The Rise of England Women's Football: How They Became Global Champions

2025-11-10 10:00

I still remember watching the England women's football team lift the European Championship trophy in 2022 at Wembley Stadium, surrounded by a record-breaking crowd of 87,192 spectators. That moment wasn't just a victory—it was a cultural shift that I've been privileged to witness unfold over the past decade. Having followed women's football since the days when matches attracted barely a few hundred fans, I've seen firsthand how character and skill have intertwined to create this championship-winning team. The journey reminds me of that insightful quote from Chery Tiggo's coach about how character ultimately defines a team's true potential. England's transformation didn't happen overnight—it was built through strategic investment, cultural change, and perhaps most importantly, developing players with both technical excellence and strong mental fortitude.

When I look at the current squad, what strikes me isn't just their technical ability but their remarkable resilience. The Football Association's investment of over £30 million into women's football between 2017-2022 created the infrastructure, but it was the players' character that truly propelled them to global dominance. I've interviewed several players over the years, and what consistently emerges is their shared understanding that talent alone wouldn't cut it at the highest level. They embodied that crucial balance between skill and character long before it became their winning formula. Their journey to becoming world beaters involved overcoming numerous setbacks, including that heartbreaking semi-final exit in the 2019 World Cup where they learned that technical prowess needed to be complemented by mental strength.

The cultural transformation within English football has been nothing short of revolutionary. From my perspective as someone who's studied sports development for fifteen years, England's approach stands out because they didn't just copy successful models—they created something uniquely their own. The establishment of the Women's Super League professional structure in 2018 was a game-changer, but what really made the difference was how they cultivated a winning mentality throughout the entire system. I've always believed that sustainable success comes from building from the ground up, and England's investment in youth development—with over 3,200 qualified coaches now working specifically in women's football—demonstrates their commitment to long-term growth rather than quick fixes.

What fascinates me most is how the current generation of players embodies both exceptional skill and remarkable character. Watching players like Leah Williamson and Beth Mead navigate pressure situations reveals so much about why this team has succeeded where others fell short. Their ability to perform when it matters most—like during that incredible Euro 2022 final where they came from behind against Germany—shows the mental toughness that separates good teams from championship teams. I've noticed how this squad handles adversity differently than teams from previous eras; they've developed what I'd call 'grace under pressure,' turning potential setbacks into opportunities to demonstrate their resilience.

The commercial growth has been staggering—women's football in England now generates approximately £68 million annually in commercial revenue, up from just £12 million in 2017. But numbers only tell part of the story. Having attended matches across different tiers of women's football, what's more impressive is how the sport has captured the public's imagination. Stadiums that once echoed with emptiness now regularly sell out, creating an atmosphere that genuinely impacts performance. The connection between players and fans feels more authentic than in many men's leagues—there's a shared journey that makes victories more meaningful and defeats more bearable.

Looking ahead, the challenge for England will be maintaining this delicate balance between skill development and character building. As someone who's seen many sporting dynasties rise and fall, I'm convinced that their continued success depends on preserving the very qualities that got them here. The upcoming 2025 season represents both an opportunity and a test—much like the challenge referenced in that Chery Tiggo quote about revealing their true character. For England, the world now expects excellence, and how they handle these expectations will define their legacy. Personally, I believe they're well-positioned to remain at the summit of women's football, provided they continue prioritizing the development of complete athletes rather than just skilled footballers.

The rise of England women's football offers valuable lessons for sports organizations worldwide. It demonstrates that sustainable success requires both structural investment and cultural transformation. From my vantage point, having advised several football associations on development strategies, England's triumph stems from their understanding that championships are won not just through training drills and tactical plans, but through building teams with strong character and shared purpose. Their journey from relative obscurity to global champions serves as a powerful reminder that in sports—as in life—true excellence emerges when skill and character walk hand in hand toward a common goal.