Lionesses heroics have 'nearly killed' coach, jokes Toone

MIDFIELDER Ella Toone joked England have “nearly killed” Sarina Wiegman en route to booking their boss a trip to an unprecedented fifth straight major tournament final in dramatic style.

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No head coach in the men's or women's game has achieved that feat before the 55-year-old Dutchwoman, who tomorrow against Spain could secure a hat-trick of European championship trophies after winning with the Netherlands in 2017, then England in 2022.

The Lionesses' title defence thus far could hardly be described as smooth, requiring two consecutive stunning comebacks in the knockouts, but they have somehow still found themselves a win against the World Cup holders away from the second major trophy in their history.

"I think we've nearly killed her twice this tournament," said Toone. "She's said we've definitely aged her, but five consecutive tournaments for Sarina being in the final and that's just unbelievable.