6 iconic Lioness moments from Euros – ‘f*** off’ rant to Alessia Russo backheel
After the Lionesses fought their way to victory against Germany to win their first major trophy. It was a momentous occasion for England, with almost 90,000 spectators at Wembley to cheer the side on.
But it’s been a long journey for the women’s team – the tournament has been one long winding road full of magical moments, such as topless celebrations, audacious backheels, impassioned speeches, and one angry Norwegian.
Here, Daily Star Sport have compiled a list of some of the best moments to come from the Euro 2022 competition for the Lionesses. Prepare for a short, recent trip down memory lane.
READ MORE:Tearful Alex Scott's speech over 'four years of change' goes viral as England win Euros
The Backheel Queen
Alessia Russo scored one of the most delightful goals against Sweden in the semi-final.
In their triumphant 4-0 thrashing of the Scandanavians, the super-sub did what she does best: came off the bench to score a majestic goal that will go down in the ages.
At Bramall Lane on 68 minutes, England dismantled the Swedes with some patient build-up, leading to the Manchester United striker to get the ball in a dangerous area. She failed at her first attempt on goal, but netted the follow-up, using the back of her heel to breeze the ball into the back of the net.
What was your favourite moment? Let us know in the comments section below.
John Arne Riise's half-time meltdown
Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise was on pundit duty for England’s group game against his home nation, Norway.
But things didn’t go to plan for Riise and his home nation. By half-time, the Lionesses had thumped 6-0 past their opposition. "This is the biggest game for a long time for Norway and we have seen this attitude, that's why I think it is embarrassing and pathetic," the BBC pundit said. "The body language, the will to fight for your country, tactically all over the place, defending horrible.
"I was sitting in the stand at 2-0 and said 'this could be ugly' but this is unbelievably shocking to see how bad Norway were in the first half. When you see the players looking at the coaches bench asking who should pick (up) who, that means England is doing extremely well in positioning with and without the ball. Norway don't know what to do without the ball.
Riise’s rage continued: "On England's right side they're killing Norway. I think it is more damage control. He needs to make a substitution and one of the centre-backs comes off and another comes in. They need to try to win the second half but this is embarrassing for the coach and I'm glad I'm not in that dressing room now."
England went on to win the game 8-0.
Ian Wright’s rousing speech
Ian Wright's impassioned speech following England's 4-0 win over Sweden in the semi-final pulled at the heartstrings. During the BBC's post-match coverage of the match, the Arsenal legend spoke of how ‘proud’ he was of the side and even called on the FA to ensure that investment is made into the women’s game
"Whatever happens in the final now, if girls are not allowed to play football just like the boys can in their P.E. after this tournament then what are we doing?" Wright said. "We've got to make sure that they are able to play and get the opportunity to do this because it's going to inspire a lot of people.
"If there's no legacy to this, like what we saw with the [2012] Olympics, if there's no legacy after this then what are we doing? Because girls should be able to play."
Jill Scott's fiery tirade
The BBC was forced to issue an apology after its cameras picked up veteran player Jill Scott going on a sweary rant at a German player after she was brought down by a heavy tackle in the Euro 2022 final.
The 35-year-old Manchester City midfield could be seen shouting "f*** off you f***ing p****" when she was brought down by Bayern Munich's Sydney Lohmann.
BBC commentator Robyn Cowen apologised during the broadcast: "Apologies to any lip readers. Not sure you need to be one to figure out what Jill Scott thought of that."
Chloe Kelly goes wild (and so do we)
Chloe Kelly, who had suffered an ACL injury in 2021 while playing for City, scored her second-ever goal for England during the Euro 2022 final. Coming on as a substitute, the attacker was there to tap the ball home, scoring the winning goal for the Lionesses.
And as such, in what will surely go down as one of the most iconic moments in English football, she whipped off her top and whirled it in the air as the rest of Wembley exploded. What a moment for the 24-year-old and the rest of the country.
England special
The Lionesses become the history makers!
Make sure you get a copy of our 48 page special celebrating England's fantastic victory over Germany in the final of the UEFA Women's EURO championships featuring all the final action, celebration pictures, the road to Wembley glory, tournament wallchart, stats and facts and a fantastic centre spread souvenir poster. Only £3 and available to pre-order NOW
Press conference party and beyond
England women’s team celebrated their Euro 2022 victory by gatecrashing coach Sarina Wiegman’s post-match press conference, naturally all of them chanting a chorus of “football’s coming home.”
After their win with goals from Kelly and Ella Toone, the Lionesses went into full-on party mode and subsequent scenes at Wembley, in the dressing room and in the media room. All of the squad burst into the room and started to serenade their manager with David Baddiel, Frank Skinner, and The Lightning Seeds' classic song Three Lions.
Wiegman is not one for a tipple, but even the Dutch coach decided to let loose after the victory. “Now we have won the Euros, expectation will go through the roof again”, she said. “First we will party – for the first time in years I had a beer – I don’t like beer but I drank it and enjoyed it. Then some time off. Then prepare to finish qualifying for the World Cup.”
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