The Lionesses have soared in popularity ahead of their Women’s World Cup final against Spain.
England booked their place in Sunday’s final with an impressive 3-1 victory over tournament hosts Australia, thanks to goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
Sarina Wiegman’s side are looking to add the World Cup to their European Championship success of last summer and Lionesses fever has, once again, gripped the nation in recent weeks.
This has had a positive impact off the field as well, with analysis of Google search data, compiled by Boohoo, revealing that searches for ‘Lionesses kit’ have exploded by 3,981 per cent above the average volume in the last 90 days.
Analysis of Google Trends data also reveals the most in-demand shirts belong to those of forward Hemp, captain Leah Williamson and goalkeeper Mary Earps – despite controversy over the availability of the latter’s kit.
Searches for ‘Lionesses kit’ have soared on Google ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final
Google Trends data reveals that Lauren Hemp is among the most in-demand Lioness shirts
The 3,981 per cent increase is an increase of more than 40 times compared to average volumes for the search of ‘Lionesses kit’.
Searches for ‘Lioness shirt’ and ‘England shirt’ have also seen rises of 3,617 and 2,220 per cent respectively over the last 90 days.
A spokesperson at Boohoo commented: ‘The Lionesses success has already proved historic with the effects of the success already being felt, with searches for their kit and, subsequently, interest in sportswear as a fashion statement already peaking.’
Those searching for Earps’ kit could find it tough, after Nike decided not to sell a replica version throughout the tournament.
England fans, players and pundits have voiced their frustrations with the sportswear brand, with their congratulatory message to the Lionesses after their victory over Australia met by backlash from fans on Instagram.
The England number one has hit out at the national team’s kit supplier and revealed how ‘very hurtful’ she is over Nike not making her goalkeeping strip available to purchase.
She said: ‘I can’t really sugarcoat this any way so I’m not going to try, it’s hugely disappointing and very hurtful.
The Lionesses have been playing in their familiar white home strip as well as the blue away kit
Goalkeeper Mary Earps is also near the top despite controversy regarding her unavailable kit
‘It’s something that I’ve been fighting behind closed doors. I’ve been desperately trying to find a solution with the FA and with Nike.
‘Unfortunately it’s become very evident that is not possible and there’s not going to be an acceptable solution for the young kids out there. On a personal level it’s obviously hugely hurtful, considering the last 12 months especially.
‘For my own family, friends and loved ones not to be able to buy my shirt, they’re just going to come out and wear normal clothes. All my team-mates, they’ve ordered a lot of shirts for their friends and family, they’re talking at the dinner table “I wasn’t able to get this” and I’m saying “I wasn’t able to get it at all”.
Fans were unable to buy Earps shirts during England’s Euro 2022 triumph last year, and despite the Man Utd star being told the issue would be resolved, Nike have once again failed to come through and put the decision down to a ‘commercial strategy’.
Earp’s reaction to Nike’s decision was been backed by TV presenter Laura Woods, who took to Twitter to vent her own frustrations on the issue, describing it as a ‘very weird’ decision.
Earps hit out at Nike’s ‘hugely hurtful’ decision not to put her goakeeper shirt on sale
Woods tweeted: ‘Mary’s one of my favourite England players. I get it’s not just Nike that do this, but how mad a decision not to produce and sell England GK shirts when that goalkeeper is Mary Earps.
‘And while she’s the reigning FIFA Best GK. And a reigning European Champion. Find that v weird.’
England will wear their blue kit again in Sunday’s final as they try to make history in Sydney.
If they are successful, the Lionesses will become just the third women’s side to hold both the European Championships and World Cup at the same time.