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By ADRIAN BISHOP and TUM BALOGUN Published: 00: 53 AEST, 29 July 2025 | Updated: 02: 57 AEST, 29 July 2025 318 View comments The victorious Lionesses have glammed up after their triumphant return to the UK and are now on their way to Downing Street to meet with the deputy Prime Minister. Lionesses captain Leah Williamson led the squad out of the private terminal at Southend Airport just before 5pm, carrying the European Championship trophy, to a huge ovation. The fans welcomed the players with a raucous atmosphere, with drums and chants of 'it's coming home' and 'we love you England, we do'. Banners and flags dedicated to a number of the players, including Alessia Russo, Williamson, Lucy Bronze and Lauren James, were on display. The Lionesses were unable to stop and greet fans individually after their flight was delayed by well over an hour. They swiftly boarded a coach headed for an event at 10 Downing Street where they will be greeted by Angela Rayner. Many of those unable to attend the England team's arrival instead kept tabs on their flight online, with more than 10, 000 users reportedly tracking the flight on the Swedish website Flightradar24. As the aircraft taxied its way across the tarmac, it was given a water cannon salute by two fire engines. Given their efforts, the Lionesses would be forgiven for feeling a little worse for wear, but they will be expected to be back on top form for what promises to be packed celebratory schedule. England's Leah Williamson holds the Euro 2025 trophy as she heads to greet fans Hannah Hampton and Anna Moorhouse arrive back in the UK England's Chloe Kelly (centre), Keira Walsh (right) and goalkeeper Khiara Keating (centre left) greet fans after arriving at London Southend Airport England's Grace Clinton (centre left) and Lucy Bronze (centre) greet fans after arriving at London Southend Airport England fans waiting outside London Southend Airport for the England team to arrive England defended their European Championship crown as they beat Spain on penalties England fans look on as Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone arrive after landing at London Southend Airport Tuesday brings the eagerly awaited open-top bus procession along The Mall, which is set to get underway at 12. 10pm and culminate with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace starting at approximately 12. 30pm. The ceremony event will be hosted by former England international Alex Scott. It's there fans will get the chance to honour their heroes and not upon the squad's arrival to the UK following a directive from the FA on Monday. 'Our history-making Lionesses will return home this afternoon, ' wrote a spokesman. 'But due to limited space at the airport, we would advise fans not to travel there today. 'Instead, we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Central London tomorrow for the homecoming celebrations. ' It is hoped the move will prevent potential overcrowding and logistical issues during a busy period for airports and guarantee the players' and staff's smooth and safe arrival home. It promises to be another extraordinary occasion to rival the trophy parade in Trafalgar Square three years ago. Though dramatic, England's success that time around was comparatively less tense that the one achieved on Sunday night at the St. Jakob-Park. But they were still ultimately grateful for the contribution of Chloe Kelly, the match winner against Germany at Wembley, who scored the decisive penalty to sink Spain. Kelly's introduction midway through the first half changed the momentum of a game that Spain dominated and looked set to win. The 27-year-old, who, like her Gunners team-mates, adds Euros glory to Champions League success, assisted Alessia Russo's 57th-minute equaliser after Mariona Caldentey's 25th-minute opener. The Lionesses have touched down in England less than 24 hours after their Euro 2025 triumph Sarina Wiegman and her stars made their way onto the tarmac before a visit to Downing Street Despite being told to stay away, fans flocked to the airport to welcome the returning heroes Even a one hour delay to the returning flight did not dampen spirits among the fans in attendance Former England star Jill Scott signed autographs for fans after arriving with the team 10 Downing Street was decked out in St George's Crosses in anticipation of the team's arrival England skipper Leah Williamson was in possession of the trophy as the squad returned Chloe Kelly looked remarkably well rested, given the partying the squad enjoyed after the win Alessia Russo (left) and Georgia Stanway (right) make their way onto the coach on Monday morning The two sides could not be separated after 120 minutes of action, leading to the dreaded penalty shootout. England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton produced two saves and saw another go wide of the post in the 3-1 shootout win. England stars celebrated long into the night after their dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Spain. Players joined family and friends to let their hair down. Ella Toone sang karaoke as England manager Sarina Wiegman and captain Leah Williamson cut a celebratory cake together. Players were still partying into the early hours of the morning, with Toone's partner Joe Bunney posting a picture at 4. 10am on Monday morning. Celebrations began in earnest swiftly after their title defence was assured, with the Lionesses performing a musical number as they left the field. Led by captain Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, England's players belted out 2010 hit Dancing On My Own by Robyn as they exited down the tunnel. The team would later return to the field armed with several boxes of pizza and cans of beer. Friends and family also joined in the celebrations. Lauren James was seen posing for a group selfie with a large squad of loved-ones, including Chelsea men's captain Reece James. Ella Toone celebrated with her medal as the party continued into the night in Switzerland Drinks were flowing as friends and family joined the England players in celebration Keira Walsh (left) and Alex Greenwood (right) are among the Lionesses stars to claim their second title Sarina Wiegman has become only the second women's manager to win three successive Euros Beever-Jones and Leah Williamson (right) refuelled with pizza and beer after Sunday's big win Lauren Hemp celebrated her second European Championship crown by wrapping her arms around girlfriend and former footballer Ashley Hodson. Inside the England dressing room, Grace Clinton, Aggie Beever-Jones and Jess Park shared a selfie with their medals. Beever-Jones had an extra reason to celebrate as Sunday was her 22nd birthday. The Chelsea star captioned an Instagram post: 'BEST BIRTHDAY EVER. ' Maya Le Tissier later uploaded a selfie of herself and Beever-Jones flaunting their medals while on the team bus. It was not only the players in the party mood. Indeed, manager Wiegman discussed her plans for the rest of the evening during a post-match interview. 'I'll do some more dancing, ' she said. 'I'll have a drink but I don't think I'll drink as much as the players will do. ' By late morning, the squad was seen boarding the coach that would take them to the airport ahead of their trip back. Hemp was seen holding a Lego set based on the Disney movie 'Beauty and the Beast' as she left the team hotel in Zurich. Georgia Stanway looked a little jaded as she walked to the team coach followed by young starlet Michelle Agyemang.
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