Tom Hamilton
Basel, Switzerland — Following a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Spain, the celebration erupted as Lucy Bronze hopped on one leg. Ironically, this was the same foot she injured during the final. As her teammates Leah Williamson and Alex Greenwood lifted her in joyful bursts, the crowd chanted the name Michelle Aggieman, while head coach Sarina Wiegman danced along to Gala’s “Freed from Desire.”
Amidst the glittering gold and silver confetti, the Lioness waved to loved ones, navigating the whirlwind of emotions that came with their historic win. They became the first English squad to clinch two major tournament titles, and to do so abroad is a significant achievement. Throughout the knockout rounds, they only needed 4 minutes and 52 seconds of lead time total.
This win was unprecedented.
Observing the unfolding drama in Switzerland was surreal. The Lioness exemplified resilience against the odds, having narrowly defeated Sweden in a chaotic penalty shootout just days earlier, though nobody anticipated another miracle victory was on the horizon.
At the onset of Euro 2025, there were doubts about the team’s performance, especially concerning Wiegman’s position should England fail early on. Yet, the Lionesses confidently declared their intention to win as defending champions, demonstrating their enduring competitive spirit.
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Before the Tournament Began
Before Wiegman announced her squad on June 5th, the Lioness had already captured headlines. Following a pre-match gathering for an international league encounter against Portugal and Spain, legendary goalkeeper Mary Earps shocked everyone by announcing her retirement from international duty. The next day, she visited St. George Park to talk with the players directly.
Wiegman expressed her concern over Earps’ decision. Hannah Hampton was set to become England’s starting goalkeeper, but Earps’ experience was an invaluable asset both on and off the pitch. Earps’ retirement on May 27th left England with rookie Hampton in goal and two uncapped substitutes.
Millie Bright, a key defender, also withdrew, prioritizing her mental health. At that juncture, Wiegman consulted several senior players regarding the team’s dynamics ahead of the tournament.
After England dominated Portugal 6-0 on May 30, striker Flankerby met with Wiegman, clarifying that he had no plans to finalize its squad of 23 players. During preparation for a match against Spain in Barcelona, Kirby opted to stay, contributing to the team’s preparations for the crucial match.
That evening, the team enjoyed a night out together in Barcelona, strengthening their bond amid the surrounding drama. Despite ongoing discussions about the burgeoning crisis, sources later noted that tensions continued from their previous experience at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, complicating matters with injuries and bonus payment disputes.
Building Team Spirit in Switzerland
Upon arriving in Switzerland, rejuvenated after a 7-0 victory over Jamaica, the team settled into the luxurious Dolder Grand Hotel overlooking Lake Zurich. Equipped with their own cryotherapy station and a gym at the training facility in Opfikon, the squad felt at home.
The facility was reminiscent of their everyday comforts, complete with branded tea bags and other homey touches. From informal games of Monopoly to one-on-one basketball, team bonding flourished.
“There’s more negotiation in the card games than on the pitch,” said Lauren Hemp.
Players also engaged in social activities like jigsaw building, led by Mead and others, while Aggieman even arranged for a piano to be brought in. The atmosphere remained positive, with no notable team disputes reported. “It’s a great place where we reconnect and relax,” Williamson remarked.
Each day brought new motivational quotes from the physio staff, with players like Aggie Beaver Jones using journaling as a method to capture their experiences. This focus on creativity helped keep spirits high throughout tournament life.
Discussions regarding their personal “whys” also formed strong connections among teammates. Players openly shared their past struggles, leading to a deeper understanding of one another.
Bronze recounted her commitment while donning the English jersey, emphasizing the significance of their work on the field, stating, “It’s not just about the spectacle.” She, alongside Williamson, highlighted the balance of joy and grit as essential to the team’s performances.
Overcoming Initial Setbacks
During the tournament, players’ families were allowed to spend more time with them than in previous competitions. For instance, siblings went pub crawling in Zurich and enjoyed leisure activities like swimming in Lake Zurich.
England opened their tournament in Zurich on July 5th with a challenging match against France. Dishearteningly, they faced offside controversies and conceded goals due to defensive lapses, ultimately losing 2-1.
After this, the atmosphere at camp was tense before the next match against the Netherlands. However, experienced veterans, like Bronze, shared critical perspectives, resurrecting hope for the squad moving forward.
Team Resilience Shines Through
Focusing on a “proper England” approach, the Lioness demonstrated their strength with a triumphant 4-0 victory against the Netherlands. Wiegman made strategic adjustments ahead of the match, which saw James score two of the goals with other players contributing as well.
Wiegman also noted the players’ unity, celebrating in song and sparking camaraderie. The team evoked their “proper England” mantra, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and giving their all.
Positive Vibes
The mood shifted further in the lead-up to their match against Wales as players were upbeat about securing a place in the knockout stages. This positivity helped carry them through to a resounding 6-1 victory, showcasing the wealth of talent within the squad.
Collective celebrations culminated in shared rituals like the “Positive Click” movement, where successful moments on the field were emphasized in joyful bursts of camaraderie.
Composure in Crucial Matches
As the knockout phase commenced, the Lionesses faced tough competition, such as Sweden, where an emotional rollercoaster match tested their mettle. Despite a shaky start and conceding early, the Lioness rallied together and came through victorious after a nail-biting penalty shootout.
Aiming for Glory
Heading into the final against Spain, the atmosphere was deliberate yet revitalized with the presence of their mascot, Reggie. As preparations ensued, the team’s unyielding mentality remained firm despite the pressures that loomed.
After a tense start, with Spain scoring first, England equalized in the second half, setting the stage for yet another intense contest that ultimately led to a penalty shootout. Kelly nailed the winning goal, propelling England towards their historic second championship.
Conclusion
The chaos and intensity of this tournament victory will be long remembered, marked by emotional celebrations and deep connections formed within the team. The powerful resilience displayed by the Lioness stands as a beacon of hope for the future of women’s soccer.
Additional report from Emily Keow.
Fan Take: This historic victory not only solidifies England’s position in women’s soccer but also serves as an inspiration for future generations. It showcases the competitive spirit and camaraderie within the sport, potentially igniting increased interest and investment in women’s soccer globally.
