'You don't want to be a flash in the pan' - Leah Williamson lays down gauntlet to Lionesses ahead of date with destiny in Euro 2025 final against Spain

The upcoming final marks England’s third straight appearance in a major tournament final. With the team continuing to cement its place in football history, Williamson emphasised that the Lionesses are not satisfied with fleeting success and are striving to establish themselves as a long-term force in the sport.

“You don’t want to be a flash in the pan, a memory. When we spoke before 2022, we said it was the start of something and we are still trying to play our role in that as well,” Williamson said.

“Being here and being on this stage, we know how powerful that is and I hope it continues to grow. I hope the respect for the women's game, the respect for women and women's sport continues and we can try our best to continue to elevate that."

Having captained England to their previous Euros title on home soil, Williamson acknowledged that playing a final abroad brings a unique sense of pride and responsibility.

"Being away from home is special in a different way. You go out to represent your country somewhere else and the weight of that is important to consider," she said.

"It sometimes adds a little extra. The history on the line, it seems [when] this team enters a new year there's so much to be done and could be done and I think it's a real privileged time to be part of this team. The opportunity to be the first this and first that is a big motivator but more because we know what it does for women's football and continues the legacy that we've already started."

Williamson also touched on the emotional connection the team shares with fans back in England, who are once again rallying behind the Lionesses. With the prospect of becoming only the second English team, men or women, to win a major international trophy since 1966, the significance is not lost on the players.

“The opportunity tomorrow and what’s on offer is the best thing in football,” Williamson said. “We wanted to be here until the end and have a chance to win the trophy.

“We don’t carry the weight of it but we’re aware of it because it means the same to us. We recognise the opportunity and we’ll do everything we can to do it.”

Sunday’s final brings a familiar opponent as Spain defeated England 1-0 in the 2023 World Cup final, a painful result that still lingers in the memory. However, Williamson dismissed the notion that England are going into the clash as underdogs.

“I think tomorrow we play a game against the world champions who continue to prove themselves over and over in the way they play football,” Williamson said. “They are fantastic footballing team and they are the best at what they do and we’re very much aware of that.

"We think we’re pretty good in areas as well. We need to be at our best to beat Spain. I think they need to be at their best to beat us too. There is a lot of respect between the two teams. I would be hesitant to say there’s an underdog in this scenario. Ultimately, we’re going against the world champions tomorrow and that’s not an easy job. We will prepare ourselves as best we can for that challenge.”

With history on the line and legacies at stake, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown in Basel. Williamson will hope that she can lead England to another night of glory, which will further elevate the Lionesses as icons of the modern game.