England ‘rode luck but not lucky’ – Williamson

After all three extra-time encounters, two of which were penalties, were played in extra time, England won Euro 2025, but Leah Williamson, the captain, claims they weren’t “lucky.”

The Lionesses defeated world champions Spain 3-1 on penalties in Basel, which gave them the European title they won on home soil in 2022, and the game finished 1-1 after extra time.

They become the first country to hold onto women’s Euros since Germany won six straight between 1995 and 2013.

They defeated Sweden in the quarter-finals and won in the semis late in extra time against Italy in the finals after they also required penalties.

What do you know, exactly? I’m still unaware of it. I’m still in the stage where people say, “This is unbelievable,” and others ask, “did this really happen? ” Manager Sarina Wiegman spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live. “Very happy, very happy, but a little strange. Simply unbelievable.

Williamson continued, “They were not fortunate champions, but deserving ones,” while Williamson claimed there had been a stroke of good fortune in England’s run to glory at Euro 2025.

In a festive atmosphere on the St. Jakob-Park pitch, she told the BBC, “We have ridden our luck, but I don’t think we were lucky.”

“Total disbelief, but I was aware that it was going to occur.” I’ll always say, “right girls, let’s turn it on” at times. Nothing came through for the way we defended as a team. It appeared to be going to be our day.

In the tournament’s knockout stages, England had a lead of just four and a half minutes, all of which came after Chloe Kelly’s late winner over Italy.

Never before did a major women’s tournament have a 120-minute winning streak in any of England’s knockout matches.

England will fight until the very end, according to BBC One pundit Nedum Onuoha. If you don’t put them away, the quality will still shine through in the end, according to the saying.

In a final where they had 22 shots and nearly 65% of the possession, Spain’s players and manager thought luck wasn’t on their side.

Spain’s captain Irene Paredes explained to TVE, “We tried everything, all the different ways, and the penalties didn’t go our way.” In the end, it’s not about who deserves it, but I believed we should have gotten it more.

England had that little bit of luck throughout the entire tournament, they said. We believed we could, but we were unable to do so.

Stats can, however, be inconsequential. England always had a plan, despite the poor performance of Sweden and Spain on the spot and Laura Giuliani spilling the ball onto Michelle Agyemang’s feet after 95 minutes of the semi-final with some luck.

Wiegman remarked, “I’m generally calm during the games.” Every game in this tournament has challenged us. We incorporated those who were on board, and how the team recovered from some setbacks, as well as today. That is the most crucial factor.

England’s late winning streak came from off the bench. England had 10 substitute goalscorers and five assists at Euro 2025 thanks to Kelly’s assist against Spain, a total of five goals and five assists.

They ultimately deserved it, according to the statement. They have endured, they have shown resilience, and that mentality, according to Euro 2022 winner Ellen White. It has been incredibly exciting.

Under Wiegman, they have won all four penalty shootouts, if they can’t win in open play.

Jess Carter, the defender, told the BBC, “I didn’t doubt we would win the shootout.” I’m not sure if my nerves would have taken me wrong, but I would have been the next. But I firmly believed that this team would have prevailed.

The unorthodox path taken by England to retain their Euros crown, which began with a haphazard 2-1 defeat to France in their opening group game, amplified the joy on the pitch at St Jakob-Park.

Wiegman kept her guns, avoiding the urge to use Kelly and Agyemang as super-subs in the final and relying on them to have the biggest impact.

Agyemang told the BBC, “It was so difficult coming from a loss in the first game to this.” “Everything happens for a reason,” says the statement.

Williamson continued, “We have players who absolutely adore it.” It’s “absolutely unbelievable” to do it once more.

Carter, on the other hand, had a remarkable Euro 2025 journey.

She struggled in the opening game against France, where Delphine Cascarino tore her at left-back and moved her to central defense, but she was exposed in pace and possession in the two early goals conceded.

Following the quarter-final, she was then subjected to racist abuse, and she was benched for the Italy match.

But she then made a superb performance in the final, returning to the starting XI.

“Carter said, “I just couldn’t be prouder.” I’m relieved, speechless, and excited.

“We have demonstrated what we are capable of,” says I want to say a big thank you to our fans, my family, and everyone else who has questioned us and me personally.

Ella Toone and Beth Mead’s medals were a way to remember loved ones who had lost at Wembley since the team’s victory in 2022, and they meant more than just footballing glory.

Toone’s father passed away last year, while Mead’s mother passed away in 2023.

We did it for our angels in the sky, Toone wrote in an emotional Instagram story alongside Mead. With us forever, and proud forever.

She also revealed that St. Jakob-Park’s empty seat next to her mother was also there.

Toone remarked, “If that’s not a sign, I don’t know what it is.” Dad, I’m aware that you were there.

The party followed the memories. After the match, Mad strode through the media’s mixed zone while pulling a boombox and a can of lager to Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’.

While consuming a slice of celebratory pizza, Toone claimed that there were times when people believed we were out. However, never.

We knew that the team would win, and so did we. That is our level of self-assurance.

We’re going to enjoy the evening.” I enjoy going to parties.

Even the CEO will participate.

Wiegman said, “I’ll do some more dancing.” I’ll have a drink, but I don’t believe I’ll feel as guilty as the players do.

Wiegman is the dancer whose influence on England’s fortunes cannot be overstated. He is the one who deserves a dance.

Former England international Toni Duggan remarked to BBC Radio 5 Live, “Salina is the most obvious difference.” She describes how the two teams are fighting for one another, regardless of whether they play for 90 minutes or just one minute. I adore following this team because they always do it for each other.