The Lionesses' Swiss Sanctuary: A Home Away from Home
England's triumph at Euro 2025 was not just a tale of on-field heroics but also a story of the meticulous care and creativity that defined their off-field experience. Nestled atop a steep hill overlooking Zurich, the Dolder Grand hotel served as a luxurious "Disney Castle" for the Lionesses, as described by BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Katie Smith. The five-star retreat, complete with a funicular stop just for hotel residents, became a sanctuary where players could recharge and bond away from the pressures of the tournament.
The hotel's amenities were tailored to the team's needs, with Lionesses-branded Yorkshire tea and coffee available in the reception areas. Players mingled with family members, explored the scenic Lake Zurich, and utilized the spa for recovery. Even during thunderstorms, midfielder Jess Park found solace on her balcony, taking in the breathtaking views below.
Attention to detail was evident everywhere, from personalized shirts in the media center to a framed letter from head coach Sarina Wiegman thanking the press for their coverage. But perhaps the most heartwarming detail was the presence of a barista who brought his cockapoo, Reggie, to keep the players company. Reggie became a beloved fixture, often gatecrashing team videos and providing comfort to players missing their own pets.
#### **Team Bonding and Creativity**
The Lionesses' downtime was filled with activities that fostered camaraderie and creativity. Defender Lucy Bronze recalled the team's calm demeanor following their opening game defeat by France, knowing they had to beat the Netherlands in their second match to stay in the tournament. "Leah Williamson, Keira Walsh, Ella Toone, Alessia Russo, and Beth Mead were playing Monopoly while I was building a jigsaw with Michelle Agyemang and Maya Le Tissier all morning," Bronze said. "We were pretty calm, we knew what we had to do. We couldn't dwell too much on the French game and we trained really well. It paid off."
While Bronze joked that the jigsaw was left in a "mess," the team found plenty of other ways to entertain themselves. Defender Lotte Wubben-Moy brought her sourdough starter for the team chef to feed daily, adding a touch of home comfort to their Swiss stay. Aggie Beever-Jones, inspired by Alex Greenwood, took up photography, capturing moments of the team's journey in a "memory book."
#### **Lego, Lash Lifts, and Musical Interludes**
Forward Lauren Hemp brought her love for Lego to Switzerland, constructing a Beauty and the Beast castle during her downtime. She even managed to recruit teenager Michelle Agyemang to join her in building a miniature stadium. "I was building a really tiny stadium the other day because I was bored and suddenly Lucy [Bronze] was like, 'we can make this so much better,'" Agyemang said. "I didn't know she had really good skills when it came to Lego. We made a replica of the stadium and now she wants to make it a tradition, so I think we'll have to do Geneva next time."
Agyemang's creative streak extended beyond Lego. She played a full-sized piano brought over by the England kitman, spending hours in her room playing and relaxing. "I play the piano, the bass guitar, and the drums. I have my piano in my room so I'm spending a lot of time in there just playing and chilling," she told BBC Sport. "Especially on game days, I probably spend about two hours just playing and enjoying myself."
Agyemang's musical talent was so impressive that it even discouraged captain Leah Williamson from playing her own portable keyboard. "I did bring a portable keyboard and I felt discouraged because I heard some of the other girls in the team had been playing theirs," Williamson said. "I felt like I was too far behind so I left it. There's so much socialising to be done I don't have time for hobbies. I will pick that up when I get back."
Defender Esme Morgan, meanwhile, turned her room into a beauty salon, offering lash lifts to her teammates to ensure they looked their best on the big stage. "We enjoy spending time together away from the pitch, which is really nice," said Chloe Kelly. "Whether that is Esme [Morgan] opening her beauty salon to do lash lifts, or sitting down and watching Love Island. It means when you go on to the pitch you know you've got each other's backs."
Wiegman's Meticulous Planning
Sarina Wiegman's attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the team's preparation. The Dutch coach, known for her meticulous planning, ensured that everything was just right, bringing objects into camps that reminded the team of home. Her dedication to creating a supportive environment extended to the team's mental and emotional well-being, fostering a culture of creativity and camaraderie that ultimately contributed to their on-field success.
A Story of Unity and Triumph
England's Euro 2025 victory was not just a testament to their skill and determination on the pitch but also a reflection of the strong bonds and shared experiences that united the team off the field. From the comforting presence of Reggie the dog to the creative pursuits of Lego-building and piano-playing, the Lionesses' journey was one of resilience, joy, and unity. As they celebrated their triumph, the stories of their Swiss sanctuary served as a reminder of the human elements that make sports so compelling.
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