The Lionesses Have Done It! Celebrating England’s Historic Euro 2022 Victory
- Emelie Eriksson
- Aug 1, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 26, 2024
Hey Loves! ✨
I’m still riding the high from one of the most incredible moments in UK sporting history. Can we just take a moment to say it together? The Lionesses have only gone and done it! Football has finally come home! As a Swede, my loyalty might usually lie elsewhere, but even I couldn’t resist being swept up in the sheer magic of this historic win. Watching England’s women make history was nothing short of electrifying—a triumph not just for football, but for women’s sport as a whole.
A Night to Remember
Although I didn’t snag a ticket to Wembley, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to experience the final than at the Clapham Grand. The place was alive with energy: fans decked out in England tops, faces painted with St. George’s crosses, and voices hoarse from cheering. I was surrounded by friends—some die-hard football enthusiasts, others just there for the vibe—and together we lived every second of the match as if we were right there in the stands.
When Ella Toone’s perfectly placed chip floated into the back of the net, the place erupted. Drinks flew, strangers hugged, and for a glorious moment, it felt like nothing else in the world mattered. But, as football loves to remind us, the drama wasn’t over. Germany’s equalizer silenced the crowd briefly, only for the tension to build as extra time loomed.
And then came Chloe Kelly’s moment. It wasn’t the prettiest goal, but it was everything we needed. Scrappy, determined, and bursting with sheer grit, Chloe poked that ball into the net, and the rest is history. Her celebratory run, shirt swinging above her head, has already become iconic. Watching her pure joy and uncontainable excitement was enough to bring tears to the eyes of even the most stoic among us.
Star Performances That Shone Bright
Every single player left their heart on the pitch. Beth Mead, crowned Player of the Tournament, delivered consistently outstanding performances, proving why she’s one of the best in the game. Lucy Bronze—steadfast and fearless—held the defense together with her usual world-class poise. And Leah Williamson? A captain’s performance through and through, leading with composure and strength. Keira Walsh’s vision and control in midfield were nothing short of masterful. These women were more than just players—they were a team, a unit, a family.
A Legacy Beyond the Pitch
This victory is so much more than a trophy. It’s a turning point for women’s football in the UK and beyond. Seeing Wembley filled with over 87,000 fans, and knowing millions more tuned in at home, was proof that women’s sport can command the spotlight. For too long, women’s football has been underfunded, undervalued, and underestimated. But this win? It’s a loud, undeniable statement: women’s sport is here to stay.
I’ve already had conversations with mums at the school gate talking about signing their daughters up for local football teams. My youngest, Leo, even declared he’s going to grow his hair long so he can “play like Beth Mead.” It’s heartwarming to see how this team has captured imaginations across generations. The Lionesses have given young girls—and boys, too—something to dream about.
A Moment That United a Nation
What makes this victory even sweeter is how it brought people together. Whether you were in a packed pub, at home with family, or lucky enough to be at Wembley, we all felt the same joy, the same pride, the same sense of belonging. As someone who’s lived in the UK for years now, it’s moments like these that remind me why sport is so much more than just competition. It’s about unity, hope, and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself.
Final Thoughts: Thank You, Lionesses
To our Lionesses: thank you for the summer of dreams. You’ve inspired a nation, broken barriers, and redefined what’s possible for women in sport. This is more than just a win—it’s a movement, a legacy, a new chapter for football. And as a proud Swedish woman watching this unfold, I can honestly say: I’m so glad I got to witness it.
Here’s to you, our champions, our heroes, and our trailblazers. You’ve made history, and we couldn’t be prouder. Let’s keep this momentum going—for women’s football, for women’s sport, and for every little girl dreaming big dreams on a football pitch.
C’mon, England! 🦁🏆⚽️
Millie x
Comments