It’s the final of the UEFA European Women’s Championship tonight. Another shot at a trophy for some of the most talented footballers this nation has ever produced. Another chance to make history.  

What a month it’s been for women’s football. We’ve seen Leah Williamson and Lauren James on billboards outside train stations. Cheer parties and fan marches attracting crowds that some sports could only dream of. The Russo Burger on pub menus. Imagine saying that 20 years ago. In Wales, a new bunch of heroes broke boundaries for a whole generation of girls, building a legacy that will transform the women’s game and kickstart investment in grassroots infrastructure. In England, that same generation awaits unprecedented success (hopefully). 

Social media can be a toxic place at times. We’ve seen the comments, the hate, the misogyny. But let’s not stop pushing for progress in the women’s game simply because some men can’t handle it. We’ve come a long way since the FA’s ban on women’s football was lifted in 1971 and Sarina Wiegman has already spoken about the “blank canvas” of opportunity off the back of these groundbreaking tournaments. (As a sidenote, if you haven’t watched Copa 71 and seen the story of the ‘Lost Lionesses’ who played in front of crowds of 90,000+ in Mexico in 1971, then stop what you’re doing and watch it now.)

Sport England says 845,000 girls are now playing football in England, up from 669,000 in 2017-18. Since England lifted the trophy at Wembley three years ago, 129,000 more girls playing are football in schools and 10,300 more women and girls are playing football in grassroots clubs. Football changes lives, and that means as much to your daughter as it does to you. You can be sure those figures will rise again, whatever happens tonight. 

Come on, the Lionesses.

 Leah Williamson: “The most important thing is that girls get equal access. That's the biggest barrier – that was the biggest barrier for me."