England’s national women’s football team, known as the Lionesses, secured their place in the semifinals of the Women’s Euro 2025 after a dramatic quarterfinal victory against Sweden. The match culminated in a shootout, where right back Lucy Bronze played a pivotal role, scoring the winning penalty. Her performance, characterized by grit and determination despite a leg injury, has been a testament to the collective effort and unity that has defined England’s campaign.
As they prepare for their upcoming semifinal against Italy on July 7, 2025, the Lionesses are aiming for their sixth major semifinal appearance in just ten years. Both Bronze and fellow defender Alex Greenwood have been integral to this journey, having participated in all six semifinal matches. Defender Esme Morgan, who entered the game against Sweden as a substitute, reflected on the evolution of the team and the pride that comes with their consistent performance at the highest levels.
The Lionesses’ ascent began with the 2015 World Cup in Canada, where they reached the semifinals for the first time. Bronze, then a rising star, showcased her versatility by playing both on the left wing and as a right back. Her standout moments included a stunning goal against Norway in the round of 16 and a crucial header in the quarterfinals against Canada. Although England lost to Japan in the semifinals, they claimed third place by defeating Germany, marking a significant milestone for the squad.
The momentum continued with a semifinal appearance at the 2017 Euro, where they faced the Netherlands, ultimately losing 3-0. A teammate from that era credited their success to “pure fight” and an underdog mentality, a sentiment that has since evolved as England has emerged as a formidable force in women’s football.
By the time the 2019 World Cup arrived in France, expectations shifted dramatically. England’s experienced squad, led by manager Phil Neville, achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory over Norway in the quarterfinals but fell short against the United States in the semifinals, ending their campaign with a missed penalty. The investment in women’s football was evident, with improvements in training facilities and increasing financial support for the Women’s Super League.
With Sarina Wiegman taking over as head coach in 2021, the team’s hard work began to bear fruit. Wiegman’s clear directives, including banning jewelry during matches to enhance performance metrics, set a professional tone. Her leadership was instrumental as England celebrated their victory at Euro 2022 on home soil, where they triumphed in front of enthusiastic fans.
The Lionesses continued their impressive run, reaching the final of the 2023 World Cup, where they narrowly lost to Spain. Throughout this journey, Bronze has been a key player and spokesperson, emphasizing the team’s growth and resilience. “If we hadn’t reached the semifinals, I would have said we underperformed,” she stated, highlighting the importance of overcoming past hurdles.
As the team approaches their semifinal match against Italy, they carry the weight of expectations and a determination to succeed. The squad has fostered a strong sense of camaraderie, illustrated by their supportive response to defender Jess Carter, who faced racist abuse during the tournament. The players collectively condemned the abuse and expressed their unwavering solidarity.
Bronze once again took the lead in addressing the media, articulating the team’s commitment to supporting one another. “We all support Jess; Jess supports the team,” she shared, reinforcing the Lionesses’ unity in tackling both on-field challenges and societal issues.
The upcoming match against Italy is poised to be emotionally charged. With the potential absence of captain Leah Williamson, who is recovering from an ankle injury sustained against Sweden, the Lionesses are focused on maintaining their winning mentality. The team’s journey from underdogs to title contenders has been marked by resilience, teamwork, and a “proper England” mentality that prioritizes collective success.
As they stand on the brink of yet another final, the Lionesses are ready to embrace the challenge ahead, drawing on their experiences and the strength of their unity. The semifinal clash in Geneva promises to be a defining moment for a team that has consistently demonstrated its ability to rise to the occasion.
