England fans defy FA to greet Lionesses

Telegraph

28-07-2025

England fans defied the Football Association (FA) to welcome the victorious Lionesses when they landed back on home turf.
Hundreds of supporters greeted the England women's football team at London Southend Airport on Monday to celebrate their European Championship triumph.
Fans, many of whom were dressed in England kits and holding flags, erupted in cheers as they saw the white and red plane approaching the runway and again as the team emerged from the airport to walk along a red carpet, waving to fans.
It was a far cry from the scenes at Heathrow Airport in 2023 when the team, arriving home from a World Cup final in Australia, left through a private exit to the disappointment of waiting fans.
The welcome party that followed their penalty shoot-out victory over Spain on Sunday night came despite the FA advising fans not to travel to the airport because of concerns of 'limited space'.
'Our history-making Lionesses will return home this afternoon,' an FA spokesman said. 'But due to limited space at the airport, we would advise fans not to travel there today.
'Instead, we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Central London tomorrow for the homecoming celebrations.'
Large crowds are expected in central London on Tuesday when the Lionesses have a victory parade down The Mall in central London at midday.
However, there will not be a Bank Holiday to celebrate their defence of the Euros title after No 10 rejected calls for a nationwide day off.
The Football Association said it was expecting 'large crowds' for the 'very busy' victory parade. It will be followed by a ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace, in which the team will lift the Euros trophy.
Music will be played during the ceremony by the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.
Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, said: 'The Lionesses' incredible win has done our country proud. Now we have the chance to cheer these heroes home at their homecoming parade.'
Mark Bullingham, the chief executive of the FA, 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.'
At the airport on Monday, twins Poppy and Daisy Macdonald, 11, from Benfleet, Essex, were holding a sign asking for a photo with star striker Alessia Russo.
Poppy said: 'We're so proud. They've won it two times in a row and they've worked so hard for it. They've had a lot of injuries and setbacks but they've done really well.'
Daisy admitted she struggled to watch the penalty shoot-out, adding: 'I couldn't watch, I was very nervous, but very happy that they won.'
The team were welcomed to a celebratory reception at Downing Street later on Monday, hosted by Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, and Stephanie Peacock, the sports minister.
Earlier, captain Leah Williamson was seen smiling and holding the Euros trophy as the Lionesses left their hotel in Zurich and began their journey home in the rain.
Other team members, wearing their medals, smiled as they high-fived supporters and signed autographs. They had partied late into the early hours of Monday morning, singing karaoke, drinking prosecco and cutting a cake.
Beth Mead, the England striker, said most of the players did not make it to bed after celebrating their victory.
A trip to Buckingham 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.
To celebrate the win, Royal Mail will mark the occasion with a congratulatory postmark, which will be applied to stamped mail across the UK from Monday to Friday.
Fans can attend the homecoming celebrations in London for free, and they will be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky.