We’re living through the ‘golden age’ of women’s football, Anita Asante has said.
Speaking the morning after ’s defeat the , the former Lioness was confident that further success is in the pipeline.
Asante, who won 71 caps for the national side, told Metro: ‘We’re in a transformational time, I feel like this is the golden age of women’s football.
‘There’s lots of momentum, interest and also support from all sections of society.
‘I’m proud of what I was able to do as a player for England, and all the former players that came before me.
‘None of that would have been possible without a starting point. Every generation wants to see the next one benefit from that.
‘You see that in the characteristics and the DNA of this England side and Lionesses of old.
‘Every player has been a dedicated member of the team and are determined to see that growth.
‘There’s a lot more to still do to improve certain areas of the women’s game, but it’s fantastic to know that we all contributed in some way to what we are witnessing now.’
Despite the success of the Lionesses, the World Cup has still been victim to insults and jibes in recent weeks.
Piers Morganwho needed to ‘calm down’ following yesterday’s defeat.
Meanwhile TalkTV panellist Adam Boulton after he branded the entire World Cup spectacle a ‘kickabout.’
‘We are still measuring the women’s game in comparison to the men’s game’ said Asante.
She continued: ‘I think when we move away from that and recognise them in equal parts, we won’t be having those discussions any more.
‘Coaches will be moving freely across the game because they are the best and have the ability to deliver.’
The England squad are flying back from Australia following their final heartbreak and due back this morning.
Asante continued: ‘They gave everything, they tried their best but it just wasn’t enough on the day.
‘But it is still a wonderful achievement to reach a World Cup final. My former teammates and myself would have dreamed to have reached that point.
‘Ultimately, the girls will appreciate the fact they have had such a huge impact.
‘They will feel they haven’t met their ultimate goal in winning – they’re athletes at the end of the day – but they do know how far-reaching and long-lasting their legacy is.’
Asante spoke with Metro from, a club which has bolstered its ranks with an under-17s team thanks to National Lottery funding.
Teams such as Youngs FC attract girls from all backgrounds, and also create coaching opportunities.
To see the ‘golden age’ of women’s football is a source of pride for Asante.
She was once paid just £100 a week to play football professionally.
The 38-year-old added: ‘For me, it’s amazing to be there and witness a team like Youngs FC, which is not too far away from where I grew up in North London.
‘They are the beneficiaries of investment from the National Lottery, who have supported 200 clubs across the country.
‘When we say the Lionesses have created an impact, this is what we mean.’
Asante to meet with players and coaches at the club.
Sir Geoff told Metro: ‘They don’t have the trophy, but the Lionesses are still winners to me. The legacy they’ve left from the Euros and now the World Cup is making a huge difference.’
Anita Asante spoke to Metro alongside the National Lottery.
To continue creating more opportunities for women and girls all over the UK to play football, The National Lottery has committed an additional £15 million into the FA over the next four years (2023-2027.)
Find out how your numbers make amazing happen at:
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