The Unseen Heroes: England’s Team Behind the Team
For fans, England’s journey at Euro 2025 has been an unforgettable rollercoaster of emotions—but behind every Lioness, there’s a devoted support system cheering them on. While the spotlight shines brightly on the players, their families and friends have been there every step of the way, sharing in the highs, weathering the lows, and offering unwavering support.
As England prepares for the final against Spain in Basel, we take a closer look at the team behind the team, the unsung heroes who’ve kept the Lionesses grounded through thrilling victories, nerve-wracking penalties, and heartbreaking personal struggles.
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Every Goal She Scores, He’s Watching Over Her
For Ella Toone and Beth Mead, Euro 2025 has been more than just a tournament—it’s been a tribute to the parents they’ve lost. Mead’s mother, June, passed away from ovarian cancer in 2023, while Toone’s father, Nick, died of prostate cancer in 2024.
Toone’s boyfriend, Joe Bunney, shared how Nick’s memory fuels Ella’s passion on the pitch:
We were talking about him as a family the other day—Nick would’ve loved this. His support for Ella was incredible, and now, every goal she scores, every game she plays, he’s watching over her.
The bond between Toone and Mead, who have leaned on each other through grief, has only strengthened their resilience.
For Ella and Beth, it’s so important to have people who understand what they’re going through, Bunney added. They’ve faced so much this season, and yet here they are, fighting for a Euro title.
And when it comes to matchday nerves, the families feel every moment just as intensely.
Michelle Agyemang’s 96th-minute equaliser against Italy? Pure madness, Bunney recalled with a laugh. I started on row seven and ended up on row three—just pure celebration. These are the moments that make it all worthwhile.
His message to Ella before the final?
You already know how proud we are. Your dad’s watching, and we’re all behind you. Now go and bring that trophy home.
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Our Job Is to Give Them That Normality
Lucy Bronze, a veteran of seven major tournaments, has been a rock for England at Euro 2025. Yet for her family, watching her play is an emotional whirlwind.
People ask if I’m having fun—no! It’s just trauma after trauma, joked her brother, Jorge. But it’s also been brilliant: exhausting, emotional, thrilling, everything at once.
Behind the scenes, the Bronze family keeps things lighthearted. After the tense quarter-final against Italy, Lucy was playing hide-and-seek with Jorge’s kids at 1 AM.
That’s what she needs—normality, Jorge said. Whether it’s losing at Mario Kart or eating a half-finished sandwich from my four-year-old, it’s about balance.
Under Sarina Wiegman, family involvement has become a key part of England’s success.
There’s been a real shift, Jorge noted. We’re here to support the players in whatever way they need—smashing them at table tennis, making them laugh, or just being there.
His final words to Lucy?
You’re already the most decorated English footballer of all time. Now go and put the perfect full stop on that sentence—bring it home.
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I’m Not Used to This as a Fan
Alessia Russo’s brother, Giorgio, joined the England support late—after leaving Love Island—but he made up for lost time.
We’re best mates—she was the first person I told about going on the show, Giorgio said. Our chats help her switch off from football.
His experience watching England has been wildly unpredictable—missing the big group-stage wins but enduring two tense knockout matches, including a penalty shootout.
I’m not used to this stress as a fan! he admitted. The penalties? My mum, Ella’s mum, Leah’s mum—none of us could watch. Leah’s mum looked like she was in physical pain!
Yet, despite the nerves, he wouldn’t be anywhere else.
The celebrations are absolutely crazy. That’s what makes it so special.
His message for Alessia?
Keep doing what you’re doing. You make us proud every single day. I love you.
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Thank You for the Memories
Georgia Stanway’s brother, John-Paul, has been part of the unofficial fun police alongside Joe Bunney—keeping the players relaxed between games.
Even a quiet family dinner turned into a team gathering after England’s semi-final win.
We went for a Chinese meal—next thing, the Toones, the Walshes, Jill Scott all joined in, he laughed. We don’t talk tactics. It’s just about keeping things normal.
His heartfelt message to Georgia summed up the sentiment of every England supporter:
Thank you for the memories you’ve given us. Three straight finals—amazing. Not so thankful for the heart attacks these last few games! But we’re so proud of you. Now go make one more memory.
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The Final Push
As England steps onto the pitch for the Euro 2025 final, they carry with them not just the hopes of a nation, but the love and strength of their unsung heroes—their families and friends.
This team behind the team has endured every high and low, celebrated every goal, and provided the steady support that keeps the Lionesses grounded. No matter the result, they’ve already given England something priceless: unforgettable memories—and hopefully, one more to cherish.
Good luck, Lionesses. Bring it home.
