Former Lioness goalkeeper details 'doubters' the women had before Euros win

Daily Mirror

30-07-2025

EXCLUSIVE: ITV correspondent Katie Shanahan and Former Euros goalkeeper Carly gave an insight to what it was like just moments after the Lionesses made history once again at the EUROs 2025
The nation's nerves have barely recovered since the Lionesses' thrilling Euro 2025 win – and several members of the Royal Family were swept up in footy-fever too. Watching the England women's team conquer Spain in a nail-biting penalty shootout at the final in Basel, Switzerland, Prince William and Princess Charlotte were snapped covering their faces in despair, before clapping and punching the air in delight.
‌
After the brave Lionesses clinched a 3-1 victory from the penalty spot, the dad and daughter duo said in a joint Instagram post, 'What a game! Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe. We couldn't be prouder of the whole team.'
‌
‌
Fittingly on such a night, it was the first time Charlotte, 10, had signed her full name on the family's official account. Ahead of the match, she and William, 43, also shared a sweet backstage snap captioned, 'Let's go, Lionesses!', echoing their video message from the team's previous 2022 Euro win.
As the historic result sank in, William proudly handed out the medals to both teams, and was seen sharing a joke with young England striker Michelle Agyemang, 19, as well as hugging Chloe Kelly, 27, who coolly scored the winning penalty. William, who is President of the FA and an avid Aston Villa supporter, even got a little help with his medal duties from Charlotte, who looked adorable in a navy and white polka dot dress and white cardigan.
Also in the stands at St Jakob‑Park Stadium were the Spanish royals and British PM Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria. Back home, King Charles, 76, got in on the action too, sending his heartfelt congratulations in a post-match statement: '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.'
‌
He added, 'Well done, Lionesses. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can.'
On arrival back in the UK, the triumphant team headed to 10 Downing Street for a reception with Deputy PM Angela Rayner, and the following day came an open-top bus parade to Buckingham Palace. Some 65,000 fans turned out to watch the procession along The Mall, including Princess Beatrice, 37, and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 41, with their baby girl Athena and her three-year-old sister Sienna.
During the team's on-stage celebrations, their jubilant Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman, 55, danced with her favourite singer Burna Boy, while the players were interviewed by BBC presenter and former Lioness Alex Scott. 'This is unbelievable, probably one of the best things we've been a part of,' said captain Leah Williamson, 28. Meanwhile, Chloe Kelly quipped, 'Pressure, what pressure?' before dropping the F-bomb live on air as she described fans' incredible support. Apologising on social media later, she wrote, 'Oops, emotions got the better of me. Sorry for the F bomb. Love CK.'
‌
With the dust still settling on their momentous win, ITV correspondent Katie Shanahan was one of those who witnessed the highs and lows in Switzerland. 'It's been absolutely crazy out here. I still can't believe what the girls have achieved,' she tells OK!, from Basel airport, less than 24 hours after the match.
Revealing what happened when the TV cameras stopped rolling, she says, 'It was amazing being with them after everyone had left the stadium. There was just me, a few camera crews and all their families. Some of the girls were doing handstands on the pitch, Lucy Bronze was kicking a ball around with her brother's children and Leah Williamson was passing the trophy around all the families. It was just magical.'
Katie waved the team off as they left the stadium to party into the night, and adds, 'Everyone was handing around Heineken tinnies. Each player had up to 10 family members by their side, and they were just so happy.' The celebrations lasted until 4am, and she says, 'I'm sure there were some sore heads next morning!'
‌
After becoming ITV's official England women's football correspondent in 2023, Katie has got to know many of the Lionesses, including woman-of-the-hour Chloe Kelly. 'She's unbelievably composed and has nerves of steel,' says Katie. 'When I ask her, 'How do you do it?' she plays it down massively, and has told me, 'I train a lot, I practice, I do my penalties and I'm confident in my delivery. Boom.' Last week I asked her if she was wired differently, and I think that was the first time she realised that maybe she is.'
Chloe tied the knot with husband Scott Moore in July last year, and Katie says his support keeps her going. 'Her support network is really important. She has her husband and two dogs on her shin pads, which is so sweet.'
‌
Having followed the Lionesses for so long, Katie says the girls are true BFFs. 'They get on really well and have such a strong bond. Their performance on the pitch is because of how close they are. They made a home away from home during the tournament, with chess sets, cards and table tennis – everything to make it fun.'
Katie believes their dynamic is also thanks to their formidable manager. 'Sarina has brought the group together and they're a massive testament to her. Before games, she gives inspirational talks and just sprinkles all this wisdom and motivation over the team. The one thing I've taken away from it is that the Lionesses truly never give up.'
Former Lionesses goalkeeper Carly Telford also recognises the pressure the team were under, telling us, 'Before the Euros there were a lot of doubters out there, but I definitely wasn't one of them. I'm super-happy for them and all the young women and girls who can now aspire to be like them.'
‌
Carly, 38, played for the Lionesses from 2007 to 2021, and now works for Chelsea FC as Commercial Player and Relationships Manager. Recalling the intensity of top-flight tournaments, she says, 'It's really hard to describe, especially with social media which we didn't have when I was playing. The girls have learned that the pressure is different when you're at the top of the pile as opposed to when you're chasing success.'
She adds, 'We created some incredible, magical moments in this tournament, but also dug in deep, and that's what it's like to be a Lioness.'
As the celebrations continue, Carly says many of the players will head on holiday before returning to their clubs. 'My girls at Chelsea have a bit of a break, but it's not even two weeks until they're back to it, bless them.'
Carly herself is working with ASDA on a new health campaign, Heart of A Lioness, which saw the supermarket offering free blood pressure tests during the Euros. 'It's so important to keep on top of your heart health, as we don't realise how important it is until something goes wrong. Being able to go to ASDA and access a free blood pressure check is great, especially as this Euros tournament tested everyone's heartrate.' You can say that again, Carly!