England fans will probably remember 1996 as the year the men came so close to European Championship glory.
It’s also the year one of the most iconic players of the women’s game, Faye White, began her career as a footballer.
getty
7
Faye White is one of the most recognisable figures in the women’s game
The world was a different place in 1996: the Gallagher brothers were friends, the internet was barely a thing and women’s football was still in its infancy.
White, the Arsenal and Lionesses legend, never got to experience the raucous scenes of Euro ’96 during a glittering career which saw her win nine FA Women’s Cups and make 90 appearances for her country.
But now, times are changing. We stayed up in our millions to watch the Lionesses come third at the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada.
LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS
DEAL DONE
Real Madrid confirm Eden Hazard signing to end long-running transfer saga
THANK YOU
These Chelsea fans pour their hearts out for 'true legend' Eden Hazard
in the money
Hazard joins Real Madrid and will reportedly double his wages
gossip
Chelsea transfer news live: Hazard moves to Real Madrid, transfer ban appeal latest
gossip
Transfer news LIVE: Hazard joins Real Madrid, Sessegnon to leave Fulham, plus more
LET'S GO
Women's World Cup opening ceremony: The best pictures from the party in Paris
ALL SEEMS REAL
Hazard shirts spotted at Real Madrid shop - number he will wear revealed
Protest
Why Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg is not playing for Norway at the World Cup
The following season, attendances in the Women’s Super League grew by 50 per cent, and it didn’t stop there.
England’s semi-final against the Netherlands at Euro 2017 drew the biggest ever audience for a women’s football match in the UK, peaking at more than four million viewers.
And ahead of the 2019 Women’s World Cup, which begins tonight when hosts France face South Korea, there is a genuine excitement for perhaps the first time in this country.
William Hill
7
Faye White (right) made 300 appearances for Arsenal Ladies
Speaking at a William Hill pre-World Cup event, White told talkSPORT: “Has there ever been this buzz? No!”
“The media coverage for this World Cup is above and beyond anything. Each time we have thought it’s getting bigger and bigger. The last World Cup, nearly two million people were watching it at midnight.
“It’s on another level and that will only motivate the girls. Yes it’ll raise expectation, but they have those expectations themselves anyway. If anything, it’ll give them that confidence that they’re making a change now.
getty
7
The nation expects the women to do something special at this World Cup
“It’ll give them more pride than they’ve ever felt playing in an England shirt.”
The Lionesses, fresh from their triumph in the SheBelieves Cup, are genuine contenders to become world champions for the first time in history.
Ahead of their opener against Scotland on Sunday, Phil Neville’s team enter the tournament as third favourites, behind the USA and France.
getty
7
Steph Houghton and co. have a genuine chance to make history in France
But White, England Women’s longest serving captain, knows better than anybody that the Lionesses’ history at major tournaments, much like the men’s team, is littered with heartbreak and disappointment.
The 41-year-old captained her country at two European Championships and two World Cups – and has the scars to prove it.
In 2007, White played on with a broken nose for the final ten minutes of England’s quarter-final defeat to the USA, who the Lionesses are still yet to beat in a competitive match.
Women's World Cup on talkSPORT
talkSPORT is your home of the Women's World Cup! Here's what's coming up this weekend...
- France vs South Korea (Friday, 8pm) – talkSPORT
- England vs Scotland (Sunday, 5pm) – talkSPORT
At Euro 2009, she led the women all the way to the final, only to be beaten by Germany.
And it was White who missed the all-important fifth penalty against France at the 2011 World Cup, as the Lionesses went crashing out in the quarter-finals.
But the former centre-back believes the pain of the past will make the current team stronger – and now could be the perfect time for them to win it.
getty
7
White blazed her penalty over the bar in the shootout against France in 2011
getty
7
White was left crestfallen at the World Cup in Germany
“I think they have a great chance of going all the way. They’ve had that experience of going so close. Yes we need a bit of fortune in terms of results as you always do,” White added.
“I think we’ve seen a progressive increase in media coverage over the years and certainly since 2009 when we got to the Euro final.
“Each tournament has shown a rise and there is a feel-good feeling around the game and that results in increased attendances.
getty
7
Phil Neville has already guided the Lionesses to glory in the SheBelieves Cup
“The big thing is if we win it, it would go to a completely different level. I do believe now is the time.
“It would be a perfect time to catapult it to bigger than it’s ever been.”
The Lionesses are 7/1 with William Hill to win the Women’s World Cup.
Listen to every England game live on talkSPORT – and tune in for France vs South Korea tonight at 8pm.
Mark Warburton is poised to be named QPR's new manager this week. The former Glasgow Rangers and Brentford boss, 56, has been identified as the man to succeed Steve McClaren at Loftus Road after the club failed to land their primary target Tim Sherwood.
Former Brentford and Rangers boss Mark Warburton set to be
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says there is 'no doubt' Red Devils can win at Nou Camp admin Sports No Comments Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester Untied are capable of pulling off more heroics in the Champions League despite their defeat at home to Barcelona.
Man Utd 0-1 Barcelona: Paul Pogba says the comeback against
Joey Barton "emphatically denies" allegations over Daniel Stendel assault. The alleged incident took place following Fleetwood's defeat to Barnsley in League One on Saturday
Police to speak to Joey Barton about alleged incident at
PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year nominees unveiled - Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool feature but Leicester players dominate nominated for the PFA Player of Year award in
PFA Players' Player of the Year award nominees announced
ARSENAL 1 BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION 1. May 5 (Reuters) - Arsenal's hopes of claiming a Champions League place via a top-four finish are all but over after Unai Emery's side were held to a 1-1 draw
Arsenal 1-1 Brighton highlights: Murray equaliser effectively
Charlton vs Sunderland play-off final: Sasa Ilic will be at
FRANK LAMPARD has told Leeds fans to keep singing their hearts out with the cheeky new Oasis chant they have dedicated to him. Leeds supporters serenaded Lamps throughout Saturday's 1-0 play-off semi-final first leg win at Pride Park with their own hilarious version of the 2002 Oasis hit: "Stop crying your heart out."
Frank Lampard belts out 'Stop crying Frank Lampard' after win
Premier League: Former England defender Danny Mills names his team of the season with a few shock inclusions by: 161385360554578 — Talk Sport 3h The end of the Premier League is edging towards its conclusion and we are no closer to knowing who will be crowned champions in May.
Full coverage and free stream for 3pm Premier League clash
Glenn Hoddle has told football.london that he would not start Harry Kane in the Champions League final against Liverpool but he would risk Harry Winks.. Kane is set to return to full training next week ahead of the final on June 1, having missed almost two months of action with an ankle injury sustained in the quarter-final first leg against Manchester City.
Who can qualify for Champions League and Europa League next
Manchester United have reportedly moved ahead of the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City to sign James Maddison this summer. The Leicester midfielder enjoyed a very productive first season in the Premier League, creating 100 chances for team-mates in 2018/19, more than any other player.
Man Utd news: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer makes final transfer
Tottenham v Liverpool: 'He should be fine' - Klopp says Firmino fit for Champions League final and match analysis, watch soccer videos and goals of today football matches across the world - Soccer Highlights & Goals
Roberto Firmino passed fit for Champions League final, Jurgen
sportsalert.org/2019/05/31/roberto-firmino-passed-fit-for-champions-league-final-jurgen-klopp-confirms/
Liverpool have been given a huge boost ahead of their Champions League final against Tottenham - with Roberto Firmino returning to fitness. The Brazilian has missed the last three matches, including the semi-final victory over Barcelona, with a thigh problem.
Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool: Player ratings from the Champions
Referee Mike Dean celebrates Tranmere reaching League Two play-off final in crowd with fans The Premier League ref is a lifelong fan and punched the air in celebration By Damian Mannion
Mike Dean celebrates wildly as Tranmere Rovers reach League
No comments:
Post a Comment