 are looking forward to watching the women's football tournament this summer – with four in five feeling optimistic about England's chances of winning the women's football tournament. Over half of those polled (52%) watched the Lionesses emerge victorious in the Euros tournament last summer – with 49% feeling proud, and 52% even inspired to take up the game themselves. In fact, one in five sporting fans (19%) have taken up a new sport in the past year – with 85% of those saying they were inspired by watching female sporting events. Tennis, swimming, and football were named as the most popular new sports to try. And of those who have been inspired by female athletes, four in ten said it's because they broke boundaries in their sporting profession, while 32% are proud of their achievements. A spokesman for Lottoland.co.uk, which commissioned the research to launch its Women's World Cup sweepstake – giving customers a free bet each time their allocated team wins – said: 'There are some really influential women to be found in sport, across many different disciplines. 'But it has to be said that football is having a golden moment right now, and it's brilliant to see. What we love most is how many people have taken up a sport of their own after having watched women's football. 'Not long ago, it was near impossible to catch a female team on){kind=link}
Paula Radcliffe, Laura Kenny, Rebecca Adlington, and even Princess Anne also ranked among the top 20 female sporting role models, according to a study
Jessica Ennis-Hill and Paula Radcliffe have topped a list of the most inspirational British sportswomen, according to sports fans.
Dame Kelly Holmes, Emma Raducanu, and even Princess Anne â the first Royal to compete in the Olympic Games â also featured in the top 10 list.
And ahead of the Women’s World Cup kicking off later this week, Lionesses Jill Scott and Beth Mead, and sports commentator Alex Scott, also ranked highly.
In fact, the survey of 2,000 sports fans found almost half (47%) are looking forward to watching the women’s football tournament this summer â with four in five feeling optimistic about England’s chances of winning the women’s football tournament.