Try GOLD - Free
Abba are not banned from our dressing room, says Williamson!
The Journal
|July 16, 2025
ENGLAND captain Leah Williamson joked she will not “banish Abba” in the dressing room ahead of tomorrow’s Euro 2025 quarterfinal with Sweden in Zurich.
The Swedish band’s “Does Your Mother Know” became a key track on the Williamson-curated dressing room playlist during England’s triumphant Euro 2022 campaign, where they beat Sweden 4-0 in the last four - a defeat made “easier to bear” by the use of the song, according to Abba's own Bjorn Ulvaeus.
It was a closer affair when they met in the qualifiers for this tournament, drawing twice, including the goalless July 2024 stalemate that was enough for England to book a direct place in the finals.
Hearing some Swedish fans had claimed Abba were better than the Beatles, and therefore Sweden would beat England, Williamson replied: “I don’t (agree with that) I’m afraid. One might be easier to dance to, but no.
“I don’t think that will be on the playlist, but it worked in 2022 so I don’t want to banish Abba completely.”
This story is from the July 16, 2025 edition of The Journal.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Journal
The Journal
Seven rare species found at conservation charity sites
THE discovery of seven rare species at National Trust for Scotland sites in 2025 is a “powerful sign” its conservation efforts are working, the charity has said.
2 mins
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Belief is always in our minds, says boss
HEAD coach Régis Le Bris once again praised Sunderland’s character as Brian Brobbey’s late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur.
1 mins
January 06, 2026
The Journal
HORSE POWER Augustus Gloop can have his fill at Wolverhampton
JAMES Fanshawe’s Augustus Gloop was a ready winner on his third start and can go in again in the Bet £10 Get £40 With BetMGM Handicap at Wolverhampton.
1 min
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Councillor urges parking rethink after shop closes
TYNEMOUTH is in need of a fresh parking solution in the light of a closure of a Front Street business, says a councillor.
1 mins
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Teenage ace Miley didn't put a foot wrong, says Shearer
NEWCASTLE United teenager Lewis Miley was the 'best player on the pitch by a mile' in the Magpies' 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
1 min
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Spurs point was fully deserved, says Brian
STRIKER Brian Brobbey believes Sunderland’s second-half response was “fully deserved” after his late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in north London.
1 min
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Search begins for new man at Man Utd
WITH Mancheste United sacking manager Ruben Amorim after 14 months in charge, the search is on for a new boss at Old Trafford.
1 mins
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Freezing conditions to persist as schools and roads hit by icy blast
FREEZING conditions are expected to remain for the rest of the week across the region after fresh falls of snow caused school closures and transport problems.
3 mins
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Sara hoping Mr Vango gets chance
SARA Bradstock is on her habitual weather watch with Mr Vango as she hopes for sufficient rain to enable her giant chaser to run inthe William Hill Half A Mill Classic Handicap Chase at Warwick.
1 mins
January 06, 2026
The Journal
Driver hunted after crash
POLICE are hunting a driver after a stolen vehicle which crashed into a police car was later found abandoned in Newcastle.
1 min
January 06, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size