'Big wave' of support for England tipped after 'brilliant advert for women's football'

England edged their way into the semi-finals of the Women's Euro 2022 with a 2-1 victory over Spain in an enthralling contest at the Amex Stadium.

The hosts looked set for an early exit from the tournament as Esther Gonzalez's neat finish put Spain in front in the 54th minute.

Without playing their usual slick football, Sarina Wiegman's side kept knocking on the door and eventually got level on 84 minutes as Ella Toone fired in from close range after Manchester United teammate and fellow substitute Alessia Russo did well to get her head on a cross from the right.

There was only going to be one winner from that point and it came in spectacular style as Georgia Stanway brilliantly fired home from the edge of the box in the first period of extra time.

Wiegman raised eyebrows when the likes of Beth Mead and Ellen White were taken off at 1-0 but the decisions were vindicated and Cundy was full of praise for the Lionesses boss.

"Once we made a few subs, credit to Wiegman for making them, she's used every single one of them throughout the game," Cundy said on The Sports Bar.

"She brought off Mead, Fran Kirby and White - three of the most influential players but Wiegman's not afraid to make the big decisions.

"When Toone came on she added something as did Alex Greenwood. The substitutions changed the game, they were bold and brave decisions."

The result sees England through to the semi-finals and two wins away from becoming European champions for the first time.

Plenty have been getting behind the Lionesses since the tournament started earlier this month but it appears the support is going up another level with news that England's semi-final clash against Sweden or Belgium on Tuesday will be screened at London's Trafalgar Square.

And Cundy believes this is a game-changer and a 'big wave' of support awaits the team across the nation as they see glory.

"What an advert for the women's game," Sports Bar co-host Jamie O'Hara added.

"We've been watching the women's games and we did a show after the first game and people were phoning up and saying they weren't having it and were comparing it to men's football.

"But that tonight was a proper international football match, two really good sides going at it - the fitness, the passing, the movement.

"We were both sitting there and really enjoyed it."

"If there's anyone watching that game who had doubts about what women's football can do as a spectacle," Cundy said.

"If you can't phone now and say you were wrong then you don't love football.

"Watch the country get behind the girls now, you'll feel a big wave."