The England womens’ football team will today kick off their bid to win the European Championships – and continue Britain’s winning sporting streak.
Hot on the heels of Andy Murray’s Wimbledon victory and the British Lions tour, the team – or ‘Lionesses’ as they are known – are second favourites behind Germany.
They are in good shape after lifting the Cyprus Cup trophy at an international warm-up tournament in February.
The team will face Spain in their opening match of the Women’s 2013 European Championships in Sweden today.
Two-thirds of sports fans think the national side could continue a summer of spectacular success, according to a new survey.
The poll for Continental Tyres, an exclusive partner of The FA Women’s Game, also revealed that 85 per cent of fans see the progress of women’s football as positive.
Laura Hardy, sponsorship manager at Continental Tyres said: “After winning a major warm-up event for these championships, Hope Powell’s side is a real contender behind favourites Germany.
“We’re all enjoying being part of the feel-good factor that follows a major win and we expect to see everyone get behind the team to help them continue that run of success.
“It is particularly exciting time for sport and we are proud to be a part of that.”
Preparing for glory, team captain Casey Stoney feels the squad has what it takes to deliver silverware.
She said: “Winning the Cyprus Cup was a huge confidence booster ahead of the European Championship and it underlines my belief that we have our strongest squad ever.
“We reached the final of the tournament in 2009 and it would be fantastic to go one better this time around.”
The study, which asked 3,000 adults about their views on sport and the women’s game, also found that more than two thirds think women’s football should be given more prominence in the media.
The BBC will be broadcasting 16 live matches from Euro 2013 in Sweden including all of England’s games and after EURO 2013 ends, BT Sport’s domestic coverage of the FA WSL starts the following week.
