England, Captain Leah Williamson, said that the lion ribbons are determined not to be “flash in the pan” and “continue their legacy” as game changers while preparing for the Spain world champions in the Euro 2025 final in Basel.
The Lionesses have reached a third consecutive major tournament and will defend the European title that was won at Wembley three years ago against a Spain team that defeated them in the World Cup final in 2023.
The side of Sarina Wiegman has the chance to be the first English team that won an important title about foreign soil and Williamson, who was also captain for their historical success at Euro 2022, but then missed the world cup due to injury, said that the lion tones were motivated to add to their story.
“You don’t want to be a flash in the pan, a memory. When we spoke before 2022, we said it was the start of something and we are still trying to play our role in it,” Williamson said.
“If we are here and are on this stage, we know how powerful that is and I hope it will continue to grow. I hope that respect for women’s game, respect for women and women’s sport will continue and we can do our best to keep increasing that.
“The great thing about 2022 was that I am not sure whether someone of us will ever be more part of something like that in terms of change, the story and the journey.
“Being away from home is special in a different way. You will represent your country somewhere else and the weight of it is important to consider. It sometimes adds a little extra.
“History on the line, it seems [when] This team goes into a new year there is so much to do and can be done and I think it is a real privileged time to be part of this team.
“The chance to be the first and first that is a big motivator, but more because we know what it does for women’s football and the inheritance that we have already started.”
Williamson said that England is also ‘connected’ to the nation at home and understanding what it would mean to win only a second trophy since 1966 with the victory on Sunday.
“The chance tomorrow and what is being offered is the best in football,” said Williamson. “We wanted to be here until the end and have the chance to win the trophy.
“We don’t carry the weight of it, but we are aware of it because it means the same thing for us. We recognize the chance and we do everything we can to do it.”
Spain beat England 1-0 in the World Cup final two years ago, but Williamson did not agree with the idea that the Lionesses were underdogs against the world champions, who want to win the euros for the first time.
“I think we will play a match tomorrow against the world champions who keep preaching themselves in the way they play football,” said Williamson. “They are a fantastic football team and they are the best in what they do and we are very aware of that.
“We think that we are also pretty good in areas. We have to be at our best to beat Spain. I think they should be at their best to defeat us. There is a lot of respect between the two teams. I would hesitate to say that there is an underdog in this scenario.
“Eventually we will go against the world champions tomorrow and that is not an easy job. We will prepare ourselves as well as possible for that challenge.”
England reached the Euro 2025 final after he needed wonderful escapes in the quarterfinals and Italy in the semi-final in the quarterfinals and Italy, and Williamson said that England could not afford to go into the last one.
“We focus on being the best people we can do with each other, perform the best we can and hopefully that you want the result you want,” said Williamson. “But absolutely not afraid to lose because you do energy in ways you don’t want.”
Wiegman confirmed that England have all 23 players available for the final, including Lauren James – who has recovered from an ankle injury to conflict.
“We had 23 players on the field today and everyone came on, so if everyone recovers well, we have 23 players available for tomorrow,” said Wiegman.
“We have many players who can influence and we know [James] Can have an impact, so that will be nice. “
“I would just reflect what Sarina says, we have a team of talented players,” added Williamson. “We all bring something different, just like the others – clear [James] Available is the best scenario for us. ”
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