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Lucy Bronze urges England to draw on underdog mentality in Euros quarter-final

Lucy Bronze urges England to draw on underdog mentality in Euros quarter-final

Leader Live16-07-2025
The 33-year-old right-back is the most experienced member of Sarina Wiegman's side, having now featured in seven major tournaments since she travelled to Euro 2013 as an uncapped member of Hope Powell's squad.
In Switzerland, Bronze's England team-mates have drawn on the Chelsea defender's wisdom as they navigated a rollercoaster group stage, particularly in the wake of their opening defeat to France.
MD-1 preparations 💪 pic.twitter.com/IiwePMB7yb
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 16, 2025
'We said we're a 'new England', a new team,' said Bronze. 'And what was meant by that was, we had a lot of younger players and new players who have very different experiences of playing for England compared to the likes of myself, where we know that England used to have to dig deep all the time, always.
'Like, 2015 was the first time we beat Germany – that's insane to think of right now.
'But England in the past, it was you have to dig out performances and you are maybe the underdog, you aren't the favourite. Whereas this England team has developed and changed.'
After the 2-1 loss to France, which left their campaign hanging by a thread, Bronze reminded her team-mates that England had suffered defeat to the same country at the 2015 World Cup, but then achieved what was then a best-ever third-place finish at a global showpiece.
That defeat in Zurich, Bronze agrees, ultimately galvanised the Lionesses, who increasingly spoke about wanting to play like 'proper England' and went on to beat 2017 champions the Netherlands 4-0 and Wales 6-1 to qualify for the last eight as Group D runners-up.
She said: 'Obviously we're a very talented team, a lot of technical ability, tactics, all that comes in the game, but we don't ever want to forget that we are England, we are proper England and if push comes to shove, we can win a game in any means possible.'
Players from both the England and Sweden camps have suggested the Swedes have flown under the radar.
England captain Leah Williamson said the Scandinavians 'deserve more recognition', a sentiment echoed by Sweden's Kosovare Asllani, who told reporters 'people should talk about us more'.
England beat Sweden 4-0 in the Euro 2022 semi-final at Bramall Lane, but drew in their two most recent meetings with Peter Gerhardsson's side who – unlike England – have also qualified for this autumn's Nations League semi-finals.
Among England's major tournament debutants is goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, also Bronze's team-mate at Women's Super League champions Chelsea, who contributed a highlight-reel pass in the Netherlands victory.
🧤 @hannahhampton_ pic.twitter.com/KwJI8lfzEN
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 16, 2025
'She's a very important part of this team,' added Bronze. 'I think she's definitely built with confidence as the tournament has gone on – arguably the best goalkeeper in the world with her feet.
'But there's still a lot more to come from Hannah. She's a very young goalkeeper and she's already doing fantastically well, especially starting her first major tournament. She's a key player for us.
'Like Tooney (Ella Toone) and LJ (Lauren James), she's a player that I think we can see so much more from, just growing and getting even better and better.'
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England fans watch on nervously as Lionesses fall behind in final
England fans watch on nervously as Lionesses fall behind in final

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time23 minutes ago

  • Leader Live

England fans watch on nervously as Lionesses fall behind in final

Fans draped in England flags joined the Prince of Wales and his daughter Princess Charlotte in holding their heads in their hands as Mariona Caldentey put Spain 1-0 up in the final on Sunday. William and Charlotte were pictured in Switzerland for the Euros final as the royal family led the nation in wishing good luck to England's Lionesses. Shortly before kick-off, an image of the pair was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account with the caption 'let's go, Lionesses'. Let's go, @Lionesses! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 27, 2025 As Caldentey's header found the net in the 25th minute, William and Charlotte were pictured with their heads in their hands and crowds in fanzones across England fell silent as they watched proceedings. Before kick-off, supporters waved England flags and loudly sang the national anthem at Boxpark Croydon and star striker Michelle Agyemang's former team, Brandon Groves Community Club in Essex. Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. Ahead of the game, 11-year-old Violet Ingram, a left winger for Brandon Grove Emeralds, said: 'Seeing her (Agyemang) and the team just makes me feel like I can do anything I want to do.' 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. In a show of support ahead of the final, the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed Three Lions on the Buckingham Palace forecourt, while the royal family's official X account posted: 'Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' William posted a good luck message on Saturday which read: 'Good luck to the Lionesses tomorrow. Let's go girls!! 💪🦁⚽️ Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening. — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 27, 2025 'The nation is so proud you are through to the final, after some stunning comebacks! We are all cheering you on! W.' After England beat Italy 2-1 in the semi-final in Geneva on Tuesday evening, the King and Queen wished the team their 'warmest congratulations'. Charles said: 'Knowing the Lionesses' fighting spirit, I suspect we are in for another thrilling encounter on Sunday. 'Your achievements continue to inspire countless girls and women across the nation, proving once again that with dedication and teamwork, anything is possible. 'Good luck, England. May you roar to victory once more. Charles R.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'Into the final and inspiring the nation. Let's bring it home.' He said the team had 'changed the game – breaking barriers, making history and inspiring the next generation.' 'Tonight, the whole nation will be behind them. Come on England!' Sir Keir said. The @Lionesses have changed the game — breaking barriers, making history and inspiring the next generation. Tonight, the whole nation will be behind them. Come on England! — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 27, 2025 Meanwhile, cricketer Joe Root wished the Lionesses' the 'very best of luck' in an online message, adding: 'It's been great to watch you play throughout the tournament.' Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson said the team has 'absolutely smashed it', adding that 'everybody is so proud of you'. Meanwhile, BBC Sport and ITV have secured the broadcasting rights for the Women's World Cup 2027, meaning the tournament will remain free-to-air for UK viewers. England's path to the final has been marked by late drama. They sealed their spot with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy, following a penalty shootout victory against Sweden in the quarter-finals after nearly crashing out in extra time. The Lionesses will be looking for redemption against Spain, who edged them 1-0 in the 2023 Women's World Cup final. England boss Sarina Wiegman said the team is 'going to do everything we can to win it' and she would prefer to avoid a 'nerve-wracking' match.

England fans watch on nervously as Lionesses fall behind in final
England fans watch on nervously as Lionesses fall behind in final

North Wales Chronicle

time23 minutes ago

  • North Wales Chronicle

England fans watch on nervously as Lionesses fall behind in final

Fans draped in England flags joined the Prince of Wales and his daughter Princess Charlotte in holding their heads in their hands as Mariona Caldentey put Spain 1-0 up in the final on Sunday. William and Charlotte were pictured in Switzerland for the Euros final as the royal family led the nation in wishing good luck to England's Lionesses. Shortly before kick-off, an image of the pair was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account with the caption 'let's go, Lionesses'. Let's go, @Lionesses! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 27, 2025 As Caldentey's header found the net in the 25th minute, William and Charlotte were pictured with their heads in their hands and crowds in fanzones across England fell silent as they watched proceedings. Before kick-off, supporters waved England flags and loudly sang the national anthem at Boxpark Croydon and star striker Michelle Agyemang's former team, Brandon Groves Community Club in Essex. Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. Ahead of the game, 11-year-old Violet Ingram, a left winger for Brandon Grove Emeralds, said: 'Seeing her (Agyemang) and the team just makes me feel like I can do anything I want to do.' 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. In a show of support ahead of the final, the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed Three Lions on the Buckingham Palace forecourt, while the royal family's official X account posted: 'Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' William posted a good luck message on Saturday which read: 'Good luck to the Lionesses tomorrow. Let's go girls!! 💪🦁⚽️ Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening. — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 27, 2025 'The nation is so proud you are through to the final, after some stunning comebacks! We are all cheering you on! W.' After England beat Italy 2-1 in the semi-final in Geneva on Tuesday evening, the King and Queen wished the team their 'warmest congratulations'. Charles said: 'Knowing the Lionesses' fighting spirit, I suspect we are in for another thrilling encounter on Sunday. 'Your achievements continue to inspire countless girls and women across the nation, proving once again that with dedication and teamwork, anything is possible. 'Good luck, England. May you roar to victory once more. Charles R.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'Into the final and inspiring the nation. Let's bring it home.' He said the team had 'changed the game – breaking barriers, making history and inspiring the next generation.' 'Tonight, the whole nation will be behind them. Come on England!' Sir Keir said. The @Lionesses have changed the game — breaking barriers, making history and inspiring the next generation. Tonight, the whole nation will be behind them. Come on England! — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 27, 2025 Meanwhile, cricketer Joe Root wished the Lionesses' the 'very best of luck' in an online message, adding: 'It's been great to watch you play throughout the tournament.' Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson said the team has 'absolutely smashed it', adding that 'everybody is so proud of you'. Meanwhile, BBC Sport and ITV have secured the broadcasting rights for the Women's World Cup 2027, meaning the tournament will remain free-to-air for UK viewers. England's path to the final has been marked by late drama. They sealed their spot with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy, following a penalty shootout victory against Sweden in the quarter-finals after nearly crashing out in extra time. The Lionesses will be looking for redemption against Spain, who edged them 1-0 in the 2023 Women's World Cup final. England boss Sarina Wiegman said the team is 'going to do everything we can to win it' and she would prefer to avoid a 'nerve-wracking' match.

Ian Wright slams Sarina Wiegman for 'massive mistake' in Women's Euros final
Ian Wright slams Sarina Wiegman for 'massive mistake' in Women's Euros final

Metro

time23 minutes ago

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Ian Wright slams Sarina Wiegman for 'massive mistake' in Women's Euros final

Ian Wright was baffled by a Sarina Wiegman decision ahead of the final of the Women's Euros between England and Spain, confused as to why she gambled on an unfit Lauren James on the left wing. James came into Sunday's showpiece with an ankle injury and did not even make it to half time in Basel. She was substituted after 40 minutes, replaced by Chloe Kelly, after a disappointing performance as the Lionesses struggled to deal with the favourites. Wright felt it was too much of a gamble for Wiegman to pick James from the start, while he was also surprised by where she was played. Often on the right flank, the Arsenal legend had called for James to be deployed down the middle, but couldn't work out why she was played on the left, with defensive responsibilities that were very difficult to fulfil while not at full fitness. 'Massive risk,' Wright said on ITV of James' selection. 'I think she's wasted a sub there. 'She's obviously not right and not only that, she's put her on the other side. I said she should have been in the centre, not on the left side! 'Having to chase back Ona Batlle and chase back Aitana Bonmati when you're half fit. I think that's a massive mistake.' England were already 1-0 down when James limped out of the game, with Mariona Caldentey heading in Spain's opener after 25 minutes. More Trending The goal did come down Spain's right flank, with Batlle providing the assist. Things improved for England in the second half, though, and James' replacement helped conjure up an equaliser after 57 minutes. Kelly whipped in an excellent, in-swinging cross from the left which was expertly headed home by Alessia Russo and it was game on again. The game continues… MORE: Inside England captain Leah Williamson's relationship with former Miss USA winner MORE: How much do women footballers get paid? England player salaries revealed MORE: Meet Sarina Wiegman's husband Marten Glotzbach cheering her on in Women's Euros Final

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