A PROPER ENGLISH SUCCESS

JOHN LYONS ON THE LIONESSES INCREDIBLE JOURNEY TO EURO 2025 GLORY

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ONCE the dust had settled on England Women's remarkable Euro 2025 triumph in Switzerland, you were left asking yourself: How did the Lionesses do that?

Even before the tournament started, there were plenty of doubts as to whether Sarina Wiegman's side could hang on to the crown they claimed in dramatic fashion at Wembley three years earlier.

There were key players coming back from injury, some less than impressive displays and plenty of noise about goalkeeper Mary Earps' surprise decision to call time on her international career pre-tournament.

Seemingly miffed about falling behind Chelsea keeper Hannah Hampton in the pecking order, some, fairly or otherwise, labelled her Mary Queens of Strops.

In fact, it was probably of greater significance that commanding centre-back Millie Bright had made herself unavailable for selection pre-tournament, stating she was unable to “give 100% mentally or physically” at the end of a draining campaign.

When England slumped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against an impressive French side in their opening Group D match, the pressure was well and truly on. Next up for the Lionesses was a crucial game against a Holland side in buoyant mood after brushing aside tournament debutants Wales 3-0 in their first outing. Another defeat and England would have been heading for the exit door with their tails between their legs.

However, we needn't have worried as Wiegman’s side stepped up through the gears. The classy Lauren James scored twice, with her first a thing of beauty. She fired the ball high into the net from the edge of the box after a stunning long-range pass from goalkeeper Hampton in the buildup.

A 6-1 romp against Wales in the final group match further enhanced the new feelgood factor in the England camp. The group stage had been negotiated, now for the business end.