Lewis Hamilton, Harry Kane, Prince William and Sir Keir Starmer are amongst the famous faces from English sport and beyond to send support messages to the Lionesses ahead of the Euro 2022 final.
England take on Germany at 5pm today, bidding to win their first Women’s European Championships.
The two sides contested the final in Finland in 2009, which Germany won. England’s team contained the likes of Alex Scott, Karen Carney and Kelly Smith. The only member of that squad involved in the current setup is midfielder Jill Scott.
Sarina Wiegman’s side will, therefore, want to go one step further than the class of 2009 by securing victory in front of a packed-out Wembley Stadium. A capacity crowd of 87,000 is expected, which would comfortably break the Women’s Euros attendance record.
The Lionesses have the nation’s backing as they look to achieve a historic triumph. Win or lose, though, the tournament has had a significant impact on women’s football – not just in this country, but across the world too.
Midfielder Georgia Stanway said it has been “mad how many people have recognised us”. Captain Leah Williamson, meanwhile, told reporters: “It hasn’t just been a change for women’s football, but society in general. It’s about how we’re looked upon.”
On the weekend of the final, Williamson and her team-mates received many messages, with support and encouragement firmly on the agenda.
Lewis Hamilton and other F1 drivers send support to the Lionesses
The British contingent in the F1 paddock has been active in showing their support to the Lionesses. The Hungarian Grand Prix takes place this Sunday.
In a video message, Lewis Hamilton said: “I wanted to send a short message just to say thank you for all the incredible inspirational work that you are doing.
“Everything you’re doing is so empowering for young girls out there, and young people in general. It’s so inspiring. So I want to wish you all the best for the final. I’m not going to say ‘It’s coming home’, because that just adds pressure. You guys know what to do.
“I’m wishing you all the best – I’ll be watching and supporting from Budapest.”
McLaren‘s Lando Norris also sent his own message of support: “I just want to say a massive congratulations for getting all the way to the final. I’ve been following as much as I can, and I can’t wait to watch you at the final at Wembley.
“Best of luck, bring it home, go and get that dub.”
Hungarian Grand Prix pole-sitter, George Russell, also created his own video message, along with the tweet: “Best of luck to the Lionesses today!”
In the video, he said: “I just wanted to send you a message to say what an amazing job you’ve done so far. All the best for the final on Sunday – I’ll be jumping out of the car trying to watch the second half as soon as possible. Go and make us all proud.”
England men’s team members
The England men’s team are also backing the Lionesses ahead of today’s final.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson said: “The very best of luck to all the Lionesses on Sunday. It’s been amazing to watch your incredible journey, and hopefully, you can go one step further than we did last year.
“Keep doing what you’ve been doing, and you’ll be fine. We’re all behind you. Good luck, finish it off.”
Meanwhile, Three Lions captain Harry Kane confirmed he would be attending the game, before adding: “Just wanted to wish you all the best for today’s game against Germany.
“It’ll be an incredible experience, an incredible atmosphere at Wembley. Can’t wait to be there myself. Wish you all the best, good luck, go and get that win. The whole country is behind you. We’re behind you. Really looking forward to it. All the best.”
There were also supportive messages from Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish and others.
Royal family, politicians get involved in Euro 2022 final
Members of the royal family also got their videos in to the Lionesses before kick-off.
Aston Villa fan Prince William, alongside his daughter Princess Charlotte, said: “We both want to wish the Lionesses the best of luck for tonight’s game.
“You’ve done amazingly well in the competition, and we hope you win.” Charlotte then signed off with a good luck message of her own.
And the Leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, posted a letter addressed to Sarina Wiegman on Twitter with his message of support.
It read: “Your success throughout the tournament has captured the country’s imagination. It hasn’t just been about the results you have achieved – fantastic though they have been – but the way in which you have gone about them.
“It was an absolute privilege to be at Bramall Lane for the semi-final win over Sweden. That evening will live long in the memory. And though I cannot be at Wembley this weekend, I will be watching along with my family, hoping to see history made.
“As a parent, I know how vital it is to see strong, successful role models in sport. What you and your team have accomplished this summer will not just be celebrated as a great moment for English football but as one that encouraged and inspired young women like my own daughter. For that, I want to pass on my heartfelt thanks.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
