Everyone connected to WBA Blind FC has plenty to be proud of following England Blind Men's impressive run to the final of the 2026 IBSA Blind Football European Championships in Strasbourg.
Albion representatives Eesa Amjid, Efe Shimwell, Kieran Clarke and goalkeeper Owen Locke were all selected as part of the England squad, helping the Para Lions secure a silver medal and achieve their best finish at the competition since 2022.
Despite opening the tournament with a challenging 4-1 defeat against hosts and defending champions France, England showed great resilience throughout the week.
Amjid and Shimwell were both heavily involved as the team continued to grow into the competition, displaying the determination and character that would define their campaign.
The Para Lions' response was outstanding. A hard-earned 1-1 draw with Germany kept their hopes alive, with Amjid producing a moment of real quality to score a brilliant solo goal and earn an important point for the side.
The team's defining performance came in an emphatic 8-0 victory over Greece. Knowing they needed a big result to progress, the Para Lions delivered when it mattered most, with Albion duo Amjid and Shimwell leading the way. Amjid scored five goals in a remarkable individual display, while Shimwell added a superb hat-trick as England secured their place in the semi-finals in style.
Confidence continued to build heading into the last four, where England faced Türkiye. Battling difficult conditions and torrential rain, the Para Lions produced another disciplined and determined performance. The decisive moment came from Shimwell, whose composed finish proved enough to secure a 1-0 victory and send England through to the European Championship final.
Awaiting them in the showpiece match were hosts France, who had enjoyed home support throughout the competition. England produced a much-improved display compared to their opening encounter and pushed the reigning champions all the way. Amjid came close to opening the scoring early on, while Shimwell continued to make an impact going forward, but France eventually edged a tightly contested final 1-0 to retain their title.
Although the Para Lions narrowly missed out on European glory, reaching the final represented a significant milestone for the squad and highlighted the continued growth of blind football within the national programme.
The campaign also showcased the talent, commitment and quality of the Albion players who represented their club and country with distinction.
For everyone connected to WBA Blind FC, Strasbourg provided another reminder of the impact the club continues to make on the national stage. Amjid and Shimwell played key roles as the Para Lions reached the European Championship final, while Clarke and Locke were part of a squad that once again demonstrated the progress of blind football in England.
Their involvement in a silver medal-winning campaign is a testament to the hard work, commitment and opportunities available through the Albion pathway.
