The England Lionesses concluded a historic and turbulent 2025 with a commanding 2-0 victory over Ghana at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium. The friendly match served as a fitting finale to a year that saw the national team successfully defend their European crown.
A Victory to Cap a Trophy Year
The win was secured through goals from two different generations of talent. Youngster Lucia Kendall, aged 21, opened the scoring in just the sixth minute, marking a dream moment in only her second senior appearance. The striker, who moved from Southampton Women's to Aston Villa this season, found the net early to settle nerves.
The second half saw a setback as Euro 2025 hero Chloe Kelly was forced off injured after 20 minutes, a concern for her club Arsenal. The match was sealed deep into stoppage time when Alessia Russo converted a penalty, awarded after a VAR review for a handball.
Five Defining Lessons from the Lionesses' 2025
This victory punctuated a year of immense achievement and challenge. Here are the pivotal insights from the Lionesses' journey as back-to-back European champions.
1. A Winning Mentality Trumps Pretty Football
England's path in 2025 was rarely straightforward. The year began with an underwhelming draw against Portugal and was punctuated by a Euros campaign where they often struggled to break down defensive teams. Spain displayed more dominant football at the tournament.
Yet, under manager Sarina Wiegman, the squad cultivated an unshakeable resilience. When it mattered most, they delivered results. This gritty, 'proper English' approach, combined with a potent winning mentality, ultimately secured the silverware, proving effectiveness can outweigh aesthetic perfection.
2. The Irreplaceable Spirit of Lucy Bronze
The question of succession grows louder, but Lucy Bronze's influence remains unparalleled. Her legendary Euros quarter-final performance—scoring, self-strapping an injury, and then blasting a 64 mph winning penalty—entered folklore. Manager Wiegman summed it up, stating the only way to get Bronze off the pitch is "in a wheelchair."
Her value extends far beyond the pitch. She is a leader in the dressing room, a poised media spokesperson, and a supportive mentor to younger players. As the team evolves, her warrior spirit and experience set a standard that will be incredibly difficult to replicate.
3. Chloe Kelly: The Penalty Specialist
Chloe Kelly reinforced her status as one of football's deadliest penalty-takers. Her technique, involving a long, psychological wait before a brutally powerful strike, proved decisive in all three knockout-stage shootouts at Euro 2025. Her 69 mph World Cup penalty remains a benchmark. Her injury against Ghana will raise alarms, but her spot-kick prowess is a weapon of immense value for club and country.
4. The Le Tissier Defensive Puzzle
Sarina Wiegman faces a tactical dilemma with Maya Le Tissier. While the manager views the Manchester United captain as a right-back, Le Tissier's recent performances at centre-back for England have been outstanding. Her reading of the game has solidified the defence. This presents Wiegman with a complex decision: persist with her as Bronze's long-term successor at full-back or utilise her commanding presence in the centre of defence.
5. The Persistent Shadow of the ACL Crisis
Triumph on the pitch continues to be overshadowed by a sport-wide injury epidemic. The ACL crisis in women's football shows no sign of abating. The year was marked by the cruel injury to teenage sensation Michelle Agyemang, who had just starred at the Euros, and a missed debut for the promising Katie Reid.
Research indicates female footballers are at significantly higher risk, with most injuries occurring in non-contact situations. As FIFA and national associations investigate causes—including physiological factors—the urgent search for solutions remains one of the most critical issues facing the women's game.
In summary, 2025 was a year where the England Lionesses proved their champion mettle, celebrated legendary figures, and confronted the serious challenges that lie ahead for women's football globally.
