'I do believe' - Lionesses star Leah Williamson sends encouraging message to Gareth Southgate's England after Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain

The Three Lions were beaten 2-1 on Sunday night in cruel circumstances, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring the winner in the 86th minute. Spain led shortly after half time, through Nico Williams, but Cole Palmer's superb strike got England back into things before some late drama ensured it was Luis de la Fuente's side that lifted the trophy.

It was a result that probably brought back some unwanted memories for England's women's team, who lost to Spain in the World Cup final last summer. While on international duty ahead of a big game against Sweden on Tuesday, the Lionesses watched the men's final together and, as peers and fans, shared in their disappointment.

Asked about the result in a press conference on Monday, Williamson sent an encouraging message to the men's team with her response.

"Devastated for them, especially knowing some of them personally as well," she said. "I think what Gareth and his team have done over the last three, four years, reaching finals and bringing that dream closer to reality, I think we were very lucky as fans of England, men's and women's, to be in a position that we're in. We didn't quite get over the line against a fantastic Spanish team. I know they'll be devastated about it. It'll take a while, I think, for them to get over it but us as a country, I think we've been blessed with incredible tournaments and when those wins come, which I do believe they will, then they'll be even sweeter."

With that Euro 2024 run, England have now reached a major tournament final at senior level in each of the past four years, with the men getting to that stage at Euro 2020 (played in 2021), while the women won Euro 2022 and reached the 2023 Women's World Cup final.

As the Three Lions prepare for a well-earned break following their exploits in Germany, the Lionesses will face Sweden in Gothenburg on Tuesday knowing that a draw will ensure they have a chance to defend their European title next summer, as it'll secure automatic qualification for the tournament.