England reach Euro 2022 final: Ian Wright's powerful speech after 4-0 Sweden win

Ian Wright, one of women’s football’s biggest advocates, delivered a powerful speech following England’s emphatic Euro 2022 semi-final win over Sweden on Tuesday night.

The Lionesses left the Swedes stunned after a blistering 4-0 victory booked their place in the final. At full-time, Wright was bursting with pride.

The Arsenal legend went viral with his animated celebrations during England’s previous win over Spain, but this time he took a moment to be serious and reflect on the impact women’s football is having on the nation.

“Whatever happens in the final, if girls are not allowed to play football just like the boys can in their PE after this tournament, then what are we doing?” Wright asked.

“We’ve got to make sure they are able to play and get the opportunity because this is going to inspire a lot of people.”

Indeed, the visibility of women’s football in the UK has never been higher and Euro 2022 has served as an incredible watershed moment for the sport.

If there’s no legacy to all this, then what are we doing? This is as proud as I’ve ever felt of any England side. This is what it’s about.

Thank you for saying this @IanWright0 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/n52NcuLMTL

Wright’s emotional statement came after 28,624 fans packed out Bramall Lane to set a new record for the highest attended semi-final in Women’s Euro history.

The sea of supporters watched as Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby fired home a quartet of superb goals to take England to their first major final in 13 years.

Mead took her tournament tally up to six goals, equalling her nation’s highest ever goal amount at a World Cup or European Championship. She joins Ellen White, Harry Kane and Gary Lineker who all scored six goals at respective