England are Euro 2025 champions.
As the Lionesses prepare for their triumphant parade through London today, celebrating their back-to-back Euro titles, it's worth reflecting on the arduous and often nail-biting journey that led them to the top of European football once again.
Sarina Wiegman's side didn't just win Euro 2025; they conquered it, overcoming adversity, tactical challenges, and formidable opponents with a blend of resilience and sheer quality.
Their path to glory in Switzerland was anything but smooth.
The tournament began with an immediate wake-up call in Group D.
The Lionesses faced a formidable France side in their opening match, suffering a 2-1 defeat.
This early setback, with goals from Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore for France, and only a late Keira Walsh strike for England, ignited questions about England's title defence.
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True champions, however, respond to adversity.
Wiegman's tactical acumen shone through as England quickly regrouped.
They delivered a commanding 4-0 victory against the Netherlands, with goals from Lauren James, Georgia Stanway, and Ella Toone, showcasing their attacking prowess.
This was followed by a comprehensive 6-1 thrashing of Wales, securing their passage to the knockout stages as group runners-up.
The knockout phase truly tested the Lionesses' mettle.
Their quarter-final against Sweden proved to be an epic encounter.
After a thrilling 2-2 draw through extra time, England showcased their burgeoning "mentality monsters" tag, prevailing 3-2 in a penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton emerged as an early hero, making crucial saves.
The semi-final clash against Italy was another nail-biter.
England once again had to dig deep, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory after extra time.
Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly were key impact substitutes throughout the tournament, often providing crucial goals or assists from the bench.
Notably, Michelle Agyemang scored in the 90+6th minute against Italy to force extra time, and Chloe Kelly scored the extra-time winner.
This pattern of responding under pressure became a defining characteristic of their campaign.
The ultimate test came in the final against World Champions Spain at St. Jakob-Park in Basel.
A repeat of the 2023 World Cup final, this was set to be a clash of titans.
Spain took a first-half lead through Mariona Caldentey.
But England, true to their tournament form, refused to yield.
Alessia Russo equalised just before the hour mark, heading in from a Chloe Kelly cross.
After a tense 1-1 draw through extra time, making it their third successive knockout game to go to extra time and their second to penalties, destiny called.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, England's composure held firm.
Hannah Hampton saved two crucial penalties, and it was Chloe Kelly who once again stepped up to dispatch the decisive spot-kick, sealing a 3-1 shootout victory and confirming England as back-to-back European champions.
Under the astute guidance of Sarina Wiegman, who tactically adapted her team throughout the tournament, England's journey was a testament to their resilience, depth (with significant contributions from substitutes), and unwavering belief.
From the initial French setback to the ultimate triumph over Spain, the Lionesses demonstrated why they are truly the queens of European football.
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