Beautiful game must be winner

FOOTBALL is so close to coming home, it’s standing on the front step with its key in the front door.

Now all that stands in the way of its triumphant homecoming is the bleeding Germans.

Where have we heard that before? But England women can do what the men failed to do by winning the Euros at Wembley today.

One thing, ladies – please, please, please tell me you’ve been practising your penalties? We’ve had enough of agonising defeats on pens, thanks.

Whatever happens in the final, the Euros tournament has been a major success and a brilliant boost for women’s football.

An audience of 11million watched Sarina Wiegman’s side bash Sweden in the semis. Even more will tune in this afternoon to see if England can win it all.

Many who have been sceptical or critical of the woman’s game have been won over. A whole generation of young girls has fallen in love with the game. But, of course, many blokes haven’t been hooked. For every positive comment I’ve seen online I’ve seen countless negative or sexist ones.

There’s the fake England Lionesses crest that features three irons, instead of Lions. Because they’re women and must do the ironing, see? Hilarious!

Or those who say they will show their support for the female England football team by hanging a tea towel flag out of the kitchen window. Again, sides split. Or those who say they only watch in case there are topless goal celebrations.

Come on, get over it. The England team have been fantastic and the quality of football has been impressive.

Some of the goals have been screamers. It has been entertaining stuff.

But for the game to grow it needs more support from all of those who have been converted. Obviously the FA needs to invest more to help boost the game from grassroots to the top level.

Schools and clubs need to encourage more girls to play. But everyone who has become a fan of the women’s game needs to continue their backing.

Why not take your family to see a Women’s Super League game this season? Or get an England shirt and go cheer the girls on in their World Cup qualifiers that start in September.

Let’s keep the momentum and maybe next time round, Baddiel and Skinner will pen a new version of Three Lions for the Lionesses. It came home...