Ian Wright issued a passionate plea for England 's Euro 2022 heroics not to be lost on future generations after the Lionesses thrashed Sweden 4-0 to reach Sunday's final.
Sarina Wiegman's side cruised to victory in their semi-final at Bramall Lane on Wednesday and booked their place in the showpiece at Wembley against France or Germany. Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby all got on the scoresheet to leave Wright feeling "as proud as I've ever felt of any England side" and put themselves 90 minutes away from glory on home soil.
Amid the jubilant scenes in Sheffield after full-time, the Arsenal legend urged those in charge of the English game to ensure that the tournament, which has captured the nation, is given a lasting legacy - unlike the 2012 Olympic Games. "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 asked on the BBC post-match.
"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."
Fellow Arsenal icon Alex Scott believes that the Lionesses' success is all down to years of hard work to grow the women's game at all levels up and down the country, as more than 28,000 delirious fans witnessed the Bramall Lane spectacle. "It is hard for me not to get emotional right now because the amount of investment which has gone into the women's game is for a moment like this," Scott admitted.
"For this team to get to Wembley, they are creating something special and deserve every accolade which is coming their way. But (after) the FA investment, everyone who has been involved in women’s football has been waiting for this moment. It's special."
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On the 4-0 romp itself, Scott - who played 140 times for England during her glittering career and helped the Lionesses reach the Euros final in 2009 - was ecstatic. "Is this real? What England have shown throughout this tournament, which is absolutely a credit to them, is all sides (of the game)," she beamed.
"You've seen them frustrated in their opening game, you've seen them blow away Norway, you've seen them on the ropes against Spain and today a pure and intelligent England finding a way back into the game and brushing away Sweden. Every single game England have had different players step up."
