Never-say-die attitude that defines this squad and manager Sarina Wiegman was crucial to Lionesses’ overseas glory
It is a sight we have never seen, a senior England football team hoisting a major trophy in overseas air, an unparalleled away-from-home achievement, history made in Basel. And then there was the blissful soundtrack that accompanied it. That sweet, glorious sound of We Are The Champions being sung abroad by England and their supporters, Sarina Wiegman conducting everyone with her waving arms, and every England player and staff member belting out Queen’s words.
Wiegman is this sport’s undisputed queen of coaching, winning this silverware three times in a row, and now the first England manager to successfully defend a trophy. The Dutchwoman is the greatest signing the Football Association has made. What this win was defined by, though, was a “team”, and on Sunday they produced the ultimate team performance to beat the world’s best.
The phrase these Lionesses players have been repeating since February, to describe the way they want to play, is “proper England”. You could be forgiven for wondering: “What does that mean?” Maybe they all love Yorkshire puddings, chips with curry sauce. Or maybe they are all really patient when queueing. Maybe they had a character-building evening together waiting for a delayed train from Euston station. What they do mean by that phrase can be summed up by their unwavering, never-say-die attitude, their refusal to give in, their endeavour. It is their banter, too. It is Ella Toone joking on Friday about the chances of Michelle Agyemang getting “papped while eating a pasty”. Football-wise, it is their ability to execute a gameplan to perfection.
