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By JON BRADY and SHANNON MCGUIGAN Published: 21: 00 AEST, 29 July 2025 | Updated: 23: 48 AEST, 29 July 2025 796 View comments The Lionesses have enjoyed a heroes' welcome on The Mall after bringing football home to England for the second time in a row as European champions. The squad was greeted by a 65, 000-strong crowd from atop a bus emblazoned with the slogan '2022 and 2025 European Champions', cruised down the thoroughfare at the heart of London just after 12pm - with Princess Beatrice among those cheering them on with her family. Rapid preparations had been made for the ceremony after Sarina Wiegman's team thumped Spain 3-1 on penalties following a tense and drawn-out 120 minutes of stalemate football in Basel, Switzerland on Sunday. The Lionesses turned out in t-shirts that read 'HOME', with the 'H' stylised as a pair of letter 'I's in recognition of their two European titles on the trot, and red scarves bearing the Three Lions and the word 'CHAMPIONS'. Kerry Davis - the first Black women's footballer to play for England - then brought out the Euro 2025 trophy alongside Jane Oboavwoduo, a 14-year-old forward in the England Under-17s, before the team hoisted it aloft in a flurry of red smoke to the cheers of thousands. A tearful Leah Williamson told the crowds it had been like a 'fairytale', adding: 'I've been crying all the way down the Mall. It's unbelievable. It's one of the best things we've ever been a part of. ' She continued: 'There's lots of ways to win a football match and we repeatedly did it the hard way. You can see how much we care about playing for England. How much we love it. ' And with a vow that England's women were not done winning, she concluded: 'We're making history every single step. Stay with us. This story's not done yet. ' An ecstatic Chloe Kelly let slip a swear word live on air as she was interviewed - after swearing into the camera as she picked up her winners' medal on Sunday. 'It feels so good to stand side by side with every single one of these girls and the staff you don't see behind the scenes. It's so f****** special, ' she grinned, forcing host and ex-England star Alex Scott to issue an on-air apology. Kelly had shouted 'f****** come on' into the camera on Sunday after being presented with her medal by Prince William - to the amusement of fans. The huge crowd packed onto The Mall to watch as the Lionesses arrived at Buckingham Palace The FA confirmed that a crowd of 65, 000 thousand people has gathered to celebrate the team's historic victory A packed crowd squeezed together to grab even a faint glimpse of the victorious England team on the stage Leah Williamson holds the Women's Euro 2025 trophy aloft as the Lionesses arrive in The Mall to celebrate their second European title in a row Flanked by their backroom squad, the team held the trophy aloft as red smoke was released into the air - with thousands cheering them on The huge crowd of fans waved flags and held their phones out to try and grab a picture of the England stars Thousands of people turned out to celebrate the victory, dressed and equipped for the occasion in England colours The Mall was filled with thousands of excited England fans who filled up all available space to watch the presentation The Lionesses cruised along The Mall to celebrate their second European title on the trot Sarina Wiegman on stage with Burna Boy, who she has described as her 'favourite' music artist Burna Boy performs on stage alongside Sarina Wiegman and in front of the England players Lioness star Grace Clinton captured a close-up as Burna Boy performed for the England manager and the crowd England fans turned up in huge numbers, many draped in England flags and caps to show their support Fans go wild in celebration, waving England flags as the Lionesses celebrate on stage together Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mozzi cheered on the Lionesses with their children, including baby Athena and stepson Christopher (also known as Wolfie) The squad - including penalty scorer Chloe Kelly - waved to fans and filmed the parade for themselves as they rode towards Buckingham Palace England's football royalty were greeted by thousands as they cruised down the Mall on an open-top bus Ecstatic England players atop the bus as it rolled down the Mall, cheered on by thousands The team was paraded down the Mall by two Armed Forces bands, who played familiar pop songs associated with the team including Sweet Caroline Supporters turned out as much as 12 hours early to cheer on the team after they were crowned running European champions. 'Tired - but on cloud nine. This is just unreal, ' Alessia Russo, who scored the equaliser that set England up for penalties, told the BBC. 'It feels so nice to come back to England to celebrate with all our fans. It's just a bit surreal. It's crazy to see this many people come out heading up to Buckingham Palace. I'd have never dreamt of anything like it. ' Around 7, 000 turned up to Trafalgar Square in 2022 after the last European championship. A quick glance at the Mall suggests there are more here today. Captain Leah Williamson hoisted the trophy over her head as the buses cruised towards the Queen Victoria Memorial - where she and her Lionesses are set to be quizzed on the tournament by ex-England heroine Alex Scott against the glorious backdrop of Buckingham Palace. As the squad arrived at the head of the Mall, the Central Band of the Royal Air Force had a surprise up its sleeve: a brass band rendition of Three Lions, which the crowd was more than happy to sing along to as they belted out: 'Football's coming home. ' The band - probably used to playing less unconventional songs - then broke into the club classic Freed from Desire, which has been adapted by an inscrutable number of football fans to cheer on their teams, and Neil Diamond's classic Sweet Caroline. As the buses reached Buckingham Palace, the crowds filtered out from the edges of the Mall towards the stage that had been set up at its feet. The event saw the England team's backroom staff invited out on stage to receive the country's thanks - before Sarina Weigman was greeted with a chorus of Tequila, the chant at the end of the chorus replaced with the shout: 'Sarina! ' 'Very innovative, the English, ' she joked, 'And funny. ' But even she couldn't hold back from dancing after singer Burna Boy was brought on stage to perform her favourite song, For My Hand. The crowd then began singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond, after watching the Euro 2025 winners hold up their well-earned trophy. Billows of red smoke flew into the sky as the triumphant squad lifted the trophy over their shoulders. Jubilant yells and cheers echoed down the Mall in London as fans continue the celebrations, belting out the 70s hit. Crowds of England womens fans both young and old erupted into song. Onlookers belted the lyrics ‘what have you done today to make you feel proud’, before the squad brought the much-awaited trophy to the stage. Sarina Wiegman becomes the support act for Burna Boy as he performs his hit song 'For my hand' Princess Beatrice seen in the crowds during the Homecoming victory parade on The Mall Sarina Wiegman addresses the crowds on The Mall - shortly before being surprised with afrobeats star Burna Boy Thousands of people turned out for the celebrations waving St George's and Three Lions flags - as well as the stylised 'HOME' graphic celebrating the two titles on the trot Flares and smoke went off as the team held the trophy aloft at the head of the Mall to the cheers of thousands of fans Security flanked the two buses as they crawled along the Mall - but the event ultimately went off without a hitch Esme Morgan and Jill Scott share a smile as they soak up the atmosphere of their victory parade Thousands packed out the Mall ahead of the parade - some arriving up to 12 hours beforehand to secure the best spot The squad posed for a picture on the steps of the Queen Victoria Memorial before heading on stage to recap the tournament The atmosphere was electric on the coach ride to the foot of the Mall beforehand, with the players sharing video of themselves getting prepared on social media A young England fan shows off her home-made hat as she waits for the parade to begin A sea of people poured into the centre of the Mall after the bus parade in order to watch the trophy lifting celebration at the Victoria Memorial Speaking ahead of the celebrations, ecstatic fans said they couldn't sleep beforehand. It comes just as the English school holidays kicked off - guaranteeing a huge turnout of cherub-faced young fans, future Lionesses potentially among them, who had lined the route early hoping to catch a glimpse of their heroes. As if to inspire them more, the crowd was treated to interviews with the Lionesses themselves speaking about their starts in grassroots football, illustrated with photographs of them growing up. The message to the starry eyed young girls watching was clear: anyone can be a Lioness - you just have to start somewhere. Highlights of the team's battle to the top in Switzerland were soundtracked by Armed Forces' bands ahead of the parade - before manager Sarina Wiegman and the Lionesses hoisted the trophy aloft to the cheers of thousands. The turnout is expected to be overwhelming after England's nail-bitingly close face-off with Spain on Sunday in the final, which came down to the narrowest of margins in a torturous penalty shootout capped off in style by forward Chloe Kelly. A stage was being put up by workers early this morning ahead of the event, while St George's flags were hoisted onto the flagpoles that line the boulevard. Some fans had clearly heeded the warning to prepare well for the party - with some already turning out as early as 12. 30am today. When they arrived, the winning Lionesses passed along the Mall to several trumpets followed by repeated chants of “England” as they returned with the trophy earlier today. Fans clambered, desperate to catch a glimpse of the squad hold up their trophy. England players circle the Euros trophy on stage in front of the crowd as they prepare to lift it England fans scramble to the front to try and catch a glimpse of the Lionesses on their open-top bus England flags are waved across the crowd as the Lionesses arrive on The Mall on their bus Fans wave England flags as Sarina Wiegman performs alongside Burna Boy on stage Manager Sarina Wiegman, Georgia Stanway and Chloe Kelly seen waving to the crowds Forward Lauren Hemp and midfielder Grace Clinton celebrate as they ride their victory bus down The Mall At least 7, 000 people turned out for the previous celebrations in Trafalgar Square in 2022 - a cursory glance at the Mall suggests a greater turnout this time around The buses carried both the England squad and the backroom team who made the magic happen Defender Lotte Wubben-Moy grins as she holds the trophy aloft on the bus as it makes its way up the Mall Fans of all ages have turned out for the festivities - including some potential little future Lionesses Women, girls, men, boys - and dogs: Fans of all shapes and sizes came out to cheer on the Lionesses The thoroughfare was already a sea of St George's Flags long before the bus began its route Neil Biddulph, 71, said the win will inspire generations of women footballers. Mr Biddulph, who travelled from Blackburn to visit London - taking in the parade is a bonus on his trip - told the Daily Mail: 'I have two granddaughters, so I think its brilliant. It can only do good and it will give the country a lift. 'I watched bits of the final while watching my grandson play cricket. I'm more excited for these two, ' he added, indicating his granddaughters. 'It's the first time I have seen a parade and it will definitely inspire future generations. 'There's nothing like being here. In 20 years my granddaughters will say "I was there". ' Hayleigh Finch, from Bromley, said she was 'about to have a heart attack' as she watched the final unfold. 'I think its going to boost a lot of women to play football because, and I am not being sexist, but the women play better than the men every year, ' she said. 'The women are more determined. They don't give up. ' Her friend Kayleigh Hall, from Essex, added: 'I am so excited, I am going to cry. I wouldn't play but I would encourage my daughter to give it a go. ' Elizabeth Calderara excitedly told the Mail: 'The fabulous thing about the team is that they never give up and I think that's really important for people going through challenging times - just to keep going and you will reach your life goal. ' She added: ' If the FA put their money where their mouth is, I think there will be a lot of opportunity for younger girls. 'Everybody wrote them (England) off but they didn't give up. I think that's what being here is about, celebrating their perseverance. 'Being here, I don't know if they will win again, so it was really important for me to be here and soak up the atmosphere. ' Chloe Kelly takes the microphone while on stage, wearing her winners medal and an England scarf Lioness Esme Morgan, left, sings along with artist Heather Small, center right, during a homecoming victory parade Both female and male fans crowded out The Mall ahead of the bus beginning its crawl down the road towards Buckingham Palace Fans turned out in England shirts by the dozen - with demand for women's tops soaring in the last week at sports retailers Fans have been arriving since the early hours - and are already packing out The Mall closest to the stage. One even brought a cardboard cutout of Leah Williamson (above) A girl has face paint applied ahead of the parade at lunchtime - with sunglasses carrying the initials of steely defender Lucy Bronze The Mall was already a sea of St George's flags ahead of the parade - with fans also bringing scarves bearing the Lionesses' likenesses England's Grace Clinton (top) is held on the shoulders of her teammate as they celebrate on stage Linda Martin, 58, has been following women's football for a ‘few years’. ‘Its passion, its what we play for it comes from the heart. ’ Regarding the women’s win, she said: ‘Its amazing, how people have women's down, it proves how determined we are. ‘Some people play for the money, but it has to come from the heart. ’ On how the win will impact the game: ‘It will be even bigger. 'Its picked up already in the last few years. Give it a few more years and it will be at an equal level with the men. ’ Describing how the parade feels and the atmosphere, she said: ‘Overwhelming. ’ I have done it before last time many years ago, like many things its packed. She described feeling a sense of ‘real British pride’. ‘I just want to get to the front but I can’t, ’ she laughed. England players gather on the steps of the Victoria Memorial during a Homecoming Victory Parade Fans turned out in force for the European title celebrations - the second in three years Lauren Hemp shared this image to Instagram with the caption 'see you soon' ahead of the parade Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang have a chew of their medals ahead of the Mall parade Thousands of fans look on towards Buckingham Palace in front of the London skyline One England fan carries flags alongside his England bucket hat and shirt amongst the crowd of excited supporters Amber Champ, 18 and her father Ian Champ, 44, drove for an hour to see the parade today Sue, Sharon and Paula had travelled from the Isle of Wight, setting off at 6am for today’s parade, which they described as a ‘once in a lifetime event’ Sue Plummer, 57, said: ‘It was just really nice to celebrate with them, rather than see them on the telly and to just show them they have so much support. Sharon Linnett, 58, added: ‘I think if you are a big supporter of them you had to be here. Paula Mcclumpha, 57 Continued: ‘Its not easy to attend games is it so I don't know if they know how many people are supporting them and willing them on. Sue said: It shocked me how many people are here, it shocked me how many men were here and its nice to see the foreigners here on holiday seeing how we support our women, and how we encourage them and build them up rather than just put them down. ’ Sharon said they had spoken to a French journalist who said the same support and turn out is not given to their respective women's squad. Sue said: ‘I’m hoping something like this resonates around the other countries as well. ‘Women's football is to be celebrated and it has to be on par with the men's. ‘Equal pay, equal respect and equal recognition. ’ Grace Clinton shares a selfie with her England teammates as they join the bus parade towards Buckingham Palace Maya Le Tissier expresses her shock as the open top bus passes the crowds lining The Mall England's penalty hero Chloe Kelly takes the microphone as celebrations continue on stage The team flew back to the UK yesterday after claiming victory in the 2025 European Championships over Spain Cheering fans have been lining up since the wee hours to catch a glimpse of England's heroines as they cruise down The Mall on an open-top bus Thousands of fans are expected to line The Mall for the Lionesses' victory parade today It was an emotional victory for Katherine Lockie, 27, who told The Mail she was not allowed to play football in school. She said: ‘When I was younger I wasn’t allowed to play football and it always really annoyed me when I was younger. ‘And it always frustrated me because I was way more interested in it than either of my brothers. But know its fun, because I feel the next generation will be able to play football. So its great. Adding how now the win makes her feel ‘vindicated’ after not being a play football as a child. She added: ‘For sure especially as the men never win. ’ I was in an airport with my mate and we were watching on our phone in Spain. It was really stressful, we were holding hands. ’ We found a good pub and there was a really good atmosphere in there. They described women's football as ‘bringing the family together’ however Bill Skinny, 65, was annoyed that ‘a lot of men still diss women’s football’. ‘The women's games have been great they have been really exciting. ’ Michael Lockie, 30: ‘I think the last match would have went the opposite with the men's team. ’ The England team bus passes under the Union flag as the team arrives at The Mall for the parade Images taken by Grace Clinton show Chloe Kelly and her teammates dancing on the stage Fans cheer and celebrate as pyrotechnics and smoke cover the stage in front of Buckingham Palace Flares go off during the Homecoming Victory Parade on the Mall in front of the palace England's Chloe Kelly takes a selfie with Leah Williamson as the team bus makes its way down The Mal England found focus at the moment it mattered most - inching out a 3-1 victory on penalties to claim the Euro 2025 trophy in Basel Ian Champ, 44, who attended with his daughter Amber, drove an hour to see the parade. The pair are Women's Season ticket holders for Arsenal. Of the parade, he said: 'It was amazing. We are arsenal supporters and didnr get to see the parade for that so to see it for your country - unbelievable. Describing the moment they held up yhe trophy/ ' It gave me goosebumps. 'And its something the men cant seem to get right, and the women have done it, twice. ' You're just seeing the impact in the WSL, it was increasing in popluarity over the last few years but now its just shot up. Its amazing I just hope it keeps going. One England fan shows her support with face paint and an England styled hat as she awaits the Lionesses Katherine Lockie, 27, said she wasn't allowed to play football when she was younger. She was joined by Michael Lockie, 30 (right), and their dad Bill Skinny Linda Martin, 58, said she felt a sense of 'real British pride' after the Lionesses success in the Euros Crowds gathered ahead of the arrival of the England women's football team on The Mall (left to right) Sue Plummer, 57, Sharon Linnett, 58, and Paula Mc Clumpha, 57, in England shirts for the parade Neil Biddulph, 71, said he hoped the win would inspire generations of women's footballers in England Hayleigh Finch, 26, (pictured left) joined Kayleigh Hall, 27, (second from right) and her daughter (right) Another giggling supporter told Good Morning Britain: 'We got here about 12. 30am, I'm genuinely so excited, I can't hold it in. ' Another added: 'I was so excited I couldn't sleep, so I got the train at 3am. They played brilliantly, and with tenacity. Their resilience was amazing - they never lost hope and nor did the rest of England either. ' 'We've come from Norwich, ' one told BBC Breakfast, as a live band warmed up with Sweet Caroline. 'It's been full of emotions in our house. There's been many tears - it's been inspirational watching all of the girls. ' A pair of buses reading '2022 and 2025 European Champions' were parked at Admiralty House ahead of time, ready to pick up England's heroines and deliver them through the heart of London. The fenced-off areas around the memorial were already brimming with female and male supporters alike shortly after 8am, with some kicking footballs around or applying face paint as they prepared to party. Some wore England tops or bore scarves - as retailer JD Sports reported a 730 per cent increase in demand for women's England shirts. The preparations come after the Lionesses flew back from Basel, Switzerland yesterday afternoon - after dancing into the night following their victory. After stopping by Downing Street for a reception with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner - with the PM on business with Trump in Scotland - the team swapped their formal clothes for gladrags and headed into Soho for a celebratory dinner. Sunday's win on penalties came after a nail-biting 120 minutes that saw England equalise but fail to keep the momentum up before the final whistle - with neither team pulling ahead in extra time. The team triumphed 3-1 at the bitter end, with Chloe Kelly converting the decisive spot-kick against Cata Coll. It became the most-watched TV moment of the year and the second most-watched women's football match in British broadcasting history, peaking at more than 16 million people tuning in at once. Viewing figures were only narrowly behind the last European final against Germany in 2022, when over 17 million watched England storm to a 2-1 victory. And the win was sweet revenge for the 2023 World Cup final, which saw Spain win 1-0 after picking up an early lead and parrying England's agonised comeback attempts. The Lionesses partied until 4am after bringing the trophy home to their hotel - belting out hits on karaoke and treating themselves to well-earned pizza, beer and a celebratory cake. Red and white smoke fills the stage as the victorious Lionesses lift the trophy in front of the fans Fans clambered for position to try and catch a glimpse as the Lionesses team bus arrived on the Mall Desperate England fans tried to push to the front of the crowd to get a view of the trophy A stage is being set up at the end of The Mall, in front of the Queen Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace, for an event to be hosted by ex-England star Alex Scott St George's flags are hoisted onto flagpoles on The Mall ahead of the open-top bus parade at lunchtime The parade route will run from the foot of the Mall, close to Trafalgar Square, up to the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace Might as well start training now! A woman kicks an inflatable football on The Mall as she waits for the parade to start A glittering performance: A woman with face paint stands waiting on the Mall hours ahead of the victory parade A girl has a St George's cross applied to her cheek as the crowds begin to form on the Mall Does she have 2025 vision? A woman wears novelty England glasses as she waits for the parade to start Girls drape themselves in England flags on the Mall. Two of them are wearing sunglasses decorated with their favourite players' names and numbers England hero Chloe Kelly was spotted jumping out of a taxi for a night out in Soho as the Lionesses headed out for a celebratory dinner after their Downing Street reception Manager Sarina Wiegman (left, with captain Leah Williamson and the Euro 2025 trophy) called for more investment in women's football at the Downing Street event It's come home: The Lionesses' jet was the most tracked in the world - emblazoned with a stylised 'HOME' to reflect their two European victories Despite partying into the wee hours, the players were up bright and early to leave their hotel in Basel. Captain Leah Williamson protected the trophy as Lego fan Lauren Hemp brought out a Beauty and the Beast castle she made in downtime between matches. The squad then flew back to Britain, arriving at London Southend Airport yesterday where they were greeted by hundreds of fans. The Embraer jet bearing the stylised word 'HOME' - the 'H' written as two 'I's to recognise the team's second European title on the trot - was the most tracked in the world on Flight Radar for a time. The players were then congratulated by Ms Rayner during a special reception at Downing Street on Monday, with the windows draped in St George's flags and celebratory bunting hung in the street. She told the team yesterday: 'You've made us all so so proud. Role models like you send such a powerful message, the Lionesses are a shining example of talent and excitement for women's football. ' Some of the team also took part in a surprise video call from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was unable to attend in person due to talks with US President Donald Trump in Scotland. Mr Starmer told them: 'You must've felt the eyes and ears of the whole country on you last night. ' England manager Sarina Wiegman took the opportunity to call for more investment in women's football at the event - in order to train up the Lionesses of tomorrow. She said: 'We need some more investment. 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. ' The Lionesses met Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner during a special reception at Downing Street, and took part in a video call with the PM from Scotland Young fans with homemade signs waited for the team to arrive back in the UK. The government announced fresh grassroots investment in women and girls' sport last night Michelle Agyemang - named young player of the tournament - and Leah Williamson greet fans as they leave the airport, trophy safely tucked under the captain's arm The Government would announce a new package of measures to boost access to grassroots football hours later - with the establishment of a Women's Sport Taskforce to boost girls' participation in sport at all levels. Flagship sites and pitches will be dedicated to the Lionesses and more time slots will be created for women's and girls' teams at grassroots pitches across the country. It is thought that a 'Lioness effect' could inspire more young girls to get into football. And the additional investment comes in the run up to the 2035 World Cup, which is being hosted by all four home nations of the UK. As well as the Prime Minister, the King also congratulated the European champions - as did the Prince of Wales and his daughter Princess Charlotte, who signed off on her first ever official Royal message in congratulations. The King said 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. ' Prince William and Princess Charlotte added in their own post: '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. ' The Prince of Wales, who is patron of the FA, was in the stands in Basel on Sunday alongside his daughter and presented the Lionesses with their victory medals. But the royal celebrations may yet continue. The PA news agency has reported that royal aides are considering plans for a reception in the autumn at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.
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