The England women's football team lifted the European Championship trophy in style at Buckingham Palace as thousands of people joined in celebrating their thrilling victory.
The Lionesses were greeted by thousands of fans on The Mall on Tuesday after the team retained their European title with a penalty shootout victory over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland.
The team, wearing white Nike shirts and England scarves, took selfies on their phones as the buses made their way down the street to the accompaniment of the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines from Portsmouth, with cheering fans waving flags on either side.
Manager Sarina Wiegman danced on stage with Afrobeat star Burna Boy while Heather Small performed Proud before captain Leah Williamson lifted the trophy to rapturous applause.
The team then took pictures with fans gathered on the Mall in front of a large red fireworks display, before performing Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline over the speakers.
Speaking on stage at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside the palace to greet Alex Scott, Williamson said with tears in her eyes: “I cried all the way to the Mall.
“It's amazing, probably one of the best events we've ever been a part of, so thanks for coming.”
Williamson described the team as “special, unique people,” adding: “We love each other, we support each other on and off the field.”
“We've had some tough moments, some tough things that we've had to deal with, but we still keep moving forward.”
Chloe Kelly, who scored the decisive penalty in the European Championship final, expressed her emotions as she celebrated her victory on stage.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
