The Rest Is Football: Daly Brightness - Full Debrief of the Euro 2025 Tournament 🤝

Episode Date: August 5, 2025

Now we’ve had time to catch our breath after that epic triumph for England, and been able to enjoy the celebrations that followed, Millie and Rach sit back and reflect on the Euros that was. It was the off-pitch stuff that really stood out among the most memorable moments. From Chloe Kelly’s lucky shin pads to Hannah Hampton opening up about her challenging journey to becoming a goalkeeper. Then there was Ella Toone who poignantly shared that her nan passed away the morning of the final. And super sub Lotte Wubben-Moy’s key role in the squad as designated poet. The girls also look back at what Switzerland were like as hosts, and what it was like to watch a tournament from the sofa - a first for them both! Wherever it takes you. It Starts with a Swipe ®. Download Tinder today. https://tinder.com/en-GB/download  For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before we kick off today's episode of Daily Brightness, a massive thank you to our proud partners, Shaw, for backing us since day one. What started as a leap into the unknown has turned into something really special for us and it means a lot to have Shaw with us on the journey, backing us like teammates. Right Rach, we're into the summer, what does life after the WSL season look like for you? This year I just had a nice week at home which was really nice to just get my feet back on the ground after travelling and everything. And then I went away for a couple of weeks and then it's hit the ground running. Pre-season programme starts, it's like the hardest thing ever.

What about you? Yeah, I've really just taken a little bit of time to just do me really. Not been on any luxury holidays like you have because she sent me pictures every time you're away, which has been nice, but very jealous. Obviously we're going into a massive summer ahead for women's football we're gonna be back in the lioness's aren't we? Always. So a big thank you to Shaw for always showing up for us on and off the pitch and supporting the podcast and thank you all for tuning in. Whether you've been with us from the start or you're just jumping in now there's so much more to come keep subscribing and keep watching. happen on the pitch, but all the good stuff off the pitch, the stuff that makes us human and that is relatable and they're the bits that you remember. So yeah, let's get into

it. But first, Rach, how are we? Anything to share? Good, yeah. Just cracking my way through pre-season. I think every year you get more and more tired in the afternoon when you get home, so the evenings are a bit of a struggle to stay awake. Yeah, just getting back into it. What about you? Nice. Yeah, same. Back in team training, which is so nice. Yeah, just had a real gradual build. It's been nice to have that time, but I'm so happy to be back in team training and, yeah, working towards pre-season games now and getting ready for the season. It's just around the corner, isn't it, really?

When you think about it. I know. It's good that the fixtures are out and stuff. I know. It's exciting. Who's your first one? Brighton, then you. We'll see you soon. But how's the family? How's everyone? How's Louis settling? Louis is good. He's getting bigger and bigger as the day goes on and he is just living his best life, to be honest.

He... I told you that he doesn't like to go for a walk. Yeah. Well he does now. So he goes out now and he's fine. He occasionally digs his feet into the ground and says I don't want to go but give him a little drag and he's on his way but just need to get him to start doing a way outside because he does it outside at home but won't like he literally go for an entire walk. Yeah.

Not a way or do anything and then get home and then just go straight in the garden and go for a walk. And I'm like, why? That's the annoying part. How's Dexie with him when he meets new dogs? Is she protective of him? Yeah, she is, but she doesn't really love new dogs. Sometimes she doesn't even go near, she just barks.

But he loves all dogs, he's sound with any dogs. But I took him into training for the first time last week. Did you? Oh my God, I bet he got so much attention. Yeah, I had to bring him on his own because I felt bad if Dexie saw all the attention he was getting and not her. I keep saying to everyone at Chelsea, I'm like, excuse me, but I've seen at Villa that Dexie's in the chain room and she has her own little bed under the locker. I was like, can we not get a refurb? Where's my locker for my dogs? Don't think they fit all yours in there. Kirsty I know, I'd have to have a separate kennel, but I do actually use that as an example.

And I'm like, well, they'll have the dogs in. So, but yeah, life's good, everyone's good. And like you said, just cracking on with footy and getting ready for the next season. But yeah, you definitely start to feel it as you get older, pre-seasons get tougher. but yeah, you definitely start to feel it as you get older, pre-seasons get tougher. Yeah, telling me. It's, you know, it is, it's the afternoon, and you get home and I'm like, I can't do anything. Don't speak to me, don't look at me.

When have you ever known me to nap? Honestly, I am, but I am a napper, aren't I? And I can't nap because as soon as I get home, it's, the dogs need seeing too and they need playing with and it's just like, anyway, let us dig into the reflection of the tournament. So, have you spoke to any of the England girls since they've been back? I actually saw Hannah today on my way out, but other than that, I've kind of just tried to... You know when you finish a tournament or even when you finish like something really big like successful or not,

you know when you just need that bit of time. I finished tournaments before and everyone's messaging me. I'm like, oh my God, please just give me some space. Like it's so overwhelming and I've honestly tried to just give players that space and- That's like me, I've done the same. You don't wanna be like- No, cause you know as a player that it is really hard

and it's really overwhelming. Also, what can you say? Like I've said my well dones, congratulations. But I'm not gonna be like really overwhelming. Also what can you say? Like I've said my well-dones, congratulations, but I'm not gonna be like, oh so what did you do? Like if I see you I'll catch up with you but like I'm not gonna text me like break down the whole tournament for me. What was it like? Yeah no I've honestly just tried to respect that because being players I think we understand it a little bit more and it's like

it's harmless like messages but I did see H, I think we understand it a little bit more and it's like, it's harmless like messages. But I did see H, I seen her as I was coming out and you know, she was really good and happy. But you know, when players look tired as well and they just look drained and they just need a bit of space, I was like, you know what, not going to ask about the tournament. I just said like, you were amazing, really proud of you, get your holiday and I'll see you in a couple of weeks. So honestly not too much conversation, just been sitting back looking at social media, watching everyone celebrate and doing their own little thing. And yeah, it's been nice to see that side of it to be honest, but no conversations.

So we've picked out some little moments that happened off the pitch that we were going to talk about. So the first one we're going to go into is Chloe's Shinies obviously they had Scotty on and the dogs and I feel like quite a few people have that but it's a nice little touch Isn't it away from? Like it's like they're there with obviously they're in the stands, but well the dogs aren't yeah like it's There's a piece of them on you and to have a husband on there and a dog So you know how much all I mean to her. I don't know, it's cute, isn't it?

Yeah, a little sissy with the little shinny's. It is and they become like little superstitions and like lucky charms and it probably has no impact whatsoever but it's the same as like, I mean, you've probably got your little things, I've definitely got my little things as well where I'll always have, like, I've got a bracelet that my mum got me and I've always got your little things. I've definitely got my little things as well, where I'll always have, like, I've got a bracelet that my mum got me, and I've always got it in my bag every single time I go to a game.

It's with me, like, the whole time. It's in my wash bag, it travels everywhere. But it is, like you said, it's just special when you can't have those people, like, literally there with you on the pitch. You've got, like, a little bit of your motivation, your drive, like, your why and your reason. Like they're always there. And it's really cute, like it's nice seeing normal stuff like at a tournament

and just that like human side. I think sometimes the world of football is so robotic and... Are you superstitious? Do you know what? I always used to say I'm not but I am. I really am but I never used to say I was. I am. I'm a bit of a psycho and stuff like that, aren't I? And I swear down, like I think like oh my god, like the worst case scenario will happen if I don't do something. If my hair is not how I want it to be, I'm not going on the pitch. I'll do it. The girls laughing me. No, you're an absolute psycho. For watching this Millie gets ahead looks in the mirror She literally it looks like a bloody bird's nest. She makes it as messy. She puts messy as she possibly can

throws it up in this like wild-born and Every time she does it to me looks like it's exactly the same but obviously with you It's a feel you know, it's not right. So she puts up the amount of times We've been away on camp or tournaments and I just hear, ah, I do this thing, ah. Yeah, it's merely not getting her hair exactly perfect how she wants it, which I do totally understand

like your hair needs to be. I always say, if I do it first time, I'm like, woohoo, first date's gonna be a good day, girls. Yeah. I mean, it has no relevance whatsoever, but it has to just be like that, like my socks, I'll have a game day, girls. I mean, it has no relevance whatsoever, but it has to just be like that. Like my socks, I'll have a game day pair of socks that probably last me the whole season unless I've got a hole and I change them.

My undershorts last season had a massive hole in the crotch, like massive hole. I said to Kitman Winnie, I said, don't you dare, don't you dare touch those undershorts, you leave them and you keep putting them on my bile. And I wore the same ones the whole season. I know, it's so weird and I feel like as I've always been that way but I think as I've got older it's got worse but there's loads of things that I have but one of them like I actually have in the wall

bump if my last shot in the finishing hasn't gone in I have to hit the net before I go in but like cleanly hit the net not across the floor like I have to like belt it up the net. Do you have a same order, me and Erin? But I get so annoyed when the keepers go and save it, I'm like, leave it, it's my one shot. Yeah, just leave it. We have a set order. I spent hours there waiting for them to get it in, I'm like, all right, it's not about you here. Also, this is literally my ADHD brain going elsewhere, but how bomb are these wagon wheels? Remember them?

I've not had a wagon wheel since I was about eight, really. Banging! Just spotted them then on table, I thought I'd just show you. That marshmallow in it. Oh, so good. So good. Anyway, back to it. I think we are very superstitious and people started pointing it out. Hannah said to me, God, you get ready in such a weird way. Such a strange way of getting ready. I was like, Cheers mate, no worries. But I do and then I noticed it and I was like, Holy shit, I'm a bit of a freak.

Yeah, me too. I'm like top level freak. Talking of Hannah, she went on to Good Morning Britain, didn't she? A little star. Yeah, being a little busy bee. But no, I think she's honestly been amazing and I think us knowing her, like going on there and you know, talking about kind of a start to football and the struggles that she had to overcome. Yeah, I think she's actually helped so many people and did you see she did a surprise visit? No. She got asked to do a video and instead of just doing the video, she offered to go in and meet a little girl that had the same eye condition as she had

and then surprised her. Oh that's cute. But I was like that's just H to a T like that just sums her up. Yeah she'd do anything for anyone wouldn't she? Yeah. It's such a, I think it's such a cool story though like obviously not cool that she's had problems with her eyes and stuff but I think it's like really like remarkable when people share these stories, though, because some

people won't know that about Hannah. Quite a lot of people wouldn't know that about Hannah. And to be an elite, not even an elite athlete, a goalkeeper who's, yeah, you need your eyes, your perception is so important. At this level, to go through what she's gone through, to get to that level, I think it's so, it's incredible. And like you said about that special visit, I just think like it's so special for the kids as well

to like grow up and say, well, you've done it, so I can do it. Well, that's the proof, that's the proof that speaking, like sharing your struggles and your stories like helps because there is someone else out there, guarantee there's someone else out there going through the exact same struggle as you are. So by speaking out, she's now, you know, got to go and meet that little girl and be like, you can do it. Like, it's not going to stop you playing.

It won't stop you like playing sport. And that is the importance of speaking out and also not being ashamed of your struggles. Like, everyone's got them. Anyone says they haven't got a struggle is lying. I think what's like been really prevalent, like prevalent recently in the last couple of years is people speaking out about things in the public eye, which I don't think we had really for a long time. No.

It's quite easy to hide behind something, isn't it, and not share your stories. It's a really vulnerable... It was judged too much. And I think it's great when people do speak out because it helps, like you say, the next person. It's the same thing with Hannah, obviously. Touching on struggling.

Hannah losing her grandpa two days before the tournament started, and then Tunis Nan passing away on the morning of the final. Those are things that nobody can prepare you for, right? You wake up on the morning of that final, you wake up going to the tournament, and everyone thinks everything should just be

rainbows and butterflies going to play in the Euros. And like no one prepares you for losing somebody that you love. And again, I think it's good that they've even just shared that because not only have they had to deal with that, like on a normal day, that's absolutely awful news, like horrible news, but to go through a tournament and play at such a high level in the spotlight, every day you've got to be at your best with those things that you're dealing with as well. And like grief and like your family are grieving, but they're all supporting you.

It's such a hard thing to do. And I think obviously you've been there through multiple, like myself and Beth and Toonie and Carly and Fran, like it's awful. I think it's just a reminder as well to the rest of the world that when you're judging someone, yeah, when you're trolling online and when you're saying, oh, she's shit,

what a terrible performance, she should be off the pit. Oh, the lioness is da-da-da. Just remember, you don't actually know what they're going through that day. Like, you have no idea. Like, no idea at all. Like, football is non-xistent when it comes to like life, like scenarios and life problems and losses in life.

Like who gives a shit about football when you've just lost someone that you love, like and that's part of your family, like it's not relevant. So it's just like a gentle reminder yet again, to people out there that we aren't robots, we do have lives, we do have problems in life, we have family dramas, we lose people the same way

everyone else loses them, that works in nine to five. Just remember when you are trolling someone or you are thinking about putting out that you think someone's performed shit, just remember that they might actually be dealing with, as we always say, normal stuff in life. And it's just like we do exist as people. Like we're not robots.

We keep saying it over and over again, but that's for me the importance as well, which you shouldn't have to speak out just to remind people that we are like humans and we do have feelings and stuff and we grieve and, and all the rest of it. But that's why for me, it's so important. Cause again, like these players have played, like you said, at the top level on the world stage, a major tournament. Not only got to the final and played the whole tournament, but then to go on and win, that's why winning matters more than anything,

because it matters for moments like that. Do you know what I mean? Yeah, I think as well, there's something about being able to perform when you're under that level of stress and upset. It means so much more. It means so much more. It's so strange, I think, that it almost follows a pattern.

So, obviously when I lost my dad, that year after was when I had that absolute standout season for Villa. And like Toonie and Hannah, like right now, have gone and won the Euros. It's like, because it gives you that little edge where you're just like, I'm gonna do it for you. You can't be here to watch me right now,

so I'm gonna do it for you. Like it gives you that extra bit of like, you know what I mean? It's hard to explain. I think it's hard to explain unless you've really been in it. But I love that everyone rallied around them and they're there for them, obviously, as they always would have been. That team's special and, you know, they become your family away from family. So I think for me watching all the special moments, like everyone

appreciated them, like all the players appreciated each other and highlighted special things or moving on to Lotte and her poems, like everyone highlighted it and everyone was so grateful. Hold on a minute, Lotte is amazing at writing, isn't she? What the hell? I honestly could have welled up every time I read them. I'm like, you're so talented. Like that girl can do everything.

But yeah, she is absolute diamond of a person, like unbelievable teammate. But to just be just chilling and then just write a poem, like we're not talking a little scribble. She's so talented. Like I actually have, honestly, there's not one single bad word I could ever say about Lotte.

I think she's an absolute gem of a human. But like, what a genius. Like, so talented. Like, those poems are like actually elite. Like, she should do a poetry book. I love it. But that's what makes it special though. And that's what makes the tournament,

it's things like this what make tournaments so memorable. They're the things that you look back on. Like, and you take that with you. Like, Lotte is a player who didn't feature at all in the tournament, but I guarantee she'd have been the best teammate. I guarantee it because she just epitomises greatness. But that probably was her little way of focusing. You know, when we journal and stuff on camps and things like that.

Like, and that brought, that probably brought everyone, everyone on that team reading what she's wrote and like to take moments to like document stuff. Obviously she put it on her Instagram, like videos. It's like, it's just such a nice thing to look back on. And like, massive shout out to Lotta. I think that's sick. And she's so talented.

She's always thinking about giving back. She's always thinking about making people smile. Always, other people. Literally always, like, how can I make this team special? How can I impact? How can I make everyone feel supported? Like, she's always been like that and she always will be. She's got like the purest like souls I think I've ever met.

So shout out lots. We love you. we love you. Bloody love lots. Right guys, we are gonna dip out for a short break. We will be back very soon. This episode is brought to you by Tinder. People think that dating is to just find the one Mel, but I think there's so much more to it than that.

We spoke about it before about, you know, you have a soulmate in life, but you have a soul best friend and you're my soul best friend, as you know. I don't think it should be looked upon as just a dating app. You might want just a companion or you could have an unexpected friendship blossom. I think it's quite small-minded just to think of it as,

oh, I have to find like a, it's a relationship I'm looking for. No, you could find a friendship and that could be someone that you rely on for the rest of your life. I think we've heard a lot of success stories from Tinder, from people in relationships and stuff but like you said it's not just about that, it's about you might not get on with them romantically but they might become your best friend or someone that you can go to the pub with and

have a drink with or go do a pub quiz with so I think there is a lot of success behind that as well. It's not just finding the one. Yeah as you you say, Tinder is for all types of connections. And it works because on Tinder, a new relationship starts every three seconds, from slow burners to instant sparks. Wherever it takes you, it starts with a swipe. Download Tinder today. Welcome back to the Restless Football Daily Brightness. We are now going to start to talk

about the tournament as a whole. Millie, what did you think about the overall tournament, like the general play? I think there was some surprise results. I think how far the likes of Switzerland made it, Italy, I think a lot of the underdog teams really performed and I think that was one great for women's football and great to watch. Um, but yeah, I think it was super competitive. I think we saw that from how many extra times went to and penalty shootouts. Like when have we ever seen that in a tournament? It's like the unknown really, maybe one or two games, but not the

amount that we saw this summer. Um, so overall, I think it was, you know, really exciting to watch. It was, there was a lot of games where you sat on the edge of your seat. Um, especially our England games. Oh my God, stick it in the back of the net, kick it out. Like, but yeah, I think overall super competitive. And again, I think another major step in the right direction for women's football.

Yeah, I think what I like the most genuinely is apart from England winning the whole thing and me calling it from day one. I've really enjoyed seeing Switzerland get out of the group, being a Herbst nation, and seeing teams that you don't typically see, like Italy, where they got to. You don't typically see them in a semi-final

of the Euros anymore, seeing how much they've come on and they've improved. Yeah, I think one of the highlights for me was probably seeing Switzerland get out of the group and get their fans to experience that. I thought that was ace. Yeah. Because I think I didn't go obviously to Switzerland and but everything I saw it looked like a really nice atmosphere. It looks like they put it on really well and I mean it's such a gorgeous place. I'm sure it was absolutely insane for everyone to be there but I think

they obviously did a good job of hosting. But what did you feel this year as a fan not playing? Yeah it's weird isn't it because we've never been fans. I think at first I was a bit sad because obviously since retiring it's the first tournament I've not been a part of for a while and I was was like, I want to just like live that with them. Like it was weird at first, but as soon as obviously they played the first game, I was just like, right, let's go. I felt sad when we seen them getting on the bus

because I remember what we'd be doing. And I instantly thought back to Euro 2022 and I was like, oh, me and Rachel would be doing this now. And then when they won and I was like, oh, I know what me and Rachel would be doing. And that's, they're the moments where I felt sad. Yeah, at first I was like, oh, I know what me and Rach would be doing and that's there the moments where I felt sad. Yeah, at first I was like that, but then it's awful being a fan.

Like I was so nervous. Like I never got, ever got nervous playing. Like honestly, everyone says like, oh, what was it like? Like, did you get nervous? I'm like, not really. Excited. Yeah, but like now I'm watching

and you've got no control over it whatsoever. I'm like, cook it, pass it! But that's when you're injured as well. It's because you can't influence, like you can't influence and I think the only good thing is because we have played it's easier, maybe easier to be a fan because you can appreciate what the players are going through. What's something that will stick with you from this tournament? I think the Sweden game for me. Do you know what else I loved? I think we loved this, didn't we? Yeah, positive clicks. That made me proud because I think a lot of people

could deem that as a negative, but we know being in that moment that that is not negative at all. That is like bringing the group like that rather than like that. So that's probably something that I'd stick with, but honestly, just guess that we won. Yeah just the positive clicks because I think we know as players that that is the team's in such a good place everyone's so together everyone's like so driven and on board

but winning obviously winning like back-to-back champs it's got to be it's the best part of the tournament. Double bubble. Double bubble you know. Millie, what are you grateful for this week? This week, I am very grateful for my compression tights. That's so funny because we're both... Legs are in bits. You know we're getting older. Both of the things that we're grateful for are to do with recovery. Mate, I'm in absolute bits. I'm too old.

My gratitude literally is on my list here and I'm grateful for my sauna because the heat is just giving me like my muscles some life that I need. That's so funny. Literally you can tell it's pre-season and we're getting on a bit that we're both grateful for things that aid recovery. Yeah, compression, tights and collagen from the joints got to keep them bad boys going a little bit longer. Brilliant. Excellent. Brilliant. On that note, me and Rach are bad and old. Cheers. Right guys, that's it for today's episode of Daily Brightness. Massive thank you to

everyone who's been with us so far. For those that have already subscribed, if you haven't already done that, make sure you please do and we will be back with some more stories, more nonsense, more waffling and more football chat and the WSL is just around the corner. Woohoo! Have a brilliant week everyone. Goodbye from me. Goodbye from me. Goodbye from me.