Moments of pure national joy are rare. England’s footballers provided one in Switzerland on July 27th by beating Spain to retain the UEFA European Women’s Championship. It was a come-from-behind, “proper England” win: the Lionesses lost their first group-stage match and trailed in all three knockout games, clinching the title in a penalty shoot-out. Celebrations included a parade to Buckingham Palace. It was another boost for women’s sports, and a contrast with England’s men, who have not had a tournament triumph since 1966. ■