‘We want to create real change’ – Lionesses urge Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak to build on Euro 2022 victory

England Women have written an open letter to Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak – one of whom will be the next UK prime minister – urging them to make “real change” after their historic Euro 2022 victory by giving every girl the chance to play football at school.

The tournament sparked huge interest in women’s football around the country and Women’s Super League clubs have seen a large spike in demands for tickets for next season.

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However, the government has refused to allow football to be added to the national curriculum of girls’ schools.

A report from England Football, part o the Football Association, earlier this month showed that 44% of secondary schools do not offer girls equal access in PE lessons.

The Lionesses say women’s football still has a “long way to go” and “school girls deserve more”. They also write that this is “an opportunity to make a huge difference”.

Here’s the letter in full from the Lionesses to Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, who are the last two candidates to take over from Boris Johnson as prime minister in September.

“Dear Rishi and Liz Truss

“On Sunday evening, history was made. 23 women realized their dreams. The first time in history, England became European champions.

“Throughout the Euros we as a team spoke of our legacy and goal to inspire nations. Many will assume that this is already achieved. However, we see this as just the beginning. We are looking forward to the future. We want to see real change in this country, and we ask you to help us do that if you are elected Prime Minister on September 5.

“We want every girl in the country to be able play football at school.

“Currently, 63% of girls can play soccer in PE lessons. We are encouraging young girls not to play football. Many end up going to school without being able to play.

“This is something that we all experienced growing-up. We were often stopped from playing. We decided to form our own teams, and we traveled across the country. Despite all odds, we kept playing football.

“Women’s football has come a long way. It still has a lot to do.

“We ask you to ensure that every girl has at least two hours of PE a week. We should offer football to all girls. But we also need to support female PE teachers. Their role is crucial and we need to give them the resources to provide girls’ football sessions. They are role models that young girls can look up to.

“We have made incredible strides in the women’s game, but this generation of school girls deserve more. They should be able to play football in the lunchtime, and they should also be able to participate in PE lessons. And they should believe that they can play for England one day. We want their dreams to come true.

“This is your chance to make a significant difference. A change that will impact millions of young girls’ lives. We – the 23 members of the England Senior Women’s Euro squad – ask you to make it a priority to invest into girls’ football in schools, so that every girl has the choice.”