Dreamland

When we set out, each Lioness
seemed well equipped to handle stress.
Strong, smart and skilful, Millie Bright
is sure the preparation’s right.
Sarina’s thorough, calm, astute -
so cool, that Marks and Spencers’ suit.
Selection, substitutions, plays
are analysed, rehearsed for days.
Each tackles back, fills in those holes.
The work, the glory and the goals
are shared. The press are cockahoop –
at fourteen - nil they top the group.

After an hour they feel the pain
of chasing down a skilful Spain.
With subs the fightback can begin:
Russo to Toone, who stabs it in.
It’s extra time. Fear of defeat
is palpable, as Spain retreat.
Stanway lets fly from miles out
It’s in! No VAR, no room for doubt.

The semis. Sweden’s swift attack
has England reeling, on the rack.
They’re saved by Earps, and then the bar;
is this, maybe, one game too far?
But then, the magic of Beth Mead.
Bronze heads the second that we need.
It’s looking like a special day
when Russo takes the breath away.
The skill of that backheel – the cheek!
What we are watching is unique.

Final at Wembley. Popp can’t play
but Germany are on their way;
the tackles come in, hard and tight,
there’s early cards for Stanway, White.
A scramble, Earps is on the floor
and England dare to breathe once more.

An hour in, with subs in place,
the wonder Walsh finds Toone in space;
advances, with sublime control
and chips the keeper, brilliant goal.
We’re thinking that will lead the news
but Germans don’t know how to lose;
before our disbelieving eyes
they break away, and equalise.

There’s half an hour more to play.
Germany ? Penalties? No way.
There’s been great goals we can recall
but here’s the scruffiest of all.
A goalmouth melee, Wembley roars
as Kelly shoots, it’s blocked, she scores!  

Now, finally, the dream comes true –
the Euro champions, twenty-two
are England; Williamson steps up
to take the plaudits, lift the cup.
This crowd of women, children, men
learn how to celebrate again.
We cheer them, but they cheer us too,
remind us of the stuff we knew –
smart planning, teamwork, skill and style
done well, but always with a smile.
A staid press conference is the scene
for their triumphant dance routine.
So here’s to every Lioness
who helped us share in their success.