Latest news with #StephaniePeacock
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
No10 confirms if there will be bank holiday for Euros win after Lionesses' victory with penalty heroics
THE Government has confirmed if there will be a bank holiday following the Lionesses' historic Euros victory. 4 4 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. But speaking today, the Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds revealed that there won't be a bank holiday to celebrate the win. Speaking to Times Radio, Mr Reynolds said: "There should be a day of celebration. That's what the prime minister promised. "That's not a bank holiday, but there is a Downing Street reception today. There'll be the Victory Parade tomorrow. "I'm afraid I can't announce a bank holiday, but there should be a celebration to mark this brilliant achievement." The Downing Street reception today is due to be hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. The team will then attend a homecoming celebration event on Tuesday, with a ceremony expected to take place outside Buckingham Palace. The Prime Minister has previously pushed for a bank holiday to celebrate the Lionesses' achievements. Ahead of their loss to Spain in the World Cup final two years ago, Sir Keir Starmer backed a day of celebration. Writing on X at the time, he said: "It's almost 60 years since England won the World Cup. "I'm never complacent about anything… but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home." Mr Reynolds added: "It's a magnificent achievement and it was just a privilege to watch. "I think this team handles the big tournament pressure better than any England team I've ever seen. "I mean, there were some tough moments, but they really came through." England fell behind to a goal by Mariona Caldentey in the 25th minute, but Alessia Russo scored a stunning equaliser after half time. Chloe Kelly delivered the perfect cross to Russo in the box, who brilliantly headed it into the side-netting. The teams battled it out in 30 minutes of extra time before England's Kelly scored the winning goal in penalties. The match took place in Basel, Switzerland, at the massive St Jakob-Park stadium and just over 34,000 fans are in attendance. Sir Keir and The Prince of Wales watched on from the stands in Basel, while an estimated 16 million Brits supported from home. The Prime Minister hailed the team's triumph, saying: "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. "It stands as a testament to the determination, resilience and unity that define this outstanding team." Supporters stood on tables, waved flags, threw drinks in the air and excitedly hugged each other as England claimed victory. The FA confirmed there will be an open-top bus parade along the Mall before the ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial. Fans can attend for free and it will be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky. Manager Sarina Wiegman 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.' 4
The Independent
16 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Sarina Wiegman's rallying cry for women's football after epic Euros win
England's women's football team, the Lionesses, successfully defended their Euro 2025 title by defeating Spain in a penalty shoot-out in Basel. The team celebrated their victory with a reception at 10 Downing Street, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. Head coach Sarina Wiegman used the occasion to call for further investment in women's football, urging England to remain a trailblazer in the sport. After arriving back at Southend Airport, the team is set to participate in a homecoming open-top bus parade in central London on Tuesday, concluding at the Queen Victoria Memorial. Discussions are underway for a potential royal reception for the winning squad at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle in the autumn.
Arab News
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Lionesses' triumph: England head coach wants more investment in women's football to mark Euro 2025 victory
LONDON: England head coach Sarina Wiegman has called for greater investment in women's football as her side celebrated Euro 2025 success at a 'very, very special' reception at 10 Downing Street. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The Lionesses successfully defended their Women's European Championship title with a penalty shootout victory over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland on Sunday. Having become the first England team to win a major tournament on foreign soil, the squad flew home to attend a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock in central London. The team arrived just before 7pm, with No. 10 decorated for the occasion with St. George's flags – also known as the flag of England – draped over windows and bunting along the railings. As Wiegman rose to speak to those gathered in the Downing Street garden she joked that 'this is different from standing next to a pitch.' She added: 'I have to make my apologies (for giving) you lots of heart attacks. You all made it through and we made it through and that's why we're here now. 'The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we're already legendary, what the team has done and the team behind the team. 'Thank you so much for having us here. It's very, very special to be here and to be in this very nice garden with the way you set it up with all these pictures, it makes it more special, it's the first moment it sinks in a little bit because it was surreal what happened last night.' Wiegman, speaking a few hours before the UK government announced a new package of measures to boost access to grassroots football, used the moment to call for further investment in the game. 'This incredible team won the Euros and then straightaway sent a letter to you, the Government, asking for attention and asking for access to football for all girls,' Wiegman said. 'Steps have been taken but we're not done yet, we have to keep moving forward and we need a little bit more.' 'We need some more investment,' she said. 'We're not there yet. In England we're up there but England needs to stay the trailblazer, it needs to be the big example. The players first but also the FA, the clubs, the Government, the country, the fans – let's keep being the trailblazers.' In her own speech, Rayner congratulated Wiegman's team on defending their title 'with grit, with determination and with skill'. 'You roared, and I know I wasn't the only one roaring with you,' Rayner said. Earlier on Monday, following almost a month of competition in Switzerland, the team's airplane branded with the word 'home' touched down at Southend Airport in southeast England. In a post on social media, the team shared a photo of the Euros trophy draped in an England flag on a seat of the plane. Holding the trophy, captain Leah Williamson was first to step off the plane alongside Wiegman. Outside of the airport, crowds were lined up to welcome the team. On Sunday fans erupted with joy across England after Chloe Kelly lashed in her spot kick to give her team a 3-1 win on penalties, after a 1-1 draw following extra time. According to the BBC, a peak live audience of 12.2 million watched the game across its platforms, making it the most watched television moment of 2025 across all TV broadcasters. It was back-to-back European trophies for the Lionesses and yet another final that Kelly had a huge impact on, after also coming on as a substitute during the Euro 2022 trophy match and scoring the winner against Germany. 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 in front of Buckingham Palace. 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. King Charles III said the team had the royal family's 'warmest appreciation and admiration' following its win. 'The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can,' he added.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Lioness heroes swap kit colours for chic black and cream suit at Downing Street visit
The Lionesses have arrived at Downing Street in style. The triumphant England team posed outside Number 10 before heading inside for a celebratory reception after returning home to cheering crowds following their second European Women's Championship victory. After spending the last few weeks in tracksuits and football kits, the nation's footballing heroes cut chic figures as they donned matching cream and black suits for the celebration with 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. 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 this morning with skipper Leah Williamson carefully escorting the trophy to the bus. After almost a month of competition in Switzerland, the team's aeroplane branded with the word "home" touched down at Southend Airport this afternoon.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Lionesses to celebrate Euros win at Downing Street reception
The Lionesses are set to kick off celebrations in the UK with a reception at Downing Street after their dramatic penalty shootout win in the Euros final. The reception on Monday is due to be hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock, as the Prime Minister said the team had 'once again captured the hearts of the nation'. England defended their Euros title after beating Spain on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday. Players, coaches and FA representatives are to attend the Downing Street reception, Number 10 said. The Lionesses are then set for a homecoming open-top bus parade celebration in central London on Tuesday, followed by a ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. Confirming the Downing Street reception, Sir Keir Starmer said: '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. 'It stands as a testament to the determination, resilience and unity that define this outstanding team. 'I'm delighted that the squad will be welcomed into Downing Street as the whole country marks this historic win and the lasting impact they are creating for the future of the game.' Ms Rayner said it will be 'a privilege to celebrate' with the team, with Ms Peacock adding that the Government is 'committed to playing our part to ensure this success translates into lasting change.'
