ReutersThe England ladies’s soccer group had been greeted by cheering crowds as they returned residence on Monday after their Euro 2025 victory over Spain.
A whole lot of followers holding flags and wearing England kits waited exterior Southend Airport to catch a glimpse of the triumphant squad.
The Lionesses then travelled by coach to attend a reception at Downing Road, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. The gamers offered them with a signed England shirt, and loved canapes and drinks in No 10’s backyard.
An open-top bus parade in central London is because of comply with on Tuesday. A procession alongside The Mall can be deliberate, and a ceremony on the Queen Victoria Memorial in entrance of Buckingham Palace.
England defended their European title with a 3-1 penalty shootout victory within the Euro 2025 ultimate in Basel on Sunday.
Chloe Kelly scored the profitable spot-kick following two saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, additionally serving to the squad turn into first English group to win a serious event on international soil.
Again residence, greater than 16 million individuals noticed the match stay on TV – the most-watched tv second of the yr thus far.
The Lionesses arrived at Southend Airport on board a aircraft that includes the England badge and the phrase “Dwelling” on its aspect.
“Our Lionesses are absolute champions and so they proved that once more final evening,” stated Rayner, forward of the reception.
“Not solely are they bringing it residence for England once more, however they’re inspiring the following era of champions too.”
Holding the Euro 2025 trophy, skipper Leah Williamson was the primary participant to emerge from the aircraft, strolling down the steps of the gangway alongside head coach Sarina Wiegman.
The entire squad – wearing tracksuits and their winner’s medal – then joined them on the tarmac, posing for {a photograph} in entrance of the aircraft.
About an hour later, by now wearing England’s official tailor-made clothes line, the gamers emerged from the terminal and walked to their coaches in entrance of the gang of followers.
Williamson once more held the trophy as she walked previous the supporters.
The Lionesses and their assist employees arrived at Downing Road shortly earlier than 19:00 for the reception.
They posed for one more {photograph} on the steps of No 10, which had been embellished with red-and-white St George’s flags.
Talking earlier, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated: “The Lionesses have as soon as once more captured the hearts of the nation.”
Getty Pictures
Getty Pictures
PA MediaKing Charles III additionally paid tribute, saying the Lionesses had the Royal Household’s “warmest appreciation and admiration”, earlier than including: “The subsequent process is to carry residence the World Cup in 2027 in the event you probably can.”
It’s understood plans for a reception within the autumn at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Citadel are being explored by officers.
Requested about requires the group to be recognised with honours, the prime minister’s spokesman careworn there was an the unbiased course of for nominations.
However he added: “I hope we’ll see a lot of nominations for this unbelievable profitable group.”
PA MediaDowning Road additionally dismissed calls for an additional financial institution vacation following the victory, with the spokesman saying: “If we had a financial institution vacation each time the Lionesses win we would by no means go to work.”
Requires a financial institution vacation after a serious soccer success usually are not new, however none had been held when England’s males’s group received the World Cup in 1966, nor when the Lionesses received the Euros in 2022. Governments have been reluctant to introduce further public holidays due to the influence they’ve on financial output.
However the Royal Mail has introduced plans to mark England’s win with a particular postmark, which will probably be utilized to stamped mail throughout the UK from Monday to Friday.
It reads: “It is Dwelling. Once more. Champions of Europe 2025. England Girls’s Soccer Squad.”
