It is now 2 days since the Lionesses beat Spain, on penalties, to retain their Euros Trophy – an historic achievement and the first English side to win a tournament away from home as well as being the first (I believe) to retain a Trophy.
Despite losing their first group game against France, where they were totally outplayed, the Lionesses overcame the odds and won the tournament.
The self-belief and camaraderie of this group is incredible. And now we are beginning to hear some of the personal stories making the achievement even more special.
Lucy Bronze playing the whole tournament (I think every game, almost every minute) with a broken bone in her leg. What a warrior!
Hannah Hampton, replaced Mary Earps as first choice goalkeeper (controversially to some). Hannah said before the tournament that she felt awkward because she believed a lot of people didn’t want her in goal.
Mary Earps declaring her retirement from international football rather than play second fiddle.
Then, hardest of all for Hannah, the loss of her beloved grandfather just two days before the start of her first International tournament.
Having been born with a serious eye condition, that required several surgeries, and being told that she shouldn’t play football because she still suffers from a lack of depth perception, Hannah managed to soar above the doubters and not just play football, but play for her country and play a vital role in England’s Tournament win, not least by saving two penalties in the penalty shootout in the Final. Hannah had obviously been very close to her grandfather, and he had been a staunch supporter of her, she would most certainly have made him very proud.
During the tournament the dark side of social media and football reared its ugly head and defender Jess Carter received a barrage of racist abuse. Some of these messages were so vile the police have been involved.
However, Jess is made of stern stuff and was able to shake off the negativity and do a sterling job in the Final.
Going back in time, I remember the excitement in 2014 when England women played their very first game at Wembley, a friendly against Germany in front of more than 45,000 fans. They lost that game, unfortunately, but it was a heady experience for players used to playing in front of meagre crowds.
How far England have come since then and Sarina Wiegman has been vital to that success. Credit must also be given to the FA and Baroness Sue Campbell for putting the structures in place.
The only downside to this tournament for me – apart of course from the abuse directed at the players – was the occasional desire of some players to drop to the floor as if brutally injured on minimal or even imagined contact but I suppose some of the negatives from the men’s game was always like to make an appearance. Hopefully referees will clamp down.
The Lionesses arrived back in England yesterday and after a quick change were feted at Downing Street by the Deputy Prime Minister. I suspect the Prime Minister, an Arsenal fan, would probably have preferred to be at Downing Street rather than in Scotland, but perhaps I shouldn’t say that!
Today they’ve enjoyed an open top bus ride down the Mall to Buckingham Palace in front of 65,000 fans. It was incredible to see the crowds in support.
Now they have the little matter of pleasing the King by bringing home the World Cup in a couple of years. I have no doubt at all that they will add that trophy to Sarina’s cabinet too, I just hope the next tournament they play in, isn’t quite as nail-biting! No presssure!
