Hurst warns Lionesses may find next World Cup even harder with growth of women's game

By James Reid

Sir Geoff Hurst warned the Lionesses it will be harder than ever to go one better and grab World Cup glory in four years’ time – but insists their legacy is already secure.

Olga Carmona’s first-half strike fired Spain to their first ever Women’s World Cup title over England in Sydney on Sunday, where Sarina Wiegman’s stars were looking to seal back-to-back major international titles following last summer’s memorable Euro 2022 victory.

Sunday’s final brought an end to a groundbreaking World Cup, which saw heavyweights such as Germany, Brazil, and Canada all crash out at the group stage as emerging nations such as Colombia and South Africa came to the fore.

1966 World Cup final hat-trick hero Hurst believes the growing strength of the wider women’s game means it may be more difficult than ever for England to claim the crown in 2027 but says the way their performances have helped transform women’s football in the UK means their place in history is already confirmed.

“It is bitterly disappointing, particularly for the team of course but for us as a nation that they didn’t do it,” said Hurst, speaking at an event at Youngs FC, an inclusive football club from North West London formed in 2016 that were able to establish a new Under-13s girls team following last summer’s Euros with help from National Lottery funding.

“The fact that they won the Euros and then got so close in the World Cup, back-to-back in a short period of time is incredible.

“We’ve got to be careful. Although we were very close, it is never easy to win a tournament – and we haven’t won it.

“What we saw this tournament is the improvement of smaller nations, it was quite noticeable that they were much making it much more difficult for the established teams, so it is going to be even more competitive.

“They will have a belief they can go all the way but other national teams are improving and it won’t be an easy ride, it never should be.

“The important thing is the legacy they are leaving, such as vastly improved facilities and girls being encouraged to play football.

“It is launching the futures of girls who years ago might not have been interested in being footballers and now they want to play thanks to the investment we are seeing.

“After not only in getting to the final of the World Cup but after winning the Euros, the legacy they will leave is nothing short of fantastic.”

The game has been transformed by financial backing from National Lottery players, more than £50 million has been invested in the last 10 years.

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).

And Hurst highlighted the vital importance of the grassroots game in continuing to lay the foundations for future World Cup campaigns – starting with hopes to go one better in 2027.

“They are unbelievably impressive; the technique and skill they showed,” he added.

“They will set a good example for youngsters coming through and they are young enough to have another crack in four years’ time.

“They have the experience of reaching the final and they could maybe go even further – though they can’t go much further. I can tell you from my experience that it is never easy to win major tournaments.

“You need the facilities; the pitch, goals, referees, coaches. That investment is so important, it is integral to the progression of the women’s game.

“Previously the facilities were not there, and you needed investment. Since the Euros, we have seen another 170 new girls’ teams and clubs that have started.

“These things are very important for the sport and incentivising young kids to play.”

National Lottery players have transformed women and girls’ football in the UK, with more than £50 million invested in the last 10 years alone. Find out how your numbers make amazing happen at: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk #MakeAmazingHappen #ThanksToYou