By Sir Keir Starmer
THIS summer, once again, the Lionesses united and inspired our whole nation, giving us moments we’ll always remember.
In pubs and living rooms across the country, we crowded around our screens with nerves jangling. We knew it would be dramatic with this team — and they didn’t disappoint.
Girls, like my own daughter, are dreaming that bit bigger because of what they have seen this team achieve.
And in playgrounds, parks, and clubs across our communities, it’s not just women and girls who are seeking to emulate their heroes — this team has inspired us all.
The stats will record the Lionesses are true history-makers — the first senior England team to win a major trophy overseas; back-to-back European champions — and with a hat-trick of trophies for Sarina.
But they are not just writing history, they are writing the future too. Because this story is about more than football.
It’s about the very right to play at all. It’s about what the Lionesses represent when they play for this country. And it’s about who we are, and what we can achieve together.
Some people might have written England off when we were 2-0 down to Sweden or a goal behind against Italy and Spain. But if they did, they don’t know this team — or this country.
I was lucky enough to be at the final, and I can tell you that English heads never went down.
The grit and determination that saw us come back in every one of those knock-out games was born of the same grit and determination with which this team faced down outdated attitudes that prevented some of their predecessors from even playing.
It’s the same courage and determination with which they called out vile and racist online abuse during the tournament.
When the Lionesses put that England shirt on, they stand for what we stand for together: England, in all its glory, with our shared history and values — decency, fairness and respect.
I have spoken to these players and heard their passion — for the game, for their country, and for the next generation that they want to inspire.
The pride, resilience and unity that define this team, define the very best of who we are. It has shown us, once again, what this country can achieve.
And I cannot think of better role models for our nation.
What Sarina and our Lionesses have achieved is nothing short of remarkable. So recognition is coming — and it will be worthy of their historic success.
But the greatest tribute will be to use the inspiration of this summer to deliver a legacy the Lionesses have fought for: equal access to all sport for girls and boys. This government is rolling up its sleeves and making that a reality. The Lionesses have made an entire nation proud.
We’re determined to deliver a legacy they can be proud of too.
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