Debbie Hewitt: 'An absolute honour'

It has been an absolute honour for us to host EURO 2022 in England and we are so proud of what has been achieved. We have seen large crowds across all our nine host cities, with millions more watching from home. For many of those watching, especially our younger supporters, this was their first experience of an international tournament. It has been fantastic to hear what a positive and inspiring experience it has been.

Record-breaking tournament

This tournament has been one of the most competitive, exciting, and entertaining Women’s EUROs yet. We would like to thank UEFA for their vision and commitment to developing the women’s game throughout Europe, as well as our English clubs, our government and other stakeholders who have all played a key role in ensuring that we were able to deliver a record-breaking tournament.

Thanks to you too, from every one of us at The FA, for joining us for this final.

If we think of where we were in 2005 when we hosted our last EURO, to where we are now, the growth of the game has been truly phenomenal. We are confident that this tournament will continue to inspire positive change and to help grow the bright future for women’s and girls’ football further, both in England and across Europe.

Inspirational role models

The players that we have seen throughout this tournament are role models, who will have inspired many women and girls. As the host, our commitment and legacy will be to ensure that those who have been inspired will have the opportunity to play. We have worked closely with our partners so that 500,000 new football opportunities for women and girls are provided in our host cities by 2024. That will include 120,000 girls playing football in schools and new recreational football programmes across the country.

We do hope that this tournament also inspires you to support one of your local women’s teams, whatever level you are interested in.

So, to you, the fans, enjoy watching some of the best players in the world compete in [this] showpiece final at our iconic Wembley Stadium. To the players competing, know that you are creating a meaningful legacy and enjoy being part of the biggest Women’s EURO final to date. Best of luck!