THE success of the Lionesses has coincided with record growth in women’s and girls’ football, according to a new report from the FA today.

The governing body said the number of women and girls playing football has increased by 56 per cent since the “inspiring positive change” programme was launched in 2020 — since when England have become European champions in 2022 before reaching the World Cup final a year later.

Seventy-seven per cent of schools now offer girls equal access to football, up by 14 per cent, which breaks down as 88 per cent of primary schools and 50 per cent of secondary schools.