Englands 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.
The champions are set to be honoured today with a Downing street reception followed by a victory parade through London today.
After 120 tense minutes against reigning World Cup holders Spain, and a nerve-shredding penalty shootout, Sarina 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 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, 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.
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 Stammer 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.’
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