Connect with us

Published

on

England manager Sarina Wiegman has praised the Lionesses for using their platform, reaching a third successive final to advocate for “positive change in society” while focused on defending their Euros title.

In an interview with Sky News, she spoke about how, if the “incredible support” throughout the tournament in Switzerland is matched by an incredible performance, that can “bring us the win” against Spain on Sunday.

But while progressing, the team has called out social media abuse after defender Jess Carter faced racism online.

Players used winning their first trophy in 2022 as a springboard to lobby the government to advocate for more access to football for girls.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman speaks to her players during the Women's Euro 2025 semifinals between England and Italy. Pic: AP
Image:
Pic: AP

“I think that’s the high purpose of women’s football,” Weigman told Sky News when asked about players as campaigners while achieving sporting excellence.

“Of course it’s England and we want to win, but there’s a bigger picture too, and of course we saw that last week that we said this is enough [on racism].

“We’re just leading that, and everyone’s supporting. We need to send a message out because it’s unacceptable and disgusting.

“And that shows also that the identity of the women’s game, that yes we want to improve and we want to get the results, but that gives us a platform to hopefully make a little change, positive change in society, and that’s what we go for too.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

England through to Euros final: How it happened

Comebacks

It has been a challenging tournament on the pitch defending their European crown. The opening match was lost to France before emphatic wins against the Netherlands and Wales took them into the knockout phase.

They were facing elimination against Sweden before coming back from 2-0 down to 2-2 before winning on penalties.

And they came even closer to being knocked out in the semi-final by Italy until Michelle Agyemang equalised in the 96th minute and Chloe Kelly struck the winner in extra time.

Asked about the impact of the drama on the England manager, attacking midfielder Ella Toone joked: “We’ve almost killed her twice this tournament.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

‘I think we’ve nearly killed her twice’

So how does Wiegman cope with the frenzied finishes?

“I’m never angry at the players because I know they give their best and they do everything to make it work,” she said in our interview at the team’s Zurich hotel.

“I’m just really proud of them. How we show up, how we step up when necessary and I just hope that we do a little bit earlier now.

“But first, the most important thing is that we play at our best because that makes the chance of winning as high as possible and we want that best outcome of course.”

The outcome in 2023 was losing the World Cup final to Spain, and Sunday’s game in Basel is a rematch.

“Spain is a very good country, they play very good football, but I think we’re really good too, so we have our tactical plan ready,” Wiegman said.

“We have to be at our best. Then if we are at our best we can win and the urgency is there to be our best to make that possible.”

Read more:
FA could boycott social media over racism
When is the Women’s Euro 2025 final?
Why is Lucy Bronze the Lionesses’ golden girl?

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Lionesses reach Euro semi-finals

Five finals

The double European champion has unprecedented managerial experience at her five international tournaments – only reaching the finals with the Netherlands and England.

“It’s very special because playing a final is very special,” Wiegman said. “There are many teams in the competition and there is only a spot for two countries to play a final and it’s very, very hard to get through to the final.

“So I feel grateful and I’m really, really excited to play another final with England. And yes, I’ve noticed a couple of things, what it does with the country.

“Of course, I already did that after the Euros, but also after the World Cup. So I’m excited about that too, of course.”

Sarina Wiegman sits on the bench during the Women's Euro 2025 quarterfinals soccer match between Sweden and England. Pic: AP
Image:
Pic: AP

Super-subs

She can feel vindicated by the results, however much the clamour is to make substitutions earlier.

“I don’t feel that resistance, I don’t feel that because I’m in the game and we have our bubble,” she said.

“And the only thing I’m focusing on is my bubble, everything outside I’m not focusing on and don’t pay attention to.

“Of course there’s pressure, of course when you’re down or 2-0 down or 1-0 then there’s pressure because you need to score a goal and then you make your subs and it’s incredible that the subs make a difference.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Lionesses leave it late – again

With the team often rescued by super-subs Kelly and Agyemang, who is playing her first tournament at 19.

“She brings something different with her qualities and it’s really nice that she shows that too,” Wiegman said.

Read more from Sky News:
Another resignation after viral Coldplay concert video
Riverdance star ‘to make bid for Irish presidency’
All we learnt from the Jay Slater inquest

Support

England have never won a trophy on foreign soil before – with the men and women only collecting trophies at Wembley.

Thousands of fans are expected in Basel and millions watching back home.

“I’d really like to thank everyone with the incredible support we’ve had here in Switzerland,” Wiegman said.

“England is totally overloaded with the fans, there’s so many here and we know there’s so many watching from home and supporting us.

“That feels incredible and we’re very very thankful for that and I hope we can put an incredible performance on the pitch again on Sunday and I hope that will bring us the win.”

Continue Reading

UK

Lionesses praised after winning Women’s Euros – with bus parade confirmed this week

Published

on

By

Lionesses praised after winning Women's Euros - with bus parade confirmed this week

England fans across the country have heaped praise on the team after winning Euro 2025, with a bus parade celebration set for Tuesday.

Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses took home their second Euros trophy in consecutive tournaments after beating Spain 3-1 on penalties in the final.

Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot-kick following two huge saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, after Alessia Russo scored an equaliser to send the game to a shootout.

As it happened: England beat Spain on penalties to retain title

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

England fans celebrate across the UK

After England win, it was announced that an open-top bus parade will be held in London on Tuesday along The Mall, which will start at 12.10pm.

The celebrations will culminate in a stage ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace at approximately 12.30pm

Fans can attend for free, and Sky News will broadcast it live.

‘You’ve made the nation proud’ – Starmer

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was among the millions congratulating the Lionesses, posting on social media to praise the champions

“What a team. What a game. What drama,” he said.

“You dug deep when it mattered most and you’ve made the nation proud. History makers.”

The roof almost came off the Manchester clubhouse where Ella Toone started her journey


Greg Milam

Greg Milam

Chief North of England correspondent

@GregMilamSky

Nowhere was the roar for the Lionesses louder than in the Astley and Tyldesley Miners Welfare club on the outskirts of Manchester.

The club where a five-year-old Ella Toone started her journey to England stardom, like so many places across the country, hosted nail-biting, table-thumping and, ultimately, deafening watch parties.

The roof almost came off the clubhouse when Chloe Kelly’s winning penalty went in.

Red bucket hats emblazoned with Toone’s now-famous ‘Buzzing My Head Off’ catchphrase were thrown in the air.

“Absolutely ecstatic,” said Lorraine Warwick-Ellis, who runs the pathway development for women and girls at the club.

“I was very nervous, very worried about penalties but we did it in the end.”

The success of the Lionesses has driven a huge boom in the popularity of women’s and girls football in recent years. She hopes this win will have a similar effect.

“I hope it cements the girls who are already here, keeps them engaged, and I hope it brings more girls down who want to be footballers and see that it’s open for everybody.”

It had been a pretty sombre watch for much of the game after Spain took the lead – but it erupted into life after Alessia Russo’s equaliser.

The shootout was the usual emotional rollercoaster but young fans seem to have greater faith in the Lionesses.

Among the jubilant teenagers celebrating in the clubhouse were two who have followed Toone’s path to academies at professional clubs.

“It’s unbelievable, they’re amazing, Chloe Kelly, I just don’t know what to say about her,” said Natasha Greenhouse. “We knew if it went to penalties that they’d do it.”

Tamsin Gallagher said: “They’ve done it the hard way all the way through the Euros but we all believed in them. Come on England.”

The party in Manchester and around the country and only just begun.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

‘I am so incredibly proud’

Prince William and Princess Charlotte, who were in attendance at St Jakob-Park in Basel, added on social media: “What a game!

“Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn’t be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment England.”

King hails Lionesses… and calls for World Cup

In a post on the official Royal Family account on X, King Charles also sent his “most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025” to the Lionesses.

“For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant ‘football’s coming home’,” he said.

“As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true.

“For this, you have my whole family’s warmest appreciation and admiration. More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms.”

The monarch ended his statement by saying “the next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!”

Read more:
Govt vows to protect ‘pavement pints’
Starmer set for Trump trade talks

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added: “What an absolutely extraordinary achievement by our Lionesses – once again they have made history and united the country with pride and joy.”

Reform UK’s Nigel Farage said “well done” to the team and “what an absolutely fantastic watch,” while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “What an achievement. What a team!”

Continue Reading

UK

Man suffers cardiac arrest onboard boat trying to reach UK

Published

on

By

Man suffers cardiac arrest onboard boat trying to reach UK

A man has died after suffering cardiac arrest onboard a boat attempting to reach the UK.

The vessel turned back towards Equihen beach on the French coast yesterday morning.

A nurse tried to resuscitate the man but was unsuccessful.

Pic: PA
Image:
Pic: PA

French authorities have now launched an investigation into the circumstances.

A spokesperson for Doctors Without Borders, also known as MSF, has criticised authorities on both sides of the Channel.

Jacob Burns said: “Yet again we have a tragedy in the Channel, that is the consequence of the deadly, costly and ineffective security policies implemented by the UK and France.”

Pic: PA
Image:
Pic: PA

Later on Saturday, a lifeboat carried migrants who have made the voyage into the Port of Dover.

More on Asylum

Photographs showed them huddled under blankets and orange life jackets on board.

Read more from Sky News:
Israel resumes airdrops into Gaza
11 stabbed at US supermarket

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Protesters clash over asylum hotels

Provisional statistics from the Home Office suggest almost 24,000 people have arrived on small boats in the UK so far this year.

Towns and cities across the UK have seen protests in recent days, primarily outside hotels believed to be housing asylum seekers.

Continue Reading

UK

Women’s Euros final: The Lionesses face Spain tonight – and they’re seeking revenge

Published

on

By

Women's Euros final: The Lionesses face Spain tonight - and they're seeking revenge

Here the Lionesses are again. Another final. Another showdown with Spain.

All of a sudden, what was once so anticipated and longed for can start to seem expected rather than extraordinary.

What happened to the great underachievers of world football? They are now consistently among the final two going for glory.

England wins
Image:
At Euro 2022, the Lionesses ended England’s 56-year wait for a major trophy by beating Germany 2-1 after extra time. Pic: Reuters

No one is taking that for granted.

Especially not Leah Williamson, with the chance to retain the European Championship trophy lifted three years ago at Wembley.

“The opportunity of tomorrow and what’s on offer is the best thing in football,” the England captain said. “I think we don’t necessarily carry the weight of it and how much it means to people, but we’re aware of it because it means the same to us.”

So often they were only watching other nations making finals.

More on Lionesses

England’s first was the men winning the 1966 World Cup.

England v Spain: All you need to know

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Lionesses ‘know what win would mean to nation’

Then, with the rebirth of women’s football after bans and neglect, it was the Lionesses’ turn to make it to the finals – in 1984 and 2009.

And the Three Lions had to wait until 2021 to make it to a final, losing to Italy on penalties at Wembley.

It kickstarted an incredible run of five successive years of finals for England senior teams – with another men’s Euros final defeat in 2024.

The Lionesses have led the way, bringing football home by defeating Germany in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley.

They just missed out on going one better when reaching a first Women’s World Cup final a year later.

Soccer Football - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Final - Spain v England - Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia - August 20, 2023 England manager Sarina Wiegman reacts REUTERS/Carl Recine
Image:
England manager Sarina Wiegman reacts to defeat against Spain at the Women’s World Cup final in 2023. Pic: Reuters

Soccer Football - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Final - Spain v England - Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia - August 20, 2023 England's Lauren James looks dejected after losing the world cup final REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
Image:
Lauren James looks dejected after their World Cup defeat, but is confirmed fit for Sunday’s revenge match against Spain. Pic: Reuters

Now, in Basel, comes the chance for revenge against Spain – even though no one in the England camp is saying that, publicly at least, in Switzerland.

Especially knowing how challenging a task it is coming up again against Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putella – the recent winners of football’s biggest individual honours.

England fans celebrate after England beat Italy at Women's Euro 2025. Pic: Reuters
Image:
England fans celebrating after England beat Italy to reach the finals. Pic: Reuters

Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Final - Fans in Manchester watch Spain v England - Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, Britain - August 20, 2023 England fans watch the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Image:
Given England’s history against Spain, it could be a nerve-wracking time for England fans. File pic: Action Images/Reuters

But this is Spain’s first Euros final.

And there is some fear from the world champions at England’s grit and resolve to produce comebacks late in the quarter-finals and semi-finals – with 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang’s goals integral to the fightbacks.

England celebrate after defeating Italy in the Women's Euro 2025 semi-final. Pic: Reuters
Image:
England celebrate their semi-final win against Italy to reach the finals. Pic: Reuters

Michelle Agyemang celebrates scoring her side's opening goal.
Pic: AP
Image:
Michelle Agyemang has propelled England to the Euro 2025 final with two vital goals. Pic: AP

Spain captain Irene Paredes reflected yesterday on how the Lionesses can flip a result late on.

But she was also discussing how their World Cup win was tarnished by the on-pitch kiss that led to former Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales being convicted of a sexual assault on striker Jenni Hermoso.

It sparked a wider clamour in Spain for improved rights and respect for women.

Read more from Sky News:
Lionesses’ help grassroots football
Sarina Wiegman on the Euros final
Listen: Why Lucy Bronze is ‘golden girl’

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Spain’s players struggle for respect

“Since then [2023] we took big steps forward,” Paredes said.

“I think this idea is disappearing from society. I still believe we have to continue opening doors… we’re a reference for boys and girls in society, but we still have things to do.”

It is a reminder that while tonight is about collecting silverware, both England and Spain know that emerging as champions can drive further growth in women’s football back home.

Amid it all, they’ll try to savour just what reaching a final means and how rare they are – until recently for English and Spanish women.

Continue Reading

Trending