It will be a year best remembered in this country for England’s famous victory on home soil in the European Championships, helping spread awareness of the women’s game and sparking scenes of wild celebration far and wide, from Wembley to Widnes, Newcastle to Nottingham and beyond.

For Hayes, the platform had been laid, but she acknowledged attitudes towards women’s football have changed.

‘In wider society, yes,’ said Hayes.

‘The gradual growth has been happening. There was already a solid foundation. It took an explosive moment like the Euros to almost inject steroids into the sport and fast forward our journey.

‘The foundations underpinning it were able to cope with those challenges. It’s about sustaining where we are now and going again, especially with a World Cup on the horizon next year.

‘What a wonderful year for women’s football, and particularly the Lionesses,’ concluded Hayes. ‘They certainly made the whole country proud.’

In our final fixture of 2022 tonight, Chelsea host PSG with tickets on sale online until kick-off. Prices start at just £9 for adults and £1 for concessions.

When the action resumes in the new year, a humdinger of a London derby awaits with Chelsea visiting Arsenal on Sunday 15 January.

It may be a top-of-the-table clash, but Hayes has underlined the importance of rest, both mental and physical, before then, and she has explained her priority when the players return will not be on that game, but getting training standards quickly back to the level she has long expected at this club.

‘I would lie to you if I told you I’d be pouring over materials for the beginning of the year. Switch off means switch off. It’s there for a reason. You have to be able to create the headspace to be able to go and have another jump.

‘We are going on a warm weather training camp and my first thought when we come back will be getting that preparation right and then into the first game, which just happens to be Arsenal.’