England Women’s victory at UEFA Euro 2025, following their earlier success in 2022, has cemented their place in sporting history. But their achievements hold relevance beyond football. For organisations facing complex sustainability challenges, the Lionesses offer a useful reference point. Not just as inspiration, but as a demonstration of what consistent performance, strategic investment and purposeful leadership can achieve.

Sustained performance builds lasting impact

When the Lionesses won the Euros in 2022, around 7,000 fans gathered in Trafalgar Square to celebrate. Three years later, after successfully defending their title at Euro 2025, over 65,000 people lined The Mall for a victory parade and stage ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace.

The contrast between those two moments highlights more than just growing public interest. It reflects the sustained performance and visibility of a team that has consistently delivered and evolved. For organisations, the message is clear: success is about consistently showing up and making progress over time, building trust and credibility through continued effort.

Resilience under pressure

The Lionesses’ path to their 2025 Euros title was defined by resilience. Lucy Bronze played through the latter stages of the tournament with a fractured tibia, continuing to contribute despite the injury. The squad also endured two consecutive 120-minute matches on the way to the final, testing both physical stamina and mental focus.

These moments speak to more than just determination. They reflect a culture of shared responsibility and sustained focus. For organisations navigating the complexities of long-term sustainability goals, the ability to maintain momentum through setbacks, and to keep delivering under pressure, is just as important as having a strong plan in the first place.

Investment shapes future outcomes

The Lionesses’ recent success was built despite many players coming through a system that lacked proper resourcing. Until relatively recently, women’s football in England received limited investment. Facilities were inadequate, professional coaching was scarce and grassroots engagement was inconsistent.

Even in that context, the Lionesses delivered high-impact performances. They showed that resilience, clarity of purpose and consistency can drive meaningful outcomes, even when resources are leaner than those available to men’s football. It is a powerful reminder for businesses: the absence of perfect conditions is not a reason to hold back. With the right mindset and structure in place, significant progress is still possible.

In recent years, however, women’s football has benefited from greater visibility and increased investment – support that is now shaping the next generation. The pattern is familiar in business. As sustainability proves itself as a driver of long-term value, many organisations are responding with greater resource and focus. Success increasingly follows not just from commitment, but from backing that commitment with the investment and systems needed to deliver.

Leadership with clarity and timing

Sarina Wiegman’s role in the team’s success cannot be overstated. She became only the second manager to win three consecutive UEFA Women’s Euros, built on clear communication, consistency and trust in her squad. Her decisions were measured and timely, such as introducing 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang in the semi-final, whose presence helped turn the match in England’s favour.

It is a useful reminder that leadership is not about constant visibility or intervention. It is about creating the conditions for others to succeed, recognising when to act, and having confidence in the direction being taken. For businesses, that means leadership that balances long-term planning with timely responsiveness and that empowers people to contribute at every level.

Don’t leave it to the last minute

Some of the Lionesses’ most memorable wins have come right at the wire. Injury-time equalisers, extra-time grit, nail-biting penalties. Brilliant to watch. Terrible strategy for sustainability.

In the business world, banking on a last-minute rescue is not a viable option. Waiting until regulation bites, customers lose patience or climate risks become reality leaves little room for manoeuvre, and even less for innovation. Scrambling in added time might win you a match, but it is no way to run a sustainability strategy.

A legacy beyond the pitch

The impact of the Lionesses goes beyond silverware. Their success has shifted perceptions, showing that young girls not only have a place on the pitch, but that they can shape the game. It is a reminder that representation matters and that visibility can open doors.

There is a parallel for business here too. Organisations have the opportunity to lead by example, not just through targets or public statements, but through meaningful action.

“As sustainability consultants, our role is to support that journey. Helping companies invest in people, embed long-term thinking and build the structures needed to deliver change.”

To understand more, contact our ESG Consultant – Risk, Reporting and Communications, Kate Dowling here.