One of the greatest heists in the history of English sport

They thought it was all over. Quite a few times, in fact.

- Jonathan Liew

Written off after their opening game against France; knocked to the canvas in their quarter-final against Sweden; behind with seconds remaining of their semi-final against Italy; a goal down against the world champions in the final. England have cheated death so many times in Switzerland this month to have become basically uninsurable.

But these Lionesses are also escapologists. And on a breezy night in Basel it was once again the strains of Sweet Caroline playing over the stadium sound system. Once again Leah Williamson holding aloft the European Championship trophy.

Victory was secured on penalties against Spain, the final plot twist of what will surely be remembered as one of the most magnificent heists in the history of English sport.

So the three years of hurt are over. And in so doing Sarina Wiegman's side have secured what no other football team from these islands have managed to secure: a dynasty. An enduring record of excellence, a reputation for guts and grace under pressure that will sustain English football for generations to come.

New stars in Hannah Hampton and Michelle Agyemang. And if victory three summers ago was a project blown to fruition by the happy winds of home advantage, this was a triumph earned in the teeth of a roaring gale.

Has there ever been a team so comfortable in adversity, so nonchalant in the face of certain disaster, so accustomed to a state of emergency? Even if at times their difficulties have been self-inflicted, there is also a richly stirring quality to the way England have calmly picked their way through every obstacle placed in their path.

Whatever has been required - last-minute winners, desperate tactics, the nation of Sweden suddenly forgetting en masse how to take a penalty - somehow they have mustered it.