If England win Euro 2017 it could have a dramatic impact on the number of women and girls taking up football, said Baroness Sue Campbell.
The FA’s head of women’s football launched a Gameplan For Growth in March, aimed at doubling the number of female participants in the game by 2020.
When Mark Sampson’s side finished third at the 2015 World Cup in Canada, it led to increased awareness of women’s football and boosted attendances at FA WSL fixtures.
And Baroness Campbell believes turning that bronze into gold will do wonders for the women’s game in England.
She said: “If England are successful in the Euros it could really kick-start our goal of doubling participation.
“Their success in Canada kick-started my appointment as head of women’s football and ultimately the Gameplan For Growth strategy.
“They did so well at the World Cup they now feel confident enough to set an ambitious target for the Euros.
“Their success will be a fantastic thing for the nation. We know how much national pride is increased when any England team does well in any sport.
“We also know it could act as an unbelievable stimulus to get more people involved in the sport.
“The Gameplan For Growth will ensure that the girls who do get excited by the Euros and want to play actually have somewhere to go.”
England got together on Monday to begin preparing for the Switzerland match on Saturday.
It is their penultimate friendly before the Euros, with Denmark next up on 1 July.
And while the players are focusing on their Netherlands 2017 build-up, Baroness Campbell went on to praise the influence they have off the pitch.
She added: “These players are wonderful examples of what any young girl can achieve with determination, focus, talent and drive.
“Many of them have overcome very difficult personal challenges to be where they are. They haven’t had an easy ride to the top. It has been tough for them so that shows their determination and hunger for football and the England team.
“They are fantastic role models for any young girl whether she wants to be a footballer or not.”
England kick-off their Euro 2017 campaign against Scotland in Utrecht on 19 July, followed by Spain in Breda on 23 July and Portugal in Tilburg on 27 July.
