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Daily Mail
10 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Moment Princess Charlotte's joy spoke for the nation: Now England's Lionesses look forward to London open bus top parade - and are set for Royal Reception with Prince and King
Princess Charlotte 's beaming smile and jubilant celebrations perfectly captured the nation's mood last night as England's Lionesses sealed a dramatic victory over Spain to win back-to-back European titles. Now the champions are set to be honoured with a royal reception and a victory parade through London. After 120 tense minutes against reigning World Cup holders Spain, and a nerve-shredding penalty shootout, Sarina Wiegman 's side emerged victorious once again - cementing their place in footballing history and sparking jubilant scenes across the country. Earlier in the evening, fans draped in St George's flags watched with bated breath alongside the Prince of Wales and Princess Charlotte in Basel, Switzerland — all seen holding their heads in their hands as Spain took the lead just before half-time. But the Lionesses roared back in the second half, with Arsenal striker Alessia Russo heading home a brilliant equaliser in the 57th minute, sending millions back home into raptures. With the score still tied after extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout — where goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two huge saves before Chloe Kelly, once again, became the hero of the hour, calmly dispatching the decisive spot-kick to seal a 3-1 shootout win. Now, the Football Association has confirmed the victorious squad will celebrate in style with a victory parade on an open-top bus through central London on July 29, culminating at The Mall. It is understood a royal reception with Prince William and King Charles is also being planned to honour the team's incredible achievement. The Lionesses have roared to victory in a nailbiting penalty shootout that saw them triumph over Spain Fans can attend for free and it will be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky. Sadly, it is understood Downing Street has no plans for a bank holiday to mark the Lionesses' triumph. After the match Prince William and Charlotte penned a personal note to the team, marking the first time the Princess has ever signed off an official message. It said: 'What a game! @lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment @England. W & Charlotte.' Fans across the country were pictured standing on tables, waving flags, throwing drinks in the air and excitedly hugged each other as England claimed victory, while the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer watched on from the stands in Basel, Switzerland. Speaking after the match Chloe Kelly gushed that she was 'so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge' and 'so proud to be English'. William was spotted in the stands applauding and celebrating with those around him - including his daughter Princess Charlotte. As the presentation ceremony took place, the Prince of Wales was among those to congratulate star striker Michelle Agyemang on being named young player of the tournament. William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say 'well played, fantastic, well done'. Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. There was non-stop applause in her home town of South Ockendon as fans saw the Arsenal forward step through a guard of honour to pick up her award. Sir Keir was the first to congratulate England on their win - posting on X: 'Champions! Congratulations Lionesses - what a team. What a game. What drama. 'You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' Followed quickly by a message from King Charles to offer the team with his most 'heartfelt congratulations'. It read: 'This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the EUROS 2025. 'For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant 'football's coming home'. 'As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. 'For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration. 'More than that, though, 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 next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!' William and Charlotte were pictured in Switzerland as the royal family led the nation in wishing good luck to England's Lionesses. Shortly before kick-off, an image of the pair was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales 's X account with the caption 'let's go, Lionesses'. The Prince of Wales, who is patron of the Football Association (FA), applauded the national anthem as he stood next to Charlotte in the stadium. He was also joined by Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria. In a show of support ahead of the final, the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed Three Lions on the Buckingham Palace forecourt, while the royal family's official X account posted: 'Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' It comes as the boyfriend of England star Ella Toone backed the Lionesses today ahead of their big game tonight where the squad will seek 'redemption' in the Women's Euro Final. Joe Bunney uploaded a post to social media today which he captioned 'Big day ahead. Redemption time. Come on girls' in reference to the team's nailbiting loss to Spain in the 2023 World Cup Final. Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses — what a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 27, 2025 England fans react as they watch a live broadcast of the Women's Euro final In a post uploaded to X this morning the Royal Family shared a clip of guardsmen performing the iconic England anthem 'It's coming home' outside Buckingham Palace. The accompanying caption read: 'Let's go girls!! Wishing the very best of luck to the Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' Downing Street also shared in the football fever as it decked outs its railing with bunting and displayed the flag of St George in its windows. Number 10 said: 'Good luck today, Lionesses. Let's bring it home.'
Telegraph
12 minutes ago
- Telegraph
How the Lionesses and the nation celebrated Euros glory
The Lionesses' European Championship final victory over Spain in Basel was both dramatic and historic. They sealed back-to-back Euros triumphs with a penalty shoot-out win – Chloe Kelly, of course, slotting the decisive spot kick – and in doing so became the first England team to lift a major trophy on foreign soil. The celebrations began as soon as Kelly's shot found the net at St Jakob-Park – in the stadium and beyond. The players Kelly was mobbed by her team-mates as soon as she had secured the trophy – three years after she had scored the winning goal at Wembley against Germany. CHLOE KELLY, SHOUT IT LOUD!!! England are EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS! 🏆 #BBCFootball #WEURO2025 — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 27, 2025 Replacement goalkeeper Khiara Keating actually skipped the team huddle to hail the fans. Nailed it, Khiara! 😆🙌 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025 Sarina Wiegman ran straight into the arms of goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who had saved two penalties in the shoot-out, once Kelly had sealed the win. Sarina Wiegman jumping into Hannah Hampton's arms — Kathryn Batte (@KathrynBatte) July 27, 2025 Asked how she would celebrate, the England manager said: 'Maybe with some more dancing. I might have a drink but I will not be drinking as much as the players…' The immediate celebrations were followed by a period of relative calm leading up to the official trophy presentation – then the scenes of jubilation erupted again. This moment. Champions. AGAIN!!! 🎉🎊 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025 The squad made sure to run over to the travelling England fans in the stadium to pay tribute to them after receiving their medals. Keira Walsh, Leah Williamson and Georgia Stanway led players into a dive onto the ticker tape. Oh what a night! 🤩 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025 Lucy Bronze, who revealed afterwards that she had played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia, captured a team selfie. WINNERS 🏅 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025 Ella Toone and Keira Walsh shared a moment with former Lioness Jill Scott. Pitchside celebrations with familiar faces and loved ones! #BBCFootball #WEuro2025 — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 27, 2025 The team then headed down the tunnel to continue their celebrations in the changing rooms, singing Robyn's Dancing on my Own as they walked. 🎶 I KEEP DANCING ON MY OWN! 🎶 ICONIC. — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025 Captain Williamson was certainly keen to enjoy the party, saying: 'Don't worry about if I'm having a good time. Let's put it that way. I'm going to leave the ice and the recovery for tomorrow and then take it back to England.' The Prince Prince William attended the match with his daughter Princess Charlotte and was part of the trophy presentation party. The pair were seen celebrating the shoot-out win in the stands. Then they made their way onto the pitch for the formalities, where he shared a hug with Williamson on stage. He was keen to talk to Michelle Agyemang but it is unlikely she shared details of the post-match party. 'I can't say too much about that,' she said about the celebrations afterwards. 'We're going to have a good time.' The nation The celebrations in Switzerland were mirrored across England. There was jubilation at various drinking establishments across the country. Sky Sport's cameras perfectly captured the different reactions at Spain and England fan parks during the game. Have a look at some of the scenes from the respective fan zones during the Euro 2025 final 😆🏆 — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 27, 2025 Tower Bridge was lit up in red and white to mark England's achievement. Blackpool Tower's illuminations were red and white to mark the Lionesses' win. Back-to-back European champions 👏 Huge congratulations to the @Lionesses on an incredible win in the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Final against Spain! Tonight, the Blackpool Tower will shine red and white in celebration. You've made England proud 🏴 📷 Sky Shots Karl Houghton… — VisitBlackpool (@visitBlackpool) July 27, 2025
The Sun
12 minutes ago
- The Sun
Goalie Hannah Hampton is England's penalties hero as Lionesses roar to Euros glory over Spain
GOALIE Hannah Hampton was England's penalties hero with two saves as the Lionesses roared to Euros glory over Spain last night. Hannah starred in the 3-1 shootout win after the sides drew 1-1 in Basel, Switzerland. 10 The King hailed their historic victory, three years after winning Euro 2022. He said: 'The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!' They are the first senior England football team to win a major tournament on foreign soil and the first to retain a trophy after victory in 2022. It was striker Chloe Kelly who sealed the win — repeating her feat from Wembley three years ago when she took off her jersey in celebration. She brought it home this time by scoring the crucial penalty, sparking scenes of joy in Basel, Switzerland. Manager Sarina Wiegman — winning her third consecutive Euros after victory in 2017 with the Netherlands — ran on to the pitch punching the air as she joined the mass of players and staff mobbing Kelly. The Arsenal ace was in tears as she joined thousands of delighted fans singing Sweet Caroline. Moments later, Kelly said: 'I am so proud of this team. So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English. I was cool, I was composed. 'I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. Unbelievable. All the staff and Sarina Wiegman — she has done it again! Unbelievable. 'It is going to be crazy. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it.' Supersub Michelle Agyemang, the breakout star of the tournament, sank to her knees and wept as Kelly's penalty went in. In the stands, Prince William and daughter Princess Charlotte roared with delight at the victory. Just before kick-off, a snap of the pair was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account with the caption: 'Let's go, Lionesses.' Jubilant Wills later greeted them, giving skipper Leah Williamson a hug, before they were presented the Euro 2025 trophy on the pitch. King Charles told the Lionesses: 'You have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027, if you possibly can!' The team will be at a Downing Street reception today hosted by Deputy PM Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. Ms Rayner said: 'Our Lionesses are absolute champions. Not only are they bringing it home for England again, but they're inspiring the next generation of champions too.' PM Keir Starmer added: 'The Lionesses have once again captured the hearts of the nation. "Their victory is not only a remarkable sporting achievement, but an inspiration for young people across the country.' 10 10 10 Former England striker and footie pundit Gary Lineker wrote online: 'They've done it again. She's done it again. Kelly's heroes. Fabulous.' Dutchwoman Wiegman said after the win: 'I can't believe it! We said we can win by any means and that's what we have shown again today. 'I am so proud of the team and the staff. It is incredible.' Spain were favourites on the back of an impressive run of ten straight victories in all competitions, scoring 38 goals in the process. But England, despite a shaky start to the tournament, were confident after seeing off Sweden in the quarters and Italy in the semi-final. A crowd of 34,203 watched as England enjoyed a bright start, with the first chance after three minutes. But as the match wore on, Spain began to dominate and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was forced into several crucial saves. Mariona Caldentey put Spain ahead on 25 minutes, with Alessia Russo heading England level on 57 minutes. Then, with neither side making a breakthrough in extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout. Hero Hampton saved twice before Kelly's trademark hop, skip and run penalty went in to secure the victory. 10 10 10
