The entire country celebrated yesterday as England won their first major international football tournament since 1966, beating Germany 2-1 in the Final. 

Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of the Medway Labour and Co-operative Group said: 

“I’m sure the whole of Medway is united in congratulating the Lionesses with their great victory. I was privileged to be at Wembley Stadium yesterday with my 15-year-old niece to witness an event that so many will remember forever. The Lionesses have made our entire country proud and will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to our next generation of young footballers.

“For some time, a handful of cynical individuals on social media used the hashtag #WhoCares when discussing Women’s Football – well, that was well and truly answered yesterday with more than 87,000 in the stadium, more than 17 million watching on television and so many who will be inspired in the generations to come – that is truly who cares.”

“From a local perspective, it was great to see Maidstone’s Alessia Russo play a pivotal role in helping England win the tournament including that remarkable backheel goal against Sweden. I’m sure many would agree with me that it would be very fitting to see her awarded the Freedom of the Borough by our neighbouring council.”