THE heroic Lionesses will celebrate their Euros win with a huge homecoming party after defending their title.
The winners, who beat Spain on penalties to secure victory in a nail-biting final on Sunday night, will enjoy an open-top bus parade in central London on Tuesday.
ReutersEngland secured victory in the final with a 3-1 win on penalties over Spain on Sunday night[/caption]
ReutersFans across the country went wild as the Lionesses became the first English side to win a major tournament on foreign soil[/caption]
Dan CharityThe team will parade on an open-top bus on Tuesday in central London – the Lionesses previously held a party in Trafalgar Square after their first Euros win in 2022[/caption]
Starting at 12.10pm, the bus will drive past fans along The Mall before ending with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace at around 12.30pm.
And this afternoon the Lionesses will be treated to a special reception at 10 Downing Street in celebration of the historic victory.
Hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Sports Minister the victorious side will be welcomed alongside coaches and representatives from the Football Association.
Prime Minister 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.”
England‘s historic win saw them become the first English side to win a major tournament on foreign soil.
It also saw them defend their 2022 Euros title, having beaten Germany 2-1 in the previous final at Wembley Stadium.
The homecoming celebration on Tuesday will be broadcast live across the BBC, ITV and Sky between 12pm and 1pm for those who can’t make the historic event.
Former Lioness right-back Alex Scott will present the free-to-attend ceremony, which will feature the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.
DJ CharStape will also perform live music before Sarina Wiegman and the Lionesses take the stage for a special European Championship winners trophy lift presentation.
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham said: “Our history-making Lionesses are Champions of Europe for the second successive time, and have become the first England Senior team in history to win a tournament overseas.
“We are so proud of all of the players, Sarina and the support team who have all been part of this incredible achievement.
“They have all worked unbelievably hard and we know the nation shares our pride.”
Countless fans had made the trek to Basel for the final, kitted out with England merch and flags as they roared the team to victory.
Bullingham added: “The victory celebration in London on Tuesday will give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players, and be part of history.
“We’ve had amazing support from our fans both in Switzerland and at home throughout the tournament, and we look forward to celebrating together and creating some lifelong memories.”
Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport Lisa Nandy said: “The Lionesses’ incredible win has done our country proud.
“Now, we have the chance to cheer these heroes home at their homecoming parade.
“The Lionesses didn’t just set out to win the tournament, they wanted to change society.”
Sunday’s final was full of twists and turns, with England falling behind in the 25th minute to a header from Mariona Caldentey.
However, the Lionesses roared back with a header of their own from Alessia Russo in the 57th minute to equalise the game.
The teams then tussled back and forth throughout the rest of normal and extra time before a nail-biting penalty shoot-out.
Ultimately, two heroic saves from Hannah Hampton allowed star player Chloe Kelly to fire home the winning penalty, securing victory for the Lionesses.
The tournament had not been without its battles, with England having to twice come back from goal deficits in previous rounds to make their way to the final.
Among major figures at the final were Prince William and his daughter Princess Charlotte.
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