rosen, Lionesses and Man Utd fan:
‘At what point do you think we can relax?’ asked my friend as we sat in the England end at the Letzigrund for the game against the Netherlands. We decided 5-0 might do it (revised to 4-0 once we hit the 80th minute). We were decidedly more laid back at the Wales game in St Gallen, able to enjoy the fan walk to the stadium and singing ourselves hoarse after every goal.
We had said we were definitely not going back for the knock-out stages – though that didn’t explain how we found ourselves on a train from Zurich to Geneva for the semi-final against Italy, but hey. Another fan walk, this time right up front with the England band. Sitting behind the goal we were in turns optimistic, tense, resigned … and yet still hopeful. This was England, after all.
The roar when Michelle Agyemang scored her last-gasp equaliser was deafening – louder than any I have heard in decades of going to games, including cup finals. Then the joy, almost disbelief, at Kelly’s winner and then singing the whole way home, with our daughters and their friends facetiming from summer camp to join in the celebrations (perhaps the only time as mums that we will ever be pretty cool – we were there!)
It’s not just the winning, of course. It’s the taking part – and the resilience, and the refusing ever to give in or stop fighting for the win. It’s more than about making history… it’s the legacy for women’s football as a whole and in England in particular – at all levels. Whichever way you want to dress it up, this was a magnificent achievement. And yes, many days after the event, I’m still watching those goals and penalties on repeat.
Nicole Lockwood-West, Lionesses fan and The Lost Lionesses playwright:
The Lionesses journey didn’t just start in 2022, but all the way back in 1895 with “The British Ladies Football Club”. This journey has consisted of many triumphs but has also experienced lows, including a 50-year ban…
Women’s football is the definition of the word: ‘Resilience’.
Their triumph is so important as it teaches us all to never give up! They lost against France in their first game, yet the Lionesses won! They were knocked, bruised and injured, yet the Lionesses won! They were losing in the first half, yet the Lionesses won! Never give up!
Imagine growing up and the world telling you “no” to playing football and you still persevere to become European champions – not once but twice! Mentality monsters. If the current Lionesses are able to be this successful on such little investment, imagine how much more they could achieve with further opportunities and encouragement for the next generation of Lionesses. The future is bright!
Trudy McCaffery, original Lost Lioness from 1971:
Playing as long as the men, but still having to prove a legacy. And we will, and they will, and so will all the girls coming along behind. Because now they can see themselves, and that door is well and truly open.
Gethin Thurlow, Lionesses and Man City Women superfan and sportswriter:
I was lucky enough to be there to experience it all in Switzerland and it was absolutely incredible. The journey from losing against France to winning the whole thing felt impossible, but that is the resilience that the Lionesses are constantly showing.
On a personal level, those knockout last-minute winners brought me so much joy and moments of happiness, let alone when we won the final. In terms of legacy, by winning the second Euros on the run, and first ever trophy away from home by an England team, this Lionesses team will go down as the greatest ever England team, at least for now…
Thomas (9), England fan:
Oh, I loved [watching] Kelly and Agyemang, and the keeper was great. I’ve always known England as my international football team because I live in England, and also because they’re the team that usually get in! I once went to see Arsenal Women, and now I’d really like to see England play at Wembley.
NB: Thomas’ photographer dad Justin – who is Welsh – added: I was just happy that Wales got in, to be honest. I had no expectations, but I was happy – and happy they scored against England – that [assist from Jess Fishlock] was one of the passes of the tournament for me.
Louise Cross, original Lost Lioness from 1971:
Make sure the girls of the future will be fully backed by authorities, starting at grass roots and upwards.
Heidi (13) England and Liverpool fan:
My thoughts on the Euros final… I thought it was brilliant how the Lionesses came all the way to the finals two times in a row. I also noticed that each match they would score right last minute… letting England win. I think they all played so well especially Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton. I also thought Lucy Bronze was amazing, playing the whole Euros with a hairline fracture.
Yvonne Farr (now Bradley), who foreshadowed Lucy Bronze by breaking her leg playing for England back in 1971:
Determination and never giving up wins.
Freya Park, ‘Here We Go’ star, and Arsenal Women fan:
I’ve been on tour with a play, but we managed to catch the Sweden game in the pub after the show. The cast and me were cheering and biting our nails during those penalties, all huddled round my phone.
It’s so inspiring seeing them completely take ownership of the field and their bodies, take up space and show such skill and power as women. I’m obsessed with Chloe Kelly’s gazelle-like penalties as well!
It was so cool seeing that picture of Lauren Hemp with her Lego castle, after that episode of ‘Here We Go’ where my character Amy builds a Lego Eiffel Tower that then gets totally destroyed! What are the chances…
I had no idea about the link – I’ll have to ask Tom Basden [the writer] if it’s another reference…
Dakota Johnson, Lionesses and Spurs fan – and sportswriter:
It means everything – just as Chloe Kelly said it makes you so proud to be English. Being at the group games in Switzerland was the best experience of my life, and after falling out of love with football after a difficult season for my club, it’s made me so much more excited for the season to come and the future of women’s football in general.
Chris Lockwood, original Lost Lioness from 1971:
There has always been a spark, but Euro 2022 lit the fire… and now in 2025 it’s the moment that is moving a generation
As told to Helen M Jerome, Nicole Lockwood-West and Danny Milwain.
Photos courtesy of Justin Griffiths-Williams, 3rd Hertford Scouts and 7th Eastleigh Scout Group, Cari Rosen and Kerry Davis
