Jeremy Clarkson has been left hugely impressed by England’s Lionesses during Women’s Euro 2025 – but admits his knowledge of the sport does not stretch too far
Jeremy Clarkson has weighed in on the Lionesses’ thrilling win over Italy, which propelled them into the Women’s Euro 2025 final.
Penning his thoughts in The Sunday Times, Clarkson mused over the nation’s effusive praise for the team after Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly’s late goals teed up tonight’s (July 27) showdown with Spain.
“All week, people have been queueing up to shower the England women’s football team with worship and adulation,” Clarkson remarked. “After they reached tonight’s final, the King offered his ‘warmest congratulations’. The prime minister said something or other about hard-working families in the community. And I told anyone who’d listen that our brave lasses were a shining example of the Blitz spirit. Refusing to give in. Beaches. Fields. Never surrender. Etc.”
The 65-year-old broadcaster also pointed out that, despite the growing excitement around the Lionesses since their landmark UEFA Euro 2022 triumph, there remains a hint of scepticism from some quarters of the football fandom — including among his own acquaintances.
“Friends and colleagues who fancy themselves scholars of the beautiful game were always in the background saying women’s football just isn’t as good as men’s football,” he added, reports Gloucestershire Live.
“They explained that while the players may be hard-working and professional, they shoot from too far out; that sometimes when they head the ball, they have no real idea where it’s gone; and that things can get awfully panicky in the midfield. Oh, and apparently the goalkeepers aren’t big enough.”
Clarkson, however, took a step back from these critiques, confessing his lack of deep football insight prevents him from making such technical judgements.
Instead, he gauged the game on its thrill factor — and by that standard, he deemed England’s last-minute heroics thoroughly riveting.
“I don’t know enough about football to comment on these things,” he penned, “but what I will say is that I watched the last hour of the Italy game on Wednesday and thought it was incredibly exciting. I may have done some bouncing on the sofa.”
Sarina Wiegman’s team was teetering on the edge of defeat against Italy when 19-year-old substitute Agyemang spurred them into extra time, netting an equaliser in the dying moments of stoppage time to cancel out Barbara Bonansea’s earlier strike.
Then, as penalties loomed, Beth Mead earned a spot-kick which Kelly stepped up to take. Her initial effort was saved by Laura Giuliani, but she pounced on the rebound — sealing England’s second consecutive dramatic comeback.
“When that teenage wonderkid pummelled it home at the very last moment to create some genuine Hollywood angel dust, I made a lot of squeaking noises,” Clarkson confessed.
The Prince of Wales, who supports the Football Association (FA) as its patron and is expected to attend Sunday’s match in Switzerland, sent his best wishes on Saturday.
In an online message, William wrote: “Good luck to the Lionesses tomorrow.
“The nation is so proud you are through to the final, after some stunning comebacks! We are all cheering you on! W.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
