Victorious Lionesses Return to Hero’s Welcome After Historic Euro 2025 Triumph

England’s women’s national football team received a jubilant welcome on Monday as they landed back home following their Euro 2025 title-winning performance against Spain.

Hundreds of flag-waving fans, many dressed in England kits, gathered outside Southend Airport to celebrate the squad’s arrival. The Lionesses had claimed a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout win in Sunday’s final in Basel, securing back-to-back European championships and becoming the first senior England side to win a major tournament abroad.

Chloe Kelly converted the decisive penalty after goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two vital saves, cementing England’s place in history and capturing the hearts of a nation. The final drew a peak television audience of over 16 million viewers, making it the most-watched broadcast of the year so far.

The squad touched down shortly after 3:30pm BST aboard a plane emblazoned with the England crest and the word “Home” across the fuselage. Team captain Leah Williamson, holding the Euro 2025 trophy, was the first to step off the aircraft, accompanied by head coach Sarina Wiegman. The rest of the squad, wearing team tracksuits and their winner’s medals, followed for a team photo on the runway.

Later in the evening, the Lionesses traveled by coach to Downing Street for a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Greeted with St George’s flags adorning the steps of No 10, the players presented Rayner with a signed England shirt and enjoyed drinks and canapés in the garden.

“The Lionesses have brought it home again, and what a feeling that is,” Rayner said in a celebratory speech. “You’ve made the whole country proud – you are a shining example of talent and inspiration for women’s football.”

Wiegman, addressing guests with a smile, joked about the nerve-wracking nature of the tournament: “I must apologise for the heart attacks I gave you, but we pulled through – and that’s why we’re here.”

The players later changed into England’s official tailored formalwear before emerging from the terminal to cheers from supporters as they boarded their buses to the capital.

During the Downing Street event, Wiegman and several players also held a video call with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was in Scotland meeting U.S. President Donald Trump. “It’s lovely here,” Wiegman told the Prime Minister, thanking him for his support throughout the tournament.

In honour of the achievement, an open-top bus parade is scheduled for Tuesday, including a ceremonial procession along The Mall and a public celebration at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace.

Meanwhile, government ministers announced new initiatives to further boost women’s sport. These include plans to double the allocated time for female teams at publicly funded sports facilities, as well as a new taskforce to expand the growth seen in women’s football to other disciplines. The government had previously committed £400 million over four years for grassroots sport infrastructure.

King Charles III also paid tribute to the team, offering the Royal Family’s “warmest appreciation and admiration.” Discussions are ongoing about a formal royal reception later in the year, potentially at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.

When asked about national honours, Downing Street reaffirmed the independence of the nomination process but encouraged public submissions for the “extraordinary” team.

While rejecting calls for a national holiday to mark the win quipping that frequent Lioness victories would lead to “no workdays” officials confirmed Royal Mail would honour the moment with a special postmark. From Monday to Friday, all stamped UK mail will carry the tribute: “It’s Home. Again. Champions of Europe 2025. England Women’s Football Squad.”