Wednesday's briefing: Lionesses do it the hard way while Rangers start with win
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace took their Europa League fight to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Lionesses leave it late
England produced another remarkable comeback to scrape into the final of Euro 2025.
The Lionesses, who came from two goals down to defeat Sweden on penalties in the quarter-finals, were on the brink of elimination against Italy before 19-year-old striker Michelle Agyemang equalised in the sixth minute of added time.
With a minute remaining in extra time, fellow substitute Chloe Kelly sent Sarina Wiegman's side through by finishing on the rebound after her penalty was saved by goalkeeper Laura Giuliani.
England, who trailed to Barbara Bonansea's 33rd-minute opener, will face Spain or Germany in Sunday's final in Basel.
Football mourns Jones and Fallon
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Joey Jones, aged 70.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 22, 2025
Tributes were paid to former Liverpool and Wales defender Joey Jones and ex-Celtic goalkeeper John Fallon.
Jones, who died at the age of 70, was capped 72 times by Wales and won two European Cups, a UEFA Cup and a league title at Anfield, in addition to representing Wrexham, Chelsea and Huddersfield.
Celtic later announced the death of Fallon – the 12th Lisbon Lion – at the age of 84.
He was the club's sole substitute when Jock Stein's side beat Inter Milan 2-1 in the Portuguese capital to win the European Cup in 1967.
Martin makes winning start
Substitute Djeidi Gassama sealed Rangers' win (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Ibrox roared as Russell Martin's first competitive game as Rangers boss brought an encouraging 2-0 win over 10-man Panathinaikos.
Maiden goals for the Scottish club from 19-year-old winger Findlay Curtis and debutant Djeidi Gassama settled the first leg of the Champions League second round qualifier.
Former Southampton boss Martin, who became the permanent successor to Philippe Clement in early June, could easily have seen his new side fall behind as the Greek visitors bossed most of the first half.
But Curtis fired Rangers into a 52nd-minute lead before his replacement Gassama – signed last week from Sheffield Wednesday – added a thunderous second following the dismissal of Panathinaikos right-back Giorgos Vagiannidis for a second yellow card.
Palace await their European fate
Crystal Palace qualified for the Europa League by winning last season's FA Cup (Nick Potts/PA)
Crystal Palace will learn no later than August 11 which European competition they will play in next season after submitting an appeal to the CAS.
The south London club, who won last season's FA Cup, were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League after falling foul of UEFA's rules governing multi-club ownership.
European football's governing body determined that as of March 1, American businessman John Textor had control or influence in both Palace and French club Lyon.
Where one or more club are found to have shared ownership, they cannot play in the same competition. Lyon held on to the Europa League spot by virtue of their higher league position, while Palace's place was taken by Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.
What's on today
England will discover their Euro 2025 final opponents when world champions Spain take on Euro 2022 runners-up Germany in Zurich.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
8 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Hannah Hampton pays tribute to grandad who died before Euro 2025 in touching post
England hero Hannah Hampton has marked Sunday's triumph in the Euro 2025 final by sharing a poignant social media post paying tribute to her grandfather, who died shortly before the tournament Hannah Hampton has penned a beautiful tribute to her grandfather following England's Euro 2025 triumph, revealing that he sadly passed away just two days before the start of the tournament. Hampton, 24, was the Lionesses hero in a dramatic penalty shootout against Spain in Sunday's final, saving two spot-kicks to inspire England to a second consecutive European title. And she marked the occasion by sharing a poignant post on her Instagram account paying tribute to her late grandfather, who was 'one of her biggest supporters'. "Dear Grandpa," she wrote. "Two days before the biggest tournament of my life, you left. It still doesn't feel real. I kept thinking when I'd call nannie I'd hear your voice again - one of your jokes, or one of those little comments you'd make that somehow said everything without saying much at all. "You were one of my biggest supporters. You believed in me before I even knew what this journey would look like. You were always there - watching, encouraging, teaching. You taught me so much, not just about football, but about life. About staying grounded, working hard, being resilient and doing things the right way. "I miss our chats. I miss you saying 'Only us athletes understand' — always with a little smirk like you were in on something special. And you were. You got it. You understood what this meant to me. You understood what it took. "It breaks my heart that you didn't get to see me walk out for our country at my first major tournament... something you dreamed of for me, something we talked about so many times. I wanted to see your face or hear your voice after the game calling back home. I wanted to share that with you. "But I know, deep down, you were still there. I felt you with me. In the tunnel. On the pitch. In the tough moments. I heard you in my head when I needed strength. "I hope I made you proud, Grandpa. I carried you through every minute. "And I always will. I did it. WE DID IT."
Daily Mail
8 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Why Lionesses' Euro's victory will help end England men's trophy quest: Gareth Southgate's sports psychologist reveals key to women's success - and has a brutal message for their critics
England's men's football team could learn lessons from the Lionesses if they are to win their first major trophy since 1966 next year, Sir Gareth Southgate 's favourite sports psychologist told MailOnline today. Michael Caulfield, a long-time friend and confidante of the former England manager, believes the women's triumph could be a 'turning point' for Thomas Tuchel 's men. He also believes that the Three Lions' German manager and the FA should also take note of the Lionesses' 'joy' at representing their country. 'If the men's team triumph [next summer], I genuinely believe the Lionesses dramatic win in Basel will prove to be a huge turning point, as they have a won a tournament away from home, and everyone in the men's set up will subconsciously note that too. This win was so important for both teams', Mr Caulfield told MailOnline. He added: 'I hope everyone at the FA realises that the more you allow people to be themselves, be likeable, be proud of who you are and what you stand for, then people come with you'. Mr Caulfield also has a strong message for 'cynical' critics of the victorious women. 'We should simply be saying 'thank you' and joining in the celebrations. If you don't like women's football, or seeing women triumph, inspiring countless young girls to take up football... then don't watch it, or comment on it, you won't be missed, but you might be missing out', he said. The Prime Minister's official spokesman has said this afternoon that the men's football team 'should absolutely take a lesson' from the Lionesses on how to win tournaments. He added: 'Yes, it can't be as fast and as furious as the men's game, in the same way that the Kenyan female athlete, Faith Kipyegon, couldn't break the four minute mile recently, but that does not stop last night's triumph from being joyous'. It came as Beth Mead's father Richard had a message for critics, tweeting today: 'To all the snipers out there criticising women's football, guess what my daughter is a double European champion, how many people can say that, well done lionesses'. Mr Caulfield, who works for Brentford in the Premier League, is one of the country's top sports psychologists with over 30 years experience. He was first employed by Southgate when he was manager at Middlesbrough in 2006 and they have remained close. Millions celebrated as the Lionesses won back-to-back European Championships, with a women's World Cup final in between. The men have gone close to winning both those titles in recent years but never made the final step. Mr Caulfield said: 'What can the Three Lions learn from The Lionesses? Well, Sir Gareth Southgate started it, I hope everyone at the FA realises, that the more you allow people to be themselves, be likeable, be proud of who you are and what you stand for, then people come with you, and for those who simply want to moan, well, you can never win an argument with a cynic, so don't try'. The team are flying into Britain this afternoon ahead of a reception at Downing Street hosted by Angela Rayner with PM Sir Keir Starmer in Scotland meeting Donald Trump. Despite the success of the Lionesses, some continue to compare the men's and women's games unfavourably. Mr Caulfield says he 'cannot understand' it. 'Comparison is the thief of all joy and never has that lovely old phrase been more apt following the joyous and determined triumph by the most admirable and likeable of teams, The Lionesses. 'The whole evening and tournament were joyous, the drama was joyous, Chloe Kelly was joyous, the backstories are joyous, the never say die attitude was joyous, the commentaries were joyous, the reaction is joyous, and they haven't even made it to Buckingham Palace yet. 'For the life of me, I cannot understand the need or point of comparing the Lionesses to The Three Lions, and if you don't like women's football, or seeing women triumph, inspiring countless young girls to take up football, therefore taking exercise, getting off their phones, being part of a club, team, community and improving every aspect of their life, then don't watch it, or comment on it, you won't be missed, but you might be missing out'. He added that the Lionesses are 'uniting people from all walks of life in the process, and giving us all a break for the daily worries we all face in our own lives. We should simply be saying 'thank you' and joining in the celebrations'.
The Independent
10 minutes ago
- The Independent
England men's team should ‘take a lesson' from the Lionesses, says Starmer
The England men's football team should 'take a lesson' from the Lionesses, Sir Keir Starmer has said, following their dramatic Euro 2025 victory. England became European champions again on Sunday evening after defeating Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout in Basel. The prime minister – who is a football fan himself – said the Lionesses have 'captured the hearts of the nation', adding the team are an inspiration for young people across the country. 'We look forward to hosting them at Downing Street later and celebrating at the parade', his spokesperson added. But despite Sir Keir previously backing calls for a 'proper day of celebration' when England reached the Euro 2022 final, Downing Street has since rejected the idea of an extra bank holiday, saying: 'If we had a bank holiday every time the lionesses win, we'd never go to work". Asked if the men's team should be learning from the Lionesses, Sir Keir's spokesperson said: "Yes, they should absolutely take a lesson. 'The bottle the women's team showed over the last few games is completely remarkable. I saw a stat that said they only spent one minute at knockout stages ahead, but still managed to come back in every game and get through and obviously win penalty shootouts. 'And I'm sure the men's team will be watching on and taking notes as to how they follow their efforts." On Monday, the team are expected to land back in the UK before heading to a reception at Downing Street hosted by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. The Lionesses are then set for a homecoming open-top bus parade celebration in central London on Tuesday, followed by a ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. Confirming the Downing Street reception, Sir Keir said: 'The Lionesses have once again captured the hearts of the nation. 'Their victory is not only a remarkable sporting achievement, but an inspiration for young people across the country. 'It stands as a testament to the determination, resilience and unity that define this outstanding team. 'I'm delighted that the squad will be welcomed into Downing Street as the whole country marks this historic win and the lasting impact they are creating for the future of the game.' Ms Rayner said it will be 'a privilege to celebrate' with the team, with Ms Peacock adding that the government is 'committed to playing our part to ensure this success translates into lasting change.'
