The European Championship final can be seen live on TV2, Areena and the app on Sunday from 18:00. Background stories, news and highlight clips can be found on ‘s competition page here.
England captain Leah Williamson completed one of the most extraordinary penalty kicks in the history of football in 2015. It was an under-19 European Championship qualifier, which Norway was leading 2–1.
In extra time, England got a spot, which Williamson surely buried in the goal. The goal was disallowed by the referee because the England player rushed onto the field to celebrate before the shot. According to the rules, the penalty should be restarted, but the referee gave Norway a free kick. Norway won the match, England appealed.
The match lasted 65 seconds, after which the entire team rushed to captain Williamson.
– We have experienced more than others during their entire career with that. When something is taken like that, you realize how much you wanted it, Williamson said at the time For Guardian (you switch to another service).
When England’s new head coach Sarina Wiegman called in April (you switch to another service) Williamson to discuss, he feared he had done something wrong in training camp. Instead of setting up, he was named England captain.
Before the ongoing European Championships, Williamson had played six minutes in the adult tournament.
Naming Williamson, who plays at centre-back, as injured by Steph Houghton was not surprising as a replacement. He has served as captain in all age groups of the national team.
Sports expert Maija Saaren according to Williamson constantly guides his team during the match.
– He waves both hands, points to places and works with his whole being. In full stadiums, directing with speech is not that effective, Saari describes.
Williamson has been one of the best players in the tournament. He has the most successful passes (411) and the most possessions (46). Saari praises the number of games and timely passes of Williamson, who also played in the midfield. Incense also comes from winning duels and the main game.
– In this tournament, the importance of the main game has been emphasized, because a lot of header goals have been scored.
According to Saari, Williamson has been England’s lock and the key to success. He is inconspicuous, which is a good sign as a topper – then no mistakes have been made, the expert says.
Williamson is the face of English women’s football. The media follows him relentlessly and Williamson stands in the spotlight with a grim expression on his face.
– As far as I understand, he is calm and, at least in media appearances, really analytical. Calmness exudes from him, Saari states.
Williamson says she was looking for a balance between being a female athlete who loves fashion. Gucci’s green suit doesn’t make him a worse footballer. He has found the female model from his grandmother.
– He lives his life as he wants. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t put effort into his work. “I’m thick-skinned enough to know that I take care of my football career and my game performances,” Williamson said For Sky Sports (switching to another service).
Williamson joined the north London club at the age of 9, and his family are Arsenal supporters. Sometimes Williamson forgets that the family isn’t just cheering for him.
There will be a bit of rowdy at home as his father and brother are supporters of another North London club, Tottenham Hotspur.
The final at Wembley football shrine
The captaincy is one of the highest honors bestowed in English football. Now Williamson will lead his team to a sold-out Wembley Stadium in the European Championship final – in front of more than 87,000 spectators.
Finland’s long-time captain Maija Saari can tell you what the responsibilities of the honorable mission are. According to him, personalities who are able to react as required by the situation are suitable for the role. The captain is the link between the team and the coaching staff. A leader who should be easy to follow.
No magic tricks or scripted speeches are needed for the final match.
– Nothing miraculous is done in the final, but the preparation is based on the same thing that has been done throughout the tournament. A captain needs to have situational awareness and know his teammates, Saari states.
You read that right: to the biggest final in European football, not women’s football.
Williamson, who hails from Milton Keynes, the “hometown” of Helmare’s European Championships, visited before the tournament British newspaper iD’s (you switch to another service) with in his home region. Williamson, who found football through swimming, gymnastics and cross-country, talked with his mother and grandmother about the EC tournament.
– We always support you, 100 percent, grandma Bernie Baker reminded.
– I do know. I never doubted that, Williamson replied.
– As long as you bring that trophy, grandmother continued.
– No pressure, but otherwise there is no coming home, mother Amanda Williamson said and laughed.
England and Germany in the final of the European Championships on Sunday from 19:00. The live broadcast starts at 18:00 on TV2, Areena and the app. Bet on the opening goal scorer of the match in Futistietäjä and win a technical ball!