Try GOLD - Free

Lionesses are pride of the nation with Euros final just a match away

The Observer

|

July 20, 2025

Players take time out to relive the drama of thrilling penalty shootout victory, but Italy await on Tuesday

- Jessy Parker Humphreys

High in the hills above Zurich, at England's luxurious base camp of the Dolder Grand hotel, Esme Morgan is only just coming to terms with what happened on Thursday night.

England recovered from 2-0 down to beat Sweden on penalties, thanks in part to the heroics of goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, and reach the semifinals of the Women's European Championships, in a match where the Lionesses looked certain to go out at numerous points.

"Sleep is still a little hard to come by," said the 24-year-old defender. "I'm still so excited by all the chaos and drama. It was a really fun evening in the end, although a bit stressful at the time."

MORE STORIES FROM The Observer

The Observer

The Observer

Andrew's emails shoot down Newsnight claim to have cut ties with tycoon

Despite what he told the BBC, a new year greeting and a confidential briefing reveal his links with Epstein were far from over

time to read

3 mins

February 08, 2026

The Observer

The Observer

Spooked by Reform, Labour may have cut net migration too far. It could cost us billions

When the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) sets its forecast for the 2026 budget it will have a big call to make.

time to read

3 mins

February 08, 2026

The Observer

Cabinet Office failed to query ambassador's relationship with Epstein

Investigators carrying out security vetting on Peter Mandelson failed to ask interviewees about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, despite the fact the pair's connection was in the public domain.

time to read

2 mins

February 08, 2026

The Observer

The Observer

Jules Verne’s dystopia was a world without humanities. Don’t let it become a reality

In my youth, I loved Jules Verne.

time to read

6 mins

February 08, 2026

The Observer

The Observer

The Epstein files reveal more than depravity. They unmask how the elite operates

Peter Mandelson was part of a cabal that prized wealth and influence. For some, sex was the added bonus

time to read

4 mins

February 08, 2026

The Observer

The Observer

Orphaned brothers will lose their youth waiting for Afghan inquiry

Imran Uzbakzai was three and his brother Bilal one when they were orphaned on a night raid carried out by the British army in Afghanistan in 2012.

time to read

5 mins

February 08, 2026

The Observer

The Observer

'Starmer has to stay. You wouldn't sack a football manager after 35 minutes'

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan revisits the Tooting streets where he grew up and talks to Rachel Sylvester about rejoining the EU in his lifetime, Trump's 'rubbish', Mandelson's 'arrogance' and why he takes bodyguards to the cinema

time to read

8 mins

February 08, 2026

The Observer

The Observer

'Motive is everywhere': mysterious death of Gaddafi Jr brings chapter in Libya's bloody history to a close

Saif al-Islam was once a valuable link with the west but the playboy turned would-be leader had dropped from view. So what prompted the 'slick' assassination, asks Barry Malone

time to read

6 mins

February 08, 2026

The Observer

Brown-throated sloth

The world is always in a hurry, and those that hurry look at me with pity.

time to read

2 mins

February 08, 2026

The Observer

Bad Bunny

Proudly Latin American, the star's Super Bowl turn is dividing the US, writes Barbara Ellen

time to read

4 mins

February 08, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size