Sarina Wiegman has lauded her England team for navigating what she described as the "most chaotic and ridiculous tournament we have played," after the Lionesses secured the Euro 2025 title in Basel. England emerged victorious against Spain, the reigning world champions, following a penalty shootout, successfully defending their European crown. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton's critical saves during the shootout and Chloe Kelly's decisive final kick were instrumental in the win.
Wiegman, now a three-time Euros-winning coach, expressed immense pride in her team and staff. She highlighted the team's unwavering spirit and ability to rise to the occasion, emphasizing that "This team step up all the time and never give up". After the match, Wiegman stated, "European champions again. Sometimes you think, 'When is this going to stop?' I'm just going to enjoy the moment. It's incredible".
The final match against Spain was a hard-fought contest that ended 1-1 after extra time, ultimately decided by penalties. Reflecting on the game, Wiegman acknowledged its quality, particularly England's strong performance in the second half. However, she also noted that the result was the paramount factor. Chloe Kelly, who came on as a substitute for the injured Lauren James, played a crucial role, providing the assist for Alessia Russo's equalizing goal.
Wiegman emphasized the importance of the team's unity and the relentless effort of the coaching and support staff. She credited their dedication to supporting the team and meticulous preparation as key elements in achieving the stunning victory.
Despite the jubilant celebrations, Wiegman reflected on the unique challenges of this tournament. She noted the added pressure and heightened stakes compared to their Euro 2022 victory, where she felt other teams were happy for England. This time around, she sensed a different atmosphere, with rivals more determined to dethrone them. "People might not appreciate it, but this is the toughest thing, to win it again. Everything, the stakes. Everything was higher," Wiegman explained.
England's path to victory was far from smooth. They led for only a mere four minutes and 52 seconds throughout the entire knockout stage. The Lionesses also had to recover from an initial setback, losing to France in their opening group game. Wiegman acknowledged the element of luck involved but emphasized the team's resilience and ability to deliver in crucial moments. "We've ridden our luck. I don't think we've been lucky. We've ridden our luck, and I think we've pulled it out just at the right time," she stated.
Under Wiegman's leadership, England have developed an impressive record in penalty shootouts, winning all four they have contested. This contrasts sharply with their previous record, having lost four consecutive shootouts before her arrival. Wiegman's impact on the team's mentality and performance in high-pressure situations is undeniable. "We said we can win by any means, that's what we showed again today," Wiegman said.
