Pictures: How West Berkshire cheered on our Lionesses through 2023 Women’s World Cup Final loss against Spain
As the Lionesses touch back down in the UK, the nation reflects on gravity of their achievement in reaching the final stage of a major tournament.
Despite not bringing home the trophy, there has been nothing but pride for the Lionesses who showcased a breadth of talent and resilience –inspiring girls and boys across the country.
A record audience of 12 million tuned into the BBC, on Sunday, August 20, to see England play Spain in the 2023 Women’s World Cup Final.
And everyone turned their attention for two hours to watch the women take us where the men haven’t yet.
In West Berkshire, crowds came together – under the sun and kitted out in white, red and blue- to watch the Lionesses give it their all.
Our photographer caught some of the memorable moments, both good and bad from Earps’ calm and collected save to conceding Olga Carmona’s goal.
The Swan Pub in Thatcham had food, flags and a great crowd of spectators in front of their big screen.
The event was also made possible by Cold Ash FC who organised for the DJ kit to be provided.
Families and friends, young and old, flocked to the pub garden to watch on as Millie Bright led her team out for the final time in the tournament.
Cheers echoed in homes, pubs and community spaces as Mary Earps calmly made a save on a penalty taken by Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso.
But England couldn’t put any goals past their opponents despite some amazing efforts from Lauren Hemp and Lauren James.
Since the Euro’s win last year, girls football has been on the up in West Berkshire with girls flooding in at a grassroots level.
New teams have been created at places like Thatcham Tornadoes and new girls-only sessions have been created for the district thanks to the The Berks & Bucks FA.
Free sessions, news sponsors and greater coverage has seen more girls lace up their boots in Newbury and Thatcham than ever before.
Nationally, online searches for ‘football lessons’ has risen by 2,009 per cent after the Lionesses defeated Australia 3-1 in the semi-final.
And on television, the final fixture became the second most watched item, behind the King’s coronation earlier this year – closely followed by the men's Wimbledon final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
Overall, an audience of 21.2 million watched the BBC's television coverage of the tournament.
The record breaking doesn’t stop there – Chloe Kelly’s penalty against Nigeria was faster than any goal scored in the Premier League last season, at 110.79km/h.
And in the midst of this growth, they always have time for their fans with many West Berkshire girls meeting their idols in Ella Toone and Alex Greenwood.
At the rate the women’s game is going, it won’t be long before our girls are the Williamsons and Meads of tomorrow.
