Spain edge Germany to set up Euro 2025 final with England – Women's Football Weekly
Elsewhere, the panel assess what's next for Germany after a campaign full of adversity and transition. Plus, we ask if Spain's patience and squad depth could be the keys to another major trophy, and look ahead to Sunday's blockbuster final, a World Cup rematch between England and La Roja.
Also, the panel responds to your emails, reflects on Euro 2025's surprises, and shares thoughts on the legacy this tournament will leave behind.
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Daily Mail
13 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
14 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.'
The Sun
15 minutes ago
- The Sun
Bitter Spanish press slam Chloe Kelly's ‘cocky' celebration as stars moan they were much BETTER than ‘lucky' England
THE Spanish media have blasted England Women and labelled them as "cocky" and "time wasters" in a bitter attack on the Euro 2025 winners. The Lionesses were crowned European champions for the second time in a row on Sunday, defeating Spain 3-1 on penalties after it ended 1-1 after extra time. 4 4 4 4 But despite Sarina Wiegman 's side impressive performance that saw them battle from being 1-0 down in the first half to fighting back through an Alessia Russo equaliser and much-improved penalties, Spain's media think England"robbed" La Roja in Basel. Spanish outlet Diario AS fired a shot at final and winning penalty taker Chloe Kelly and her "cocky" gesture after her spot kick, which saw her coolly point a finger at the crowd. The Spanish outlet wrote: "This is unnecessary, my friend: Kelly's cocky gesture to [goalkeeper] Cata Coll after scoring the decisive penalty. "The England specialist changed her run during her penalty celebration to get past the goalkeeper she had just beaten." In their match report, the outlet said: "The dream ends in a nightmare. "Spain lost the European Championship on penalties. England tied a match that Spain largely dominated. "History is made by victories, and also by defeats. Spain fell in the Euro Cup final but left its name sealed in gold. Sydney. "They couldn't have been crueler in the penalty shootout, tossing a few dice in the air." Inside Lionesses' boozy Euro 2025 celebrations as stars party with pizzas, beers and loved ones after win over Spain 2023 World Cup winners Spain's players labelled England as "lucky" in their post-match interviews. Captain Irene Paredes told Spanish TV RTV E: "I don't really know what to say. It's a very hard moment. "We tried everything, all the different ways, and then the penalties didn't go our way. I thought we deserved it more but in the end it is not about who deserves it. "It is about having that bit of luck and England had that throughout the whole tournament. We thought we could overcome that but we weren't able to. "I think we had more control of the game than they did, we created more clear chances, we had more possession… But yeah, nothing else." Meanwhile, two-time reigning Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati thought her side were "far superior". Bonmati, who missed her penalty in the shoot out, told Spainsh outlet El Pais: "I think we've all given up; it's been a long time here, and it's been very cruel. "In terms of play, we were far superior to our opponents, but in football, that's not enough." She added: "To be a winning team in a tournament like this, you have to have some luck, and they had plenty of luck. "We know how to do it better when it comes to penalties." England were leading in just four minutes of all of their knockout games but defied all odds to go back-to-back. Mariona Caldentey's first half header was cancelled out by Alessia Russo in the 57th minute, with the score locked all the way to the end of extra time. England's Hannah Hampton - who has done a remarkable job of stepping into ex-Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earp's shoes following her retirement - saved two of Spain's penalties, including Bonmati's. Euro 2022 winning goalscorer Kelly hammered her spot kick into the top left hand corner to avenge her side's World Cup 2023 defeat to Spain and seal victory for her country.
