England women's team reached the final of the European Championships in Finland, going down 6-2 to Germany in Helsinki yesterday.

Karen Carney and Kelly Smith scored for England to keep their hopes alive until into the second half before the Germans pulled clear.

It was England's best performance at the championships for a quarter of a century and Sutcliffe is keen to capitalise on the team's success.

Sutcliffe told Press Association Sport: "I think the women did tremendously well for the first time in 25 years to get to the final, particularly after losing the first game (to Italy) in the group stage.

"It sends out a strong message about the success of women's football and that's why I want to see a women's Premier League in the UK as quickly as possible.

"Girls football is the fastest growing and these girls need to have role models. The England team are providing role models, but it's unfortunate that our top players have to play in America rather than being able to play in an elite league in England."

The likes of Smith, Alex Scott, Carney and Eniola Aluko ply their trade in Women's Professional Soccer in the USA, the former two for the Boston Breakers, Carney for the Chicago Red Stars and Aluko for the St Louis Athletics.

Asked if there was a timeframe for introducing a professional league in England, Sutcliffe said: "I've said to the FA I want them to do it as quickly as they can."