LONDOFollowing their victory in the Women’s European Championship, the Lionesses headed to Downing Street for a celebratory reception after being welcomed home by adoring supporters.
In Sunday’s final in Basel, Switzerland, England defeated world champion Spain in a shootout to successfully defend their championship.
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With captain Leah Williamson gently escorting the trophy to the van, the Lionesses, who became the first England team to win a major event in a foreign country, departed their Zurich hotel on Monday morning. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock hosted a reception for the team in Westminster, central London, once they returned to England.
The team arrived shortly before 7 p.m., and Number 10 Downing Street was decked out for the event with bunting along the railings and St George’s flags, popularly known as the flag of England, hung over windows.
Sarina Wiegman, the head coach of England, told Sky Sports News that the Downing Street reception was really memorable.
She pointed to the flags and bunting around Number 10 and remarked, “You don’t come there normally and it was really nice how they built it up like this.”
Being able to enter the garden and go inside is really unique. They posted some photos of our activities at the Euros, and the staff was really friendly.
The welcome was warm and beautiful. I’ve always felt love, but today it’s more stronger.
The Dutchwoman answered, “I haven’t thought of that,” in response to a question concerning rumors that she would be eligible for an honorary damehood. The Royal Family in England also shows me a great deal of respect.
Feeling appreciated is, in my opinion, the most crucial factor. Receiving such appreciation from England is quite unique.
The team’s aircraft, which was emblazoned with the word “home,” landed at Southend Airport in south-east England on Monday afternoon following nearly a month of competition in Switzerland.
The squad posted a picture of the Euros trophy on a plane seat, covered in an England flag, on X.
Williamson and head coach Sarina Wiegman were the first to exit the aircraft with the trophy in hand. Crowds gathered outside the airport to greet the team.
After a 1-1 draw after extra time, fans in England exploded in celebration on Sunday when Chloe Kelly scored a penalty kick to give her team a 3-1 victory on penalties. The game was the most watched television event of 2025 across all TV broadcasters, with a peak live audience of 12.2 million viewers across all platforms, according to the BBC.
Following his appearance as a substitute in the Euro 2022 championship match and his goal against Germany in extra time to secure a 2-1 victory, Kelly played a significant role in England’s back-to-back European trophies and another final.
After the team’s victory, King Charles III declared that the royal family was very appreciative and admired.
The next challenge, he continued, is to win the World Cup in 2027, if at all possible.
Tuesday’s festivities will culminate with a staged ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace, followed by a homecoming open-top bus parade in downtown London that will travel along The Mall.
Defender Jess Carter has returned to the United States ahead of Gotham FC’s NWSL game against the Chicago Stars on Saturday, so she hasn’t joined her teammates in London for the festivities.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that the Lionesses have won the nation over once more. In addition to being an incredible athletic accomplishment, their win serves as motivation for young people nationwide. It is evidence of the tenacity, fortitude, and cohesion that characterize this exceptional group.
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https://apnews.com/hub/soccer AP soccer
