England's Lionesses are basking in the glow of history after successfully defending their Women’s European Championship title in a thrilling penalty shootout victory against Spain in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. This remarkable achievement marks the first time a senior England team has defended an international title and the first to win a major tournament on foreign soil.
The celebrations kicked off on Monday, July 28, as the team touched down at Southend Airport in southeast England, greeted by hundreds of adoring fans. Captain Leah Williamson, proudly holding the Euros trophy draped in an England flag, was among the first to step off the plane alongside head coach Sarina Wiegman. The squad then headed to a special reception at 10 Downing Street, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. The iconic Number 10 was festooned with St George’s flags and bunting, creating a festive atmosphere befitting the champions.
During the reception, Wiegman expressed her heartfelt gratitude and reflected on the surreal nature of their victory. "This is different from standing next to a pitch," she joked, before acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster of the tournament. "I have to make my apologies (for giving) you lots of heart attacks. You all made it through and we made it through and that’s why we’re here now. 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."
Wiegman also took the opportunity to call for greater investment in women's soccer, emphasizing that while progress has been made, more work remains. "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," she said. "Steps have been taken but we’re not done yet, we have to keep moving forward and we need a little bit more. We need some more investment. We’re not there yet. In England we’re up there but England needs to stay the trailblazer, it needs to be the big example. The players first but also the FA, the clubs, the Government, the country, the fans — let’s keep being the trailblazers."
Deputy Prime Minister Rayner praised the team’s grit, determination, and skill, saying, "You roared, and I know I wasn’t the only one roaring with you." The UK government, inspired by the Lionesses' success, announced plans to more than double the amount of time women’s and girls’ football teams get at government-funded sports facilities over the next five years. This initiative is part of a broader £400 million investment in grassroots sports facilities unveiled in June 2025, alongside a new grants scheme in partnership with the Premier League and the Football Association to create safe, welcoming amenities for women and girls at existing sports sites.
The historic victory was watched by a peak audience of 12.2 million across BBC platforms, making it the most viewed television moment of 2025 so far. Chloe Kelly, who scored the decisive penalty after two crucial saves by goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, once again proved her match-winning prowess. Kelly’s impact echoes her decisive role in the Euro 2022 final where she also scored the winning goal. The team’s goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, defender Lucy Bronze, and forward Alessia Russo were among four Lionesses named in the official team of the tournament, highlighting the squad’s depth and talent.
On Tuesday, July 29, the festivities reached a crescendo with a spectacular open-top bus parade through central London. An estimated 65,000 jubilant fans lined The Mall, cheering the team as they journeyed towards Buckingham Palace. Captain Leah Williamson lifted the silver trophy high from atop one of the double-decker buses, receiving raucous applause. Alessia Russo described the experience as “a bit surreal,” while Chloe Kelly thanked the crowds for their unwavering support and praised the “incredible” team.
The parade culminated in a vibrant ceremony outside the Queen Victoria Memorial, hosted by former England star Alex Scott. The event featured a surprise appearance by Nigerian artist Burna Boy, Sarina Wiegman’s favorite musician, who performed his 2022 hit “For My Hand” featuring Ed Sheeran. Wiegman and Burna Boy shared a joyful dance on stage, adding a celebratory flair to the occasion. The ceremony concluded with red flares, fireworks, and the team dancing alongside the ecstatic fans.
Royalty also joined the celebrations. Princess Beatrice, her husband Edoardo Mozzi, and their children were spotted among the crowds, unofficially representing the royal family. King Charles III expressed the royal family’s “warmest appreciation and admiration” for the team’s achievement and urged them to bring home the World Cup in 2027.
While most of the squad participated in the celebrations, defender Jess Carter returned to the United States ahead of Gotham FC’s National Women’s Soccer League match against the Chicago Stars scheduled for August 2, 2025, underscoring the players’ professional commitments beyond international duty.
The Football Association’s chief executive Mark Bullingham lauded the Lionesses’ historic feat, stating, “Our history-making Lionesses are champions of Europe for the second successive time, and have become the first England Senior team in history to win a tournament overseas. We are so proud of all the players, Sarina and the support team who have all been part of this incredible achievement.”
Sue Day, director of women's football at the FA, highlighted the moment's significance for the sport’s future. “It’s a moment in time that we can really capture to change the world a little bit,” she said, emphasizing the need for more televised matches, increased player pay, and greater participation among youth.
The impact of the Lionesses’ back-to-back European triumphs resonates far beyond the pitch. From grassroots initiatives to national pride, this team has inspired a new generation of players and fans alike. The government’s commitment to expanding access to football facilities for women and girls is a direct response to the surge in interest sparked by their success.
As England looks ahead, the Lionesses have set a high bar. Their journey from grassroots players to European champions is a testament to dedication, teamwork, and the power of sport to unite and inspire. With the World Cup on the horizon in 2027, the nation eagerly awaits the next chapter in this remarkable story.
