To the Lionesses with love… from Ten Hag, Hodgkinson, Renard and those who know them best

New York Times

27-07-2025

Perhaps Ella Toone put it best.
'I think sometimes when you're in the moment and you're playing, you don't always think about how it's making your family feel,' she said this week. 'When you're here and sit with them, it really reminds you of why you're here and who you're here for and why you do what you do.'
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England's Lionesses have sent the nation through the gamut of emotions en route to one of the biggest nights in English football history in Switzerland today (Sunday), but few will have felt those more intensely than those who know and inspired them.
As defending champions England prepare for their Euro 2025 final against World Cup holders Spain, The Athletic has collected messages from somebody special for all 23 players. From family, friends and former coaches to Olympic gold medalists, teachers and football royalty, this is their pride, their memories, their joy and their wishes as they look to make history once more.
Fran Kirby and Beth England, Jess Carter's former England and Chelsea team-mates
Hey Jess,
Who'd have thought that little girl from Leamington Spa would be walking out for her third consecutive major tournament final? We know your journey has been a rollercoaster but we're so proud of not only the player but the person you've become. Especially how you've carried yourself in the most challenging circumstances.
The sassy-princess personality, the care and love you give to your closest people and your bravery to speak up not only for yourself but for others is what inspires so many. Never change. You deserve all the accolades and plaudits. Go give Spain hell!
Our princess bulldozer — can't wait to celebrate with you at some point!
Lots of love
Fran & Beth
Judan Ali, who runs the Judan Ali Football Academy with Carter, its co-founder
I have set up soccer schools across the world and I reached out through social media to ask Jess if she wanted to be the face of the programme I was setting up in east London for underserved communities, including mothers who wanted their daughters to play football. I wanted someone who understood the challenges of coming from that kind of background and what it meant to be a young girl in football, and she agreed to put her name to the academy.
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She and her partner, the Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, would take time out of their schedules to come and run the sessions. Jess was very loving and caring towards the kids. That's just who she is as a person. She has such a good heart. Jess was forthcoming, warm, extroverted and nurturing, and always wanting to promote football to girls.
It's physically draining to know that someone like her has established herself yet finds that there's almost a vendetta against her on social media. She hardly puts a foot wrong. With what happened last week, I feel she knows she's got a good support network around her, and that's the most important thing. The Lionesses have pulled themselves together and shown unity, and that's massive, because she didn't have that before.
Jess, there's nothing better than you having that smile on your face. To use one of your phrases: go smash it.
Lisa Clinton, Grace Clinton's mum
As soon as you could walk, you had a football at your feet.
I'd be cooking in the kitchen and all I could hear was a ball being kicked around the house or in the garden. You owe me a fortune in lamps and ornaments!
Aged six, you asked your dad to get you a team and he found you two — Saturday and Sunday. At eight, I remember one day a tearful boy said you played like a man. I said: 'Take no notice, it's a compliment!'
Your hard work and commitment have got you here today. Enjoy and savour every minute, soak it all in.
This is just the beginning.
Grateful and blessed, Gracie mouse.
Nigel, Lauren James' father
Lauren, I will be cheering you on from the stands once again, giving you my full support. Seeing you grow as a footballer and as a person over the years has been a joy to behold. There have been obstacles along the way but your strength of character, as well as your talent, has seen you overcome them.
Getting a winner's medal will be a great reward for all your efforts, but no matter what happens, remember you are already an inspiration to many.
Gemma Davison, who coaches James at Chelsea
LJ,
Your personality has always been competitive, your expectations always so high. You know your ability and you are never in doubt that you can dominate any opponent. You've just got that edge and talent that everyone else would love to have: strong, two-footed, unpredictable, skilful and the ability to change a game in one moment. But the fire in you to just switch it on and annihilate teams is what sets you apart.
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You have had a rough ride at times but you always come out on top — your talent and technique are unmatched.
I'm often asked, what is LJ like? My response is always: she cares, she's honest, she's real and she just wants to win at all costs.
You came into the Euros after injury. You've shown so much perseverance to make it to this tournament. It's nothing short of amazing.
You have so much more to give, and teams should fear what is to come.
Good luck,
GD
Erik ten Hag, former Manchester United manager, a compatriot of England head coach Sarina Wiegman and her assistant Arjan Veurink. The latter will leave to take over the Netherlands women's team after this game
Arjan, we grew up in the same region of Twente, and I invited you to some Ajax training sessions in 2020.
It's a success story! Veni, Vedi, Vici — you came, you saw, you conquered. The flagship of Dutch (women's) football. Based on common sense, pragmatism and hard work. Today, you will put the finishing touches to your work!
Anouk Dekker, former Netherlands international who played for them under Wiegman
Sarina, watching you lead England, I feel both proud and inspired. Memories bring me back to our time during Euro 2017 and the 2019 World Cup. You always stayed calm and clear, taught us that being one unit is everything. You trust the process, you believed in us and, in the end, everyone else started to believe it too.
Now I see it in the England squad. You bring out the best in every team you lead, no matter where you are. Your impact on women's football is global.
You fifth consecutive major final… it's honestly inspiring!
Good luck, enjoy it and keep making history!
Jordan Glover, Leah Williamson's cousin — plus sons Henry, two, and Max, four months
Hello Leah,
We are coming to you from Costa del Tiffany Close. Obviously, we'd love you to be with us this weekend but we can't be.
I would say 'Good luck', but this isn't about luck. You've worked b****y hard to get where you are. You deserve to be here… again, even though you are causing us extreme stress at home!
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You've been doing this since you were little, you know how this works and you know we believe in you. You're going to smash it, regardless of the outcome.
Henry also has a message for you: 'No job is too big, no pup is too small. Come on, England!'
Good luck, we love you a ton and we can't wait to see you when you come home.
Wendie Renard, Lucy Bronze's former OL Lyonnes team-mate
Lucy, congratulations on your journey! It's quite exceptional to see England reach three consecutive finals, whether it's the Euros at home, the World Cup or now another Euros. It shows a certain strength and a collective character. You are part of that. You are a competitor and a world-class player. I'm very happy for you.
I hope with all my heart on Sunday that you and Alex Greenwood, also my former OL team-mate and now good friend, win and celebrate together.
Maya Sher, age 10, Arsenal academy player, who met Alessia Russo after Euro 2022
Dear Lessi,
What a tournament this has been for you and the team. As you get ready for the final, I just wanted to remind you how much you inspire me.
My first memory of seeing you play was at the 2022 Euros quarter-final against Spain. You came on and set up Ella Toone for the equaliser before Georgia Stanway scored a banger. I remember you always having an impact on the game, no matter how long you played for.
When I watch you now, I admire how unselfish and hard-working you are. You are not just a great player, but a lovely person who I always want to be around. You always make an effort with me and my brother Sebby, even when you don't have much time. I'm so lucky to be around an amazing role model like you.
One of my favourite memories is when I came up to Manchester to see you in the autumn of 2022 and I made you put on North London Forever in the car. You were obviously still playing for Manchester United at the time, but I was doing my best to convince you to come to Arsenal. I think I deserve some credit for your transfer!
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You have inspired so many girls like me who want to play football and compete at the highest level. I wish you the best of luck in the final. We'll be cheering from Minnesota. Bring that trophy home!
Love,
Maya
Great Britain's 2024 Olympic 800m gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson, who went to Fred Longworth High School in Greater Manchester with Toone
Hey Ella,
I'm so excited to watch you on Sunday! I want to wish you the best of luck. You guys have absolutely smashed it. You should be so proud of yourselves, and let's bring it home! Sending love.
Ryan Brierley, Salford Red Devils rugby league player and agent of Jess Park
Jess, I had only known you a couple of weeks. You were in the FA Cup final against Everton at Wembley and there were no fans there, because of the pandemic.
I was watching on TV from a top-floor apartment in Hull, because I was playing for Hull Kingston Rovers at the time.
You came on in the 70th minute and set up a goal for Georgia Stanway, and Manchester City won 3-1. I was jumping around, shouting and screaming at your assist! The police came and knocked on my door, because someone had reported there was a commotion.
They looked around and saw it was just me on my own. I said: 'I was just cheering on my player. She has just set up the winning goal in the FA Cup final!'
You never know what might happen on Sunday.
If that opportunity arises, take it. Being part of a team which has made a Euros final, that doesn't come around often. However big or small a part you play on that journey will never be underestimated. If your time comes, it comes.
More importantly than being a good footballer, you're a great person who does things the right way.
Love you to pieces,
Ryan
Washington Spirit and Scotland goalkeeper Sandy MacIver, friend and team-mate of Esme Morgan with the Spirit, and previously at Manchester City and with England — currently cat-sitting Biscuits for her
Ezzers!!
What a whirlwind the last year has been for you! Moving to a new country, starting in a Euro semi-final and (arguably the best thing) becoming Biscuit's mum.
I'm unbelievably proud to see you shining. You always put a smile on everyone's face, and to see you so happy after the Italy game made the cat-sitting all worth it!
A post shared by Esme Morgan (@esme.morgan)
The Spirit girls will be cheering you all the way on Sunday!
I miss you lots and can't wait to see you soon.
Good luck!!
Lots of love,
Sandals
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, childhood friend of Maya Le Tissier
Most weekends, Maya and I would travel together from Guernsey to England, when she was playing at Hampshire and I was at Southampton. When I was released by Southampton, we both played for our local team. She was always the best player. I don't get nervous watching her, and I think she's the same with me, because we both know each other can play. I mostly feel pride. We've been speaking during the tournament and she's loving every minute.
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Maya and the Lionesses have been a major part of why access to women's and girls' football in Guernsey has improved. It's tough to get off the island and see the opportunity. After Matt Le Tissier, Maya and I were the first to make that step. We're role models for the kids there and we visit schools and clubs when we go back. Whenever I meet the kids, they're always asking for Maya — they're probably more excited to see her than me! Everyone on Guernsey is just so happy to see her doing well. It gives those kids the belief that they can follow in our footsteps. She's got everyone's support.
A massive, massive good luck to Maya and all the Lionesses. It's been disappointing for her that Maya hasn't played yet, but she doesn't know the effect you can have even without playing. In the (Under-21 men's) Euros, there were a few lads who didn't get on, but off the pitch everyone appreciated what they did and how they brought the group together. I'm sure the bubbly, happy person she is has brought everyone together so much in that team, and she probably doesn't even know it.
I'm immensely proud of her. The whole family is, and everyone back home.
Maya, all the best to you. I'll speak to you after the game — and I hope it's with that trophy.
Canada Women manager Casey Stoney, former England team-mate of Greenwood
Dear Alex,
From being your much older team-mate at the 2015 World Cup, to your team-mate at Liverpool, to your head coach at Manchester United, it's been a privilege to watch your journey and see you grow into the player you are.
Football comes with many ups and downs, and if we are truthful more downs than ups — and you've experienced the lot! You've come through every challenge and risen to the heights of playing in a European Championship final. You have earned this moment, so go and own it and be the great player that you are!
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Best of luck,
Casey
England and Arsenal legend Kelly Smith, now coaching Chloe Kelly at that club
Hey Chloe,
I remember you as a young whippersnapper at Arsenal, hungry to learn and eager to develop. I've followed your journey closely ever since, and it's been brilliant to see how far you've come. I'm buzzing to have you back at the club and to work with you day in, day out.
The confidence you bring is contagious, it lifts the team and inspires everyone watching. Your crossing ability is on another level, and that cheeky personality (plus that penalty routine!) shows the kind of good arrogance I absolutely love. It's what makes you such a constant threat and a joy to watch.
You've lit up the tournament again, now it's one last push against Spain. Go out there, be yourself, own the moment… and let's bring it home again!
Backing you all the way.
Big love,
Kelly
Bobby Zamora, the Queens Park Rangers striker whose last-minute Wembley goal earned the club promotion to the Premier League in 2014. QPR fan Kelly told family members before the Euro 2022 final at the same venue that 'there's going to be a Bobby Zamora moment today'
Just a message for Chloe and the Lionesses. Girls, go out there and give it your best. The whole country is behind you, as they were in 2022 when Chloe scored that dramatic extra-time winner and sent the country into mayhem.
You've all done a fantastic job so far. We're all behind you. I'm a father of three girls — two 15-year-olds and a nine-year-old. For you to go on and show the country that the women's game is here to stay and it's incredible and the level is amazing… you're inspirations for my girls. Keep up the great work.
Chloe, you know what to do. Go out there and score another banger — and don't forget me in your celebration or your speech.
And a little message to Georgia Stanway here, too.
Georgia — I'm currently in Thailand fishing for Jullien's golden carp and massive siamese carp. I'll tell you what, you score me a winner in that final and I'll get you out here. I'll treat you. I know you're a big fisherwoman, and I'm extremely proud of you and everything you've done for England.
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Keep up the good work. Smash it.
Good luck, Lionesses.
Nick Jackson-Cooney, coached Stanway and Keira Walsh at Blackburn Rovers
I've been at Blackburn a lot of years and people still come up to me and ask me about coaching those players. I don't make a point of telling people, but that history is there. When I watch them, you just sit back and think: 'I've had a small part in that'. To try and improve Keira's awareness and vision on the pitch, for example, I'd tell her: 'When you come in the car to training, look down the street and notice the colour of the second car you see'. I'd like to think she did.
Seeing them literally on telly, playing for their country, knowing the amount of people out there wearing shirts with Walsh or Stanway on the back, the amount of people who have never met them but know everything about them — that makes you really proud and excited that they are influencing so many young girls in football now. They're the icons that people are looking up to.
I have a music venue in Darwen (near Blackburn), Sound Lounge Extra, and we have been showing the Euros matches on the big screen. We're more than confident that Keira and Georgia can give a good game and be standout players. Everyone back here, in Blackburn and Darwen, is behind you and will be backing you all the way. All 150 of us at Sound Lounge Extra will be cheering you on.
Come home with that medal.
Luke Chadwick, former Manchester United midfielder and Stanway's mentor
Georgia, I'm very grateful and incredibly inspired to have had a small part in your journey over the years. To see you develop into a truly world-class footballer and wonderful human being has been so rewarding.
The only advice I can give you is just be yourself, play with no fear, full of character and enthusiasm — which I know you will, as you always do!
Sarah Fox-Parry, Niamh Charles' head of PE at Upton Hall School in Birkenhead
Niamh, you were a brilliant sportswoman and an absolute delight to teach. You were involved in every team within the school. I always wanted you to play netball and you always said: 'Sorry, I've got football!'
You were so committed to your football. You truly reflect our school ethos, 'Age Quod Agis' (Whatever you do, do it well) and were one of the most academic students, so lovely and kind. You always pop into school whenever you can and present our annual sports awards. It means so much to us. A true role model to everyone.
Upton is rooting for you!
Helen Ward, former Wales international and head of women's football at Watford, Michelle Agyemang's former club
Remember that game against Arsenal in the FA Cup? You touched the ball about six times in 90 minutes, you scored with your one chance and you were annoyed you couldn't get into the game more?! Don't worry about that! Your goals-to-minutes/touches ratio is out of this world right now!
Enjoy every moment, and when you get on the pitch, just do what you do best — stick it in the back of the net.
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Everyone at Watford is very proud of you and the very small part we played in your development.
Go get it!
Carla Ward, Republic of Ireland head coach and Hannah Hampton's former Aston Villa manager
Well, here we are. The place you're supposed to be. You're here for a reason. I remember that very first conversation, walking around the 3G pitch at Wast Hills. We chatted about where you wanted to go and what you wanted to be.
It wasn't just England No 1. I remember saying to you: 'You can be world No 1 if you want to be.' You're right on track. All those firepit chats, the hard times and good times, it all comes down to now. It's all part of the journey.
Plus, now you've made it, I don't need to sell your amazing art in galleries around the world!
Now go and enjoy it! Just do your best.
I'll see you very soon.
Carla
Betsy, Lotte Wubben-Moy's sister
Wonderful Lotte! Your dedication, hard work and kindness to absolutely everyone are an inspiration to me every day. What you do on the pitch is incredible and what you do for everyone else off it is what makes you so unbelievably special. You make the world a better place.
We're all with you cheering loud, loud, loud for our LWM.
Soak it all up and enjoy every minute!
Katie Startup, fellow Manchester City goalkeeper of Khiara Keating
Hey Khi,
Your little goalkeeper family is cheering you on all the way and can't wait to welcome you back (with a shiny new gold medal, of course).
Your light and energy shines so bright, and is such a gift to every team and individual lucky enough to experience it. I've no doubt the England camp have had a fair few more laughs and smiles due to your influence, and what greater gift than to be able to light up the people around you.
Every day, I get to see you grow and pull off crazy saves like it were the most nonchalant, bread-and-butter thing ever. It's a joy! This is just the start for you, and I'm so excited to see where this journey takes you.
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Go do your thing, enjoy the moment and bring it home!
Big love always,
Katie
Orlando Pride midfielder Viviana Villacorta, Anna Moorhouse's team-mate and partner — and their dog, Betty
From cheering on the Lionesses in the last Euros to being a part of their squad this year has been such a rollercoaster ride. Ever since we've been together, I've seen all the work and effort you've put in to get to the highest level and your unwavering determination has been nothing but inspirational.
Watching you and the Lionesses fight tooth and nail every single game has been exciting, but the job's not done yet. Everyone in Orlando has been cheering you and the Lionesses on this tournament, and we can't wait for one final thriller.
Good luck and bring that hardware home!
All our love, Viv and Betty
Steph Houghton, Lauren Hemp's former Manchester City and England team-mate
Lauren, what an unbelievable player you are. From the moment I played against you at Bristol City, I knew you needed to be at the highest level you possibly could and I was so desperate to get you to Man City. To see how you've developed over the past few years — honestly, I'm so proud of you. When I think of someone who really, really stands out and does her job to the absolute maximum, it's you.
Good people make things happen and Hempo, you're such a good person.
Good luck, mate — go and smash it and score me one.
Grant Holt, Norwich City legend who was pictured with a young Hemp when he was part of the youth setup at Carrow Road
I've seen that picture of Lauren Hemp and me before, and it is a little bit surreal to realise what she's gone on to become since she was that age. But that's what we want to do as professional athletes and footballers: inspire the next generation. She's done absolutely incredibly.
From playing with the boys and working her way through that sector to go on and achieve what she's done, she deserves it.
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I was fortunate enough to meet Lauren when England trained at St George's Park, so it was nice to see her up there in the camp, training and doing her stuff, and I gave her a call when England won the Euros in 2022 to congratulate her.
She is well-regarded in Norwich, and came back not that long ago to open a new Norwich City Community Sports Foundation pitch, which is named after her. She's done a lot for the county and community sport, as well as for women and girls.
I've been watching all the games. I watched the Sweden one with my mum and daughter, and one of the local football teams, Dereham, have got a new women's team and girls' section, so we've been putting all the matches on there and inviting all the players up. I'll be watching the final there.
For Lauren, my message is to just keep doing what you've been doing. She's been as she always is: tenacious, strong, quick on the ball, doing what she does best.
My message to the group is: don't stop, keep working to the very end and see where it takes you.
Ben, Beth Mead's brother
Beth and I always had each other's backs and we still do. Our thing is winding people up, so if we're together, you probably don't want to be in the same room as us! We'll team up and just pick on someone. If it's your day (to get it), it's your day.
Her football career was demanding at the start, with Mum and Dad rushing around ferrying her everywhere. Beth tells a story about Mum working three jobs to fund it all, and that's true. We'd very rarely see Mum sometimes. Mum would say to me: 'Are you OK with this?' And I'd say: 'Yes — it's lovely to see what you're doing for Beth.'
That's why Beth is the player she is today, but I never imagined her career would reach the scale it has. The teams got bigger and bigger. The achievements got bigger and bigger. Now, it's just gone to the moon. I never, ever thought she'd win the Euros final — now here we go again.
At the last Euros, Beth gave me my proudest moment. We were going through so much as a family and everything aligned for us to be there and share such a special moment. When I hugged Mum and Dad in the stand as the final whistle went, I couldn't keep it together. It chokes me up to think about it.
This time around, it means the world because we have the chance to do it again. We're missing Mum but she's watching over her.
I get really emotional watching Beth play, especially for England. When she's playing for her country, I always seem to tear up and cry. I'm just mute. I can't talk to people.
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At the end of the game, when the teams are marching off, Beth is the first one to look in the crowd and find us. She'll mouth: I love you. In the past, she's ignored the stewards who tell her she'll be mobbed by fans because she wants to find me and Dad. That's really special.
I struggle to put into words how proud I am of Beth. I tell her on an almost weekly basis, and I'll tell her again now: Beth, I'm super-proud of you. Let's hope you can do it again.
Come on, England.
Bring it home, Bethy. Love you.
Leanne Hall, former Arsenal first-team assistant coach who also worked with Mead while coaching England's age-group teams
I first met Beth when she was part of the England youth squads. A lot of the players are quite nervous when they first come in and she was the typical shy girl: didn't want to stay away from home and quite anxious. The Beth you see now flies when she's free or has the bit between her teeth.
I have moments often where I stop, look at the game now and think: this is women's football? You don't realise it so much when you're in the bubble but you have times — at sold-out matches, for example — when it's easier to stand back and realise the impact these players have had. Beth has had a huge contribution. After the Euros, Arsenal's crowds increased and she had a big impact, because she's a superstar. I genuinely believe that if she went to another club, that would also be the case. That's testament to what she's done and how she's seen.
She is fuelled by negativity and frustration. It lights a flame inside which results in enhanced performance and game-changing moments. She will relish Spain being the favourites. It will no doubt bring out Beth's best version. I wouldn't be surprised if she is the national hero on Monday morning.
All the best, Beth… Do it for Yorkshire!
Annie, Aggie Beever-Jones' sister, and Annie's boyfriend Ben
To think you got your first England kit exactly 15 years ago today is surreal. Wear your shirt today with pride and joy for all you have achieved over the past 15 years and do it for the little seven-year-old ball of energy that you were.
We'll be wearing your shirt today with immense gratification because we are truly so proud of you, our lucky No 19.
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We love you, our star girl, our bestie and the gorgeous birthday girl! Be the best that you can be, keep focused, smile like always and have fun. From Friday nights to the big stage under the lights, you have always shone the brightest.
Good luck and enjoy it.
Annie & Ben xx
Steve Shipp, Chelsea academy coach who has worked with Beever-Jones
I was Aggie's first coach when she came in on trial with the women's academy. I'll be really honest, I don't know why we turned her down. I could see she had all the physical attributes and was technically a good player who we could take on to the next level. There were some heated discussions, shall we say, between myself and some of the other technical staff at the time, which actually gives me even more pride in what she's gone on to achieve. She showed mental resilience to come back and show that a bump in the road is not a dead end.
When she came back, it was a no-brainer for everyone: 'This girl needs to play for Chelsea. This is the place for her.'
I work at the club in a different role now and one day Aggie walked past my office on her way to the team bus. She caught a glimpse of me at the office window. It was one of those moments where you look at each other and go: 'Wow, it's been so long'. She gave me a massive cuddle and we caught up on how things are going. The biggest thing about that moment is that she felt like the same person with the same massive smile on her face. I was happy to see her happy — that's the main thing you want for any of your former players.
Aggie, you probably don't realise the amount of pride that all of us have taken in seeing your journey. We're just right behind you. Remember that you are inspiring the next generation of young female footballers in this country. Everything that you've done is making sure that the legacy of the Lionesses continues.
Go and bring the trophy back home.
Sarah Bern, of the England women's rugby union team
The Red Roses just want the Lionesses to know that whatever happens on Sunday, what they're doing for women's sport as a whole is phenomenal. The more successful they are, and the better they are, the more successful all women's sports are. We have been cheering them on as much as we can. We were all together for the semi-final, empathising with them and putting ourselves in that scenario. That could be us soon, and it does trigger really deep emotions watching them succeed — it is so inspiring. We will always be cheering them on and wishing them all the absolute best, and know they will do the same for us when our home World Cup campaign starts next month.
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For them to go on and win it again, it would be unbelievable.
I remember watching them win it in 2022 and I burst into tears. My sister asked me why I was crying. I told her it was because I know how hard they work and how many hours they have put in. It takes so much dedication and is extremely tiring to continuously do it. There are so many sacrifices you have to make, but they are reaping the rewards now.
What they have achieved and how women's football has skyrocketed in the past few years is making us dream of what we can achieve this summer and beyond.
Thank you and good luck, Lionesses. We will be watching and cheering you on, now and always.
Sarah Bern and the Red Roses
Additional reporting: Simon Johnson, Caoimhe O'Neill and Asli Pelit
(Top photos: Getty Images, the Sher family; design: Kelsea Petersen)