England is showing its appreciation for its women. The Queen sent a message to the new European champion. The Trafalgar Square in the centre of London was filled with thousands of fans.
The host nation's first football silverware since 1966 has turned millions of doubters into believers.
The photo of the U.S.'s Brandi Chastain after her win at the 1999 World Cup final is an example of the rise of women's football.
Men in Europe used to think that women shouldn't play football. It was banned by some federations because it was deemed inappropriate. Girls who wanted to play the game weren't welcome in schools. The clubs weren't interested in giving money to it.
The revolution is well underway and could move quickly.
The Women's Super League in England has a small budget compared to the men's teams at the top of the game. The European Championship win has made the league more attractive to sponsors and advertisers. It would be easy to move to another level.
Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps and Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot winner Beth Mead are some of the players that have become famous. Even Lionel Messi would be jealous of the goal that Alessia Russo scored against Sweden in the semifinals.
The rapid improvement in the standards of women's football was demonstrated by the Russo goal, as well as the brilliant pass from Walsh and the delightful strike from Toone. The ball was placed into the roof of the England net thanks to a superbly taken goal by the German player. The technique is wonderful.
The tournament is being hailed as a defining moment for the sport by everyone.
Most of the games were competitive and even unfancied teams like Belgium, Austria, Portugal and Switzerland looked useful, despite the fact that poor oldIceland went home early.
England's taciturn 1966 World Cup manager Alf Ramsey had a similar ability to dismiss questions. She bluntly said no when she was asked if she would have a last-minute message for the players. She wouldn't talk about penalty shootouts or "Football's Coming Home", both of which are seen as arrogant and entitled by rival teams.
She only reads nonfiction and her dealings with her players are very simple and straightforward. It's clear that less is more.
The impact of England's win at the Women's European Championship will last a long time.
There is no comparison between the men's and women's games. Both shows are worth watching their own way. The men's game is more lucrative than the women's game. The feisty nature of women's football can be seen in the England vs Germany match.
When they defend their World Cup title in Australia and New Zealand next summer, the U.S. will have to assess the teams they are likely to face. They will know that the chasing pack is closing the gap and that they need to improve to stay at the summit.
In England this year, record crowds of 87,192 watched the Wembley final, and that tournament will need to match that fervor. The Sunday Times had a Souvenir edition on the day of the final.
"You think it's all over?", echoed Ken Wolstenholme's famous old commentary. It is just beginning.
The story of women's football will be interesting. It's hard to believe that it won't be better. The England Lionesses are not going to back down. The hosts were the ones with the most.