
Prince William tells Lionesses the nation is behind them as they go for glory in Euros 2025 final
He delivered a stirring message to Sarina Wiegman 's warriors as they aim to become the first England team to win a tournament on foreign soil.
5
5
Wills, who will be in the stands in Basel for the final against Spain, said: 'Good luck to the Lionesses tomorrow.
"The nation is so proud you are through to the final, after some stunning comebacks! We are all cheering you on!'
He will be hoping England avenge their World Cup final defeat to Spain two years ago — though he will be joined by Spanish heir to the throne Princess Leonor and younger sister Infanta Sofía.
Spain are the favourites today but fans believe England can pull off a stunning upset to land their second Euros in a row.
They nearly lost in the quarters to Sweden and the semi against Italy before supersub Michelle Agyemang, 19, helped haul us through in both.
Wills' show of support was echoed yesterday by the Band of the Grenadier Guards, who played footie anthem Three Lions outside Buckingham Palace.
Basel's 38,000 St Jakob-Park is a sell-out for the 5pm kick-off, while an estimated 16million people will watch live on BBC or ITV.
Celebrities also roared on the Lionesses last night, including BGT star Amanda Holden who said: 'You can do it girls! The whole country is behind you and we are so proud. Bring it home.'
Loose Women's Katie Piper added: 'Good luck Lionesses! You've already inspired so many with your passion, teamwork and fight.'
England skipper Leah Williamson revealed the players know about the weight of expectation from home.
Supersub Chloe Kelly's late winner sends England into Euro 2025 final
She said: 'We're very connected to what it means to the nation because it means the same to us.
"The opportunity of tomorrow and what's on offer is the best thing in football — we have a chance to fight for the trophy.
'We recognise the opportunity and we'll do everything we can to take it.'
Manager Sarina is the first female or male coach to reach five consecutive major tournament finals — two with the Netherlands and now three with England.
5
5
Sarina, who guided the Lionesses to their first-ever major tournament win when they beat Germany at Wembley in 2022, said: 'We are happy we're in the final and really want to win it.
"And we're going to do everything to make that happen.'
Supporters back home are estimated to spend a staggering £183million on drinks, food and party items while pubs can stay open to 1am.
Fans have also been swarming into the Swiss city of Basel all weekend, including sports shop worker Kiri-Teegan Shirley-Smyth, 20, from London.
She said: 'I'm going to party till Wednesday when we win.'
Aimee Jones, 16, from Portsmouth, arriving with her friend and their dads, said: 'The players have been brilliant with their 'Proper England' attitude pulling them through. I'm sure they can do it again.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


BBC News
18 minutes ago
- BBC News
Liverpool Claude Monet exhibition 'will bring his work to life'
An exhibition designed to "bring to life" more than 400 paintings by the renowned Impressionist artist Claude Monet has come to Monet, at Liverpool Exhibition Centre, uses projection technology to allow visitors to experience pieces including Water Lilies, Impression, Sunrise, and Poppies at Argenteuil."What we have done is to imagine if we went with Monet to all the different locations he painted all over Europe," said the exhibition's creative director Mathieu to the exhibition, which runs until 15 August, will see huge projections of Monet's work beamed on to walls and other surfaces. Mr St-Anaud advised people attending the exhibition to "just let go and don't think about art - experience it as an image as Monet felt when he first saw it".Anna Perry, the project's business development director, said Liverpool was chosen to host the first exhibition in Europe following the "overwhelming success" of the UK premiere of Beyond Van Gogh last also said the Liverpool Exhibition Centre team were "phenomenal to work with". Ms Perry praised the city's "culture and acceptance of art and entertainment and the value that people put in it".She said: "It just felt like there was no other place that we could premiere this."It has only been seen in North America before."Ms Perry said the immersive exhibition "really allows people to tap into elements that they might not have been aware that they were going to be exposed to or feel".She added: "They see the artwork around them, they see it on the floor, they hear the sounds, and I think people just get really blown away."Because children can run around "and feel like they've gone inside paintings" it is a great first art exhibition for youngsters, she Perry said Beyond Van Gogh would also return to Monet, who was born in 1840 and died in 1926, is acknowledged as the founder of the Impressionism movement. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.


North Wales Chronicle
19 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Monday's briefing: Euro 2025 glory for England as Diaz nears Liverpool departure
After the game Lucy Bronze revealed the extraordinary lengths she had gone to in helping the team win a second major trophy under Sarina Wiegman, who herself has now won three European titles in a row. Away from the tournament, Luis Diaz is on his way out of Liverpool while new signing Viktor Gyokeres has joined up with Arsenal. England secured their Euro 2025 crown in a fashion in keeping with their performances throughout the entire tournament. After needing to recover from an opening loss to France just to make it out of the group stage, and then play 120 minutes against both Sweden and Italy to reach the final, England again came from behind on the night and went the distance as Alessia Russo cancelled out Mariona Caldentey's opener. After seeing goalkeeper Hannah Hampton make two key saves before Kelly's winning spot-kick, Wiegman called it 'the most chaotic and ridiculous tournament we have played' as the never-say-die attitude of her players again shone through. Captain Leah Williamson said: 'It's just total disbelief, but at the same time I knew it was going to happen. Playing for this England team is unbelievable. You just cannot put us down and it's such an amazing feeling to be a part of.' After Sunday's final England defender Bronze revealed she had played the whole of the tournament with a fractured tibia. The 33-year-old full-back had played every minute of Euro 2025 until she succumbed to a separate knee injury at half-time of extra time in Basel. 'I've actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, but no one knew. And now I've hurt my knee on the other leg,' Bronze said on BBC Sport. Speaking after Bronze came through the quarter-final penalty shoot-out win over Sweden, Wiegman had said of Bronze: 'I think the only way to get her off the pitch is in the wheelchair' and we can now see what she meant. Luis Diaz is on his way out of Liverpool after the club agreed a £66million deal with Bayern Munich. The agreement comes after the Bundesliga champions were understood to have reopened dialogue regarding a move after having an initial offer of £59m dismissed last week. Liverpool are currently on their pre-season tour in Asia and Diaz was still with the team when they arrived in Tokyo on Sunday, but now has permission to leave. The 28-year-old has two years left on his original contract and it is understood the Reds accepted the bid for what they consider to be his market value. Great to have you with us, Viktor 👊 — Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 27, 2025 New signing Viktor Gyokeres watched on as Arsenal beat Newcastle 3-2 in their pre-season meeting in Singapore on Sunday. The 27-year-old striker completed his £55m move from Sporting Lisbon to the Gunners on Saturday and was presented to fans at the National Stadium before kick-off a day later. He saw Arsenal come from behind to beat the Magpies, with Martin Odegaard getting the winner from the penalty spot in the 84th minute. Arsenal are back in pre-season action against rivals Tottenham on Thursday, while Newcastle face an all-star K League side on Wednesday.


Daily Mirror
20 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Angela Rayner to host victorious Lionesses TODAY in special Downing Street event
The Lionesses secured their second consecutive European title with a thrilling win over Spain in Basel, capping off a remarkable tournament under coach Sarina Wiegman The Lionesses' historic Euro 2025 victory will be celebrated at a special reception at No10 today. The Lionesses secured their second consecutive European title with a thrilling win over Spain in Basel last night, capping off a remarkable tournament under head coach Sarina Wiegman. Ecstatic England fans celebrated across the country as the team retained their Euros title in a penalty shootout win over Spain. To mark the historic moment, Deputy PM Angela Rayner will host the winning England women's team in Downing Street. Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock Stephanie Peacock will also be in attendance. Keir Starmer is due to be in Scotland for a meeting with Donald Trump. The reception will take place this afternoon, bringing together players, coaches, and representatives from The Football Association to mark this momentous achievement. In a statement following the Lionesses' victory, Mr Starmer 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.' The Prime Minister was in attendance as the Lionesses roared to victory last night in Switzerland. Supporters stood on tables, waved flags, threw drinks in the air and excitedly hugged each other as England claimed victory, while the Prince of Wales and Mr Starmer watched on from the stands in Basel. The PM last month visited the Lionesses at one of their training sessions, where he announced a new framework for schools to improve children's access to PE and sport. Ahead of today's reception, Ms Rayner said: 'Our Lionesses are absolute champions and they proved that again last night. Not only are they bringing it home for England again, but they're inspiring the next generation of champions too. It'll be a privilege to celebrate this amazing win with them in Downing Street." Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said: "The Lionesses triumph in Basel sums up the incredible attributes that makes them such powerful role models for aspiring athletes everywhere. It builds brilliantly on the momentum we're creating in women's sport, and I'm thrilled to welcome the squad to Downing Street to celebrate their achievement. "Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson continue to lead a group of players who are breaking barriers and showing us what is possible when we as a nation back talent and ambition. We are committed to playing our part to ensure this success translates into lasting change."