England's Lionesses' 'secret weapon' revealed and shares message ahead of Euro 2025 final

England Women's football teamis preparing for the big stage once again as they look to make history in Euro 2025. The Lionesses take on Spain in Basel, Switzerland, in the final of the competition as they aim to make it back-to-back European tournament wins.

They face the Spanish giants in a repeat of 2023's World Cup final, but will be hoping for a different result this time around. And now, their "secret weapon" has spoken after her key part in the team's preparation was revealed.

In a chat with the official podcast of the team, it was revealed how the team carries out the same pre-game ritual - and things aren't about to change for the final. Heather Small MBE's song titled Proud has been played in the dressing room before and after the games in the latest tournament to pump them up.

In a message to the squad, Heather said: "I'm not going to wish you luck, I'm going to wish you what you deserve. Go and get that cup!"

Heather Greenwood called the message "cool" after asking if the whole team would be able to watch it. And it was labelled "iconic" by podcast host Harriet Rose.

Opening up further to the Mirror, the former M People vocalist admitted she felt honoured to be playing any part in the team's set up. She told us: "It’s a real honour to be the backdrop to the Lionesses’ hard work and dedication.

"Twenty-five years on, Proud still resonates, and that’s a true joy!"

As well as Heather's rallying call, the team received aspecial message from Prince William. The Prince of Wales, who is patron of the FA, will be in Basel to cheer the team.

England's habit of dramatic late comebacks in this competition was not missed by the royal football fan, either. Taking to Twitter/X, Prince 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."

England secured their place in the final with a stunning last-gasp victory over Italy in extra time in Switzerland on Tuesday. The result followed a dramatic penalty shootout win over Sweden to keep their title hopes alive in the quarter-final.

Before the final, England boss Sarina Wiegman concede this year's tournament has been the "craziest" run tournament matches in her managerial career. She said on Saturday: "In this environment you have challenges all the time. Before the World Cup, we had challenges with players who were injured.

"Of course, we prepare a lot and we know the players really well. We think of scenarios, 'Who is the first player to select? Who is the second?'. You're prepared for challenges. But in this tournament, it has been the craziest one with how the games went. That has been different."

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