Ahead of their World Cup opener against Scotland on 9 June, England’s Lionesses have much more than the final score on their minds.
Of course, they want to win, but players and their manager, Phil Neville, are thinking equally about 'putting on a spectacle' and creating buzz that will draw record supporters of women’s football.
As part of its pledge to ‘Change the game’ when it comes to coverage of women’s sport, the BBC will air every single one of the Lioness’ World Cup games and the Scotland opener has a prime BBC One slot on Sunday evening.
Speaking at a BBC Sport event last night (1 May), midfielder Karen Carney said:
'When we first came in no one really cared. Now [interest has] rocketed and [is] spiralling super fast. [When you’re on BBC One] you want to put on a good show and a good spectacle and make sure when everyone tunes in to that game they’ll want to tune in and watch another game. It’s exciting.
'Over the past few months people have been saying the games are really good and that’s what we want at the end of the day, we’re actually performers as well and we have to put on a show to get people to watch us and want to back us,' she added.
'We do want to inspire the next generation and make sure they want to play and have the opportunities to play.'
It’s an ethos now shared by manager, Neville, although he didn’t feel quite the same way when he first took over the role.
'When I took over I said: "All I want to do is win" and Leah [Williamson] in one of the team meetings said: "No, boss, we want to inspire and create a legacy, and that means we need to be visible" and by being visible on the BBC that means people are saying: "I want to be the next Beth Mead, Leah Williamson or Karen Carney and go out on the field and practice."
'The BBC putting every single game we play on telly means that people have bought into our story.'
For forward Beth Mead, who was captain of the boy’s football team at her school, opportunities are clearly changing for girls and the Lionesses play a key role in that.
'I think girls now know who we are and are taking an interest in football. There are still barriers there but it’s a lot better than it used to be,' she said.
Looking ahead to their Scotland match, the Lionesses are quietly confident and excited to play to a crowd and wider viewers from two home nations.
'Regardless of result, to have that many people in neighbouring countries watching that game, people will want either [side] to win, that will be massive,' said midfielder Leah Williamson.
'I think it’s going to be the biggest world cup there’s ever been, watched by more people than have ever watched,' Neville said.
'Whether we win, lose or draw, we’re still winning… every single day.'
The Women’s World Cup starts on 7 June with coverage on the BBC’s TV, radio and digital platforms.
