Latest news with #WEURO2025
South Wales Guardian
31 minutes ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Sarina Wiegman says Euro 2025 ‘craziest' run of tournament matches in her career
The Dutchwoman's defending champions are now just one win away from their second major trophy, but will need to seek revenge on Spain – who beat them in the World Cup final two summers ago – to secure back-to-back European titles. To reach this point, the Lionesses have leaned on late heroics, a never-say-die attitude, a sprinkle of luck and the wisdom of a head coach described by her Football Association boss as priceless, one who has now led teams to an unprecedented five consecutive major-tournament finals. 'In this environment you have challenges all the time. Before the World Cup, we had challenges with players who were injured,' said Wiegman. What an achievement 🤝 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 24, 2025 'Of course, we prepare a lot and we know the players really well. We think of scenarios, 'Who is the first player to select? Who is the second?'. You're prepared for challenges. 'But in this tournament, it has been the craziest one with how the games went. That has been different.' Wiegman was forced to navigate through tumult even before the tournament started. The shock retirements of Euro 2022-winning goalkeeper Mary Earps and attacking midfielder Fran Kirby were followed by veteran defender Millie Bright – who captained England at the 2023 World Cup – withdrawing from selection to prioritise her physical and mental health. 'Of course, the challenge ahead of the tournament – whether players are available or not – the result is the same as an injured player or a player who is not available,' said Wiegman. 🏴 England's road to the #WEURO2025 final ✨ — UEFA Women's EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 25, 2025 'You have to move on to what you want and who is ready to compete.' Some of those primed to do battle were expected – like Lucy Bronze, the 33-year-old now seven-time major tournament veteran Wiegman hailed as 'one of a kind', after she sparked England's stunning quarter-final comeback over Sweden with a late goal, then emphatically netted the winning penalty with the Lionesses' seventh try. But surprise standouts have also emerged in Switzerland, perhaps none so powerfully as 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang, twice England's saviour with equalisers in their quarter and semi-final comebacks. Speaking to Agyemang, who has won three of her four England caps at this tournament, or 21-year-old Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones, paints a picture of Wiegman as a maternal figure, particularly for her seven major-tournament debutants. 'Yeah (I feel like a mum)', agreed Wiegman. 'You know, sometimes when people say about 'the girls' I think, are they meaning my daughters, or are they meaning my team. Work mode 🔛 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 25, 2025 'So that's tricky, I'm kind of a caring person so I need to, maybe that's the part, I care about them but at the same time I'm the coach, I'm making these hard decisions at the moment so sometimes you should leave that caring and leave it up to them. 'They're grown-up women! But at least a mum should care.' Wiegman is under contract until after the 2027 World Cup. On Thursday, FA chief Mark Bullingham said she was 'not for sale' and 'no price at all' would be tempting enough to allow her to be prised away. And while she admits some of the attention is 'awkward', Wiegman added: 'Of course I find it very special too. But I do believe that everyone plays his or her part in the success. 'What I'm trying to do is bring people together in the best possible way, players and staff and the people around me are really, really good. And if they perform at their highest level, then the chance of winning a game is the highest possible. And that's what I'm trying to do. 'I think I'm pretty good at bringing people together, but without the quality, you're not going to win a tournament.'
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Extra bank holiday update if Lionesses win Euros as No10 breaks silence on day off
Keir Starmer previously backed calls for a 'proper day of celebration' for the nation when England women's football team reached the final in the last Euros tournament in 2022 Keir Starmer is facing calls to grant an extra bank holiday if the Lionesses win the Euros 2025 final on Sunday. The Prime Minister previously backed calls for a "proper day of celebration" for the nation when England women's football team reached the final in the last Euros tournament in 2022, which was hosted by England. The then-Opposition Leader told the Mirror: 'The whole country will be roaring on the Lionesses in the final... They have already done us proud, but if they win it will be a truly historic achievement - one that should be marked with a proper day of celebration, where clubs can open and promote access for women and girls.' England went onto win the match against Germany but the Tory government did not grant a bank holiday for the nation to celebrate the historic victory. In its latest update, before the Lionesses roared to victory earlier this week, Downing Street said it was "not aware of any plans" for an extra bank holiday. The PM's official spokesman said he didn't want to jinx it before the team had reached the final. Asked about the prospect of one, the PM's spokesman said on Tuesday: "I'm not aware of any plans for that but when it comes to backing the Lionesses, the PM is sending his best wishes ahead of the semi finals. We cannot get ahead of ourselves." In this year's Euros tournament, hosted in Switzerland, the Lionesses have once again reached the final. England's team beat Sweden in the quarter final after coming back from 2-0 and winning on penalties. Another tense match on Tuesday saw our country win its semi-final match against Italy in a thrilling comeback that saw the winning goal scored in the 119th minute. England will now play Spain on Sunday in the final. The Liberal Democrats have called for the government grant an extra bank holiday to mark "the talent, success and historic achievement" of the Lionesses. Max Wilkinson, the party's culture, media and sport spokesman, told BBC Sport: "Fans and patriots across the country deserve the chance to celebrate the talent, success and historic achievement of this amazing team. A bank holiday would also give our hospitality industry a much-needed assist and boost." After England's semi-final win over Italy on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said: "What a performance, Lionesses. Into the final and inspiring the nation. Let's bring it home." Kensington Palace has confirmed that Prince William is to attend Sunday's final in Basel in his role as patron of the Football Association. It comes after football fan William congratulated the reigning champions on reaching the final in a last-gasp victory over Italy. In a message on X, football fan William wrote: "Brilliant performance Lionesses! One game from glory! #WEURO2025." After the semi-final win, former England skipper Sir David Beckham and seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton both posted an image on Instagram stories with the full-time 2-1 scoreline and the jubilant team in celebration after the nail biting finish. The messages read "Well done lionesses, never a doubt". England's men's captain Harry Kane also said "Congratulations lionesses!! One to go!" On Wednesday, defender Lucy Bronze said: "I think the fight, the talent, the hard work we have in this England team is unbelievable and to get back-to-back European finals is not an easy feat. Not many teams have done that."
North Wales Chronicle
2 days ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Thursday's briefing: Rashford unveiled at Barcelona and Liverpool sign Ekitike
At Euro 2025, Aitana Bonmati's extra-time winner saw Spain set up a final clash against England with a 1-0 win over Germany. We have reached an agreement for the transfer of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, subject to international clearance 😎 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 23, 2025 Liverpool have completed the signing of striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. A deal was reached between the two clubs on Monday for the 23-year-old to join Arne Slot's Premier League champions, which the PA news agency understands to be for a guaranteed £69million plus a potential £10million in add-ons. The striker, who scored 22 goals for Frankfurt in all competitions last season, flew to England on Tuesday to undergo a medical ahead of the deal's completion and will now travel to Asia to join his new Liverpool team-mates on their pre-season tour. 🏴 England's finest. From Lineker to Rashford. — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 23, 2025 Marcus Rashford said Barcelona 'feels like home' after joining the LaLiga champions on loan as he refused to criticise Manchester United. Rashford has become the first of United's five wantaway players to find a way out of Old Trafford, landing the move he has desired since January when he instead joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season. Barca's agreement includes an option to make the deal permanent. That clause is reported to be 35million euros (£30.3million) and PA understands the deal sees Barcelona cover Rashford's wages for the campaign. 'I want to win the biggest trophies and feel like Barcelona is a huge club in the football world so it is the perfect place,' Rashford said. 'It feels like home. I feel I made the right decision. I'm excited to get going and eager to play the first game in front of the fans.' Time to go again. We will face Spain in the #WEURO2025 final. 🤩 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 23, 2025 Lucy Bronze insisted England had nothing to prove after booking their place in the Euro 2025 final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Italy in Geneva. The defending champions were the heavy favourites in the semi-final, but it took another tournament-saving late equaliser from 19-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly's extra-time winner to ensure England would fight on. The Lionesses' never-say-die attitude has elicited plenty of deserved praise, but opening their tournament with a loss to France, then twice eking out knockout victories from the brink of elimination, has also sparked concern about England's ability to overcome their toughest challenge yet – a meeting with Spain for the title. 'It's hard to stay at the top in international football, so many teams, they have performances, then it's up and down, they develop, but this team just keeps fighting until the end,' Bronze said. 'I feel like we didn't have anything to prove because we've been there, we've done it many, many times. 'It's just the fact that the game's getting better, international football's not as easy as it used to be. Everybody's fighting and everyone wants to win and everyone feels like they can win.' BonMAGIC 🪄#WEUROPOTM || @VisaUK — UEFA Women's EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 23, 2025 Aitana Bonmati's extra-time winner saw Spain reach the European Championship final with a 1-0 win over Germany. Spain eventually found the breakthrough with seven minutes of extra time remaining when Bonmati was played down the right and struck from a tight angle to send her side into Sunday's showpiece, where they come up against England in a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final. Hibernian travel to Denmark to face Midtjylland in the first leg of their Europa League second qualifying round tie. Northern Ireland side Larne host Kosovan side Pristina in the Conference League second qualifying round, whilst fellow Irish Premiership outfit Linfield travel to Lithuanian side Zalgiris and Shamrock Rovers of the League of Ireland travel to Gibraltar to play St. Joseph's.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Thursday's briefing: Rashford unveiled at Barcelona and Liverpool sign Ekitike
At Euro 2025, Aitana Bonmati's extra-time winner saw Spain set up a final clash against England with a 1-0 win over Germany. Liverpool land Ekitike We have reached an agreement for the transfer of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, subject to international clearance 😎 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 23, 2025 Liverpool have completed the signing of striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. A deal was reached between the two clubs on Monday for the 23-year-old to join Arne Slot's Premier League champions, which the PA news agency understands to be for a guaranteed £69million plus a potential £10million in add-ons. The striker, who scored 22 goals for Frankfurt in all competitions last season, flew to England on Tuesday to undergo a medical ahead of the deal's completion and will now travel to Asia to join his new Liverpool team-mates on their pre-season tour. Barca feels like home to Rashford 🏴 England's finest. From Lineker to Rashford. — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 23, 2025 Marcus Rashford said Barcelona 'feels like home' after joining the LaLiga champions on loan as he refused to criticise Manchester United. Rashford has become the first of United's five wantaway players to find a way out of Old Trafford, landing the move he has desired since January when he instead joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season. Barca's agreement includes an option to make the deal permanent. That clause is reported to be 35million euros (£30.3million) and PA understands the deal sees Barcelona cover Rashford's wages for the campaign. 'I want to win the biggest trophies and feel like Barcelona is a huge club in the football world so it is the perfect place,' Rashford said. 'It feels like home. I feel I made the right decision. I'm excited to get going and eager to play the first game in front of the fans.' Nothing for Lionesses to prove Time to go again. We will face Spain in the #WEURO2025 final. 🤩 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 23, 2025 Lucy Bronze insisted England had nothing to prove after booking their place in the Euro 2025 final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Italy in Geneva. The defending champions were the heavy favourites in the semi-final, but it took another tournament-saving late equaliser from 19-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly's extra-time winner to ensure England would fight on. The Lionesses' never-say-die attitude has elicited plenty of deserved praise, but opening their tournament with a loss to France, then twice eking out knockout victories from the brink of elimination, has also sparked concern about England's ability to overcome their toughest challenge yet – a meeting with Spain for the title. 'It's hard to stay at the top in international football, so many teams, they have performances, then it's up and down, they develop, but this team just keeps fighting until the end,' Bronze said. 'I feel like we didn't have anything to prove because we've been there, we've done it many, many times. 'It's just the fact that the game's getting better, international football's not as easy as it used to be. Everybody's fighting and everyone wants to win and everyone feels like they can win.' Bonmati sends Spain to final Aitana Bonmati's extra-time winner saw Spain reach the European Championship final with a 1-0 win over Germany. Spain eventually found the breakthrough with seven minutes of extra time remaining when Bonmati was played down the right and struck from a tight angle to send her side into Sunday's showpiece, where they come up against England in a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final. What's on today? Hibernian travel to Denmark to face Midtjylland in the first leg of their Europa League second qualifying round tie. Northern Ireland side Larne host Kosovan side Pristina in the Conference League second qualifying round, whilst fellow Irish Premiership outfit Linfield travel to Lithuanian side Zalgiris and Shamrock Rovers of the League of Ireland travel to Gibraltar to play St. Joseph's.
Rhyl Journal
2 days ago
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Thursday's briefing: Rashford unveiled at Barcelona and Liverpool sign Ekitike
At Euro 2025, Aitana Bonmati's extra-time winner saw Spain set up a final clash against England with a 1-0 win over Germany. We have reached an agreement for the transfer of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, subject to international clearance 😎 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 23, 2025 Liverpool have completed the signing of striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. A deal was reached between the two clubs on Monday for the 23-year-old to join Arne Slot's Premier League champions, which the PA news agency understands to be for a guaranteed £69million plus a potential £10million in add-ons. The striker, who scored 22 goals for Frankfurt in all competitions last season, flew to England on Tuesday to undergo a medical ahead of the deal's completion and will now travel to Asia to join his new Liverpool team-mates on their pre-season tour. 🏴 England's finest. From Lineker to Rashford. — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 23, 2025 Marcus Rashford said Barcelona 'feels like home' after joining the LaLiga champions on loan as he refused to criticise Manchester United. Rashford has become the first of United's five wantaway players to find a way out of Old Trafford, landing the move he has desired since January when he instead joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season. Barca's agreement includes an option to make the deal permanent. That clause is reported to be 35million euros (£30.3million) and PA understands the deal sees Barcelona cover Rashford's wages for the campaign. 'I want to win the biggest trophies and feel like Barcelona is a huge club in the football world so it is the perfect place,' Rashford said. 'It feels like home. I feel I made the right decision. I'm excited to get going and eager to play the first game in front of the fans.' Time to go again. We will face Spain in the #WEURO2025 final. 🤩 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 23, 2025 Lucy Bronze insisted England had nothing to prove after booking their place in the Euro 2025 final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Italy in Geneva. The defending champions were the heavy favourites in the semi-final, but it took another tournament-saving late equaliser from 19-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly's extra-time winner to ensure England would fight on. The Lionesses' never-say-die attitude has elicited plenty of deserved praise, but opening their tournament with a loss to France, then twice eking out knockout victories from the brink of elimination, has also sparked concern about England's ability to overcome their toughest challenge yet – a meeting with Spain for the title. 'It's hard to stay at the top in international football, so many teams, they have performances, then it's up and down, they develop, but this team just keeps fighting until the end,' Bronze said. 'I feel like we didn't have anything to prove because we've been there, we've done it many, many times. 'It's just the fact that the game's getting better, international football's not as easy as it used to be. Everybody's fighting and everyone wants to win and everyone feels like they can win.' BonMAGIC 🪄#WEUROPOTM || @VisaUK — UEFA Women's EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 23, 2025 Aitana Bonmati's extra-time winner saw Spain reach the European Championship final with a 1-0 win over Germany. Spain eventually found the breakthrough with seven minutes of extra time remaining when Bonmati was played down the right and struck from a tight angle to send her side into Sunday's showpiece, where they come up against England in a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final. Hibernian travel to Denmark to face Midtjylland in the first leg of their Europa League second qualifying round tie. Northern Ireland side Larne host Kosovan side Pristina in the Conference League second qualifying round, whilst fellow Irish Premiership outfit Linfield travel to Lithuanian side Zalgiris and Shamrock Rovers of the League of Ireland travel to Gibraltar to play St. Joseph's.
