England’s Lionesses rediscovered their form at Euro 2025 by embracing a powerful rallying cry—being “proper English.” More than just a phrase, it’s become a symbol of their identity, blending traditional grit with modern football intelligence.
How the ‘Proper English’ Mantra is Driving the Lionesses at Euro 2025
In a tournament where defending champions England were expected to lead from the front, a rocky start at Euro 2025 forced Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses to look inward. What emerged wasn’t a tactical overhaul or media deflection, but a rallying cry that’s as old as English football itself: be proper English.
Initially coined by Millie Bright after a Nations League win over Spain in February, the phrase has evolved into a touchstone for the team’s character. For Bright, it meant digging in, defending for one another, and being “hard to beat”—traits the Lionesses temporarily lost in a disjointed opening defeat to France.
But in the 4-0 demolition of the Netherlands, the full meaning of “proper English” came roaring back to life. It was more than a result—it was a statement.
A Gritty Response to Early Setback
Following the setback against France, the dressing room message was clear: reconnect with the values that brought success in 2022. Georgia Stanway vowed to deliver a “proper England” performance ahead of the must-win clash with the Dutch, and the players responded with relentless intensity.
Lauren Hemp summed it up best: “It’s about that fight in us that we all have, and will show in different ways. Everyone on that pitch did their jobs.” England weren’t just technically superior—they outworked their opponents at every turn. Their pressing numbers jumped, duels won spiked, and the team looked like the one that stormed to the title three years ago.
Style Meets Substance
The phrase may evoke images of long balls and crunching tackles, but this England team is more nuanced than the clichés suggest. Wiegman has added layers to their game—dropping the old rigid formations in favor of a fluid setup with a midfield triangle and defensive flexibility.
Keira Walsh orchestrates from deep, while Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood offer both stability and composure under pressure. Hannah Hampton’s long pass to Alessia Russo against the Dutch, which led to Lauren James’ opener, was route one in execution, but precision in intent.
The blend of grit and guile is unmistakably English, but modern too. This isn’t just about “getting stuck in.” It’s about understanding when to mix it, when to play, and when to fight. England won 46 of 48 duels against the Netherlands, almost doubling their success from the France match.
Returning to Their Roots
What’s remarkable is how deeply personal this response has been. Players spoke about remembering their journey—what it took to reach this stage, the setbacks, the sacrifices, the family away from home.
“It’s been important,” said Hemp. “You can know every single bit about someone to help you through everything.”
That team unity translated into tactical fluidity. Lauren James, misfiring as a central 10 against France, was redeployed on the right to devastating effect. Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood swapped defensive roles seamlessly. Ella Toone drifted between lines, creating space and driving the attack forward.
Even in possession, England were smarter. They had less of the ball against the Netherlands than in their opening match (52% vs. 57%) but used it better, winning it back high up the pitch and forcing Dutch errors. The performance wasn’t just dominant. It was intentional.
Identity Driving Performance
This “proper English” mentality isn’t about retreating into nostalgia. Instead, it’s become a vehicle for re-establishing identity. Russo described it as working “until we can’t run anymore and sticking together.”
That mindset is proving crucial at a tournament where pressure is magnified and reputations are tested. With one group game left against Wales, the Lionesses now control their destiny.
England fans can expect more than passion and physicality on Sunday. This team, guided by Wiegman’s evolving style and the players’ emotional reconnect with their roots, have found a powerful balance between heritage and progress.
