A Powerful Message of Support
David Beckham delivered a powerful message of support for the Lionesses as millions prepared to cheer the team on in the European Championship final against Spain. With the Prince of Wales traveling to Switzerland for the match, and over 15 million expected to watch back home, Sir David praised Sarina Wiegman’s team for their remarkable campaign.
Sir David said: ‘The whole country has watched as our Lionesses have again fought their way to the finals with the grit and determination that we know is at the heart of this brilliant team and of our country. Good luck, girls. We are all behind you, and we know you will give everything for the final.’
Financial Rewards for the Team
If the England squad wins the Euros for the second time in three years, they stand to earn millions from FA bonus payments, sponsorship bonuses, endorsement deals, and social-media earnings. Each player could receive more than £70,000 from what is believed to be a £1.7 million bonus pot from the FA—£18,000 more than their reward for defeating Germany at Wembley in 2022.
Additionally, the 23 players will share 40% of UEFA’s prize money pot between them, which amounts to at least £87,000 each because they have reached the final.
Local Celebrations and Fan Support
Euros fever is expected to be at its peak on Sunday night in the players’ home towns. In Studley, Warwickshire, where goalkeeper Hannah Hampton grew up, postbox toppers in the green of the 24-year-old’s jersey have been knitted by proud residents. Meanwhile, hundreds of fans are anticipated to gather in Lucy Bronze’s hometown of Alnwick, Northumberland, where the 33-year-old recently opened a pavilion in her name at a junior football club.
Royal Support and Previous Controversies
FA patron the Prince of Wales has postponed his summer break to attend the match. In 2023, he opted not to fly to Australia to watch England play Spain in the women’s World Cup final, citing the long flight as too inconvenient for such a short visit. His absence was not well-received after the Lionesses lost that game. His plan to travel to Switzerland for the final was revealed following the Lionesses’ extra-time win over Italy on Tuesday, which drew a peak TV audience of 10.2 million—ITV’s highest viewing figure of the year.
Key Player Returns and Confidence
England received a significant boost when Wiegman announced that star player Lauren James, 23, who had limped out of the semi-final with an ankle injury, would be fit to play against Spain. Wiegman, who believes the dramatic tournament could be turned into a film, highlighted the late comebacks against Sweden and Italy in the quarter and semi-finals as giving her players immense self-belief.
She added: ‘You don’t want a nerve-racking game, but it shows what the competition is. The women’s game is improving so much—every game is a hard game. The most important thing is the players think we can win and change a game. That’s what we’ve shown.’
Captain’s Perspective and Challenges Ahead
Captain Leah Williamson, 28, who has also dealt with an ankle injury, said: ‘You don’t want to be a flash in the pan. Before 2022 we said it was the start of something.’ Referring to Spain being tipped as favorites, she said: ‘We need to be at our best to beat Spain—I think they need to be at their best to beat us, too.’
