Commenting on England’s 2-1 win in extra time of the Women’s EURO 2022 final, Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Merton’s Cabinet Member for Sport and Heritage, said: “I know that the whole borough will join with me in congratulating the Lionesses on a truly historic win yesterday. Footballing success is not something we’re used to at a national level, and so it was wonderful to see the scenes of jubilation from our big screen at Canons House, to Wembley and beyond.

“What I found to be truly impressive was not just the fluency of the team’s football, but also the way that they’ve united the country and inspired a generation. Yesterday’s game set a record for the highest attendance at either a men’s or a women’s European Championship, and an estimated 17.4 million people across the UK tuned in to watch on TV. I hope that women and girls in Merton feel empowered to get involved in our national game, whether that’s as a player in one of our local Little Leagues, or as a fan watching AFC Wimbledon Women.

“We are a borough with a rich sporting history, and it is my hope that the national team helped to write the next chapter by encouraging a future Ella Toone in Mitcham, or a Beth Mead in Raynes Park.”