Euro 2022: Why Ian Wright's powerful plea about tournament’s legacy was so important

Bramall Lane was rocking last night as England booked a place in the final of Euro 2022. 

More than 28,600 fans were in attendance as the Lionesses secured a stunning 4-0 victory against Sweden, with Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby on the scoresheet.

For many of the adult female fans in the stands, the evening would have been a marked departure from their own experiences of playing and watching football while growing up in England. 

Thousands upon thousands turning up to watch female footballers? Millions more tuning in to watch on TV? Women celebrated, not ridiculed, for playing sport?

Twenty years ago, this would have seemed an unrealistic fantasy. Girls never played football in PE at school, and a local team could be an hour’s drive away, if not more.

Women’s football was not on TV, and although there were occasionally impressive attendances at matches, it never reached the records currently being set at Euro 2022. 

Things have certainly changed, but that doesn’t mean that Ian Wright’s post-match plea about the tournament’s legacy was any less important.  

“Whatever happens in the final now, if girls are not allowed to play football in their PE, just like the boys can, what are we doing,” Wright implored on BBC One.

“We have got to make sure they are able to play and get the opportunity to do so.

“If there’s no legacy to this – like with the Olympics – then what are we doing as this is as proud as I’ve ever felt of any England side.”

Despite the euphoric mood at Bramall Lane, Wright was completely correct to discuss the reality of the situation. 

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

Yes, women’s football is gaining in popularity at a rapid rate, and yes, there’s more