LONDON (AP) – After being greeted with cheers on fans to arrive at home soil, Lioness went to Downing Street for a celebratory reception following the women’s European Championship victory.
England I successfully defended that title They defeated world champion Spain in a shootout at the final in Basel, Switzerland on Sunday.
The Lioness, who became the first English team to win a major tournament in a foreign country, left the hotel in Zurich on Monday morning, with captain Leah Williamson carefully escorting the trophy to the bus. Back in the UK, the team traveled to Westminster in central London for a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock.
The team arrived before 7pm, with Downing Street at No. 10 being decorated on the occasion, with St. George’s flag (also known as the flag of England, decorated with windows and buntings along the railing.
England head coach Sarina Wigman told Sky Sports News that the Downing Street reception was “very special.”
“Downing Street, you don’t usually come there. It was really good that they built it this way,” she said.
“It’s very special to be able to get inside, you can be in the garden, and the people there were really lovely. I’ve also posted some photos of what I’ve done with the Euro.
“It was lovely, it was a very warm welcome. I felt love everywhere, but even more so today.”
When asked about speculation that she could be lined up for the honor damehood, the Dutchman stated:
“I think the most important thing is that you feel it’s worth it. It’s very special to get a lot of respect from the UK.”
Following almost a month’s race in Switzerland, the team’s plane, branded with the word “home,” landed at Southend Airport in southeastern England on Monday afternoon.
In X’s post, the team shared a photo of the Eurotrophy draped on the English flag in the plane seat.
Holding the trophy, Williamson first got off the plane along with head coach Sarina Wigman. Outside the airport, crowds lined up to welcome the team.
On Sunday, fans erupted with joy throughout the UK Chloe Kelly She was hit by her spot kick and gave her team a 3-1 victory on penalty. According to the BBC, 12.2 million peak live audiences watched the game across the platform, making it the most watched television moment on all television stations in 2025.
It was a European trophy and yet another final for England, with Kelly making a big impact after coming in as a substitute during the Euro 2022 Trophy match and winning the winner against Germany in the time to determine a 2-1 victory.
Charles III The team said they had the royal family’s “warmest appreciation and admiration” after the victory.
“The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if possible,” he added.
A Homecoming open-top bath parade will follow in central London on Tuesday, with a procession along the mall, and the celebration will end with a staged ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace.
Defender Jess Carter has not joined his teammate for a London celebration as he returned to the US ahead of a NWSL match with Gotham FC’s Chicago star on Saturday.
“The Lioness has once again captured the hearts of the people,” said British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer. “Their victory is not only an incredible sporting achievement, but also an inspiration for young people across the country. It is a testament to the determination, resilience and solidarity that defines this outstanding team.”
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
