"This year it was meant for England."
Lucy Bronze, England's most decorated footballer and a true embodiment of the Lioness spirit, had a premonition of success throughout the tournament. Despite suffering from a fractured tibia, Bronze remained undeterred, refusing to miss the moment her team defended their European title and defeated the world champions on foreign soil.
The 33-year-old played a crucial role, only stepping off the field when the pain became unbearable. Tears welled in her eyes during the Euro 2025 final against Spain, as she finally allowed a substitution in extra time before England's triumphant penalty shootout victory.
Sarina Wiegman's squad defied the odds, silencing critics and repeatedly pulling back from the brink. They were determined to win at any cost.
In the end, there were no doubts. This was the greatest achievement in the history of English football.
For the first time, an England team won a major trophy on foreign soil, following their home success in 2022 and the men's 1966 World Cup victory at Wembley Stadium.
The Lionesses became the first senior English side to defend their title, achieving this by coming from behind at half-time—a first in women's Euros history.
This victory solidified manager Wiegman's reputation as one of the world's greatest, with her third consecutive European title across two countries. It marked her fifth major final in a row, having won three—a remarkable feat.
Wiegman, in disbelief, celebrated alongside captain Leah Williamson, shedding her usual composed demeanor. "I actually can't believe it myself. I was like 'how can this happen?' But it happened. I'm so incredibly proud of the team. I'm so happy," she expressed.
During her news conference, Wiegman's watch reminded her of a scheduled workout. "I won't be doing that anymore," she joked, understandably exhausted after experiencing every imaginable emotion in what she described as the "most ridiculous and chaotic" tournament of her career.
The players acknowledged the stress they had placed on their families and how they had "almost killed" Wiegman—twice, no less.
England led for only four minutes and 52 seconds in the knockout stage, yet they ended with the trophy in Basel, surrounded by gold confetti, as Queen's "We Are The Champions" played.
Before the tournament, England was written off. The retirement of Mary Earps and Fran Kirby and the withdrawal of World Cup captain Millie Bright added to the uncertainty. Their initial defeat by France only reinforced this narrative.
However, England rebounded. They defeated the Netherlands and Wales to reach the knockout stages. Despite being 2-0 down to Sweden in the quarter-finals, they came back. Sweden scored only two of their seven penalties, and even though goalkeeper Jennifer Falk saved four of England's, it wasn't enough—luck was on England's side.
Wiegman admitted that the thought "hmm, we might be going home tomorrow" crossed her mind during this match.
In the semi-finals, England was 1-0 down to Italy, but teenager Michelle Agyemang scored a 96th-minute equalizer, and Kelly netted the extra-time winner in the 119th minute.
Spain, the world champions and pre-tournament favorites, had not lost in 10 games. When they went 1-0 up in the final, England seemed on the ropes. But England had other plans.
Wiegman remained calm as her players surveyed St Jakob-Park before kick-off, even waving to media members in the stands. She had been in this position before, and so had England, with an unshakeable belief.
Spanish journalists were optimistic about England's chances at half-time, but doubt lingered. The 'super subs' had performed in 2022, and Wiegman continued to rely on them in 2025, rebranding them as 'finishers' with the same responsibility.
The squad's unity was evident. Bronze's determination to play through pain, the players' response to teammate Jess Carter facing racial abuse, and Williamson's act of pushing Agyemang toward fans after their semi-final win highlighted their togetherness.
"It is ridiculous. Every time we came back from behind. Of course, we have players with talent. But the togetherness of this team is incredible," Wiegman stated. "The belief that we can come back. The players say they can come back by any means and they just never give up. Every player is ready to come onto the pitch and show up straight away. That is not easy. I'm just really grateful that I'm part of this team."
The significance of the Lionesses' impending achievement was clear as cameras panned to the stands. Watching were Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William with Princess Charlotte, Spain's Princess Leonor, and Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin.
Football stars from other nations, including Switzerland's Lia Walti and the USA's Catarina Macario, attended to support their Arsenal and Chelsea teammates. England men's international Reece James flew out to support his sister Lauren, with Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham accompanying them throughout the journey in Switzerland.
Bullingham has made it clear that Wiegman, under contract until the 2027 World Cup, is "not for sale at any price."
With this generation of players—some on the fringes in 2022 and others more experienced like Bronze and Alex Greenwood—Wiegman has transformed the Lionesses into a formidable team feared in major tournaments.
Where past England teams faltered, this squad proved they could succeed, even when many doubted them.
"From the first game, it was chaos. Losing your first game and becoming European champions is incredible. Football is chaos," Wiegman told BBC Sport's TV cameras, while Bronze celebrated with goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse in the background.
Bronze knew what England was capable of. Now, everyone else knows too.
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