As the Lionesses prepare to face Spain in the Euro 2025 final in Basel, England captain Leah Williamson has delivered a powerful message, reflecting on the team's journey, their connection with the nation, and the legacy they aim to create.

Williamson acknowledged the challenges the team has faced throughout the tournament, particularly in the knockout stages. England needed late goals against Sweden in the quarter-final and a dramatic comeback against Italy in the semi-final to secure their place in the final. "It has not been smooth sailing and I feel like things haven't necessarily gone to plan," Williamson admitted. Despite the setbacks, she expressed pride in the team's resilience and their ability to "bounce back" in difficult situations. "I am annoyed that we get ourselves into certain situations... but to bounce back like that, you can't take anything away from the team," she stated.

The England captain emphasized the team's awareness of what their success would mean to the nation. "I think we are connected to what it means to the nation, as connected as we can be being away from home," she said. Williamson recognized the opportunity they have and affirmed the team's commitment to "do everything we can to take it". She believes that the team doesn't carry the weight of expectations, but they are aware of it because it means the same to them.

Looking ahead to the final against Spain, Williamson acknowledged the quality of their opponents, who beat England in the 2023 World Cup final. "We recognize that our opponents are 'the best at what they do'," she stated. However, she asserted that England does not see themselves as underdogs and that they are prepared for the challenge.

Williamson also spoke about the legacy the current Lionesses squad is determined to build. "You don't want to just be a flash in the pan and a memory," she said. "When we spoke prior to 2022, we said it was the start of something and we're still trying to play our role in that". She hopes their consistency at the top level will inspire future generations and continue to elevate the women's game. "So being here and being on this stage, we know how powerful that is. I hope it just continues and continues to grow and the respect for the women's game and women in general, we can try our best to continue to elevate that,” Williamson added.

The Lionesses are aiming to win England's first major tournament trophy on foreign soil. Williamson acknowledged the special significance of representing their country away from home. "Being away from home is special in a different way. You represent your country somewhere else and the weight of that is important to consider because it adds a little extra," she explained. As they stand on the brink of history, Leah Williamson and the Lionesses are ready to give their all in the Euro 2025 final, driven by their connection to the nation and their desire to create a lasting legacy.