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Euros win one of the most magnificent heists in the history of English sport | Jonathan Liew
Lionesses are escapologists who have secured what no other football team from these islands have before: a dynasty
They thought it was all over. Quite a few times, in fact. Written off after their opening game against France; knocked to the canvas in their quarter-final against Sweden; behind with seconds remaining of their semi-final against Italy; a goal down against the world champions in the final. England have cheated death so many times in Switzerland this month to have become basically uninsurable.
But these Lionesses are also escapologists. And on a breezy night in Basel it was once again the strains of Sweet Caroline playing over the stadium sound system. Once again Leah Williamson holding aloft the European Championship trophy. Victory was secured on penalties against Spain, the final plot twist of what will surely be remembered as one of the most magnificent heists in the history of English sport.
England needed the ultimate team performance to beat world champions | Tom Garry
Never-say-die attitude that defines this squad and manager Sarina Wiegman was crucial to Lionesses’ overseas glory
It is a sight we have never seen, a senior England football team hoisting a major trophy in overseas air, an unparalleled away-from-home achievement, history made in Basel. And then there was the blissful soundtrack that accompanied it. That sweet, glorious sound of We Are The Champions being sung abroad by England and their supporters, Sarina Wiegman conducting everyone with her waving arms, and every England player and staff member belting out Queen’s words.
Wiegman is this sport’s undisputed queen of coaching, winning this silverware three times in a row, and now the first England manager to successfully defend a trophy. The Dutchwoman is the greatest signing the Football Association has made. What this win was defined by, though, was a “team”, and on Sunday they produced the ultimate team performance to beat the world’s best.