10 Iconic Moments From England's Euro 2022 Win

10 Iconic Moments From England's Euro 2022 Win

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By Harrison Bennett
Wednesday, 3rd August 2022
Leah Williamson projected onto the National Football Museum in Manchester (credit: BBC/James Stack)

For years women were shut out of the game, but on Sunday 31 July 2022 it was the women's team who ended England’s 56 years of hurt in front of a sold-out crowd at Wembley.

They broke records and made history, beating Germany 2-1 in extra-time with goals from Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly to win their first ever major trophy. 

It was a seismic moment for women’s sport in the UK, and it will no doubt have shifted attitudes permanently while inspiring young girls across the country.

Needless to say, it's been a memorable month, as the Lionesses' road to glory was paved with many iconic moments. Too many, really, to list in full. So here are just some:

1. Alessia Russo's outrageous backheel goal

With the most audacious backheel, Alessia Russo nutmegged Sweden's goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl and completed England's humiliation of the highest-ranked team in Europe. It was a goal that seemed to sum up this team: poised, creative and utterly fearless.

2. Tess getting us all dancing to Sweet Caroline

Eight-year-old Tess Dolan won the heart of the nation when she was caught on TV dancing to Sweet Caroline in the semi-final. A personally signed shirt from Alessia Russo confirmed her status as the official Lionesses mascot.

3. Ian Wright's 'equal access to football' speech

England’s semi-final win was met with nationwide adulation, and rightly so. But above the noise rose Ian Wright’s voice of reason: “If girls are not allowed to play football just like the boys can in their PE after this tournament, then what are we doing?” According to the FA, only 63% of schools offer girls football in PE lessons, which makes campaigns like his crucial.

At the time of writing, the Lionesses have posted an open letter to potential Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, calling for their help in creating real change.

4. Jill Scott's fighting talk in the final

A fired-up Jill Scott was caught giving her opposite number Sydney Lohmann a British earful in the final. And although most would agree that they shan't be liable for any swears in the heat of battle, she has since apologised to her grandma. 

5. Chloe Kelly's "Bobby Zamora moment"

It was Chloe Kelly who poked in the trophy-clinching goal and amid the wild celebrations she ripped off her shirt and whirled it around on a victory lap. Many thought it was an ode to Brandi Chastain and her 1999 World Cup-winning celebration. And although Chastain tweeted her approval, Kelly, a life-long QPR fan, has since confessed that her inspiration was actually former fan favourite Bobby Zamora.

6. Chloe Kelly runs off mid-interview to sing Sweet Caroline

Because who has time to serve the BBC some soundbites when your jam comes on at Wembley?

7. The Lionesses barge into the post-match press conference to roar It's Coming Home

As manager Sarina Wiegman was debriefed by the press, the squad's victory lap continued right around (and on top of) the conference table.

8. Gabby Logan's rallying sign-off

In a powerful sign-off, BBC presenter Gabby Logan harked back to Kenneth Wolstenholme’s immortal words in England's win over Germany in the 1966 World Cup final. It was a timely reminder that as momentous a moment it was, it is up to all of us to ensure the Lionesses’ legacy endures. “Think it’s all over? It’s only just begun.”

9. "The mandem couldn't, so the gyaldem did"

One lad gave Gabby Logan a run for her money with his own poetic summary, pointing out that England's women achieved what the men failed to at Euro 2021, where they lost to Italy in the final.

10. Rachel Daly turns Tina Turner in Trafalgar Square

Judging by all the sunglasses – and Lucy Bronze’s huge Flintoff-esque ski goggles – there were some sore heads on that Trafalgar Square stage. But Rachel Daly’s rousing rendition of Tina Turner’s River Deep and the 7000 fans singing along must've cured any hangovers and then some.

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For years women were shut out of the game, but on Sunday 31 July 2022 it was the women's team who ended England’s 56 years of hurt in front of a sold-out crowd at Wembley.