The roar from the stands was deafening. But for the political class back home, the real noise is yet to come. The US victory over Australia in the Women's World Cup has sent a clear signal. The Lionesses are watching, and they know what awaits.
Sources inside the FA tell me the mood is confident, bordering on bullish. They've seen the data. They know the path. But in this game, as in politics, overconfidence is a silent killer.
The UK squad is preparing for their knockout stage clash. Speculation is rife over selection. Whispers of a change in formation. A tweak to the midfield. The manager's decision will be scrutinised, dissected. A single misstep could unravel months of planning.
This isn't just football. It's a referendum on the nation's sporting project. A win would cement legacy. A loss would invite questions. The same questions that haunt every government after a defeat: What went wrong? Who is to blame?
For now, the fans have their joy. But the hard part is yet to come. The game within the game is about to begin.
