England's incredible run to the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup has been inspirational, according to Oxford United Women’s captain Sahara Osborne-Ricketts, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

The Lionesses suffered a heart-breaking 2-1 defeat at the hands of defending champions Japan in Edmonton, Canada yesterday morning, with Laura Bassett scoring an agonising injury-time own goal.

But Osborne-Ricketts believes the subsequent boost in profile could have longlasting benefits for women’s football.

“I think it’s definitely going to inspire a lot of younger girls to play football and to take it seriously,” she said.

“I think people have really taken notice of the quality of women’s football and the high standard in England as well.”

Even amongst the hardened professionals of the FA Women’s Super League, the excitement has become infectious.

“At training it’s all anyone can talk about,” Osborne-Ricketts added.

“I’m constantly being asked ‘did you see the game last night?’ or ‘did you see that goal?’ “Hopefully it spurs our girls on to really perform to their best when the season starts up again.”

Oxford’s WSL 2 campaign is currently on hold for the duration of the tournament, resuming with a trip to London Bees on July 12.

Osborne-Ricketts is hopeful that England’s historymaking campaign will result in higher crowds for league matches.

She said: “I think the World Cup has definitely helped the women’s game and if it makes people come out and support their local team then that’s great.

“The standard in the WSL is growing every season.

“Just from last season I’ve noticed a big improvement in our league and I think we’re closing the gap on WSL 1 as well.

“There are a lot of good quality players at this level.”