For their post-game interviews, the England players had to wear headphones because the noise in the stadium was deafening long after the final whistle.
England’s furious entry into the European Championship final with the hosts beating Sweden 4-0 (1-0) caused a lot of enthusiasm not only in Sheffield’s Bramall Lane and at the fan festival in London’s Trafalgar Square. The whole of England is now looking forward to Sunday’s final at Wembley and dreams of the Lionesses’ first major title.
“We said before the tournament that we want to inspire the nation, and I think we’re going to do that,” said national coach Sarina Wiegman after the celebrated victory. “We want the country to be proud of us.” Wiegmann won the title as coach of the Netherlands in 2017 and could repeat the success with England. The opponent in the final was not yet clear on Tuesday evening – and Wiegmann didn’t care either. “It doesn’t matter who we play against.”
One thing is clear: if your team performs like they did in Sheffield at Wembley, it will be difficult for any opponent. The “Telegraph” called the semi-final appearance a “destruction of the Swedes”. Beth Mead (34th minute), Lucy Bronze (48th), Alessia Russo (68th) and Fran Kirby (76th) ended the Lionesses’ negative series with their goals after three lost semi-finals (EURO 2012, WM 2015, EM 2017). , who have reached a European Championship final for the first time since 2009.
“Solutions on the pitch”
England did not get off to a good start. After just one minute, goalkeeper Mary Earps was challenged by a shot by ex-Bayern professional Sofia Jakobsson. The English offensive was difficult. But: “Once again, the team has found a way,” said Wiegman, who regularly emphasizes that her players are prepared for all possible scenarios. “We got better and better. The players on the pitch found solutions.”
The reactions were euphoric. “This is an England team like no other,” said the Guardian, jokingly writing, “Quick, check your passports.” Former national team player and BBC presenter Alex Scott, who lost the European Championship final with England in 2009 against Germany, could hardly believe it either. “Can someone pinch me?” she said while the singing continued on Bramall Lane. “It’s hard for me not to get emotional.”
Prince William congratulates the Lionesses
Prince William was among the first to wish well. “The whole country is so proud of everything you achieve,” he wrote on Twitter. “I’ve never been so proud of an England team,” ex-international Ian Wright enthused on the BBC. Numerous other active and former football professionals, including Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney, congratulated the Lionesses.
Will England’s women’s soccer team achieve what their male colleagues failed to do last year? The European Championship title in their own country would not only be the first major trophy for the Lionesses, but also the greatest success for English football since winning the men’s World Cup in 1966 – also at Wembley Stadium.
The chances are good. Because Sarina Wiegman has turned the previously untitled English national team into a real candidate for the title. The English women have been unbeaten in 19 games. And maybe on Sunday the lyrics of the ironically meant English football cult anthem will finally come true: “Football’s coming home.”