Lionesses Return to Heroes’ Welcome After Euro 2025 Win

England’s Lionesses were greeted with a jubilant welcome on Monday following their dramatic penalty shootout victory over world champions Spain in the Euro 2025 final, held in Basel, Switzerland.

Triumphant Return

After Chloe Kelly converted the decisive penalty to seal England’s second consecutive European title, the team arrived at Southend Airport, 64 kilometres east of London, to throngs of flag-waving fans clad in England kits. The aircraft that brought the team home bore the word “Home” painted in red on its side and was greeted with a ceremonial water salute from two fire engines.

Captain Leah Williamson and head coach Sarina Wiegman were the first to disembark, with Williamson proudly lifting the Euro 2025 trophy. The team posted a photo of the trophy on the plane, draped in an England flag, on their official X account.

Scenes of Celebration

Among the enthusiastic supporters were 11-year-old twins Poppy and Daisy Macdonald, holding a sign hoping for a picture with star striker Alessia Russo.

“We’re so proud. They’ve worked so hard and they’ve done really well despite injuries and setbacks,” said Poppy.

From the airport, the team headed straight to 10 Downing Street, the official residence of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, adorned with England flags for the occasion. Although Starmer was in Scotland for a meeting with US President Donald Trump, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock hosted the Lionesses.

Rayner called the squad a “shining example of talent and excitement for women’s football.”

Starmer, posting on X, said:

“What a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you’ve made the nation proud. History makers.”

A public open-top bus parade is scheduled for Tuesday, culminating in a celebration outside Buckingham Palace.

Redemption and Resilience

The Lionesses’ victory was particularly satisfying after their loss to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final. Despite early struggles in the Euro 2025 campaign — including a defeat to France — the team showed relentless determination throughout the tournament.

England’s Knockout Stage Journey:

On Sunday, Spain took the lead through Mariona Caldentey. Alessia Russo equalised, and the score remained 1-1 after extra-time. Two crucial saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and a miss by Salma Paralluelo set the stage for Kelly’s match-winning penalty — echoing her 2022 heroics against Germany.

Remarkably, England led for fewer than five minutes during the entire knockout stage.

Wiegman’s Hat-Trick of Euros Titles

Sarina Wiegman, who previously coached the Netherlands to European victory in 2017 and England in 2022, secured her third consecutive title.

“This was the most chaotic and ridiculous tournament we’ve played,” said Wiegman. “The players say we can win by any means, and we never, ever give up.”

She also praised the rising standard of women’s football:

“The level went up again. The intensity of games was through the roof. This tournament broke every record again and I hope it boosts the women’s game globally.”