Sarina Wiegman boogies to Burna Boy at England Euros parade in London
Starting along The Mall, concluding in front of Buckingham Palace and watched by an exultant crowd, this was a final, emphatic symbol that this team has the nation fawning.
Three years ago England marked their first Euros title with a ceremony in Trafalgar Square. While the mood was euphoric and emotional, the occasion felt a little underwhelming and as if it had been thrown together at the last minute. Held the day after England had won the final in front of 87,192 people at Wembley, the celebration attracted 7,000 fans.
Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager.
Yet on Tuesday, less than 48 hours after England had won their second successive Euros title by toppling Spain in Switzerland, the team enjoyed a massive, spectacular and at times surreal parade.
Several fans defied police instructions by climbing over fences for better vantage points. Unlike in 2022, when supporters were generally happy to offer mellow congratulations, spectators were immersed in Lionesses mania. Most importantly, the 2025 version had Wiegman's dance moves.
She initially cut a reserved, cerebral figure after becoming England's head coach in 2021, and remained relatively restrained throughout the Euro 2022 triumph.
She has since gradually let her guard down, and showed more emotion than ever during England's thrilling run to Euro 2025 glory. Yet even her animated approach in Switzerland had prepared no one for the scenes on Tuesday.
First, two bits of context. In a press conference in November 2023, Wiegman admitted that her favourite song was For My Hand by Burna Boy, featuring Ed Sheeran. During Euro 2025 she occasionally broke out into a dance to celebrate England's dramatic victories.
The outcome? Burna Boy surprising Wiegman during the parade, of course. The singer emerged just after Wiegman had been interviewed, prompting an expression of shock from the usually calm and collected coach. Before anyone could quite process what was happening, Wiegman was unveiling her dance moves while her players cheered her on from behind.
This was a trivial moment with a meaningful undertone. Wiegman has been perceived as a stern, blunt Dutchwoman who is brilliant at winning football matches but not exactly much fun at a party. However, as she displayed some rather nifty footwork, it was clear that she knows how to enjoy herself too.
Some supporters will never accept a foreigner leading the national team but, if any coach can become an honorary Englishwoman, it is Wiegman. She has delivered unprecedented success and is now sufficiently beloved by the country to feel comfortable making herself look silly in front of an enormous audience.
There were other memorable moments from the parade. A tearful Leah Williamson could barely talk as she looked down The Mall. Lucy Bronze at least acted the most hungover. Chloe Kelly was unsurprisingly the one to drop the f-bomb. Heather Small made a late cameo to sing Proud.
There was room for the profound too, as the Euros trophy was brought on to the stage by Kerry Davis, the Lionesses's first black player.
Nevertheless, Wiegman stole the show. She is a prodigious tactician, empathetic woman-manager and, as the parade revealed, a goofy dancer. Right now, it is impossible not to love her.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
39 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
European champions England to take on China at Wembley in November
The match on November 29 will pit the Euro 2025 winners against the Asian champions as China prepare to defend their continental crown in March next year. The Lionesses retained their European title with a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Spain in Basel on Sunday. The European Champions return to @WembleyStadium! 🙌 We will welcome China PR in November to complete a hat-trick of appearances at the national stadium this calendar year. Sign up to My England Football for priority access to tickets ⤵️ — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 30, 2025 November's clash will be the sixth meeting between England and China. The last of those came at the 2023 World Cup, where the Lionesses triumphed 6-1 in the group stages. The match comes ahead of 2027 World Cup qualifiers, which begin next year. England head coach Sarina Wiegman said: 'After an incredible month and the celebrations this week, we are already planning ahead. 'It will be special to have a final visit to Wembley this year and something for us all to look forward to once the new season starts. 'Even though we have just finished the Euro, our World Cup qualifiers are not too far away. 'There are not many opportunities for us to play non-European opposition in the calendar, so I am happy we have been able to secure a top Asian side like China for this FIFA window. England and China met at the 2023 World Cup (Isabel Infantes/PA) 'I'm sure China will give us a very different game to what we experienced in Australia. Whenever we face a squad where most of the players are based away from Europe or the United States, it is a new challenge. 'And with the start of the qualification campaign soon approaching, this will be valuable experience with the 2027 World Cup in mind.' Further fixtures for the Lionesses in October and November are set to be announced.
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
How the Lionesses must evolve to win the 2027 World Cup
As Leah Williamson addressed the 65,000 fans that had come out to celebrate the Lionesses' back-to-back European Championships, the England captain declared: 'This story is not done yet.' It was reminiscent of Lucy Bronze speaking after the team's victory in 2022. The defender had said there was still one more trophy to win and a star missing from their crest. She was, of course, referring to the World Cup. The Lionesses were defeated finalists in 202 3 and, despite their success in Europe, that loss clearly still stings. It is not just the players who are desperate to win that trophy. It is no coincidence that Sarina Wiegman's contract, which she extended last year, runs until the end of the 2027 World Cup. Wiegman has lost two World Cup finals – one with England and one with the Netherlands. She may have three European Championships to her name but, like her players, there is a determination to lift the biggest prize football has to offer. Even King Charles was looking ahead when he congratulated the team on their success on Sunday night, ending his statement with a rallying call: 'The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!' he said. The Lionesses' line-up may look different when they head to Brazil in two years time, assuming they secure qualification for the tournament. There are a number of players who may no longer be around while some new faces could be on the scene. Telegraph Sport takes a look at how and where the Lionesses need to evolve if they are to bring home another trophy. Coaching shake-up Before assessing how the Lionesses will look different on the pitch in 2027, it is worth highlighting changes behind the scenes, too. Assistant manager Arjan Veurink announced before the Euros that he would be moving to the Netherlands to become their head coach after the tournament. Veurink was Wiegman's assistant with the Dutch national team when they won a home Euros in 2017 and followed her to England when she took over the Lionesses in 2021. They have enjoyed a phenomenal coaching partnership and Veurink has been key to Wiegman's success. He was heavily involved in the tactical side of things and it was famously his idea to switch to a 3-5-2 during the last World Cup. 'We know each other so well, we know exactly how we think about football, and we nudge each other all the time,' Wiegman said of Veurink before the final against Spain. 'We've learnt about each other so much that when we say one word we know exactly what we mean, then we move on, and everyone does his or her part and then we bring it together and make final decisions.' Veurink will be a big miss and should his Netherlands side come up against England at the World Cup, he will have an incredible level of knowledge about both Wiegman and her players. Coming in are Dutch coaches Janneke Bijl and Arvid Smit, who Wiegman knows well. Ageing legends Defence is where England had the most problems during the Euros – they were particularly exposed by counter-attacks and down the left – and that is where the most changes could come for the World Cup. That Bronze played the entirety of Euro 2025 with a broken tibia typifies her warrior-like mentality. It also demonstrates just how crucial she is to this England team. The Lionesses would not have won this tournament without Bronze, who was pivotal to the way they fought back in each knockout game. She is a leader and the glue that holds the squad together, but how long can she continue to push her body to its limits? Bronze is adamant she is not retiring from international football but she will be 35 at the 2027 World Cup. So much of her game relies on her athleticism, her ability to get up and down the pitch at speed and her willingness to put her body on the line. Wiegman clearly adores Bronze and will likely want her in the squad for her experience and what she brings off the pitch, but whether she can start every game and play as many minutes as she managed at the Euros will be another question. The lack of a succession plan for Bronze is a concern, but she is not the only player who is at the tail end of their international career. Alex Greenwood has been incredibly reliable for the Lionesses. She was the only left-footed defender in the Euros squad, which was part of the reason she was moved from centre-back to full-back during the tournament. Greenwood will be 33 when the World Cup comes around but, like Bronze, is a key player for Wiegman because of her versatility and experience. Both players keep themselves in incredible shape and there is no reason why they cannot make the next tournament – but the question is over whether they can start every game. Jess Carter, meanwhile, will only be 29 at the World Cup. It is likely to be a battle between her and Esme Morgan over who partners Williamson at centre-back. Succession plans Niamh Charles is the player who Wiegman brought on when Bronze was forced off with a knee injury in the final. Charles is right-footed but plays as a left-back for Chelsea. England also have a lack of depth on the left-hand side and if Charles is to be the replacement for Bronze, another player would have to step up on the opposite flank. Maya Le Tissier has been used at right-back by Wiegman but plays as a centre-back for Manchester United. The same can be said for Morgan. It is not out of the question that Lauren Hemp could be converted to a left-back or left wing-back. Hemp played the latter when England switched to a 3-5-2 against Sweden. One player who is coming through is Tottenham's Ella Morris. The 22-year-old received her first call-up to the senior squad in May but suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in training. Morris is highly thought of by staff at the FA and, while she is primarily a right-back, she can also fill in at left-back, which is a big positive given England's lack of depth in that area. Developing Morris should be a priority. Charles and Morris can play on the right or left but are both right-footed. Anouk Denton is a natural left-back and has gained a lot of experience with the under-23s. There is also Gabby George, whose career has been halted by two ACL injuries in the last four years but will hope a strong season with Manchester United could see her come back into contention. Evie Rabjohn is another left-footed player who could come through following a return from an ACL injury. Hannah Hampton will be the first-choice goalkeeper for England for the foreseeable future but Wiegman has to give opportunities to the players behind her. Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse were the back-up choices in Switzerland but both are uncapped. She was lucky Hampton did not pick up an injury at the Euros. Strengthen the engine room The lack of depth in midfield at the Euros was evident in that Wiegman called up only five players in that position. Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone will all still be at their peak when 2027 comes around but there are a number of players who could be pushing for selection. Grace Clinton is the obvious choice. She has already made an impression on the international stage and will only get better with more experience. The same can be said for Jess Park, who was limited to just 45 minutes of game-time at the Euros. England have struggled to find a back-up plan for Walsh, who is regularly targeted by opposition teams. Ruby Mace is a defensive midfielder and was given her debut in December last year and has a chance of progressing when she returns from a knee injury. Laura Blindkilde Brown, who was on standby for the Euros, will likely get more opportunities but is a similar type of player to Park. Both are perhaps a tad light-weight and more ball-playing midfielders than enforcers or tacklers. Missy Bo Kearns was also on stand-by but will face a battle for international minutes. Laila Harbert, who recently signed her first professional contract with Arsenal, is a long-term successor for Walsh but is only 18 years old, meaning 2027 may come too soon for her. 'Lauren James's fitness remains a concern' England's front three of Hemp, Alessia Russo and Lauren James will all still be at a good age in 2027 and there is every chance that the attack will remain unchanged for the next tournament, though Chloe Kelly will undoubtedly be pushing for a starting place. The fitness record of James is a concern. She had only just recovered from a hamstring injury at the start of the Euros and then picked up an ankle issue during the tournament. The forward is prone to picking up knocks and England must work with Chelsea to ensure they can keep her fit going forwards. Kelly was an impact player at the Euros but will want to become a regular starter. Her inclusion would likely be at the expense of Hemp or James. There is also a scenario where James could play in the No 10 role instead of Toone, with Kelly coming in on the right. James started the first game as a central playmaker but it did not work, with Wiegman moving her to the right for the rest of the tournament. Part of the issue is that England have barely played a 4-3-3 with James in the No 10, but Wiegman has two years to test whether she can make it work. The development of Michelle Agyemang will also be key. Agyemang only made her debut in April because of an injury to Russo and was a surprise inclusion in the Euros squad. But she became a vital player, scoring crucial goals against Sweden and Italy which culminated in her being named Young Player of the Tournament by Uefa. Agyemang is still largely unproven at club level, having made just three starts in the Women's Super League while on loan with Brighton last season. Aggie Beever-Jones has more WSL experience and will hope to get more opportunities. She was Chelsea's top scorer last season but fell behind Agyemang in the pecking order during the Euros. Players who could follow in Agyemang's footsteps include Poppy Pritchard and Isobel Goodwin. The latter was the top scorer in the Championship last season while Pritchard has been prolific for the under-19s and will look to move up to the under-23s. The attack is the least problematic area for Wiegman given the depth at her disposal. The key challenge is finding successors for Bronze and Greenwood and addressing the lack of options at left-back. That was a key weakness at the Euros which opposition teams targeted. There is plenty of time to fine tune her team for 2027 but the work starts now.
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Praise indeed for Jimmie Rodgers
'Country music has a loyal fan base in Kenya and its popularity is continuing to grow,' says the subheading on your photo gallery (Kenya celebrates International Cowboy Day – in pictures, 27 July). This is nothing new. In 1950 the ethnomusicologist Hugh Tracey recorded young girls of the Kipsigi people in Kenya singing Chemirocha, a song in praise of the 1930s 'father of country music' Jimmie Rodgers, who they believed from his recordings to be 'a faun, half-man and half-antelope'.Ian A AndersonCambridge Women performing on a football field are called Lionesses and not Lions (Letters, 29 July) because lionesses do all the work. They give birth and do the hunting while the lions just lie about. Enough GriceMatlock, Derbyshire 'There is a predictability about railways, timetables…' says the Rev David Gibson (Letters, 28 July). Truly a man of BibbySheffield Our local tip, Folkestone, has put dozens of teddies and soft animals all round it, in the trees, in the kiosk, along the railings. It's an absolute joy to visit (Letters, 25 July).Mandy JonesHythe, Kent MPs earn £93,904, up from £63,291 in 2008. How did they achieve a 48% rise without going on strike like resident doctors?Dr John Doherty Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire Keir Starmer's position on Gaza is akin to watching a burning building and promising not to call the fire brigade next week if the arsonist puts the matches down by HepworthRowland, Derbyshire Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
