Tears but love for Lionesses as fans and families hail 'inspirational' stars

20 August 2023 , 19:31

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Members of the original 1972 Lionesses join fans at Boxpark, Wembley to cheer on the team (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

There were tears across the nation as The Lionesses valiantly lost the World Cup final.

But with an expected TV audience of 20 million– with the game shown on both the BBC and ITV – and many more watching at public screenings and in the pub there were many cheers as well. There was an overwhelming sense of love for the team who played with style and dignity.

Lucy Bronze’s gran Gloria Stapylton watched at the Ponteland Leisure Centre, Northumberland. At times she had her head in herhands as she cheered her granddaughter on. There were similar scenes in Killamarsh, Derbyshire, where England captain Millie Bright first played football.

Midfielder Ella Toone’s family watched in their local The Union Arms in Tyldesley, Gtr Manchester. Jack Toone, Ella’s brother, said: “It was a buzzing atmosphere for the whole team. She inspires all the young girls, even the men – everyone around here.

England fans cheer on their team at BOX Leeds (Lee Mclean / SWNS)

“It has people believe [they] can achieve great things like she’s doing. I couldn’t be any more proud of her.” Her auntie, Nichola, added: “We’re still going to party here when she comes home, we’re going to celebrate because she’s a winner – she’s won in our eyes.”

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That seemed to sum up the mood of the day. And many supporters said this was just the start of a golden era for English football with such strength in depth. There was a positive reaction to the defeat at the Boxpark at Wembley, North London.

The tears didn't last at Boxpark Wembley as the nation's heart filled with pride (AFP via Getty Images)

As soon as the final whistle sounded the DJ put on Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds and hundred s immediately bellowed: “Don’t worry about a thing. Cause every little thing is going to be alright.” It was the same vibe in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester where the DJ played: “The Only Way is Up.”

Actor Idris Elba watched the screening in London (Getty Images for McDonalds)

Some fans smiled wryly at one another as their song started. Others started belting out the chorus, as an act of defiance against the misery of defeat. “The song says it all,” Hollie Southward said as the music blared. “They have done us proud from start to finish. I am just gutted, but there’s a generation inspired.” Hollie, 28, a high school PE teacher, working in Blackburn, added: “I know my girls will be buzzing. We’ll have fixtures next term and they’ll be excited.”

Tense fans watch England women get beat by Spain at Boxpark Croydon (Mark Thomas/REX/Shutterstock)

Sarah Crook, 30, from Wigan said: “They have done their best, that’s all they can do with the injuries they’ve had. They’ve smashed it. I am optimistic about the future.” In Newcastle hundreds turned out at Old Eldon Square for a free outdoor screening. Helen Barker, who was there watching with her son, was surprised at the size of the crowd. She said: “I was shocked at how many people turned up. I think they played really well. It’s been brilliant.”

Supporters came out in their hundreds at Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester (PA)

Claire White from Gateshead, said: “I think women’s football has just taken off." And it wasn’t just fans who were watching at a screening in the Olympic Park, Stratford, East London. Manchester United and England defender Maya Le Tissier who last month flew to Australia with Sarina Wiegman’s squad as a standby in case of a pre-tournament injury, was among the stars cheering them on.She said: “We can be very proud of the players. They’ll be an inspiration for everyone, all the girls and the boys that now want to play for England.”

Gloria Stapylton, the grandmother of World Cup star Lucy Bronze (North News & Pictures Ltd northnews.co.uk)

Lucy Bronze watches on from the bench (Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)

Pundit Rio Ferdinand, Love Island host Maya Jama and Luther actor Idris Elba were also at the event. Speaking on Channel 4 News Idris told the team: You’ve broken history. You are heroes to all of us.”

Ethan Davies