Wright Stunned by Wiegman's Spain Decision

A Historic Victory and Controversial Substitutions

England's victory in the Euro 2025 final was a momentous occasion, marking the first time an English team had won a major tournament on foreign soil. The Lionesses overcame Spain in a thrilling penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 following extra time. This win not only solidified their place in history but also further elevated Sarina Wiegman’s reputation as one of the most accomplished international coaches.

For the third consecutive match, England found themselves trailing early. Spain took the lead in the first half with a header from Mariona Caldentey. However, just like they had done against Sweden and Italy, the Lionesses fought back. Alessia Russo made a crucial impact by scoring a brilliant equalizer in the 57th minute, heading in Chloe Kelly’s pinpoint cross to bring the game level.

The match remained deadlocked after extra time, leading to a tense penalty shootout. Kelly once again proved her worth, stepping up to take the decisive spot-kick and securing a 3-1 victory for England. This triumph capped off a rollercoaster campaign that saw the team overcome numerous challenges and emerge victorious.

A Coach's Legacy and Controversial Decisions

Sarina Wiegman has already etched her name into football history, having won the European Championship with the Netherlands in 2017 and leading England to back-to-back titles in recent years. Despite her impressive track record, some decisions during the final raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the substitution of Alessia Russo.

Ian Wright, a former Arsenal striker and respected football analyst, expressed his disbelief at the decision to take Russo off after she had just scored. He questioned why Wiegman would remove such a key player, especially when the game was still in the balance. Wright emphasized that Russo could have been a significant threat in the final stages, potentially creating more chances for the team.

"Russo was feeding off scraps," Wright noted. "When you're playing in a game like that, all you're hoping for is one chance that you can try and take, which she did, and then you get a second wind." He added that the decision to substitute her left her visibly confused and frustrated.

Wright acknowledged that Wiegman is a genius and a legend, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that some of her choices were puzzling. He pointed out that other players, like Michelle Agyemang, came on and made an immediate impact, but he believed that having Russo on the field could have changed the course of the game.

A Gamble on Fitness

Another controversial decision involved Lauren James, who was taken off despite being less than fully fit. Wright was surprised that Wiegman chose to gamble on James’ fitness when there was a ready and willing alternative in Chloe Kelly. He felt that Kelly had proven her readiness in previous matches and could have made a difference in the final moments.

"Lauren James' natural game is not to track back and try to stop those players," Wright said. "She’s half fit and it just felt like, 'Oh my gosh, what’s going on?'"

A Moment of Emotion

Chloe Kelly’s performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the difficult period she faced earlier in the year. Wright admitted that he was emotional when Kelly stepped up to take the winning penalty. He described the moment as a defining one for both the player and the nation.

"I got emotional as well when she did it. I just had a feeling and I felt like I was going to cry. I was just so pleased for her and I wanted it to happen and I wanted it to happen for us a country."

Final Thoughts

While the Lionesses celebrated a historic victory, the final was not without its controversies. The decisions made by Wiegman, particularly the substitution of Russo and the handling of James’ fitness, sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. Despite these questions, the team’s success speaks volumes about their resilience and the leadership of their coach.