They thought it was all over. Quite a few times, in fact. Written off after their opening game against France; knocked to the canvas in their quarter-final against Sweden; behind with seconds remaining of their semi-final against Italy; a goal down against the world champions in the final. England have cheated death so many times in Switzerland this month to have become basically uninsurable.
But these Lionesses are also escapologists. And on a breezy night in Basel it was once again the strains of Sweet Caroline playing over the stadium sound system. Once again Leah Williamson holding aloft the European Championship trophy. Victory was secured on penalties against Spain, the final plot twist of what will surely be remembered as one of the most magnificent heists in the history of English sport.
