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England’s Lionesses are roared on by history: now it’s time for a new legacy

Generations of women blazed a trail for today’s players. Don’t forget their role in England's success

England’s Lionesses are roared on by history: now it’s time for a new legacy
Chole Kelly scores England's winner to see off Germany at Wembley | Sportimage / Alamy Stock Photo
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Let's be honest, since watching Alessia Russo's outrageous goal against Sweden last week, I'd not stopped thinking about it... until yesterday.

Now my mind is just on a constant loop of Ella Toone's exquisite chip over the German goalkeeper and Chloe Kelly's dramatic extra-time winner – and that iconic celebration.

England's victory over Germany in Sunday's European Championship final sparked celebrations across the country. But those celebrations are tempered with cautionary tales from years or decades ago, when women in England were banned from playing football by the authorities who baulked in the face of its great appeal.