That Lionesses Podcast - Greenwood & Keating: Duck Gifts, 100 Caps & Bouncing Back | That Lionesses Podcast Connected by EE

Episode Date: July 7, 2025

Following England’s opening match, Harriet is joined by Alex Greenwood and Khiara Keating to reflect on the France result and look ahead to their fixture against The Netherlands.  They also celebrate Alex’s 100th cap for England and Harriet surprises her with a gift from the podcast team… Follow @lionesses on Instagram, WhatsApp and X, plus @england on TikTok, Facebook and YouTube so you don’t miss a thing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone will be a cryo if it goes off, honestly. I'm going to turn cryo into a club. Into cryo club. Oh my god. Let's go to the cryo club. Do we give gifts out on every show? No, no, no. So just have a go at a gift?

Only you. Nice house. Special, that's what you get for a hundred. We're going to need you again on Wednesday, more than ever, and for the rest of the tournament. You are more important than you think. And yeah, we appreciate you always wherever you are in the world. Hello and welcome to that Lionesses podcast connected by EE.

I'm Harriet Rose and we're here after England's opening game against France. Today, we'll be reflecting on the match, looking at how the team recover physically and mentally, and what it takes to reset ahead of the next big match against the Netherlands. And joining me are two brilliant Lionesses. It's Alex Greenwood and Kiara Keating. Woo-hoo!

Girls, it's lovely to see you. Kiara, you've obviously been on the show before. But Alex, this is your first time, welcome. Thank you. And it's actually both of your first times in the Zurich version of that Lionesses podcast. Alex, let's jump straight in. You're obviously very experienced when it comes to tournaments and Kiara, this is very new territory for you. What's the dynamic between like the established, like longer standing players and the newbies?

The less experienced players, you know, they've got their group and they do whatever they do in their spare time. I don't even want to know what to do. But you've got to have that freshness in the group, it's important. The balance is really important as well, having the experience of being here and done that many times. And first-time experience, I think the blends really nice actually. It feels like a really good energy this year like both sort of giving each other that energize like it's like a Duracell bunny vibe like everyone's bouncing off each other. Alex is there anything about the energy of the new players that like Yara that reminds you of

your early days when you first started? I can't compare myself to Keira. I think she's special in that sense. Tell me why, tell me why. She's just a bundle of joy every minute of the day. I just love being around her. I mean, I'm one of the, I get to spend every day with Keira.

So I know Keira like clockwork. When she's ready for bed, I know when she's ready for bed. But no, she's such an energy bunny, she's great to be around. I mean, just an example, obviously today the mood isn't amazing, of course, but players like Ki who bring energy and it's not forced, it's natural. Of course she feels the defeat with us, of course she does. She's hurting like we all are, but she somehow manages to bring her personality through and bring a lot of energy to the team and that's so, so important.

Jill Scott was that player. They're obviously still very different in experience as well but having them type of characters in the group is really, really important and Key brings that and I don't know where she gets the energy from to be honest, but I don't see myself in a no. That's what your question is. Yeah, but that's beautiful though. How does that feel to hear? Yeah, I think it's obviously dead cute, but yeah, Al knows me literally like probably one of the closest people to me, England and that city. So I just feel like everyone has a different role

in the team and like I might not be starting and like contributing there, but if I can bring something like the energy when people are a bit disappointed or anything, just got to do my bit in it. I love to see it. Your smile is very infectious, isn't it as well? I feel like I really want to smile.

Okay guys. Guys. Now, before we get on to looking ahead at the Netherlands match we've got to talk about Saturday's game against France. It's not the result you were hoping for of course but Alex how are the team feeling off the back of it? You know honestly disappointed I think naturally you'll always want to start with a win. I said that a few times yesterday and to the Greek, no tournament's won or lost after the first game. It's important we keep reminding ourselves that message is clear now, we have to win our next two games. That will be the consistent theme now in the lead up to the Netherlands game and beyond that.

We have to win both and that's the mentality of the group. I know that wouldn't have changed regardless of the outcome of the game yesterday anyway. So, yeah, we have to stay positive and stick together. I know it's such a cliche thing to say, but this group has a natural way of doing that and not a change for us. We will obviously review the game, honestly, because we have to, for us to to improve and put that game right. And we'll do that this afternoon and then we'll put that to bed and we'll concentrate on Wednesday.

Yeah, absolutely. Kiara, France was always going to be a difficult opponent. What can you take away from England's performance last night, like from your perspective? I think the last 10-15 minutes, I think the fight to get one back and have many opportunities to score a second goal, I think, yeah, and the girls coming on did well. The girls that came off did well to even get us in that position where we could fight back. So yeah, I think the character from the team for the last bit of the game was given us insight of what we can do and what we can bring in the mentality of the team that we don't give up. Well actually on that, Alex, the subs did have an impact on the game. How important is it to have that depth of the squad? So like you say, everyone's role is important,

including those that come on for five, 10 minutes and those who play a full game and those who play three quarters. How important is that? It's crucial in a tournament. I think your subs can be the match winners. I think in recent tournaments, I think I refer back to the Euros, the World Cup, again no tournaments. When you start at 11 it's so important and it's important the girls who don't start feel when they do come on that they can make an impact. However, that's looked throughout the week. They feel valued enough and trusted enough within the group to have that impact. And I think we've created that environment for people to feel like that.

And again, the session this morning from the girls who didn't play was top. It was a really good session. So, yeah, you win these tournaments as a team. Yeah and for both of you I guess, how do you channel the feelings of frustration after a game like that? How do you put that into your performance? I think for me personally, just with experience, I like to watch the game again as soon as I can, it's something I've done for a long time now and the sooner I can watch it for myself personally, what I could do better,

and then I look at it from a team's perspective, that's the way I can digest football. Whether we win, lose or draw, that's the best way I can do it. And then obviously we review and analyse it as a team and something might come out in that meeting that maybe I haven't thought of or someone's opinion might come up that didn't cross my mind I suppose but that's the way

I deal with it. Everybody's different, some people don't want to watch the game and can go off feeling or emotional memory and then obviously today's important recovery and some of us have got family here which again time to switch off from football but I have to process the game before I can move on. Yeah, win lose or draw that's always the way for you. No matter what but I have to process the game before I can move on. Yeah, win, lose or draw that's always the way for you. No matter what, yeah, I have to. Is it the same for you Kiara? Complete opposite, yeah.

Like I'm just going off feeling like, because I'm always high all the time when I'm low, I feel like I need to just come out of it and then tomorrow's a new day. Yeah, I just tend to switch off and move on to the next. And it's interesting to hear that perspective because like you say, everyone's an individual and you are a group of individuals playing beautifully together and you've got that connection and I can really see it and I think we all can.

Tournaments can shift very fast. As we know, things are far from over. Today's the start of the new game plan. What is going to be the focus for the team over the next few days? I think it'll be about probably looking at the things that didn't go to plan in the game, assessing that, and then our opposition looks different. What they propose going forward, defensively looks different to France. The opposition that we're going to face is different. What they propose going forward defensively looks different to France.

The opposition that we're going to face is different. And again, the reality is we have to win. It would have been the same, like I said before, regardless of the outcome. But I think for us it's about doing what we do really well and going back to them things and reminding ourselves of, you know, we are the European champions currently and yes you are Yeah Let's walk into that game with that feeling absolutely. So Alex we've talked a little bit about the process of

Recovery after games, but it must look quite different in a tournament when the games are so close to each other So what does that process actually look like now? Well this morning we We went and jammed went in the gym, recovery in the gym. The girls who didn't play will go on the pitch. Ice baths, cryo, obviously food's important. Not many players sleep after games, whether you've played or you haven't,

adrenaline's still high. The game was late last night. But again, I don't know if you agree, but I think switching off is is also important and we're fortunate that we've got our families here that will be nice to do that this afternoon and whether people want to talk about football or not that's their choice yeah but I think it's so important that you get that time away from camp from each other a little bit and then when you come back together

it's back on. Yeah absolutely now even though Saturday didn't turn out the way we wanted, it was a huge milestone moment for you, Alex. You reached your 100th cap for England. Massive congratulations. Thank you. Absolutely huge. What does reaching that landmark mean to you? I'm really proud, actually.

I've said this a few times but when I got to 50 I remember thinking it's absolutely not a chance I've got 50 more in me to get to 100 and here we are. Not that I didn't believe I could, I just think I thought wow it took me a long time to get to 50. I don't know if I've got another one of them in me. But obviously around 96, 97, you become a bit more aware of it. Yeah. Three more games and I'm at 100. And some people let you know, you know, when you look on the program or 97 caps, they're, you know, this could be this game, it could be that game, depending on things.

And obviously, if I've been out quite a while with an injury, so maybe before that, I was like, it could be that game. Never happened because I wasn't available to play. So obviously, I am so proud of this. It's not many players get to say they played 100 times for their country and really grateful to everyone who's been a part of it. I think whether you play once for your country

or 100 times, it's a real honor to do that. I also heard you got presented your 100th cap by someone special. Yeah. Can you tell us the story? I had no idea about it to be honest. Yeah. Yeah, my boyfriend Jack, I mean I think he was, he seemed nervous.

Did he? Yeah, he's not wanting to show much emotion in front of people or share or speak a lot. He's quite shy and quiet, to be honest. You'll actually hate this conversation we're having right now. But yeah, no. Yeah, I was gonna say, we love you. It was obviously really nice for me. He's such an important person in my life.

He's been through the best moments and the worst moments. And likewise, I've been through best moments for him and the worst of having to retire from football through an injury. So I think to share that moment together was was really really nice. My mum will be fuming because it wasn't her I'm actually dreading having that conversation not this happened today. But anyway, um, yeah Jack did it was lovely I really enjoyed it really grateful that the staff put that on for me because it's like a moment that you won't forget about. Yeah, and just don't tell your mum yet.

I think I'm just going to let these guys put it out and then act like I had no idea that was going to happen. And by the way, she didn't know, she genuinely didn't know. I know mum really didn't know. She didn't know. But it's a beautiful moment and also because you both share that passion and that love for football, that also adds to it and your partner is someone so important in terms of the recovery and the process of playing football, that's kind of going home and being like, oh, let me talk about this.

You had to share that moment together, which was amazing. Yeah, and I've eaten in between as well, the things that people don't see, the injury and what he went I don't know how he put up with me during that injury because I was I mean I'll keep it up with me let alone Jack so. Well I'm too bad. Yeah them small bits in between as well. Well it's incredible. Kiara talk to me about what Alex is like to play and train with on the pitch I mean I can see how close you guys are, which is so beautiful. That's my girl. Yeah. Like, gush about her a bit.

Tell us about her. How do you feel about on and off the pitch? The best person. Now, honestly, like, she's had my back ever since I first trained up, however many years ago at City when I was a little baby. Like, she always took me under her wing. She's honestly just the best person. I couldn't ask for anyone else to be my captain at my club. And it's just lovely to have her here

because it just feels like home. Home away from home is what you guys need right now as well, I feel like. Alex, you made your senior debut 11 years ago. And in that time, you have taken the team to several. How old was you then? 11 years ago. Come that time you've taken the team to several Eleven years ago come on kid ten well, you're so young. Oh my gosh, baby into iconic You've taken the team to several finals as of and of course helped lift the European trophy 22 can you actually believe because like we're touching on here, the pride that not only you

feel, but your teammates feel for you, like you have achieved so much in football. Just like reflecting on that. Honestly, I actually don't think, I think about it a lot. I think maybe that, well I know that will happen when I retire. And I think that's a sports person's mentality, isn't it? Even this, obviously I'm so happy about making me 100 cap and it really, really does mean a lot, but I don't think I'll appreciate it until it's done. It's over with because- You've got many more years left, don't you?

I was gonna say, Jill Scott is like over 150. Like you say, you never know. The next 50 could be coming. Yeah, we'll see. I don't know about that. But, yeah, I just don't think in football, in any sport, like you said, you don't reflect on things because you're just like, what's next? Like, today is today.

I'll enjoy today, of course. It is an amazing moment. I'm super happy about it. But the first thing I woke up and thought of this morning is I can't wait to play on Wednesday. I love that! But that's great! And that's not me wanting people to go, oh she's such this, she's a great, no, no, no, that's genuine. I woke up, yeah, messages of family and friends and teammates this morning and of course my bubble's my bubble and that's nice in here, but externally I'm like, can

it be Wednesday now because let's get going again. I really want to put yesterday right. And that's why you're really good at your job because that's focusing on the job at hand, which is what you've got to do. But also that moment is special too. And it's so nice to see.

We couldn't have you here, Alex, obviously without getting you a little something to celebrate. I know this is probably going to be one of the most iconic gifts you've ever had. Let me just get my plastic bag. Are you ready? There you go, hun. Congratulations. Thank you so much. This is from that lioness's podcast. Get it out, get it out, get it out.

Come on out, come on out. What is it, Alex? Don't heavy that. It's a Swiss-themed duck! It's a... And it squeaks. You know what, I've got an unbelievable bathroom in my room as well. And there you go. Is that the best prize slash gift you've been given in your career do you think? Do you know what, like, that is probably up there, it's one of the best things I've ever received.

I'm so jealous honestly. Honestly, if you want to lend it for your bath key, just knock on. There's one of the best things I've ever received. I'm so jealous, honestly. Honestly, if you want to lend it for your bath key, just knock on. Take turns. No, no, no. We'll name it and everything. If you lend that out, you're never getting it back because that's priceless. Okay then, sorry Key, no. Sorry, sorry. Can you like sort of hold it up a little bit like a trophy? Two hands.

There we go. Get in. Oh my God, do you know what we need to do? We need to give them a name. Give the duck a name? Oh, so other people have got ducks? No, no one else has got ducks. The duck is for you and only you. Well, I mean, I'm sure other people in the world have rubber ducks. But do we give gifts out on every show? No, no, no. So just have a gift? Only you. Nice, how? That's special just I've got a gift. Only you. I saw.

Special last week. You get for a hundred. Yeah, exactly. So come back to us when you figure out a name for Little Duck Person. He looks nice, doesn't he? He's wearing a cute outfit and everything. Little Duck Person.

See, look, you're making everyone jealous now. You're gonna have people lining up at your door being like, can I have a little bath with the duck? I'll become your mascot. Yeah, yeah, they could. Beautiful. Alex, before we move on to having a look at the Netherlands game, what is your biggest pinch me moment at England?

Which is, as you said, as a sports person, it's very difficult to think of those moments, so take your time because everything's sort of like, you in it and then you're on to the next, I understand that but... I think probably the one moment I was in it and wanted to stay in it as long as I could was the final whistle, Germany at Wembley. That moment... In Wembley like...

Was just... I can't even describe it. Can you feel it still now? Gives me goosebumps, honestly. It's giving me goosebumps? It was the outer body experience. I just can't explain it. No matter how many times I try and explain it,

not one can ever relive that moment. I think when the whistle went, obviously everyone ran everywhere. I was just like, what, what, what has just happened? Yeah. And then we kind of all got together in front of our families and sang Sweet Caroline. Love it!

And just to take in that moment with the fans as well and our families there, it was so, so special. And another reason why I just think, I know we're gonna speak about the game yesterday and the disappointment of the result, but I genuinely do believe that this team will have that moment again. I really do believe that and I think I share these moments because I want these girls to experience that feeling

because I can't describe it and until you've been in it and felt it, it's the best feeling. All the moments in training where you think, oh god, this, this or injuries or family things you miss, that's when you go, it was worth it. Every second. Every second. Let's get a round of applause for that sentiment and also 100 caps. Yes, Alex.

We need those words today and that was beautifully put. Thank you so much. Well, before we go, should we take a little look at the game ahead to the Netherlands? So, Kiara, what do the next few days look like for the team? What's gonna go down? I think just training and preparing for the task.

And obviously now we know we need to win definitely. It'll just be all energy towards that. Absolutely, plenty of baths with Mr. Duck. Yeah. It's good vibes. In the ice bath. I'm sure you'll love that. Fuck, he always just joined the cryo crew.

I have for the first time. Well, so the girls were explaining the cryo to me because I've not done it before. Oh, you have to do it. I really want to do it. It, it's better than an ice bath. I prefer it. But I didn't realize they were like, oh, no, it's horrible. And I was like, oh, I thought it was like really fab.

And like you come out being like, so like in the in the moment, it's not like the most enjoyable. We are. We had a nice little party. Yeah, we did. We had the tunes on. And yeah. Oh, you got the back. It's got like, you know what I'll do? I'll come in with the little muffs on my hands and I'll DJ. Perfect.

Yeah. Imagine goes off. Everyone's in the ice room. Everyone will be a cryo if it goes off. Honestly, I'm going to turn cryo into a club. Yeah, cryo club. Let's go to the cryo club. Yeah.

Well, exactly. You got to prep. Get ready. Alex, the Netherlands are a very different opponent as you mentioned earlier. How will you approach the match? Obviously, we're not gonna give away any secrets in case anyone's watching,

but how are you gonna approach the match knowing it's a slightly different sort of outlook? Yeah, tactically they look differently. I think as well, their individuals are different. I mean, me and Keir are probably aware of some of their individuals. A lot of the players play, well we probably play with majority of the team in some capacity at club level.

Obviously, Jill, Viv, Kirsten and so on, we've trained and played with them a lot. So we're aware of individuals, we'll analyse them. You know how they work. Yeah, I'm not saying that that's gonna stop them but it's something again likewise them for us they know how we work but I think tactically they do line up a little bit differently and their style of plays a little very different to France obviously we watched the game before our game a little bit yesterday and I'm sure the staff have put a number

of clips together but it will look different. But I also think we all look different too. Exciting. Kiara, the fans were out in force on Saturday's game and I know they're gonna be rooting for you in abundance on Wednesday. I'm already hearing from all my mates watching at home and also some of them have traveled over here.

What message do you have for them? I guess both of you, what message do you have for them? I guess both of you, what message do you have to the fans who are coming out, but also the ones that are tuning in from home? I just think you are more important than you think. It's not just the seat, the noise that you make, the feeling where we walk out for the warm up and everyone's cheering.

I think you have way more of an effect than you think. We appreciate you always wherever you are in the world. Yeah, I mean, I repeat that. I think yesterday they were brilliant. They came in the numbers yesterday and when we came out, seeing our fans in the right section of the stadium was brilliant. I think our follow-on has always been incredible wherever we have gone, all over the world and it has been no different in Switzerland and as well at home. Not everyone can afford to come to Switzerland, it is not easy as a fan to come here and bring people along and we really, really appreciate every message we receive, whether that is via social media or just in general, supporting us.

We're going to need you again on Wednesday more than ever and for the rest of the tournament. Well from us all here and all the fans, we've got your back. We are cheering you every second and we are all going to be there with you on Wednesday every step of the way. We can't wait. Alex and Ciara, thank you so much for being guests on that Lioness podcast, connected by E.E. Good luck with training and recovery over the next few days.

And I personally cannot wait for Wednesday. We will be back with a new episode tomorrow. Looking ahead again at the game against Netherlands. Make sure you're subscribed or following wherever you watch or listen so you don't miss out on a single thing. See you next time.