The England women’s football team, the Lionesses, have reached the final of Euro 2025, helping grow momentum for the sport. They earned their place on the field after a dramatic shootout victory over Italy. It’s been an uncomfortable tournament for England, gauntleted through on a host of one-goal mini-escapes. Now, they find themselves on the cusp of a Hollywood ending to their campaign on European soil. Under Sarina Wiegman’s stewardship, the Lionesses have qualified for their third major tournament final in a row. Still, they have shown extraordinary resolve under pressure.
The path to their first-ever final has not been easy. To say England’s play during the tournament has been nerve-racking is an understatement. The rest of the team’s struggles have only been addressed by making two personnel changes in their lineup. This is the least amount of subs used by any manager in the tournament. This decision is creating serious discussion about their flexibility and strategic thinking. Creating a defensive structure In the semi-final against Italy, England’s press seemed to instantly disappear, letting the Azzurri control possession.
In fact, Italy made more passes in their own half than England managed in theirs. This really underscores just how dominate the lack of ball control was during that game. Most encouragingly, there was a discernible sharpening in England’s decision-making when on the ball, especially as they worked their way through the attacking phase.
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was the star of the show in the semi-final. She recorded four high, hard saves and saved -1.18 xG. Her performance was decisive in keeping England’s narrow two-goal lead and seeing them through to win the tournament. Interestingly, Hampton’s capability to deliver progressive passes into the final third surpassed the combined efforts of central midfielders Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh against Sweden.
Despite these individual highlights, England’s collective approach has usually come across as timid. At the same time, the Lionesses have only been ahead for five minutes in knockout games during this World Cup. It shows their addiction to playing on defense instead of offense. Through it all, they have shown remarkable perseverance. They’re frequently referred to having “nine lives,” but they’ve used up all of them by this point!
Chloe Kelly had the best goal involvements of any substitute in the opening match against Italy. She scored the winning goal, further proving she’s one of Wiegman’s most potent super subs. Her contributions were key in carrying England into the finals yet again, continuing on their history-making run.
Wiegman’s done an incredible job with the team over multiple tournaments, 2017, 2022, and now 2025. She said she was proud to have led them to another final.
“Here we are again, it’s really, really special.” – Sarina Wiegman
Even in defeat, the semi-final match highlighted Wiegman’s incredible success. Under her captaincy, England have won all four knockout matches (out of five total) including all four matches going to extra time! This resilience in the face of high-stress environments has been a signature of the Lionesses’ style during her tenure.
England’s players prepare for their rematch against Spain in the final. They carry with them all of the hard-earned wisdom accrued along a long and tumultuous path. They’ve shown time and again that they know how to get out of dangerous waters—with this most recent victory as the most shining example.
“We’re going to make a movie someday.” – Sarina Wiegman
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