England Lionesses Win Women's Euros in Basel, Set Attendance Records

The England women's football team, the Lionesses, have made history by winning the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 for the second consecutive time, becoming the first England senior team to win a major tournament overseas. This victory, highlighted by a dramatic penalty shootout win against Spain and standout performances from players like goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly, has significantly boosted the profile and growth of women's football in England and Europe. The tournament set new records for attendance and viewership, with over 650,000 fans attending games live and millions more watching on television, illustrating the rising popularity of the women's game. The success of the Lionesses has spurred grassroots growth, including a tripling of girls' junior football teams in some regions and increased government funding for youth programs, though challenges remain in bridging the gap between junior and senior levels. Analysts and commentators emphasize the team's resilience, character, and mental strength as key factors behind their victories, coining the term "Proper England" to describe their mentality. This sustained success is seen as a springboard for further development and investment in women's football, both domestically and internationally.