Latest news with #Proud
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Lauren Hemp praises 'unbelievable' support for Lionesses
The 24-year-old was ever-present in Sarina Wiegman's line-ups for the tournament and was able to soak in the support as England drove up to Buckingham Palace in their open-top bus. With performances from Burna Boy and Heather Small, the party did not stop for the back-to-back European Championship winners who brought the celebrations, and football, home with them. 'We hope we made so many more fans proud of us. We know the support's been incredible,' said Hemp. 'As a group we all realise the difference it made to England and to football when we won the Euros in 2022. We hope for the same to happen again. 'I've had so many messages that my phone just keeps pinging. Thank you to everyone, I'll get back to you at some point.' And just as the atmosphere on The Mall showed the support for the Lionesses back home, they had also enjoyed immense travelling support across Switzerland. In Basel for England's penalty shootout victory over Spain, thousands flocked to be part of an hour-long fan walk that snaked through the city before witnessing the Lionesses lift the Euro 2025 final. '[The support at the final] was incredible. Every time we went forward, you could hear the crowd and it was such a good atmosphere,' added Hemp. 'I couldn't even hear my teammates next to me, so it was unbelievable.' That support and the resilience of the England team helped Hemp and her teammates over the line in a closely-matched final. Spain had taken the lead through Arsenal's Mariona Caldentey in the 25th minute before Alessia Russo levelled after half-time. With neither team able to find a breakthrough, it was to penalties once more for the Lionesses who had made a habit of leaving things late and putting fans through the ringer. But despite the occasion, Hemp assured that the belief never wavered within the squad. 'The fight this team has shown from minute one of the tournament to now, it's incredible and it's nothing short of what this group deserves,' she said post-match. 'The grit, the determination we showed, it's not luck. It doesn't happen once, twice or three times for it to be luck. This is pure determination from this group. 'Whoever stepped up, we knew was going to score, but especially when Chloe stepped up for that fifth penalty, I knew it was going in and yeah, damn it did.' Returning to London, Hemp was able to celebrate the history of an England team who have become the first senior team to win a major tournament on foreign soil. And as Heather Small's rendition of 'Proud' rang out from in front of the Victoria Memorial, there could not be a better representation of the feelings at full-time in Basel. 'I was so speechless,' said Hemp. 'It's incredible and like I said, it's what this team deserves. 'We deserve to be winning all the time and it's incredible that it's not only happened once, it's happened twice and it's staying home and hopefully long may it continue.'
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Lionesses lift Euros trophy in front of thousands at Buckingham Palace
The Lionesses were cheered by thousands of fans along The Mall on Tuesday after the team defended their Euros title with a penalty shootout win over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland. There was singing, swearing and even a splash of royalty in attendance at the jubilant parade in central London. Wearing white Nike T-shirts and England scarves, the team took photos with their phones as the buses travelled down the street, led by the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth and flanked on either side by cheering fans waving flags. Manager Sarina Wiegman danced alongside afrobeat star Burna Boy on stage while there was also a performance of Proud by Heather Small, before captain Leah Williamson lifted the trophy in the air to huge cheers. Weigman was particularly ecstatic to share the stage and a hug with the artist, having previously admitted to reporters at press conferences how much she enjoyed and played his music. After her song, Small turned to the team and said: 'Congratulations ladies – we are so very proud.' The squad then posed for photos with the gathered fans on the Mall amid a large red fireworks display, before singing along to Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline as it played over the speakers. Among those spotted in the crowd was Princess Beatrice, the King's niece and ninth in line to the throne, who was joined in giving her support by husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and their baby daughter Athena. Speaking on stage at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of the palace to host Alex Scott, a tearful Williamson said: 'I've been crying all the way down The Mall. All for this moment! ❤️ — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 29, 2025 'This is unbelievable, probably one of the best things we've ever, ever been a part of, so thank you for coming out.' Williamson described the team as 'special, special people', adding: 'We love each other, we've got each other's back on and off the pitch. 'We had tough moments, nasty things to deal with, and still we rise.' Lioness Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning penalty in the Euros final, swore as she celebrated on stage. The forward told host Alex Scott: '(It is) so good to stand side by side with every single one of these girls throughout the whole tournament, and the staff that you don't see behind the scenes. It's incredible. 'Thank you to everyone that got out to support us, whether that's in Switzerland or here today. It's so f****** special.' Scott immediately apologised to the crowd for the language. In a post later on X, Kelly apologised and said: 'Ooops. Emotions got the better of me. Sorry for the F bomb. love CK x' Alessia Russo, who scored the Lionesses' equaliser with a header against Spain in the final, described the celebrations on The Mall as 'a bit surreal'. Asked by BBC News how she was feeling whilst on the open-top bus, she said: 'Tired, but on cloud nine. I mean, this is just unreal. 'We didn't really know what to expect coming into it today, but everyone was so excited on the bus, and it feels so nice to come back to England and celebrate with our fans.' Asked to describe the scenes in central London, Russo added: 'It's just a bit surreal. It's crazy to see this many people come out in the home of England at London, heading up to Buckingham Palace – it's just crazy. 'I'd never have dreamed of anything like it.' Celebrations on home soil began on Monday when the team landed at Southend Airport in Essex, where hundreds of fans waited to catch a glimpse of Sarina Wiegman's side and the trophy. The Lionesses attended a reception at Downing Street hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer offered 'a huge, huge congratulations to you and to the whole team' as he spoke with Wiegman and some of the Lionesses via a video call from the garden of No 10. The King also congratulated the European champions on Monday, saying in a statement posted on X: '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.' Royal celebrations could continue for the team as plans for a reception at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle in the autumn are being explored by royal aides, it is understood.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
England deliver for Sarina Wiegman in iconic moment at Lionesses Euro 2025 victory parade
A month of last-minute equalisers, penalty shootout victories and a third consecutive European Championship title has given Sarina Wiegman plenty to celebrate, but through it all she has never looked so happy as when Burna Boy was revealed at the trophy parade. Having revealed the singer-songwriter was her favourite artist in a press conference, England delivered for Wiegman just as she had done for them out in Switzerland. The singing and dancing version of the Dutch manager proved unrecognisable from the cooler exterior of past tournaments, but then in her renewed outlook she had plenty to enjoy. 'What I really wanted to do over all these years is try to enjoy it a little bit more,' she had said. 'Trying to enjoy things a little bit more instead of always being so… you have to be focused in this job but you need to celebrate the moments that are good, it's really nice.' As the Lionesses open-top bus paraded down the mall to the cheers of 65,000 fans, this was certainly one of those moments. Just three years ago, when women's football seemed to have captivated the whole nation, there were 7,000 fans who turned up to celebrate their inaugural major trophy at Trafalgar Square. That number has increased nearly tenfold in the intervening years, though it should be noted there was a cap on capacity in 2022. It is testament to the impact that the Lionesses had in continuing to inspire a nation that they could fill nearly three-quarters of Wembley Stadium with fans who took time away from work to celebrate their achievements. And there could not have been a more fitting location. The finish of the London Marathon has been the end of a mammoth journey for millions, and in a similar fashion - beleaguered from their efforts and ready for a well-earned rest - the Lionesses travelled towards the Palace. While their heads might not be embossed on coins yet, over the past month they have become Queens of the nation for their embodiment of the most palatable interpretation of Englishness yet. An unerring resilience and grit had got them to the final in Basel, and as they travelled up to the Victoria Memorial to the cheers of thousands they could finally stop and enjoy the moment. Fittingly serenaded by a performance of 'Proud' by Heather Small, a teary-eyed Leah Williamson issued a rallying cry to those before her. '2022 was a fairytale but this felt very hard earned and we're very proud of ourselves. This story is not done yet,' she uttered to further cheers. While it is another chapter complete, Williamson's statement will act as further warning to any future opponent if they had not already learned that the Lionesses are never done. But off the pitch, too, the ramifications of her declaration extend much further. Having called for equal access to football in PE for girls after the Euro 2022 triumph, the Lionesses have proven their actions are never just restricted to personal success. For the women who enjoyed their moment in the spotlight on Tuesday, their moments on the pitch will always mean so much more than just another trophy. This summer they have once again shown just what is possible for young girls aspiring to reach their levels. As Williamson referenced the fact the trophy they raised in front of the 65,000 at Buckingham Palace did not even exist just over 40 years ago, it is abundantly clear that these role models are all too conscious of that fact. But as they danced onstage to the anthems of their tournament, they could be afforded the peace to just indulge in what has been a remarkable summer of football and another historic achievement. As Wiegman and Burna Boy said arm-in-arm: 'It's been a hell of a ride.'
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
England lift Euros trophy in front of thousands at Buckingham Palace
The England Women's football team have lifted their European Championships trophy outside Buckingham Palace as thousands joined in the celebrations of their dramatic victory. The Lionesses were cheered by thousands of fans along The Mall on Tuesday after the team defended their Euros title with a penalty shootout win over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland. Advertisement Wearing white Nike T-shirts and England scarves, the team took photos with their phones as the buses travelled down the street, led by the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth and flanked on either side by cheering fans waving flags. Buses carrying England players and staff make their way down The Mall (Adam Davy/PA) Manager Sarina Wiegman danced alongside afrobeat star Burna Boy on stage while there was also a performance of Proud by Heather Small, before captain Leah Williamson lifted the trophy in the air to huge cheers. The squad then posed for photos with the gathered fans on the Mall amid a large red fireworks display, before singing along to Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline as it played over the speakers. Speaking on stage at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of the palace to host Alex Scott, a tearful Williamson said: 'I've been crying all the way down The Mall. Advertisement All for this moment! ❤️ — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 29, 2025 'This is unbelievable, probably one of the best things we've ever, ever been a part of, so thank you for coming out.' Williamson described the team as 'special, special people', adding: 'We love each other, we've got each other's back on and off the pitch. 'We had tough moments, nasty things to deal with, and still we rise.' Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning penalty in the Euros final, swore as she celebrated on stage. Advertisement Fans gathered around the stage on The Mall as celebrations were in full swing (Yui Mok/PA) The forward told host Alex Scott: '(It is) so good to stand side by side with every single one of these girls throughout the whole tournament, and the staff that you don't see behind the scenes. It's incredible. 'Thank you to everyone that got out to support us, whether that's in Switzerland or here today. It's so f****** special.' Scott immediately apologised to the crowd for the language. Alessia Russo, who scored England's equaliser with a header against Spain in the final, described the celebrations on The Mall as 'a bit surreal'. Advertisement England players gather on the steps of the Victoria Memorial during a Homecoming Victory Parade (Yui Mok/PA) Asked by BBC News how she was feeling whilst on the open-top bus, she said: 'Tired, but on cloud nine. I mean, this is just unreal. 'We didn't really know what to expect coming into it today, but everyone was so excited on the bus, and it feels so nice to come back to England and celebrate with our fans.' Asked to describe the scenes in central London, Russo added: 'It's just a bit surreal. It's crazy to see this many people come out in the home of England at London, heading up to Buckingham Palace – it's just crazy. 'I'd never have dreamed of anything like it.' Advertisement Celebrations on home soil began on Monday when the team landed at Southend Airport in Essex, where hundreds of fans waited to catch a glimpse of Sarina Wiegman's side and the trophy. England attended a reception at Downing Street hosted by UK deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. A large fireworks display followed the trophy lift outside the palace (Ben Whitley/PA) UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer offered 'a huge, huge congratulations to you and to the whole team' as he spoke with Wiegman and some of the team via a video call from the garden of No 10. Britain's King Charles also congratulated the European champions on Monday, saying in a statement posted on X: '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.' Royal celebrations could continue for the team as plans for a reception at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle in the autumn are being explored by royal aides, it is understood.
Powys County Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Lionesses lift Euros trophy in front of thousands at Buckingham Palace
The England Women's football team have lifted their European Championships trophy outside Buckingham Palace as thousands joined in the celebrations of their dramatic victory. The Lionesses were cheered by thousands of fans along The Mall on Tuesday after the team defended their Euros title with a penalty shootout win over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland. Wearing white Nike T-shirts and England scarves, the team took photos with their phones as the buses travelled down the street, led by the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth and flanked on either side by cheering fans waving flags. Manager Sarina Wiegman danced alongside afrobeat star Burna Boy on stage while there was also a performance of Proud by Heather Small, before captain Leah Williamson lifted the trophy in the air to huge cheers. The squad then posed for photos with the gathered fans on the Mall amid a large red fireworks display, before singing along to Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline as it played over the speakers. Speaking on stage at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of the palace to host Alex Scott, a tearful Williamson said: 'I've been crying all the way down The Mall. All for this moment! ❤️ — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 29, 2025 'This is unbelievable, probably one of the best things we've ever, ever been a part of, so thank you for coming out.' Williamson described the team as 'special, special people', adding: 'We love each other, we've got each other's back on and off the pitch. 'We had tough moments, nasty things to deal with, and still we rise.' Lioness Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning penalty in the Euros final, swore as she celebrated on stage. The forward told host Alex Scott: '(It is) so good to stand side by side with every single one of these girls throughout the whole tournament, and the staff that you don't see behind the scenes. It's incredible. 'Thank you to everyone that got out to support us, whether that's in Switzerland or here today. It's so f****** special.' Scott immediately apologised to the crowd for the language. Alessia Russo, who scored the Lionesses' equaliser with a header against Spain in the final, described the celebrations on The Mall as 'a bit surreal'. Asked by BBC News how she was feeling whilst on the open-top bus, she said: 'Tired, but on cloud nine. I mean, this is just unreal. 'We didn't really know what to expect coming into it today, but everyone was so excited on the bus, and it feels so nice to come back to England and celebrate with our fans.' Asked to describe the scenes in central London, Russo added: 'It's just a bit surreal. It's crazy to see this many people come out in the home of England at London, heading up to Buckingham Palace – it's just crazy. 'I'd never have dreamed of anything like it.' Celebrations on home soil began on Monday when the team landed at Southend Airport in Essex, where hundreds of fans waited to catch a glimpse of Sarina Wiegman's side and the trophy. The Lionesses attended a reception at Downing Street hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer offered 'a huge, huge congratulations to you and to the whole team' as he spoke with Wiegman and some of the Lionesses via a video call from the garden of No 10. The King also congratulated the European champions on Monday, saying in a statement posted on X: '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.'
