Ellen White talks about the benefits of England’s third place finish in Canada.
England's heroics at the Women's World Cup have significantly raised the profile of the women's game in the UK.
So we spoke to Ellen White to ask what's changed since she returned home after the Lionesses's success in Canada.
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1. The women's game is more popular across all ages as part of the #WeCanPlay campaign.
The #WeCanPlay campaign has really taken off since England's success at the Women's World Cup, and Ellen is now seeing first hand experience of that.
"We're hitting all the different age brackets, and all the different markets out there.
"Mothers tell us their daughters and young girls are really excited about joining their school girls' team, they didn't even realise their school had a team before.
"Now they're really excited for the next school year and they're looking forward to playing football, and it's great to think we had an impact on that."
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2. More coverage of the women's game in the media and on TV.
As well as going to 10 Downing Street, shooting the breeze with Prince William, and meeting fans from all around the country, Ellen notes that the rise in interest from national media has been huge:
"In terms of the coverage that were getting in newspaper columns, it's great.
"Social media has been great as well, and quite a few of the girls go on radio and tv often now.
"That's the key to getting the next generation involved."
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3. The Lionesses are positive role models for girls AND for boys.
"We're proud we've encouraged girls and even boys," says Ellen, who was one of many players, including Fara Williams (above) to be mobbed by young fans upon returning home from Canada.
"I feel like more boys are interested, I've got young cousins who are boys, and they're really excited about football, they don't care if it's girls or boys.
"It's fantastic for boys not to worry about the gender and just focus on enjoying football.
"It's just all about supporting sport in England."
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