These New Lionesses Are Ready to Carry On Where Euro 2022 Left Off

There is immense pride associated with becoming a Lionesses player. Alongside this pride, there is also significant pressure.

Under Sarina Wiegman Last year, our squad advanced to a higher division and in 2022, we clinched the European Championship on our home turf, an incredible accomplishment. However, this success has set high expectations for us ever since.

It has been rather challenging for several years, but we believe we've finally put that behind us.

The last time we faced them, we defeated the world champions Spain with a score of 1-0. Wembley in the Nations League . The performance was a reset, with so many players going back to basics. The outside world might sometimes see us as good individuals but that night in February we played together as a team.

It was a big victory and one which we believe puts us on a good path to the defence of our European Championship title in Switzerland this summer. But we cannot just expect it to happen because we’re England and we won the trophy last time.

The same thing that happened to us after winning the Euros also happened to Spain – albeit it may not have been as well-publicised in this country as it was over there.

Spain really struggled for results for a while in the aftermath of beating us in the 2023 World Cup final. Of course, it can happen and you have a target on your backs as the winners. Opponents will up their game against you which, to be fair, has always happened when you play for England.

Eventually, you discover your place, and we're a fresh English squad now, both in terms of our members as well.

You don't have to boast about holding the championship title. Nothing is handed to you when you return to play following a victory, regardless of whether you're England, Spain, or anyone else; that's just part of the deal.

There’s this notion that things shift once you hold the title, but take a look at our current squad – for instance, Ellen White isn’t here anymore as she played in every game during the Euros. Other players have also departed. It’s a whole new team now.

Spain lacked their World Cup standout player, Alexia Putellas, in our recent encounter, though they still had talents such as Laia Aleixandri, who wasn’t part of their triumphant campaign. Every elite team boasts formidable players whom we must be wary of. However, victory isn't guaranteed each time, despite being world champions like Spain.

For our team, I'm extremely proud of what we accomplished three years back, though, as I've mentioned before, the weight of wearing the England jersey can be quite burdensome at times.

I believe it can be particularly challenging when you're a young player joining a squad bearing the 'current champions' label. The pressure involved is immense.

When you claim a trophy, there's an initial thrill followed by mounting pressure to outperform everyone else. Seeing newer, younger players make their debuts in massive games at Wembley Stadium can be inspiring yet daunting. As someone with more experience among the squad members, my role involves assisting these young talents adjust to life within our high-stakes environment.

As a result, I've built strong connections with midfielders Grace Clinton and Jess Park —Jess Park being the one who netted the winning goal against Spain—two talented athletes I didn't previously play alongside much. During practice sessions, they frequently seek my input, so whenever possible, I do my best to share what guidance I can.

I've just let Jess know that she's an excellent player who deserves her spot in the squad based on her merits, and that she doesn't require me to instruct her on how to play football. This is indeed true; these young athletes are talented enough in their own rights already.

The only thing I can wish for is that young players figure out how to manage the expectations that come with playing for England nowadays. I believe they have what it takes, yet I know it’s not going to be simple.

Our circumstances have evolved, and we must permit this squad of players to navigate their path independently as we resume our campaign later this week with two Nations League matches against Belgium — first in Bristol on Friday, followed by a clash in Leuven next Tuesday.

Although we hold the title of European champions, this squad may perform more effectively without the extra stress that comes with such a designation. Moving forward, our sole concentration should be on what lies ahead.

As a UK-based brand led by women, ALIGNE We are delighted to join forces with Lucy Bronze as we advocate for women in sports. Female athletes embody confidence and resilience, and Lucy perfectly encapsulates what ALIGNE embodies.

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