On 31 July 2022 the Lionesses made history, Chloe Kelly’s goal in extra time earning a 2-1 win over Germany to secure a first major title at Euro 2022. The home Euros had swung the nation behind the team and women’s football has not looked back. What did the day of the final look like? Ahead of the Lionesses beginning their title defence, this is the inside story of English women’s football’s greatest day.
Waking up on the morning of the final, there was an eerie air of calm and confidence in the England camp.
Lucy Bronze, right-back: We stayed at The Lodge, at Tottenham’s training ground. It was the only night we moved hotels. The blinds were automatic and they opened on the hour, every hour, from one o’clock in the morning. So everyone came to breakfast with bags under their eyes and we were like: “Oh my God.” It wasn’t a great start. Fran Kirby was furious. She was so tired because she hadn’t had a good night’s sleep. I distinctly remember that.
