Williamson on the 'new England' reaching EURO 2025 final

“Whilst there’s are seconds on the clock, they are seconds that we are just waiting. Less ‘if’ and more ‘how’ or ‘when’.”

That was how Lionesses captain Leah Williamson described the final moments of England’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 semi-final against Italy with the clock ticking and Sarina Wiegman’s side trailing 1-0.

The defender asserted that she always believed England could find a way back into the game and they did just that, winning 2-1 in extra time courtesy of two goals from substitutes.

And the England skipper, who will lead the Lionesses at a second consecutive European final, was thrilled with the end outcome.

“I am very proud,” said Williamson. “I think everybody that plays for this team knows how lucky they are to have stepped into a time when we are so successful, but also just being a part of it, how inspirational it is for us, let alone everybody watching.

Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly turned it around for England, coming off the bench to make the scoresheet and flip the script, but it was a team effort, according to Williamson.

“Those girls deserve their flowers, and everybody just played their role,” praised Williamson.

“I am annoyed that we get ourselves into certain situations with miscommunications or not doing exactly what the plan says, but to bounce back like that, you can’t take anything away from the team or those girls, it is incredible.”

Having come from behind in the quarter-final against Sweden to prevail on penalties, it hasn’t been an easy road to the final for the Lionesses. However, according to Williamson, it is testament to the quality of the teams in the tournament.

“It has not been smooth sailing and I feel like things haven’t necessarily gone to plan,” continued Williamson.

“We said before we came in and I said I am intrigued to see the level just keeps rising and there are more and more unknowns and you have to be ready for everything.

“And I don’t think it has gone smooth sailing for anybody yet, which is the point. It makes a great tournament and it shows what is going on. We just have to keep rising as well, this new England has to find their feet quicker, which is good.”

And Williamson issued a rallying cry ahead of the final which takes place on Sunday 27 July in Basel (5pm BST kick-off) where England will face Spain.

“We have one more to go,” added Williamson. “I promise you we will give it everything we can but I will enjoy watching that game tomorrow, let’s say that.”