Inside England’s Euro 2025 Success: Lego, Lash Lifts, and Reggie the Dog
When the Lionesses lifted the trophy at Euro 2025, their victory wasn’t just built on skill and strategy—it was crafted through camaraderie, creativity, and an environment that felt like home. Behind the scenes, a mix of world-class preparation, personal hobbies, and team bonding created the perfect atmosphere for success. From Lego masterpieces to impromptu beauty salons, here’s how England turned their Swiss campaign into a champion’s journey.
The Perfect Home Away from Home
The Football Association left no detail overlooked in ensuring the Lionesses felt comfortable and focused. Their base, the luxurious Dolder Grand hotel, perched atop a hill overlooking Zurich, was dubbed a “Disney Castle” by BBC Radio 5 Live’s Katie Smith.
Players accessed their retreat via a private funicular, adding a touch of fairy-tale charm to their daily routine. Between training and matches, the squad enjoyed coffee (or the specially branded Lionesses Yorkshire tea), explored Lake Zurich, and indulged in the hotel spa for recovery.
Even inclement weather had its silver lining—midfielder Jess Park found serenity watching thunderstorms roll in from her balcony, soaking in the breathtaking views.
But the real star of the hotel? Reggie the cavapoo. The team’s barista brought his dog along, providing comfort to players missing their own pets. Reggie became a fixture in the camp, even making cameos in their “diary room” videos.
Team Bonding Through Hobbies and Traditions
Defender Lucy Bronze revealed how the squad stayed composed after their opening loss to France by leaning on lighthearted distractions.
Leah Williamson, Keira Walsh, Ella Toone, Alessia Russo, and Beth Mead were deep in a Monopoly battle, while I tackled a jigsaw with Michelle Agyemang and Maya Le Tissier, Bronze explained. We couldn’t afford to dwell on the France game—we had a job to do, and staying relaxed was key.
Meanwhile, Lauren Hemp indulged her long-time love of Lego, constructing a Beauty and the Beast castle during downtime. Michelle Agyemang, the tournament’s breakout star, joined in, even crafting a tiny football stadium—prompting Bronze to suggest making it a team tradition for future tournaments.
Agyemang’s talents didn’t stop there. Thanks to the England kitman, a full-sized 88-key piano was brought to camp, allowing her to unwind with hours of playing—a ritual she maintained even on match days.
It’s right in front of me—I don’t think there’s a day I go without playing, she said. Captain Leah Williamson admitted she’d brought a portable keyboard but felt too intimidated after hearing Agyemang’s skills.
Elsewhere, Esme Morgan turned her room into a makeshift beauty salon, offering lash lifts to teammates. Chloe Kelly credited bonds like these with strengthening their teamwork on the pitch.
You enjoy the little things—watching Love Island, getting lashes done—and then you step onto the field knowing you’ve got each other’s backs.
Sarina Wiegman’s Winning Philosophy
Head coach Sarina Wiegman’s meticulous approach extended beyond tactics. She encouraged players to reflect on their journeys, handing out journals to log thoughts and motivational quotes. Forward Aggie Beever-Jones even kept a record of the daily inspiration from the physio.
Wiegman also introduced personal mementos to ground the team, though she kept her own semi-final ritual a secret. Her belief in individual expression and unity was evident—as Chloe Kelly proved when, despite missing three penalties in training, she confidently scored the decisive shootout winner against Spain.
The Role of Family and the Extended ‘Lionesses’ Family’
Family support was pivotal, with relatives traveling across Switzerland to cheer their loved ones on while knowing when to step back.
Under Sarina, families know our role—we’re here for moments of normality, said Lucy Bronze’s brother Jorge, recalling how they played Mario Kart or simply shared a half-eaten sandwich to keep spirits high.
Jill Scott, the retired Euro 2022 champion, became an unofficial team mentor, offering wisdom and lighthearted distraction.
We can’t get rid of her, Williamson joked. She’s one of the greatest teammates I’ve ever had.
Conclusion: The Team Behind the Dream
England’s Euro 2025 victory wasn’t just about talent—it was the result of a carefully cultivated environment where players could thrive. From Lego-building sessions to Reggie’s comforting presence and Wiegman’s motivational touch, every detail contributed to their resilience.
The Lionesses proved that success isn’t just about winning on the pitch—it’s about the shared moments, the laughter, and the unwavering support that made this campaign unforgettable. And with traditions now in place (including a certain Lego stadium), the foundation is set for even greater triumphs ahead.
