"A home Euros in 2022 had provided wave after wave of emotion, England's win at Wembley the culmination of decades of growth, setbacks, fight and deep longing. Everyone sang from the same hymn sheet for that maiden Euros win: the written press, broadcasters, fans, sponsors, Football Association, players and Sarina Wiegman and her staff. There were tears lots. Having begun covering women's football for the Guardian via a weekly column before the 2017 Euros, then gone full-time before the 2019 World Cup,"
"The 2025 edition was different, surreal, an almost psychedelic experience. In many ways better than 2022. This was England's first major tournament win male or female away from home. Expectations were high but injuries, retirements and inconsistent performances and results had made most aware that a title defence wouldn't be a procession. That made it all the more magnificent. The vibe was different too. It wasn't until the tournament was well under way in 2022 that the Lionesses swung into general public consciousness."
England secured their first major tournament victory away from home in 2025 despite injuries, retirements and inconsistent form that made a title defence uncertain. Public engagement was strong from the start, with fans invested in player retirements and fitness updates. Large travelling support recreated the atmosphere of the 2022 home Euros and made the victory feel familiar rather than foreign. Matches provided dramatic comebacks, extra time and penalty shootouts that created shared agony and ecstasy. Late kick-offs intensified emotional strain and produced a sensation of hanging on a metaphorical tightrope through many fixtures.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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