England clinched the Euro 2025 title after all three of their knockout matches extended into extra time, with two decided by penalties. Yet, captain Leah Williamson insists they were not merely fortunate.
The Lionesses successfully defended their European crown, initially won on home soil in 2022, by overcoming world champions Spain 3-1 on penalties in Basel. The match concluded 1-1 after extra time.
This victory marks the first time a nation has retained the women's European Championship since Germany's streak of six consecutive wins from 1995 to 2013.
England's path to the title included a penalty shootout win against Sweden in the quarter-finals and a late extra-time victory over Italy in the semi-finals.
"Honestly, it's still surreal. It's 'unbelievable' and 'did this really happen?'" manager Sarina Wiegman shared with BBC Radio 5 Live. "I'm very, very happy but it's a strange, unbelievable feeling."
While Williamson acknowledged some fortunate moments during England's Euro 2025 journey, she emphasized that they were deserved champions rather than merely lucky ones.
"We experienced some luck, but I don't think we were just lucky," she told the BBC amidst the celebrations at St Jakob-Park. "There's a moment when you know it's time to step up. Our team defense was impenetrable. It felt like our day."
England led for only four minutes and 52 seconds during the knockout phase, following Chloe Kelly's late winner against Italy.
All three of England's knockout matches extended to 120 minutes, an unprecedented occurrence in a major women's tournament.
Spain's players and manager felt misfortune in the final, despite their 22 shots and nearly 65% possession.
"We tried everything, but penalties didn't favor us," Spain captain Irene Paredes told TVE. "I felt we deserved it more, but it's not about who deserves it."
"It's about luck, and England had it throughout the tournament. We thought we could overcome it, but we couldn't."
"We had more control, more clear chances, more possession. But, in the end, it wasn't enough."
'No-one thought we'd win after the first game - fair enough!'
Statistics can be misleading. While Sweden and Spain faltered from the penalty spot, and Laura Giuliani's error led to Michelle Agyemang's semi-final goal, England always had a strategy.
"I remain calm during games," Wiegman said. "Every game in this tournament challenged us. We learned from setbacks, and that's crucial."
England aimed for late victories, utilizing substitutes' firepower. Kelly's assist against Spain contributed to England's 10 goal involvements by substitutes at Euro 2025—five goals and five assists out of their 16 total goals.
They have won all four penalty shootouts under Wiegman.
"I never doubted our shootout victory," defender Jess Carter told the BBC. "I was next, and my nerves were high, but I believed in our team."
The joy at St Jakob-Park was heightened by England's unconventional path to retaining their European crown, starting with a 2-1 loss to France in their opening group match.
Wiegman maintained her strategy, resisting the urge to start super-subs Kelly and Agyemang in the final, trusting them to impact when necessary.
"It was challenging to come from a loss in the first game to this," Agyemang told the BBC. "Everything happens for a reason."
"Relentless—we have players who thrive on it," Williamson added. "It's unbelievable to achieve this again."
"After that first game, no one believed we could win—and fair enough! But we remained unchanged."
Carter Completes Comeback with Superb Display
Carter's journey at Euro 2025 was remarkable.
She struggled in the opening game against France, facing challenges at left-back from Delphine Cascarino, and was later moved to central defense. However, she faced issues with pace and possession against Sweden, conceding two early goals.
Following racist abuse after the quarter-final, she was benched for the Italy match.
Yet, she returned to the starting lineup for the final and delivered an outstanding performance.
"I'm immensely proud," Carter said. "I'm speechless, relieved, and excited."
"I owe a massive thank you to our fans, my incredible family, and everyone who doubted us and me personally—we've shown our capabilities."
"It's been a crazy journey for me. I was disappointed with my tournament performance—but now I don't care. Winning games is what we do as England."
'We Did It for Our Angels in the Sky'
For Ella Toone and Beth Mead, their medals represented more than football glory—they celebrated loved ones lost since the 2022 triumph at Wembley.
Mead's mother passed away in 2023, while Toone's father died last year.
Toone shared an emotional Instagram story with Mead, captioned: "We did it for our angels in the sky. Forever with us and forever proud."
She revealed her mother had an empty seat beside her in the stands at St Jakob-Park.
"If that's not a sign, I don't know what is," said Toone. "I know you were there, Dad."
After the memories came the celebration. Mead walked through the media area post-match with a can of lager and a boombox playing "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey.
"People thought we were down and out, but we never did," Toone told BBC Sport while enjoying a slice of celebratory pizza.
"We had belief in our squad that we would win. That's our quiet confidence."
"We're going to enjoy the night. I love a party."
Even the boss will join in.
"I'll do some more dancing," Wiegman said. "I'll have a drink, but not as much as the players will."
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