England arrive at Downing Street to celebrate European Championship glory
The Lionesses successfully defended their European crown with a 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Spain in the tournament's showpiece in Basel on Sunday.
Alessia Russo cancelled out the opener from Arsenal team-mate Mariona Caldentey and after drawing 1-1 following extra time, an entertaining final ultimately boiled down to penalties.
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two brilliant saves in the shootout before Chloe Kelly fired home from the spot to ensure England retained their European title.
The Lionesses left their team hotel in Zurich on Monday morning with skipper Leah Williamson carefully escorting the trophy to the bus, and after returning to England the team headed for Westminster and a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock.
The team arrived just before 7pm, with Number 10 decorated for the occasion with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings.
After almost a month of competition in Switzerland, the team's aeroplane branded with the word 'home' touched down at Southend Airport on Monday afternoon.
In a post on X, the team shared a photo of the Euros trophy draped in an England flag on a seat on the plane.
Holding the trophy, Williamson was first to step off the plane alongside head coach Sarina Wiegman.
Outside of the airport, crowds were lined up to welcome the team and the trophy back home.
A homecoming open-top bus parade follows in central London on Tuesday, where there will be a procession along The Mall and the celebration will finish with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.
A trip to the Palace or Windsor Castle may be on the cards for the winning squad as it is understood possible plans for a reception in the autumn are being explored by royal aides.
Defender Jess Carter has not joined her team-mates for the celebrations in London as she has returned to the United States ahead of Gotham FC's NWSL match against the Chicago Stars on Saturday.
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