The incoming Dames
Watching the Women’s Euro this year brought a wave of nostalgia. It felt like the Lionesses were destined to win the entire tournament before a ball had even been kicked. Although their pre-tournament form was good, including an excellent performance against Jamaica in the warm-up, a large part of the country believed they would lift the trophy in Switzerland.
Confidence in the England camp was strong ahead of the opening game against France. Many fans were convinced that the Lionesses would beat them, sending a message to the rest of Europe that they were ready to defend their title. However, the surprise loss to France cast a shadow that few had anticipated. Still, the Lionesses never lost faith in the belief that football was coming home.
Solid wins against Wales and the Netherlands signalled a turning point, putting the team back on track and raising confidence within the squad. The quarter-final against Sweden was a difficult test, and although the performance was below par, they managed to scrape through on penalties. In the semi-final against Italy, the display was slightly improved, but far from exceptional.
Before the final against Spain, many pundits and commentators believed it would take a miracle for England to win. Spain had been the standout team of the tournament, showing that no side in Europe could match them. Their slick transitions, intelligent movement on and off the ball, and overall control were unmatched.
And yet, the Lionesses beat Spain on penalties and retained their European title, defying all odds and expectations. There are a few logical explanations for it, but such is the nature of football. A team that looked close to elimination on two occasions somehow turned things around to emerge victorious. The Lionesses faced numerous challenges and adversities, yet proved that the impossible is possible.
Chloe Kelly’s comment, ‘It was nice the first time, so we had to do it twice’, sums up the spirit of this group. They were resilient, determined, and unshaken by setbacks. Sarina Wiegman’s leadership and composed coaching style demonstrated her faith in this squad. She knew these players would not let her, or the country, down.
This team is something special. The grit and determination shown by the Lionesses prove that England can produce homegrown talent with both passion and resilience. Winning a major trophy on foreign soil is a remarkable achievement; one that the men’s senior team has yet to accomplish and may not for the next decade.
These women deserve national recognition. They should be knighted; every one of them deserves to be called ‘Dame’. They are moving the goalposts in the right direction for women’s football in England and across the globe. Their toughness has been exceptional, and their resilience throughout the tournament proves that they truly embody the spirit of the Lioness.
