In anticipation of the Women's World Cup final clash against Spain, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak penned a letter to England's Lionesses, affirming that the entire nation stands
united in support of their efforts.
Addressing the letter to Sarina Wiegman, England's head coach, and the team members, Sunak conveyed his well wishes for their upcoming match in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday. The letter praised their accomplishments and stated that their presence in the final has already filled the nation with pride.
The significance of the Lionesses' journey to the World Cup final is not only a testament to their skill but also an opportunity for England to potentially secure a senior world champion title for the first time since the men's team victory in 1966.
This occasion marks a historic moment, with neither the men's nor women's England teams having reached a World Cup final since Bobby Moore hoisted the trophy 57 years ago at Wembley.
Sunak opted not to attend the final in person but instead dispatched Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer as representatives of the UK Government.
In his letter to "Sarina and all our Lionesses," Sunak expressed, "On behalf of the entire country, I want to wish you the best of luck against Spain in the World Cup final! Once again, this summer, you’ve made us all proud."
Sunak praised their achievements, which included triumphs over the Australian team on their home turf and their victory in a penalty shootout. He highlighted their inspiration to the nation through their skills, teamwork, and courage.
He acknowledged the lasting impact of their efforts, not only on the field but also in advocating for gender equality in sports. Sunak underscored that their accomplishments have paved the way for every girl in the country to have equal access to all school sports, including football.
The Prime Minister's letter was accompanied by a video that showcased clips of him reading the letter interspersed with interactions with young female footballers, fans, and footage of the Lionesses during the tournament.
Sunak commended the Lionesses for using their victory in the Women's Euros last year as a catalyst for advocating improved access for women and girls in sports. He emphasized their resilience against outdated norms and celebrated their achievements earned against all odds.
He expressed his appreciation for how the Lionesses have transformed football, making it a sport that resonates with girls across the nation. Sunak concluded by stating that while they have already made football feel like home for many, the trophy itself remains to be brought home, with the entire nation fervently rooting for their success.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also conveyed his support for the Lionesses in a separate letter, assuring them that the entire nation stands united in backing their endeavors. Photo by Wikimedia commons.