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New challenge launched ahead of Lionesses' semi-final against Italy

New challenge launched ahead of Lionesses' semi-final against Italy

Nine of the 14 penalties in Zurich were missed - with England edging through after the shootout went to sudden death.
England looked to be going out in regular time until Lucy Bronze's header kickstarted the comeback in the 79th minute to make it 2-1 and then Michelle Agyemang pulled them level two minutes later - both goals assisted by Chloe Kelly.
And ss the Lionesses gear up for their semi-final match against Italy next Tuesday, fast-food chain Wendy's will be rolling out its '4-Corner Challenge' to get the nation behind England's challenge to retain their trophy.
Through the challenge, customers have a chance to win Wendy's menu items as prizes by scoring up to four goals in a penalty-style game featuring a custom Wendy's goal.
Prizes include free Halloumi Fries, Mini Doughnuts, and even Wendy's much-loved Biggie Bag®: the Jr. Cheeseburger made with fresh beef**, 4-piece chicken nuggets, small fries, and a small drink.
(Image: Wendy's)
Michael Clarke, Managing Director, Europe for The Wendy's Company, commented: "Women's football is soaring in both popularity and talent, and as the Queen of QSR, Wendy's is proud to be part of its incredible rise.
'Just like our square hamburgers, we believe in doing the right thing – no shortcuts, no cutting corners. That's why we're backing our passion with action through the Wendy's 4-Corner Challenge. We can't wait to cheer alongside fans for every thrilling moment!'
Against Sweden, it was defender Lucy Bronze, England's seventh penalty taker, that slammed her spot-kick into the roof of the net before Smilla Holmberg put her effort over the bar at the end of a chaotic shootout.
Sweden only scored two of their seven penalties, with England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton saving two of them, while her Swedish counterpart Jennifer Falk kept out four spot-kicks and missed a chance to win it when she put her shot over the bar.
And now Wendy's customers will need to channel their inner Lucy Bronze if they too are going to get their hands on prizes next week.
At Wendy's® – home of the iconic square hamburger – corners aren't just part of their game; they are part of their DNA.
That's why, with the nation buzzing with football fever, Wendy's is making the ultimate wager that could see fans across the UK feasting on its fresh, famous food for free.
Fancy yourself as the next Alessia Russo? The 4-Corner Challenge will roll out across the following Wendy's restaurants so grab your trainers and give it a go:
Watford – 20th July 2025, 10:30-19:00
Lakeside Shopping Centre – 23rd July, 09:00-19:00
Leeds – 26th July, 09:30-19:00
Keep an eye on Wendy's UK Instagram and Facebook for further announcements throughout the Euros tournament!
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Lionesses to celebrate Euros win at Downing Street reception
Lionesses to celebrate Euros win at Downing Street reception

South Wales Argus

time22 minutes ago

  • South Wales Argus

Lionesses to celebrate Euros win at Downing Street reception

The reception on Monday is due to be hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock, as the Prime Minister said the team had 'once again captured the hearts of the nation'. England defended their Euros title after beating Spain on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday. Players, coaches and FA representatives are to attend the Downing Street reception, Number 10 said. 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 Starmer 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.'

Celebrations in store as Lionesses successfully defend European crown
Celebrations in store as Lionesses successfully defend European crown

South Wales Argus

time22 minutes ago

  • South Wales Argus

Celebrations in store as Lionesses successfully defend European crown

England fans erupted with joy across the country as the team defended their Euros title in a penalty shootout win over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday. Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot-kick following two huge saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, sending supporters in fan zones into raptures. The King said the team had the royal family's 'warmest appreciation and admiration' following their victory, adding: 'The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can.' The Downing Street reception on Monday is due to be hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. The team will then attend a homecoming celebration event on Tuesday, with a ceremony expected to take place outside Buckingham Palace. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the team's triumph, saying: '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.' There will be an open-top bus parade along the Mall before the ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial, the FA said. Fans can attend for free and it will be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky. However, it is understood Downing Street has no plans for a bank holiday to mark the Lionesses' triumph. Supporters stood on tables, waved flags, threw drinks in the air and excitedly hugged each other as England claimed victory, while the Prince of Wales and Sir Keir watched on from the stands in Basel. Congratulations to our valiant @Lionesses! 🦁🦁🦁 A message from The King following the team's victory at the Women's Euros 2025.#WEURO2025 — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 27, 2025 Alessia Russo gave the Lionesses hope of retaining their Euros title with her second-half equaliser after Mariona Caldentey netted the opener for Spain in the 25th minute. In a statement posted on X after the game, Charles said: 'This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025. '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. 'For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration.' CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 27, 2025 The King added: 'More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses.' A picture of the Prince of Wales with his arm around his daughter Princess Charlotte was posted to X following the presentation of the trophy to the Lionesses, with the caption 'champions of Europe'. The pair congratulated the team in a short statement, saying: 'What a game! Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment England.' The statement was the first message Charlotte has personally signed on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account. Tower Bridge was lit up in red and white following the Lionesses' victory, the City Bridge Foundation said. Sir Keir was the first to congratulate England on their win – posting on X: 'Champions! Congratulations Lionesses – what a team. What a game. What drama. Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses — what a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 27, 2025 'You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' William was spotted in the stands applauding and celebrating with those around him – including Princess Charlotte. As the presentation ceremony took place, the Prince of Wales was among those to congratulate star striker Michelle Agyemang on being named young player of the tournament. William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say 'well played, fantastic, well done'. Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. There was non-stop applause in her home town of South Ockendon as fans saw the Arsenal forward step through a guard of honour to pick up her award. Supporters at her old club Brandon Groves AFC danced a conga line to the sounds of Vindaloo after England's victory. The club's vice-chairwoman, Paula Howes, said Agyemang will help give youngsters the 'motivation and drive' to progress from grassroots football to the top of the game. She said: 'I think she (Agyemang) has got that determination and that drive on the pitch, and the girls can connect with that. 'It is also knowing that she is a local girl as well, I think that helps give them the motivation and drive, to know that you can start at grassroots football and progress up to the higher level, if you work at it.' The National Autistic Society congratulated their ambassador Lucy Bronze on the Lionesses victory, adding: 'We hope she has inspired the next generation of autistic girls to follow their dreams.' Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also gave her reaction to the win, saying: 'What an absolutely extraordinary achievement by our Lionesses – once again they have made history and united the country with pride and joy.' England's path to the final was 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.

Inside Lionesses' Euros triumph over Spain: How one brave call from Sarina Wiegman led to another magical night and cemented her status as England's greatest manager, writes TARA ANSON-WALSH
Inside Lionesses' Euros triumph over Spain: How one brave call from Sarina Wiegman led to another magical night and cemented her status as England's greatest manager, writes TARA ANSON-WALSH

Daily Mail​

time22 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Inside Lionesses' Euros triumph over Spain: How one brave call from Sarina Wiegman led to another magical night and cemented her status as England's greatest manager, writes TARA ANSON-WALSH

There was an air of calm around the Movenpick Hotel in Basel on Sunday morning as the Lionesses set out on their matchday walk. They wandered around the block, largely undisturbed, save for a steady procession of fans trailing behind in a Pied Piper-esque march. On their return, the players slipped into their usual routines. Leah Williamson and Chloe Kelly disappeared for their pre-match naps, while Michelle Agyemang found her focus at the piano. The 19-year-old played for two hours – mostly gospel – completely absorbed in the movement of her fingers across the 88 keys. As they have throughout this tournament, England settled naturally into their roles and rhythms. Like everything else in Switzerland, it all ran to time. So why, then, do so many still question Sarina Wiegman – herself a known stickler for punctuality – and her management of a match? She is endlessly criticised for her predictability, yet here she stands with a third trophy in her grasp. Wiegman is the most successful manager in English footballing history, and she clearly deserves every accolade and then some. She's made following this England side a privilege. Where questions of entitlement may have arisen following the 2022 success and 2023 World Cup final qualification, she kept the team grounded – and delivered again. So, bearing all that in mind, if Wiegman wasn't going to change her starting XI before the final, she was hardly going to start experimenting on the biggest night of all. That's simply how the Dutch coach operates. Every player knows their job – and Alessia Russo remains England's first-choice striker. The decision to stick with Russo – who had only scored once all tournament, against Wales – was justified by the tireless off-the-ball work she brings. With the No 23 on the back of her shirt in a nod to basketball legend Michael Jordan, Russo rattled Spain early on when Williamson's dinked ball over the top set her free. She surged into the box and let fly, but was turned away smartly by Spain's No 1, Cata Coll. Russo is perfectly suited to playing against sides like Spain – who typically sit deep and pass with patience. But the world champions sprung a surprise in the final, coming out with greater intent and aggression than in any of their previous knockout games. After that early chance went begging, Russo remained busy – chasing down loose balls, pressing high, disrupting the Spanish build-up. Her selfless, relentless running once again on full display. By half-time, it looked like another industrious shift would go unrewarded – just as it had in the previous two knockout matches. But then the moment came, and Russo seized it. And fittingly, it came from her new permanent Arsenal team-mate, Chloe Kelly. There may not be enough words to capture Kelly's contribution to England this summer. Once again, she stepped up, slicing a ball in from the corner of the 18-yard box that dipped and curled beautifully into Russo's path. Falling backwards, the striker managed to steer a header goalwards. The roar that followed was deafening and the relief was etched across Russo's face. If ever there was a time to break her knockout-stage scoring duck, this was it. Remarkably, the goal also took Russo to the top of England's goal involvement tally at Euro 2025 – adding to the three assists she produced against the Netherlands. Wiegman, so often criticised for her reluctance to make changes, then made the most surprising call of the night, replacing Russo just 14 minutes later with Agyemang. Agyemang has been the ideal impact sub when England have needed a presence in the box. But this wasn't the moment. This was a midfield battle, and Russo had been instrumental in dropping deep to support the defence. With her gone, England lost their outlet. To her credit, the 19-year-old did her job when England needed her to help out at the back – but for the first time in three appearances, she couldn't find the back of the net. A testament to the newfound expectations of this kid to spring a surprise. As it turned out, it didn't matter, because England were soon faced with the brutal tension of a penalty shoot-out. The players with gold medals around their necks certainly think it's time to trust Wiegman Beth Mead, who had had another excellent game off the bench, fell on the wrong side of luck by first scoring despite slipping in the run-up. VAR overruled the initial goal and Mead was forced to take again, going the opposite side. Hannah Hampton saved twice and then Kelly stepped up to make history with this team once again. Kelly was Wiegman's brightest spark on the night in attack, slotting in well after being called upon in the first half to rescue an embattled Lauren James, whose ankle injury had finally caught up with her despite training well on the eve of the match. And then, with an aura of someone who was genuinely enjoying being in that position, kicked England to glory once again. It simply had to be her. So, after all this, is it time to finally trust that Wiegman knows what she's doing? The players with gold medals around their necks certainly think so.

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