The England Women’s football team carried on with their celebrations in London last night (Monday, July 28), gearing up for today’s open-top bus parade on The Mall after their historic European Championships win at the weekend.
Eager supporters are set to flock to central London on Tuesday as the squad upheld their Euros title, securing victory against Spain in a nail-biting penalty shootout during the final held in Basel, Switzerland.
The victorious Lionesses, along with their head coach Sarina Wiegman, are scheduled to travel down The Mall near Buckingham Palace shortly after midday, ending in a trophy presentation at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of the palace. Snapshots emerged of team members arriving in taxis, congregating at the Little Italy restaurant in Soho on Monday night for post-victory celebrations. Opting for relaxed attire, the players met after previously being honoured at a Downing Street reception, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock.
Mark Bullingham, the Football Association (FA) chief executive, said: “We are so proud of all of the players, Sarina and the support team who have all been part of this incredible achievement. They have all worked unbelievably hard and we know the nation shares our pride.”
He added: “The victory celebration in London on Tuesday will give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players, and be part of history. We’ve had amazing support from our fans both in Switzerland and at home throughout the tournament, and we look forward to celebrating together and creating some lifelong memories.”
The homecoming festivities kicked off on Monday afternoon as the squad touched down at Southend Airport in Essex. Hundreds of supporters gathered eagerly to get a glimpse of Wiegman’s team and the trophy, with captain Leah Williamson raising it triumphantly before the ecstatic crowds.
Downing Street was decorated for the occasion, with St George’s flags hanging from windows and festive bunting lining the railings. From the No 10 garden, Wiegman and several of her Lionesses connected with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer through a video link.
The Dutch manager greeted him with “Hello Keir, nice to see you”, before remarking “it’s lovely here”. Sir Keir responded: “Fantastic to see you all and welcome to Downing Street. I just wanted to say a huge, huge congratulations to you and to the whole team. It was an absolutely amazing victory and you must’ve felt the eyes and ears of the whole country on you last night.”
During the reception, Wiegman praised her squad and urged for greater funding in women’s football, declaring: “The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we’re already legendary, what the team has done and the team behind the team.”
Just hours before the Government unveiled a new set of measures aimed at enhancing access to grassroots football, she stated: “This incredible team won the Euros and then straightaway sent a letter to you, the Government, asking for attention and asking for access to football for all girls. Steps have been taken but we’re not done yet, we have to keep moving forward and we need a little bit more.”
In a post shared on X on Monday evening, Ms Rayner hailed the Lionesses as “absolute legends”, adding: “So proud of what they’ve done for women’s football and representing England with such brilliance. Let the celebrations continue!!”
On Monday night, the Government revealed plans to more than double priority access to grassroots football pitches for girls and women over the next five years, in response to the anticipated surge in demand following the Lionesses’ thrilling victory.
The Prime Minister and the King also extended their congratulations to the European champions, with the latter stating in a message posted on X: “You have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. Well done, Lionesses.”
The Prince of Wales was seen in the crowd in Basel on Sunday, clapping along with those nearby, including Princess Charlotte. The Royal festivities could potentially extend with a visit to Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle being considered for the team. It is understood that Royal aides are currently exploring plans for a reception to be held in the autumn.
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