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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jack Lacey-Hatton

Five standout moments from 'England: Inside the Pride' Euro 2022 documentary

'Inside The Pride: The Untold Story of England’s Euros’ Victory' has been released on YouTube ahead of its broadcast on the BBC over the festive period.

The documentary gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at how Sarina Wiegman's squad became European Champions last summer, when the Lionesses beat Germany 2-1 after extra time in the final at Wembley. The documentary tells the full story of each game and features interviews with captain Leah Williamson, Millie Bright, Demi Stokes, Alessia Russo as well as manager Wiegman.

Viewers get to see what life was like around the training camp during the tournament and even go inside the dressing room for some of the post-match celebrations.

Here are Mirror's five standout moments from what is a must-watch for any football fan.

Williamson's inspirational message

It it easy to forget how big the anticipation was before England's opening group fixture against Austria. It was a game the Lionesses went on to win 1-0 thanks to Beth Mead's first goal of the tournament and set the tone for the amazing summer that followed.

The atmosphere was electric inside Old Trafford, with smoke from the pre-tournament fireworks display only just beginning to clear as game started. Many England players after that game spoke about how they couldn't hear instructions from the touchline or other teammates due to the ear-splitting noise inside the stadium.

In her interview, Williamson reveals that just before the teams went out onto the field, she turned to goalkeeper Mary Earps and said: "Don't waste a second of this, because I think we are going to want to remember it forever." Fitting words from an inspirational captain who led by example all summer.

Away from the pitch

The documentary doesn't solely focus on what went on during the games. We also get to see inside the Lionesses base at Teddington.

There's some action from an intense game of table tennis between Rachel Daly and Lauren Hemp and an equally hard-fought dodgeball clash on a beautiful summer's day. Players looked relaxed throughout and it clearly made a difference when it came to game time.

"I believe that when you work hard and are really focused, that costs energy," Wiegman explained. "So you need some time to switch off and do other things and get your headspace again."

Inside the dressing room

England's dramatic win over Spain in the last eight set up a semi-final with Sweden at a raucous Bramall Lane. After the Lionesses' stunning 4-0 win, which booked a place at Wembley, we see perhaps the most emotive moment of the documentary.

Williamson is sat alone in the dressing room having just taken part in the on-pitch celebrations following the win. Looking drained, the England skipper has her head bowed as she takes in what has just happened.

"It's weird," she said. "It's that feeling of elation, but then [thinking] one game to go. That's it one more game. We've got six days to change our lives."

Toone recreates Russo celebration

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the documentary is just how strong the Lionesses' spirit was throughout the tournament. The strength of the bond between teammates is on display in virtually every clip that takes fans behind the scenes.

A prime example of this comes courtesy of good mates Ella Toone and Alessia Russo, when the latter talks through her celebration following a sensational back-heel goal against Sweden. Toone brilliantly manages to recreate it at training the next day.

You have to give the Manchester native credit, she nails the celebration and looks hilarious while doing so. "Obviously, Tooney had to take the mick out of me the next day," jokes Russo.

This was an England side that, away from the pressure of competing for one of the sport's biggest prizes, was always laughing, joking and enjoying each other's company.

Alessia Russo after scoring against Sweden during the semi-final (Anna Gowthorpe/REX/Shutterstock)

Tournament legacy

Some of the best parts of the film naturally come after the final whistle sounds at Wembley, confirming the Lionesses as the new European Champions. The viewer is taken alongside the team at the very moment the trophy is lifted to the roar of a packed stadium.

We also see the celebrations in Trafalgar Square and the moment the Lionesses are welcomed by an adoring public. It is heart-warming to see the squad greeted as heroes with England flags flying high as football came home.

But regardless of whether the final was won or lost, Wiegman reveals her team always knew what they were playing for. Inside the team, it was always about more than an international tournament.

"When you have a home tournament and it's such a big event, you know you can make a difference and inspire people," she said.

"If we hadn't won that final, the legacy was already written," added Williamson. "We had changed peoples perceptions already and seen a massive interest in our game. You always have that when we have success at tournaments but this felt different because it was here and everyone felt a part of it."

You can watch Inside The Pride | The Untold Story of England’s Euros’ Victory now via England's YouTube channel or on New Year's Eve at 12:30 on BBC One.

NEW! Our Year: European Champions 2022 - The Official England Winners Book

With a foreword by England manager Sarina Wiegman, this is the only official book of the historic triumph, reliving every kick of a thrilling tournament and telling the stories of the players who made it all happen.

Order from https://reachsportshop.com/book/our-year-european-champion-2022/

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