Evening Standard
·27 July 2025
England captain Leah Williamson left in 'total disbelief' as Lionesses win Euros yet again

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsEvening Standard
·27 July 2025
Skipper hailed the squad’s ‘relentless’ spirit after another Euros triumph
England captain Leah Williamson admitted she was in “total disbelief” as the Lionesses beat Spain to win Euro 2025.
England defeated Spain 3-1 on penalties after the final in Basel had finished 1-1 and gone to extra-time.
Hannah Hampton was England’s hero, saving two penalties as the Lionesses retained the European crown they won three years ago.
The Lionesses are now the first England team to retain a major trophy and also the first to win one on foreign soil.
“Total disbelief - but at the same time, I knew it was going to happen,” said Williamson. “Playing for this England team is unbelievable.
“You cannot put us down. It’s such an amazing feeling to be a part of. There’s always a moment when I think, right girls, now’s the time. Let’s turn it on.
“The way we defended as a team, as a back four especially but he whole team, nothing came through us. It just felt like it was going to be our day.
“Relentless, we have players who absolutely love it. It’s just unbelievable to do it again. And after that first game, no-one thought we would - and fair enough! But nothing has changed.
“The stakes, everything was higher. We have ridden our luck, but I don’t think we were lucky.”
Champion: Jess Carter
The FA via Getty Images
Williamson was a rock in the heart of England’s defence against Spain, as was her centre-back partner, Jess Carter.
“I couldn’t be prouder,” said Carter. “I’m speechless. I don’t know how to sum it up. I want to stay a massive thank you to our fans and to my team, my family.
“Everyone has doubted us and doubted me personally but I think we just proved to you what we’re capable of. This is it.
“It’s been crazy. I was pretty disappointed with how I was playing through the tournament but looking back now, I could not give a damn.
“What matters is the end, and how we keep fighting. We’re gonna keep winning games because we’re England.”