CHAMPIONS, AGAIN

After securing the win on home soil in 2022, the Lionesses have retained their trophy for England in 2025, in Switzerland. Captain Leah Williamson told everyone ‘the English are never done’ which they have certainly proven over the course of this tournament.

England began their Euro 2025 campaign with a 2-1 loss to France, which shook the nerves of fans watching in the stands and at home. However, with everyone on the edge of their seats, the Lionesses pulled out an unbelievable performance against the Netherlands to win 4-0, which gave fans hope they would make it out of the group stages.

The last match of the group stages was against Wales (who had lost their two previous matches so are already out of the competition). England won 6–1, with one goal being a penalty and another scored by Aggie Beever-Jones in the 89th minute, for her first ever major tournament goal and second ever major tournament appearance.

With the group stages over, England managed to finish 2nd with six points, just behind France who had nine points. This meant the Netherlands and Wales were out of the competition.

England were to face Sweden in the quarter-finals who they knew were going to be very strong competitors. The Lionesses unfortunately conceded 2 goals in the first half and as 2-0 remained throughout most of the second half, England were sure to be out. However, Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang were brought on in the 70th and 78th minute which was a game changer…

In minute 79, Lucy Bronze put a header in the back of the net and just two minutes later, 19-year-old Agyemang scored making the equaliser for England. Extra time followed but nothing changed.

Penalties.

With confidence England scored their first and Hannah Hampton made an impeccable save to keep it 1-0. The penalties continued and at the end of the five each, the shootout score was 2-2.

Both teams missed their sixth penalty so the next one counted the most. Lucy Bronze stepped up for her first England penalty ever and rocketed it into the back of the net. Now it was all down to Hampton. The Swedish international, Holmberg, stepped up and aimed too high and over the bar. England are in the semi-finals!

The Lionesses next opposition were Italy, who had progressed the furthest they had ever been in a Euro tournament. In the 33rd minute, Bonansea scored for Italy and managed to keep it 1-0 until the super-subs, Kelly and Agyemang, were brought on again…

7 minutes added time and it was still 1-0. With England just seconds away from exiting the tournament, in 90+6, Agyemang again smashed the ball into the back of the net, saving her country for the second time in two games.

In the last minute of extra time, Beth Mead was fouled in the box which gave the Lionesses a penalty and who else to take it than Chloe Kelly. She smiled at the keeper as if she knew it was going in. The Italian keeper, Giuliani, saved it but the rebound came straight to Kelly and she sealed the match with a tap in the net.

Spain was the last and most challenging test yet. Spain collected the first goal but once again England stayed calm and Russo scored a header to keep us going all the way to full time. Extra time came and went, and again it was all down to penalties.

It was 2-1 to England and all Chloe Kelly had to do was score that penalty knowing there wouldn’t be a chance for rebound this time.

And she scored! England are back-to-back European Champions. Well done Lionesses, you brought it home once again!