England’s Triumph at Euro 2025
In the latest edition of The Athletic FC, we celebrate England’s triumph at the Euro 2025 tournament, highlighting what has become known as one of the most resilient campaigns in football history. The daily football newsletter covers all angles of this remarkable tournament run, from the challenges faced by the Lionesses to notable signings and controversies in professional football.
Standout Stories from the Tournament
One of the standout stories from England’s success is Lucy Bronze, who remarkably played through the tournament with a fractured leg, a feat that went unnoticed until the end. England’s coach, Sarina Wiegman, has cemented her reputation with this victory, and our coverage reviews how the team overcame steep obstacles, including unexpected player withdrawals and a rocky start with a loss against France.
Knockout Stages and Dramatic Moments
During the knockout stages, England’s struggle was palpable. They led in matches for only brief moments—notably, they were nearly eliminated by Sweden and Italy before rallying in decisive plays. In their dramatic penalty shootout against Spain, they faced an early setback when Beth Mead mistakenly touched the ball twice before converting her penalty, leading to a retake which she ultimately missed. Yet, in a testament to their grit, Chloe Kelly emerged as the hero, securing the match after a nerve-wracking shootout.
Kelly’s journey is particularly inspirational; her earlier struggles with her club Manchester City nearly thwarted her chances of participating in the tournament. Desperate for a fresh start, she secured a loan to Arsenal, breaking a long-standing partnership with City and publicly expressing her frustrations.
Key Players Rising to the Occasion
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who unexpectedly became the primary keeper after the sudden retirement of Mary Earps, also rose to the occasion. Despite doubts about her professional viability, she showcased her skills by stopping two penalties in the final, proving instrumental in England’s victory.
Mixed Emotions for Spain
This Euro win, however, brings mixed emotions for Spain, who were strong contenders equipped with immense talent, yet they’ve suffered from controversy in the past. Their women’s football program, now receiving significantly improved support post-2023 World Cup, suggests a bright future despite the disappointment of this year’s final.
Transfer Drama and League Developments
In other developments on the football front, transfer drama unfolded with Morgan Gibbs-White, who was on the verge of joining Tottenham Hotspur. Two weeks ago, his transfer seemed imminent, but he threw a curveball by extending his contract with Nottingham Forest through 2028, much to Spurs’ dissatisfaction. This move underscores Forest’s resilience and ambition in the current football landscape.
Moreover, Lionel Messi‘s absence from the MLS All-Star game has led to discussions about athlete suspensions, especially in light of the league’s existing rules. Messi served a one-match ban during Inter Miami’s recent draw against FC Cincinnati, sparking debate among fans and officials alike. As the club navigates through this setback, they managed to strengthen their roster by signing Messi’s colleague, Rodrigo De Paul, from Atletico Madrid, which positions them for a promising run at the MLS Cup.
Looking Ahead
As the new football season in England approaches, anticipation builds not only for on-field action but for the evolving narratives surrounding player transfers, injuries, and the intricacies of club dynamics in a game defined by both resilience and strategy.
