The Lionesses seemed to start the tournament on the back foot, losing their first group stage game to France two to one. Though they soon found their feet with two landslide victories against Wales (6-1) and the Netherlands (4-0), sending them safely through to the knockouts.
Though England’s quarter-final match against Sweden was where the drama truly began. The Lionesses trailed behind 2-0 at halftime and kept the crowd on the edge of their seats until two consecutive goals from Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang in the 79th and 81st minutes to equalise and push the match to extra time and, eventually, penalties. 9 out of 14 penalties were either missed or saved, but with success from Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly and Lucy Bronze, England scraped their way into the semi-finals.
Though England’s quarter-final match against Sweden was where the drama truly began.
In what was becoming a worrying pattern, England again left it to the very last minute in their semi-final match against Italy. After an early goal from the Italian side, England struggled to get a word in.
It wasn’t until added time that super-sub Michelle Agyemang saved the day yet again with a goal in the 96th minute. Chloe Kelly’s rebounded penalty in extra time then sealed England’s win and place in the final, thankfully avoiding another penalty shootout.
Spain dominated with possession and a goal in the first half put them ahead 1-0 at half time.
The final against Spain carried heavy pressure for the Lionesses, both to retain their European title and to prove themselves having lost to Spain in the World Cup final in 2023. It was, as expected, a tough match.
Spain dominated with possession and a goal in the first half put them ahead 1-0 at half time. Alessia Russo’s equaliser put the Lionesses back in the game which then went to extra time. Though this was only delaying the inevitable: another penalty shootout. The England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton’s impressive saves carried England to victory alongside goals from Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles, and, once again, Chloe Kelly.
The stadium erupted and players ran to celebrate with each other and the fans. These celebrations stretched far beyond St. Jakob Park in Switzerland in what was the most watched women’s football match in history.
The Lionesses were welcomed home with a victory parade and celebration event in London culminating at Buckingham Palace, even featuring a duet between Sarina Wiegman and Burna Boy.
Their dedication and the player's resilience, like Lucy Bronze who played the entire tournament on a fractured tibia, once again solidified the Lionesses as role models for all young sports players, but especially young girls in football. The record-breaking tournament has continued to increase engagement with women’s football and promises a bright future for the sport.