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The Guardian

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July 30, 2025

Our writers reflect on an epic tournament in Switzerland and select their outstanding players, moments and hopes for the future of women's football after England's win

football after England's win Match of the tournament Nick Ames On a night of nail-shredding drama England seemed to have lost it once, twice, three times against Sweden. It was also the first match, no doubt of many over the coming years, that made a hero of Michelle Agyemang.

Sophie Downey The final between England and Spain was exactly what I expected from two heavyweights of the game. A fitting ending to a brilliant tournament.

Tom Garry The quarter-final between France and Germany in Basel, which the Germans won 6-5 in a penalty shootout, provided compelling drama from start to finish. It was a game that had it all; a mindless red card, disallowed goals, VAR drama and the best save I can recall seeing live as Ann-Katrin Berger seemed to defy physics to claw the ball off the line.

Emillia Hawkins Sweden 2-2 England was a game that had everything - the drama!

Jonathan Liew Everyone will remember the stirring England comeback and the dramatic penalty shootout, but Sweden 2-2 England is a game that also deserves to be remembered for Sweden's devastating opening burst.

Sarah Rendell A red card, a penalty, resolute German defending, that Berger save and a penalty shootout - France v Germany had everything.

Suzanne Wrack It has to be the final doesn't it? England's rollercoaster ride of a tournament concluded in a thrilling showpiece between the magical world champions Spain and the European Championship title holders. It was the final everyone wanted and it delivered.

Player of the tournament NA Little known to the wider public a month ago, Hannah Hampton had replaced a national treasure in Mary Earps between the posts. She left Switzerland having earned the same status by producing some exceptional performances.

SD Given an opportunity, Agyemang seized it with both hands. The 19-year-old will surely be an England star for years to come.

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