Latest news with #WomensEuro2025
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
England has finally found a way to banish all the 'years of hurt'. It's called women's football and the Lionesses
It felt like deja vu when Chloe Kelly smashed the ball into the back of the net, winning the game for the Lionesses and signalling the end of the Women's Euro 2025 final. England beat Spain after a tense penalty shootout. The word of the tournament was 'resilience', declared presenter Gabby Logan after the game. It is hard to argue with that. It was as though the team had written a list of milestones they were ticking off as the tournament progressed. They are the first English senior team to defend their title, and the first to win a major tournament on foreign soil. Their coach, Sarina Wiegman, simply said: 'A team is what we really are. We can win by any means.' And that positivity was infectious. They genuinely believed in themselves, and in turn we believed in them. When Lucy Bronze casually revealed she'd played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia – 'If that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do' – it encapsulated the attitude that surrounds the whole team. Unlike the men, we never questioned if any of the players even wanted to be there due to a lack of financial incentive given that international matches pay so much less than they earn for club games. I tried to work out what felt so different for me watching them rather than the men's team. Not once did I give up hope. I never once had to 'self-soothe' by cramming sugary snacks down my throat. There was no mental preparation for the inevitable disappointment of yet another loss. Amid the celebrations, a question: why are we continually chasing glory through our men's teams when the women are the ones delivering? They have reached three major tournament finals in a row and have the level of success that the men's team can only dream of. There is a disdain we see time and time again across different sports. The women's rugby team have suffered the same kind of patronising attitude as well as those who compete on the track and field. The men's 100m final is referred to as 'the jewel in the crown' of track and field events: the women don't get nearly as much attention. It wasn't easy: it's never easy. Their tournament was briefly marred by the widespread media coverage of the online racial abuse received by Jess Carter after the admittedly dismal performance in that first game against France. But refusing to let that be the story, the Lionesses acted quickly, condemning the 'online poison', putting out a unified statement and announcing that they were opting to not take the knee before matches, as 'we and football need a new way to tackle racism.' After the final, Carter revealed she had been next up to take a penalty had Kelly missed, confessing she hadn't wanted to take it. Who could blame her? No one needs reminding of the racist abuse and death threats received by her male counterparts Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka during the Men's Euro 2020 final. She also said she had been 'disappointed' at how she had been painted during the tournament, but now 'couldn't give a damn'. The sweet taste of victory had clearly been enough to remove the bitterness left by the abuse. The 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang, who had been a ballgirl at Wembley only four years ago, was named young player of the tournament in recognition of the fact the goals she scored in the quarter-final against Sweden and the semi-final against Italy saved England from elimination. The fact that, days earlier, she had been left off a photo of the team attached to a 'good luck' message issued by Buckingham Palace didn't seem to be on her mind at all. Today's joy is infectious: for the nation, for the nation's women. I can have a different conversation today with my daughter. We can talk about the team and what it is to be tough. We can talk about the naysayers, like Piers Morgan's 32-year-old son Spencer, who perhaps wants to be a contrarian just like his dad when he grows up, posted on X: 'That shootout was the funniest thing I've seen since the last one. 'Why can't the men win?' Because they're playing against people capable of kicking a ball,' he said. The dinosaurs: they live, they tweet. I remember seeing an interview with opera singer Kiri Te Kanawa after her retirement, when she was asked what it had been like to live at the height of her glory days. She replied: 'I hadn't realised at the time that's what they were.' For the Lionesses these are their glory days. Stop singing about 'years of hurt' and enjoy their success. It's everyone's success. Ava Vidal is a standup comedian based in London and patron of the charity Show Racism the Red Card
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Lionesses star Hannah Hampton is second favourite for BBC Sports Personality of the Year after more penalty heroics in Women's Euros final
Hannah Hampton is now the second favourite to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award after her latest spot-kick heroics helped England retain their European crown. The Chelsea goalkeeper was the Lionesses' shootout star once again as they beat Spain 3-1 on penalties in Sunday's Women's Euro 2025 final in Basel, following a tense 1-1 draw after extra time. Hampton denied both Mariona Caldentey and Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati from the spot, before Salma Paralluelo fired wide – capping a second shootout masterclass from the 24-year-old at this tournament. She also saved two penalties in England's chaotic quarter-final win over Sweden, establishing herself as one of the breakout stars of the summer. It marks a remarkable rise for Hampton, who was an understudy to Mary Earps during England's Euros triumph on home soil in 2022 and again at the 2023 Women's World Cup. Earps herself won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2023 after saving a penalty in the World Cup final — also against Spain — albeit in a losing cause. Earps finished ahead of Stuart Broad and Katarina Johnson-Thompson in the public vote that year. According to Betfair, Hampton is now joint second-favourite at 5/1 to win SPOTY, behind only Rory McIlroy, who leads the market at Evens after a stellar season that included winning The Masters in April — his first Green Jacket and fifth major overall. Formula One star Lando Norris is also priced at 5/1, having recently claimed a hugely popular victory at Silverstone, winning the British Grand Prix for the first time in his career. The McLaren driver is also currently just 16 points behind team-mate Oscar Piastri in the race for the world drivers' championship. England captain Lucy Bronze (15/2) and fellow Lioness Leah Williamson (16/1) are also in the running, while teenage darts sensation Luke Littler is priced at 9/1. A Betfair spokesperson said: 'Hannah Hampton is the new second-favourite to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award after saving two penalties to help England win Euro 2025 on Sunday. 'Hampton, 5/1, is joined by fellow Lionesses Lucy Bronze, 15/2, and Leah Williamson, 16/1, who are amongst the contenders to win the award. Rory McIlroy remains the favourite at Evens, with Lando Norris trailing at 5/1. Meanwhile, Luke Littler is 9/1 to take home the illustrious award.' BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2025: LATEST ODDS Rory McIlroy – Evens Hannah Hampton – 5/1 Lando Norris – 5/1 Lucy Bronze – 15/2 (was 16/1) Luke Littler – 9/1 Leah Williamson – 16/1 (was 20/1)
The Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
England vs Spain – Women's Euro 2025 final LIVE SCORE: Lionesses BEHIND in final after Caldentey goal
SPAINFUL England vs Spain – Women's Euro 2025 final LIVE SCORE: Lionesses BEHIND in final after Caldentey goal – free live stream ENGLAND are BEHIND against Spain as they look to defend their Euros crown! Mariona Caldentey SCORED for the Spaniards with a headed effort in the 25th minute, after some good work from Ona Batlle on the right. The Lionesses missed two BIG chances to take the lead early, as a combination of Alessia Russo and Lauren James could not convert first, and then Lauren Hemp missed moments later. Lauren James went off INJURED for the Lionesses, just before half-time. Kick-off: 5pm BST 5pm BST TV channel: BBC One / ITV1 BBC One / ITV1 FREE live stream: BBC iPlayer / ITVX BBC iPlayer / ITVX England XI: Hampton, Bronze, Williamson, Carter, Greenwood, Stanway, Walsh, James, Toone, Hemp, Russo Hampton, Bronze, Williamson, Carter, Greenwood, Stanway, Walsh, James, Toone, Hemp, Russo Spain XI: Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Aleixandri, Carmona, Bonmati, Guijarro, Putellas, del Castillo, Gonzalez, Caldentey ENGLAND vs SPAIN BETTING TIPS ODDS AND PREDICTIONS Follow ALL the latest updates below...
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
2025 Women's Euro Final: Live updates on England v. Spain
The 2025 Women's European Championship final is set to be underway. Defending champion England will take on World Cup winner Spain. The two nations faced off in the World Cup final two years ago with Spain edging an open match 1-0. Update: Date: 2025-07-27 14:14:00 Title: Defending champions did it the hard way Content: England got off to a rough start with a 2-1 defeat to France, becoming the first reigning champion to lose its opening match at a women's Euros. The team bounced back with a 4-0 victory over the Netherlands and a 6-1 thrashing of Wales. Then came the craziness of its quarterfinal against Sweden when it was trailing 2-0 with 12 minutes to go before equalizing and taking the match to extra time and a penalty shootout. There were nine failed penalty attempts before England finally triumphed 3-2. England left it even later in its semifinal against Italy. Teenager Michelle Agyemang leveled in stoppage time to force extra time and fellow substitute Chloe Kelly scored in the 119th minute to secure a 2-1 win, just as it appeared another penalty shootout was looming. Update: Date: 2025-07-27 14:07:49 Title: Lando Norris wishes England luck from Belgian Grand Prix Content: Update: Date: 2025-07-27 14:01:00 Title: Spain bidding for first Euros title, England out for revenge Content: World Cup winner Spain has never lifted the European Championship trophy and had never even made it to the final before this year. In contrast, England is in its second straight Euros final after lifting the trophy on home soil in 2022. But England will still be smarting after losing 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final two years ago. That saw Spain establish itself as one of the powerhouses of women's soccer and it is looking to add the European Championship trophy to its collection after also winning the Nations League last year. It is a fifth straight major final for England coach Sarina Wiegman, who is bidding for a hat-trick of European Championship titles after leading her native Netherlands to the trophy in 2017. She also lost the 2019 World Cup final with the Netherlands.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
UEFA Women's Euro 2025 Final England v Spain - How to watch live and follow across the BBC
BBC Sport is bringing fans all the goals, reaction, analysis and behind the scenes content from UEFA Women's Euro 2025. England have made it to the final of the competition playing Spain on Sunday 27 July in Basel. With a world-class presenting, punditry and commentary line-up, you can enjoy every moment of the action, wherever you are this summer. Watch England v Spain on BBC TV and BBC iPlayer Watch England v Spain live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday 27 July, with kick off at 5pm BST. The best teams and biggest names in women's football fight to be crowned European champions. Don't miss a kick as England shoot for glory in Switzerland this Sunday. Gabby Logan is presenting live from Basel alongside Steph Houghton, Ellen White and Nedum Onuoha. Alex Scott is presenting pitch-side alongside Jill Scott. Coverage starts at 3.40pm on BBC one and BBC iPlayer with kick off at 5pm. Listen to England v Spain on BBC Radio and BBC Sounds Listen to England v Spain live on BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, your local BBC radio station and BBC Sounds, on Sunday 27 July, with kick off at 5pm BST. England v Spain on BBC Sport and Online The BBC Sport website is your one-stop shop for news, match reports, features, analysis, interviews and columns during the 2025 Women's Euros. Highlights of every game are available on the BBC Sport website, app and BBC iPlayer following full time, and BBC Sport's industry leading live match pages have live, in-game clips from all BBC matches, along with the enduringly popular live text commentary. As well as being able to follow every minute of the tournament live, exclusive insights, interviews and in-depth stories told by those on the ground in Switzerland will be available for fans on the BBC Sport website and app. On social media, you can also watch all the big moments from each match, catch up with the best BBC punditry and analysis, enjoy behind-the-scenes content, and get closer to the fan experience thanks to roving digital reporters in Switzerland. We'll have all the news, results, interviews and features covered via our BBC Sport accounts on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube. And for an even sharper focus on the women's game, make sure to follow our dedicated BBC Women's Football account on TikTok. The Women's Euros are part of the BBC's Women's Summer of Sport and there is a dedicated website showcasing the best complementary BBC content. Follow for more
