Lionesses Crowned European Champions Again in Historic Comeback

Lucy Bronze had a feeling — this year was meant for England.

Despite playing the entire tournament with a fractured tibia, England’s most decorated footballer refused to miss her moment. She played until her body gave out, leaving the pitch in tears during extra time as the Lionesses completed a dramatic penalty shootout victory over world champions Spain to retain their European crown in Basel.

“I couldn’t be happier right now,” Bronze said, after England sealed their second consecutive European title and became the first English team to win a major trophy on foreign soil.

Sarina Wiegman’s side had been written off before the tournament began. Injuries, shock retirements, and a poor opening defeat to France left many doubting their ability to repeat 2022’s heroics. But time and again, they clawed their way back — from 2-0 down against Sweden in the quarter-finals, to a 96th-minute equaliser against Italy in the semis. Each time, they refused to give in.

“It is ridiculous. Every time we came back from behind. Of course we have players that have talent. But the togetherness of this team is incredible,” Wiegman said.

“Also, 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.”

In the final, they were again forced to dig deep. Spain, unbeaten in ten games and favourites to win, struck first. England looked in trouble. But Alessia Russo equalised with a header, and the game went to extra time. Bronze, hobbling with injury, gave everything until she could no longer continue. England, defiant to the last, triumphed in the shootout.

Wiegman’s calm leadership never wavered. As her players walked out at St Jakob-Park, the Dutch manager waved to journalists and strolled the touchline with her hands in her pockets. It was her fifth straight major final, and her third European title — an achievement matched by no other coach in the modern era.

“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,” Wiegman said.

She joked during her press conference about missing a scheduled workout, laughing: “I won’t be doing that anymore.” The stress, she admitted, nearly finished her off — more than once.

The Lionesses spent just 4 minutes and 52 seconds in the lead throughout the entire knockout phase, but still lifted the trophy. They found strength in adversity and unity in every setback. Bronze battled through injury. The squad rallied around Jess Carter in the face of abuse. Leah Williamson, back from injury, pushed teenager Michelle Agyemang toward the fans after the semi-final winner.

“It’s been an awesome weekend, an awesome year. Today was something else,” said Palou, echoing the collective pride felt throughout the squad.

Super-subs were renamed ‘finishers’, and delivered once again. From Agyemang’s 96th-minute semi-final goal to Chloe Kelly’s penalty in the final, the impact was undeniable. Togetherness, belief, and fearless leadership carried them over the line.

In the stands, the magnitude of the moment was not lost. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William and Princess Charlotte, and UEFA President Alexander Ceferin looked on. Across the world, fans witnessed history.

Wiegman, under contract through to the 2027 World Cup, has transformed England into serial winners.

“From the first game it was chaos,” she said. “Losing your first game and becoming European Champions is incredible. Football is chaos.”

It is chaos the Lionesses have learned to master.

Now, the rest of the world knows what Lucy Bronze already did. This team is built to win — again and again.

WRITTEN BY

Jarrod

Jarrod Partridge is the Founder of Futbol Chronicle and an accredited journalist with over 30 years of experience following international football. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, Jarrod has covered matches at stadiums around the world, bringing first-hand insight to every match report, player profile, and tactical analysis he writes.

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