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We Should Be Celebrating The Women's World Cup Like We Did The Men's

We Should Be Celebrating The Women's World Cup Like We Did The Men's

Today marks England's first game against Scotland - how many people are getting involved?

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Let's cast our minds to the fond memories that came off the back of Summer 2018. The streets were lined with chants of 'Football's Coming Home' which quickly morphed into 'Southgate You're The One, You Still Turn Me On...' (don't say you didn't get involved), beer gardens were full to the brim and we were being offered everything from free McMuffins to chequered waistcoats.

Do you reckon each and every person that was caught belting out a rendition, eating a breakfast treat or sat sipping a pint in the back of their favourite boozer with all their mates in tow was a football fan? I doubt it as well.

If you do, you must be very naive because there's a non-football fan right here attempting to construct this very article.

I'm not all that enthusiastic when it comes to the game at hand, but don't let that rile you. Did the Colombia vs England penalty shootout get me in a tizzy? You better believe it did.

Now, if I asked people earlier today: "What're your plans this afternoon?" A few would look at me weird, some might tell me they're prepping Sunday roast or getting ready to tune into Love Island - but how many would struggle to contain their excitement about England's first game of the Women's World Cup against Scotland?

I'm focusing on a minority (I hope) - the people who 'don't like football', 'aren't interested in sport' or have 'other plans'. The ones who were all too quick to scrap any initial opposition when it came to watching our male counterparts only a few months previous.

Fans at the Henley Festival celebrate England's goal from Keiran Trippier.
PA
Football fans gather in Birmingham to watch England play against Croatia.
PA
England fans watch the World Cup match between Tunisia and England on a big screen in Millennium Square, Leeds.
PA

There's no denying that this Women's World Cup has got a great buzz surrounding it and a lot of attention which is great but why not try and aim for the equivalent when it comes to backing the squad along with head coach, Phil Neville?

I mean, am I really having to try and persuade people to spend the next four weeks (let's set our sights high, eh) having a laugh, popping down to the pub for a bev or two and getting into the team spirit? Seriously?!

Three has launched its 'Three Lionesses' campaign in an attempt to make the lioness an official emoji, in support of the England football team and wider Women's World Cup.

It is asking people to sign the petition in a bid to build up more awareness and exposure as possible.

Kelly Smith and Women's Super 5 League players at the Three flagship store.
Three

Oh, and here's a breakdown of the first fixtures for England as well.

  • TODAY Sunday 9 June at 5pm on BBC One - England v Scotland
  • Friday 14 June at 8pm on BBC One - England v Argentina
  • Wednesday 19 June at 8pm on BBC One - Japan v England

Friday 21 June will be a rest day before the second round begins. Then 26 June will be another rest day before the beginning of the quarter finals. The 30 June and 1 July will be rest days with 2 and 3 June holding the Semi Finals.

6 July will see the third place play off before the Final on 7 July.

I don't know about you but I'm booked in at the tattoo studio, have re-downloaded last summer's most played anthem and pulled my England shirt out of the wardrobe. Oh, and don't @ me either, I'm just trying to bring people together.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, World Cup