Euro 2022 winners England demand Government offer girls' football at school

The Lionesses have sent an open letter to the next Prime Minister – either Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss – demanding girls are given access to football at school.

Every member of England’s 23-player squad signed the letter just days after winning Euro 2022.

The side defeated Germany 2-1 at Wembley on Sunday, earning England’s first major title since the men’s team won the 1966 World Cup.

“Throughout the Euros, we as a team spoke about our legacy and goal to inspire a nation,” the letter reads.

“Many will think that this has already been achieved, but we see this only as the beginning.

“We are looking to the future. We want to create real change in this country and we are asking you, if you were to become Prime Minister on 5 September, to help us achieve that change.”

The open letter goes on to demand change for girls wanting to play football in England.

"We see this as only the beginning."An open letter from our #Lionesses… pic.twitter.com/Ty9kA7zgGa

“Currently only 63% of girls can play football in PE lessons. The reality is we are inspiring young girls to play football, only for many to end up going to school and not being able to play.

“This is something that we all experienced growing up. We were often stopped from playing. So we made our own teams, we travelled across the country and despite the odds, we just kept playing football.

“Women’s football has come a long way. But it still has a long way to go.

“We ask you and your government to ensure that all girls have access to a minimum of two hours a week PE. Not only should we be offering football to all girls, we also need to invest in and support female PE teachers too.

“Their role is crucial and we need to give them the resources to provide girls’ football sessions.