England’s thrilling comeback victory against Spain in the European Women’s Soccer Championship final on Sunday ignited the nation, ushering in a new era of football dominance.
As defending champions, England retained their title by narrowly defeating Spain in a penalty shootout, overcoming an early deficit as they had done in previous knockout rounds. This win served as redemption following their heartbreaking loss to Spain at the Women’s World Cup two years prior.
The Lionesses, England’s women’s national team, have now established themselves as the proud face of English football, a mantle long awaited given the men’s team’s lack of major trophies since 1966.
Throughout the tournament held in Switzerland, the Lionesses demonstrated resilience and determination, bouncing back from a shaky start to dominate on the international stage.
Bethany Madden, 26, who watched the match with friends at a London pub, remarked, “We never make it easy for ourselves, but that drama makes the tournament so exciting. You simply can’t count the Lionesses out.”
The final at St. Jakob-Park stadium in Basel was a rollercoaster, with momentum shifting between the teams. Spain controlled the first half, but England equalized in the second half and ultimately triumphed 3-1 in the penalty shootout.
After substitute Chloe Kelly scored the decisive penalty, English supporters erupted into singing “Sweet Caroline,” a song embraced as the Lionesses’ unofficial anthem.
Fans soon chanted “Football’s coming home,” echoing the hopeful refrain from England’s men’s team anthem “Three Lions.” Having reclaimed the European title in 2022, the women’s team has now reaffirmed their dominance.
The packed Victoria pub in London was tense during extra time as Spain pressed hard, missing several chances to score, while supporters urged their team on in anticipation of the penalty shootout.
John Carrick, 47, expressed disbelief after Kelly’s winning kick: “I thought we were out in the semis. They were underdogs the entire way. It’s incredible. I can’t believe it.”
For Spain, the loss was especially bitter following their recent World Cup triumph, overshadowed by controversy involving their federation president during the awards ceremony.
Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati reflected somberly, “You can’t win them all.”
The Lionesses’ continued success has sparked enthusiasm in England, where the women’s game has often been overlooked. Unlike their 2023 World Cup match in Sydney, where senior British royals and top politicians were absent, Sunday’s final saw Prince William in attendance, actively supporting the team.
Following the match, the prince greeted players from both teams, while British political leaders took to social media to celebrate the historic achievement.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the team: “Champions! What a team, what a game, what drama. You showed true grit when it mattered most and made the nation proud.”
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also congratulated the team on becoming back-to-back European champions.
Even before the final whistle, fans expressed hope that the Lionesses’ achievements would elevate respect and attention for women’s football.
Madden added, “People are becoming more invested in women’s football. I’ve even got my family watching. England’s success makes a difference compared to the men’s team, because we actually reach the finals. I think more men are starting to respect the women’s game on its own merits.”
Sean Gair, 38, noted the rising quality: “The standard of play has definitely improved. Many of my friends hadn’t followed women’s football before, but England’s momentum is changing that.”
King Charles III placed the victory within the broader context of England’s soccer history, acknowledging the long wait for such success.
“For many years, England fans have chanted ‘football’s coming home,’” Charles said. “As you return with the trophy won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that the Lionesses have truly made those words a reality through their skill and teamwork.”
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