Women’s World Cup 2023: ‘Inspirational’ Lionesses praised by young female football fans

Football fans all over the country rejoiced as England made history as they beat Australia to reach their first ever Women’s World Cup final.

Lauren Toone saw the Lionesses take a lead in the first half with her wonderful strike, while Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp secured the team’s victory in the second half.

Hundreds of fans flocked to Shoreditch BoxPark on Thursday morning to cheer on their respective teams.

Amongst them were a number of young female football players who have been inspired by the Lionesses’ Euros success.

Chloe Indry and Olivia Holloway (both 18), who play for Charlton Athletics Girls football club, said the Lionesses’ success has reignited their passion for the game.

“When the Lionesses gained a bit more recognition it got us a bit more into it but we’ve played since we were five,” said Chloe. “We have always played but when they won the Euros it reignited my love for it [football].”

Olivia said: “I reckon if I was younger and we had more of this I would have definitely pushed myself more to become a professional. They are all so inspirational and hopefully loads of younger kids will be inspired by it.”

She added: “It wasn’t a big thing when I was 10 but I’m glad that the younger generation are getting this opportunity.”

Daisy, Maisie and Rose, all aged 16, travelled from Essex to watch the semi-final in Shoreditch.

Daisy, who plays for Leyton Orient Under 18s women’s team, has watched every Lioness game this World Cup tournament. Maisie, who plays for the Billericay girls team, said she was thrilled by England’s win.

The Lionesses’ Euros success in 2022 inspired thousands across the country to give the game a go.

Brooke, a 21-year-old student at Newcastle University and her friend Mimi, 18, have been football mad since last summer.

“We’ve been watching the games from the start. My friend Mimi got me into football last year and since then we’ve been talking about it non stop,” Brooke told LondonWorld.

“We’ve watched every single game, we’ve watched most of them together. I’ve bought myself a football to be able to learn to do a keepie uppie, although I can’t yet. I messaged the Newcastle University football team last week asking if they take beginners.”

The Lionesses will now go on to face Spain in Sunday’s final. Kick off starts at 11am (UK time).