Jersey woman completes solo swim to France
"When I found out people actually swim this distance solo, the idea stuck with me - I couldn't stop thinking about it," she said.Ms Collins said she had to complete an "intense six-hour qualifier" swim in sea temperatures below 16C (60F) to even attempt the solo swim.
Ms Collins began her swim at about 05:00 BST on Thursday and reached the French shores at about 13:00.She said: "It still doesn't feel real, the support from the local swim community has been incredible."I'm just so grateful - grateful I had the chance to go after this, and that I became strong enough to make it happen."
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The Independent
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Fara Williams hopeful Sarina Wiegman will sign new contract as England manager
Former England midfielder Fara Williams is hopeful 'incredible woman' Sarina Wiegman will remain in her role as Lionesses head coach beyond 2027 after her double European Championship success. England have won 35 of their 48 matches under Wiegman, with Sunday's Euro 2025 final victory over Spain in Basel sealing a triumphant defence of the title won in 2022 and serving as revenge for defeat in the World Cup showpiece in Australia two years ago. The 55-year-old, who took up the Lionesses' reins in September 2021, is under contract with the Football Associations until summer 2027, and Williams would love to see her stay at the helm even past that point. 'I don't think any of us want to lose Sarina,' Williams, England's most capped player, told the PA news agency. 'Even when we've maybe doubted the Lionesses, I guess this tournament… we spoke a lot about her substitutions and timing of them, but whenever you seem to doubt Sarina, she pulls through. 'The incredible woman she is, the incredible manager she is and coach that she is and how she can galvanise a group of players and get them to win games even when things aren't looking pretty on the pitch.' Wiegman has now won the last three European Championships, having guided the Netherlands to 2017 glory. The Dutch team went on to reach the World Cup final two years later, meaning Wiegman has now reached five straight finals in major tournaments. 'To go to five back-to-back tournament finals is an unbelievable achievement,' Williams said. 'I would love for them to give her a contract even further than than 2027, but at some point she might need a break. 'But, let her have that break after hopefully bringing a World Cup back for us!' The Euro 2025 winners landed back in England on Monday afternoon and were immediately whisked off to a reception at 10 Downing Street. The celebrations continue on Tuesday with an open-top bus parade through central London.
The Sun
28 minutes ago
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Ryder Cup star, 35, refuses prize money as he wins first tournament after coming out of shock retirement
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Daily Mail
28 minutes ago
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'Mystery' girl who charmed the nation when she stood alongside Prince William on Euros podium speaks out after her identity is revealed
The young girl who stood alongside Prince William on the Euros podium following the Lionesses's Euros victory has spoken out about her experience for the first time. Greta, from Switzerland, charmed the nation after joining the Prince of Wales on the medal podium in Basel on Sunday following England's nail-biting defeat of Spain on penalties. The 12-year-old, wearing a white UEFA shirt, had looked overjoyed to meet the players - shaking their hands even before the Prince himself, who stood before her in line. Greta, who has Dravet Syndrome, a form of epilepsy, was invited by the UEFA Foundation to walk alongside UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and hand out medals to the winning team. Speaking out about the experience for the first time, Greta said: 'I was nervous at first, but then I saw the players smiling at me. It felt like I was part of their team.' Greta, born in Portugal and raised in Switzerland, was diagnosed with the genetically caused form of epilepsy when she was just six months old. She was described by the UEFA Foundation as 'very enthusiastic' about sports, especially football and basketball and is also a member of the PluSport website, which organises opportunities in sport for disabled people throughout Switzerland. Delighted onlookers called her the 'real star of the show', having been impressed by her eagerness to greet the players, even as she appeared to intercept the Prince of Wales's handshakes. One person wrote on TikTok: 'Bye, who was this kid and why was she trying to push Prince William's hand away, I'm crying!', while a third added: 'I was genuinely confused.' One more joked: 'I was so busy watching her, I hadn't even noticed it was Prince William' and another said: 'She was fabulous, totally the most thrilled person ever to be there!' Greta and William were seen sharing a sweet moment together, as they chatted during the trophy ceremony, with the prince placing a hand on her shoulder. One person wrote on social media: 'I think this girl is a breath of fresh air! The absolute joy on her face, and I'm sure William would have loved having her by his side.' Since its official launch as an independent charity in 2015, the UEFA foundation has invested in football and other sports to provide opportunities for vulnerable children. As part of its work in helping 4.9 million children, the Foundation has focused on local initiatives, meaning the children can walk onto the pitch hand-in-hand with the players, or join in the medal ceremony. 'Greta is a cheerful, open-minded, and determined young girl with a great passion for sport,' UEFA said in a statement. 'Her enthusiasm, perseverance, and love of sport made her a fitting and inspiring choice to participate in the medal ceremony alongside UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.' In his role as patron of the Football Association (FA), William, 43, had jetted to the stadium to watch the final - and was even accompanied by his daughter Princess Charlotte, 10. The match on Sunday saw the Lionesses win their second consecutive Euros title after defeating Spain on penalties 3-1. Yesterday, they landed back in the UK and were honoured with a special reception at No10 Downing Street, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. It saw the whole street adorned in full patriotic splendour, complete with fluttering St George's flags and celebratory bunting. Looking radiant and relaxed, captain Leah Williamson led her squad through the gates of Downing Street, flanked by manager Sarina Wiegman, with the whole team having been glammed up for the occasion. Inside, Ms Rayner gave a heartfelt speech as the players were given canapes and drinks in the garden. She told the team: 'You've made us all so so proud. Role models like you send such a powerful message, the Lionesses are a shining example of talent and excitement for women's football. Some of the team also took part in a surprise video call from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was unable to attend in person due to talks with US President Donald Trump in Scotland. He said: 'Fantastic to see you all and welcome to Downing Street. I just wanted to say a huge huge congratulations to you and to the whole team. 'It was an absolutely amazing victory and you must've felt the eyes and ears of the whole country on you last night.' He added: 'You made history so many times over last night.' Wiegman thanked him for calling and for supporting the team throughout the tournament. The stars then descended on Soho for a night out, continuing a whirlwind 48 hours of celebrations. It was Chloe Kelly again who scored the decisive goal after coolly slotting the crucial penalty into the back of the net, following two huge saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. The win came after an initial scare when Beth Mead slipped on the opening kick. Things had been looking touch and go when Mariona Caldentey put Spain 1-0 up at the end of the first half, before Arsenal striker Alessia Russo managed to pull the game back to equalise the score in the 57th minute. Princess Charlotte meanwhile was barely able to watch at some points and was seen with her hands covering her face as she conveyed her shock and excitement in what made for a very animated display. And her enthusiasm was particularly reminiscent of her mother Kate, who was seen with an almost identical expression on her face as she attended Wimbledon tennis tournament in 2019. Like her daughter, the Princess of Wales was also so invested in the match in front of her that she could barely watch - this time watching Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in the men's single final. Eagle eyed royal fans were quick to make comparisons, with one writing: 'She's her mother's daughter!' A second added: 'Even if Princess Charlotte is her dad's mini-me, I can see Princess Catherine too.' Charlotte was wearing a chiffon polka dot dress from Guess - which she also wore to attend Wimbledon last year. The Lionesses touched down in England less than 24 hours after their Euro 2025 triumph The royal was also given a winners medal to keep after the presentation ceremony - which she was seen holding on to reverently. After the final whistle, Charlotte has signed off her first official message from the Waleses, which was posted on social media, congratulating the Lionesses on their win. The post on the Prince and Princess' of Wales X account read: 'What a game! 'Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. 'Enjoy this moment England. W & Charlotte.' The atmosphere in William and Charlotte's spot in the stands was electric upon the final blow of the whistle. In one picture, William and FA chair Debbie Hewitt were seen exchanging a double high-five over Charlotte standing between them, who looked on smiling. The princess even had her mouth open in shock at one point in the game, astonished by the exciting events on the pitch. The game was far from plain sailing, as the young royal's reactions showed - wincing along with her father at a particularly tricky moment. The princess seemed confident speaking to those around her, at one point leaning forward to chat to Princesses Leonor and Sofia, the daughters of Spain's Queen Letizia and King Felipe, who smiled back at her. Other adorable pictures of William and Charlotte at the match showed their close father-daughter relationship. They put their heads together to discuss the action in front of them at several points, with Charlotte seemingly just as engaged as her football fan father. As the presentation ceremony took place, the Prince of Wales was among those to congratulate star striker Michelle Agyemang on being named young player of the tournament. William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say: 'Well played, fantastic, well done.' Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. The Prince was given two winners medals to keep after the presentation - and starstruck Charlotte could not wait to get a proper look at them. Before the match, the Prince of Wales, who is patron of the Football Association (FA), applauded the national anthem as he stood next to Charlotte in the stadium. He was also joined by Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria. An image of Charlotte and William was also posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account shortly before kick-off, captioned: 'Let's go, Lionesses.' King Charles, along with his son, offered the team his most 'heartfelt congratulations' in the wake of their win. His post on X read: 'This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the EUROS 2025. 'For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant "football's coming home". 'As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. 'For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration. The young royal shouted along (pictured) with the swathes of England fans celebrating the moment up and down the country 'More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!' In a show of support ahead of the final, the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed Three Lions on the Buckingham Palace forecourt. The royal family's official X account also posted: 'Let's go girls! Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' Downing Street also shared in the football fever as it decked outs its railing with bunting and displayed the flag of St George in its windows. Number 10 said, ahead of the match: 'Good luck today, Lionesses. Let's bring it home.' Sir Keir was then the first to congratulate England on their win after the game, posting on X: 'Champions! Congratulations Lionesses - what a team. What a game. What drama. 'You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' Speaking after the match Chloe Kelly gushed that she was 'so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge' and 'so proud to be English'.
