Historic Second Euros Victory for England: 12 Pivotal Moments Transforming Sports History
England's Lionesses Make History with Back-to-Back Euros Wins
The England women's football team, popularly known as the Lionesses, made history in 2025 by winning the Women's Euros final in Basel, Switzerland. This victory marked their second consecutive Euros title and made them the first England football team to win two back-to-back finals and defend a title.
The final saw a total attendance of 657,000, surpassing the previous record of 574,875 set in 2022. This attendance set a new record for any women's football match.
The Lionesses' success in 2025 came after their groundbreaking win in the Euros final of 2022, where they became the first England team to win the Euros in 60 years. Moreover, they made history by winning their second consecutive Euros final on foreign soil.
The journey of the Lionesses, however, was not always smooth. The Football Association (FA) banned women's football from being played on official football grounds in England in 1921, effectively halting the growth of the women's game for about 50 years. The ban, which was lifted in 1971, had a profound negative impact on the development of women's football in England.
Despite the ban, women continued to play football informally, and the sport persisted. The formation of the Women’s Football Association (WFA) in 1969 and the FA's subsequent lifting of the ban in 1971 paved the way for the formal reorganization and growth of women's football in England.
The resurgence of women's football in England gained momentum in the 1990s. In 1999, women's football began to sell out stadiums, following the example set by the USA during the FIFA Women's World Cup. The 2012 Olympics marked a significant moment for women's football as it was the first time a female football team represented Team GB, reshaping attitudes towards the women's game forever.
The Women's Super League, the highest level of football for women, was formed in 2010, replacing the FA Women's Premier League National Division. In 2021, both the BBC and Sky signed a three-year agreement to broadcast the Women's Super League, giving more access to women's football and pushing for investment and interest in the sport.
The Lionesses' success in the Euros final of 2025 also marked their first appearance in a World Cup final since 1966. During the Women's World Cup of 2023, the players shared a statement reflecting their frustration that bonus talks weren't resolved ahead of the start of play.
Despite these challenges, the Lionesses have continued to break records and inspire a new generation of female footballers in England. Their journey serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of women in sports and the power of unity and perseverance.
References:
[1] The Guardian. (2021, July 11). The history of women's football in England: the FA ban, the WFA and the rise of the Lionesses. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jul/11/the-history-of-womens-football-in-england-the-fa-ban-the-wfa-and-the-rise-of-the-lionesses
[2] BBC Sport. (2021, July 11). Women's football in England: A timeline of key moments. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57985562
[3] The FA. (n.d.). England Women's Timeline. Retrieved from https://www.thefa.com/womens-football/about/history/timeline
[4] UEFA. (n.d.). Women's Euro 2022. Retrieved from https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/history/index.html
- The Lionesses' victory in the Women's Euros final of 2025 showcased their determination, even after the Football Association's ban on women's football in 1921 that halted its growth for nearly five decades.
- The Lionesses' success in style on the pitch has sparked a surge in interest in fashionable athletic wear, with many celebrities enthusiastically shopping for sporty chic outfits inspired by their performances.
- Apart from promoting fitness and health, the Lionesses' victories have also emphasized the importance of well-funded sports programs and fair compensation for players, particularly in light of the controversy surrounding bonus payments during the Women's World Cup of 2023.
- Furthermore, the Lionesses' impressive displays on the field has led to a significant increase in funding for English football clubs' women's teams, allowing for improved facilities and resources to empower and nurture the next generation of female athletes.
- In addition to enhancing beauty through athleticism, the Lionesses' achievements continue to promote unity and teamwork as essential values in sports, inspiring girls and women throughout England to pursue sports as a means to develop their physical fitness, mental strength, and self-confidence.
