Lionesses Return to Heroic Welcome After Historic Euro 2025 Triumph
England fans wait outside London Southend Airport
England’s Lionesses were greeted with a rapturous heroes’ welcome on Monday, less than 24 hours after their heart-stopping penalty-shootout victory over world champions Spain in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final. The victory, sealed by Chloe Kelly’s decisive spot-kick in Basel, Switzerland, marked a historic moment as the Lionesses successfully defended their European crown, a title they first claimed at Wembley in 2022. The triumph solidified their place in football history and ignited celebrations across the nation, culminating in a series of events to honor the team’s remarkable achievement.
The Lionesses’ return to England was nothing short of spectacular. As their plane touched down at Southend Airport, approximately 40 miles east of London, a sea of supporters clad in England kits and waving flags lined the tarmac, their cheers echoing through the air. The aircraft, adorned with the word “Home” painted in bold red letters, was greeted with a ceremonial water salute from two fire engines, a fitting tribute to the team’s monumental success. Captain Leah Williamson, holding the gleaming Euro 2025 trophy aloft, and manager Sarina Wiegman were the first to disembark, met with thunderous applause from fans eager to celebrate their heroes.
The team shared a unique moment on social media, posting a photo on X of the trophy draped in an England flag, resting on a plane seat, as a symbol of their hard-fought victory and the pride of a nation. The image quickly went viral, encapsulating the joy and unity the Lionesses have inspired.
The Euro 2025 final against Spain showcased the Lionesses’ never-say-die attitude. Trailing 1-0 after Mariona Caldentey’s 25th-minute header, England faced an uphill battle against a formidable Spanish side, the reigning world champions who had defeated them in the 2023 World Cup final. The early blow was compounded when star player Lauren James was forced off with an injury, replaced by Chloe Kelly. Despite the setback, the Lionesses regrouped, with Kelly proving instrumental. Ten minutes into the second half, her pinpoint cross found Alessia Russo, who headed home a brilliant equalizer to level the score at 1-1.
The match remained deadlocked through extra time, with both sides trading chances in a tense and fiercely contested battle. As the final whistle blew, the outcome hinged on a penalty shootout. England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves, while Kelly stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, sparking wild celebrations at St Jakob-Park in Basel. The victory marked England as the first senior team to win a major tournament on foreign soil.
The road to Euro 2025 glory was not straightforward. As Wiegman herself admitted, “This is the most chaotic and ridiculous tournament we have played.” The Lionesses faced significant challenges, including the retirements of goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielder Fran Kirby, as well as captain Millie Bright’s decision to withdraw due to physical and mental fatigue. Their campaign began with a 2-1 loss to France, and they trailed in all three of their knockout-stage matches. In the quarter-final against Sweden, they staged a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down with 12 minutes remaining, eventually winning on penalties. The semi-final against Italy saw Michelle Agyemang’s 96th-minute equalizer force extra time, with Kelly scoring the winner to secure their place in the final.
Remarkably, England led for just four minutes and 52 seconds across the entire knockout stage, a testament to their grit and ability to perform under pressure. “The players say we can win by any means, and we just never, ever give up,” Wiegman said, reflecting on the team’s tenacity. The Dutch coach, who has now won three consecutive European Championships, praised the tournament’s rising standards.
The Lionesses’ triumph reverberated across England, with street parties, pubs, and fan zones erupting in celebration. At Boxpark Croydon in south London, fans danced on benches, waved flags, and tossed drinks into the air as Kelly’s penalty hit the net. The victory was particularly sweet, avenging England’s defeat to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final and cementing their status as European champions.
Tributes poured in from the highest levels. King Charles III led the accolades, writing on social media. He expressed hope that the team could “bring home the World Cup in 2027. In his words:
“This brings you, your manager, and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025. For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant ‘football’s coming home’. As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who watched the final alongside Prince William and Princess Charlotte in Basel, hailed the Lionesses as “history makers” who “captured the hearts of the nation.”
Upon their return, the Lionesses were whisked to 10 Downing Street, where the famous black door was adorned with red-and-white St George’s flags. Hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock, the team was celebrated as a “shining example of talent and excitement for women’s football.” Rayner praised their ability to inspire, noting the growing momentum behind the women’s game.
On Tuesday, the celebrations continued with an open-top bus parade through London, culminating in a historic gathering in front of Buckingham Palace. Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham described the event as an opportunity for fans to “celebrate with the players,” emphasizing the team’s historic achievement as the first England senior side to win a major tournament overseas.