Discover England Women's Football's Rise to Glory and Future Success Stories

I still remember watching England's women's football team back in 2017 during the Euros, and if you'd told me then that they'd become European champions within five years, I might have questioned your football knowledge. Yet here we are, witnessing one of the most remarkable transformations in modern sports history. The Lionesses' journey from promising contenders to dominant champions represents more than just athletic achievement—it's a masterclass in building character alongside skill, something that resonates deeply with me as someone who's followed women's football for over a decade.

When I look at England's rise, what strikes me most isn't just their technical development but their mental fortitude. They've shown that while skills get you to the competition, character wins you championships. This reminds me of that powerful insight from Chery Tiggo's philosophy: "At the end of the day, kahit nandu'n 'yung skills, dapat nandu'n din 'yung character." The English team embodied this perfectly during their 2022 European Championship campaign. I recall watching that final against Germany at Wembley Stadium with 87,192 spectators—a record attendance for any European Championship match, men's or women's. What impressed me wasn't just Chloe Kelly's extra-time winner, but how the team maintained composure under immense pressure, showing character when it mattered most.

The transformation really began with the appointment of Sarina Wiegman in 2021. Having followed her work with the Netherlands, I was convinced she was the right choice, but even I underestimated how quickly she'd transform the squad. Under her leadership, England developed this incredible resilience—they've lost only one competitive match since she took charge, an astonishing record at international level. What's fascinating to me is how she's balanced tactical sophistication with psychological strength. The team now plays with this remarkable self-belief that reminds me of dominant teams like the US women's side during their back-to-back World Cup wins.

The development pathway deserves particular attention. I've been tracking the FA's investment in women's football since 2011, and the numbers speak for themselves. Participation among girls in football has increased by 54% since 2017, with over 3.4 million women and girls now playing football in England. The professionalization of the Women's Super League has been crucial—average attendance has skyrocketed from 1,128 in 2019 to over 7,000 in 2023. These aren't just statistics to me; I've seen firsthand how this infrastructure creates a virtuous cycle where better facilities attract better talent, which raises the level of competition, which in turn develops players with both technical quality and mental toughness.

Looking ahead to future success stories, I'm particularly excited about the pipeline of young talent. Players like Lauren James (22) and Jess Park (21) represent what I believe is the most technically gifted generation England has ever produced. The challenge, much like Chery Tiggo's reflection on their 2024 season, will be maintaining that character as expectations rise. The Lionesses will face increased pressure as defending champions in major tournaments, and how they handle that psychologically will determine their legacy. Personally, I think they're well-positioned to dominate European football for years to come, provided they maintain that balance between skill development and character building.

The commercial growth has been equally impressive. When I first started covering women's football, sponsorship deals were modest at best. Now, we're seeing landmark partnerships like Barclays' £30 million investment in the WSL and the Lionesses' various commercial deals worth approximately £18 million annually. This financial stability allows for better coaching, sports science, and player development—all essential ingredients for sustained success. Still, I worry about the pace of growth sometimes; rapid expansion can sometimes outstrip character development if not managed carefully.

What really gives me confidence about England's future is their adaptability. They've shown they can win in different ways—dominating possession against weaker opponents, grinding out results when not playing well, and showing tactical flexibility when needed. This versatility stems from what I see as their core strength: mental resilience. They've turned potential disappointments, like their World Cup final loss to Spain, into learning opportunities rather than psychological setbacks. This growth mindset reminds me of how the best teams in any sport use both victories and defeats to strengthen their character.

The future looks bright, but challenges remain. Other European nations are investing heavily in their women's programs, and the gap is closing rapidly. France, Germany, and Spain are all developing exceptional talent, and the competition will only intensify. England's advantage, in my view, lies in their established pathway system and that intangible quality of character they've cultivated. As we look toward the 2025 European Championship and beyond, I believe the Lionesses have the foundation to build a genuine dynasty, provided they continue prioritizing both technical excellence and the psychological strength that's brought them this far. The beautiful game, after all, requires both skill and soul to truly conquer.