FROM the 5,903 strong crowd in attendance as England dispatched Serbia at Adams Park it was clear to see women’s football is alive and well in Wycombe.

Saturday’s match itself was a formality as a Karen Carney hat-trick and strikes from Alex Greenwood, Rachel Daly, Ellen White and Isobel Christiansen wrapped up a 7-0 trouncing.

In the stands. however, it was clear to see the growing popularity of Mark Sampson’s Lionesses shows no sign of slowing, and the England manager is fully aware of the growing influence his side is having.

“We are just so happy, proud and honoured that these people have come today and have taken their time to come and support the team,” Sampson explains in a Welsh twang that belies his English allegiances.

“The crowd were brilliant. From start to finish they made some noise and I thought the players responded to that with a performance full of heart, of work ethic and real insatiable appetite.”

The popularity of Sampson’s side undoubtedly hit fever pitch during last year’s Women’s World Cup in Canada where they reached the semi-final.

The Lionesses have gone from strength to strength since and Saturday’s attendance, which was bigger than any at a Wycombe Wanderers league game last season, is an indication of the journey Sampson’s players have been on.

The England boss can scarcely believe how far women’s football has come and says the increased popularity provides inspiration for his players.

“Before we start dinner every night the players talk about their first ever club experience and how it has helped to get them to where they are today,” Sampson explained.

“A lot of them talk about the challenges they have had to overcome, so to get the recognition they get now and the genuine support, seeing the young faces in the crowd and the noise level is amazing.

“We just want to do our best every time we put the jersey on to try and do right by them [the fans]. I think they will respect today for the work rate of the team and the honesty.”