The England women's football team paraded the European Champions' Cup outside Buckingham Palace, where thousands of fans shared in the joy of their thrilling triumph.
The Lionesses drew a crowd of thousands to The Mall on Tuesday after defending their European title by beating Spain on penalties in the final in Basel, Switzerland.
Athletes in white Nike T-shirts and national scarves took photos on their mobile phones as the parade buses moved to the accompaniment of the Royal Marines Band in Portsmouth, and cheering fans with flags lined the route.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman performed a dance on stage with musician Burna Boy while Heather Small sang Proud before captain Leah Williamson lifted the trophy to a thunderous ovation from the crowd.
The band posed for a group photo with fans on the Mall against a backdrop of colourful fireworks, before blasting Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline over the loudspeakers.
Speaking at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside the palace alongside Alex Scott, Williamson emotionally admitted: “I couldn't stop crying on the way here.”
“This is amazing, probably the best moment of our careers. Thank you all for your support.”
The captain described the team as a “unique group”, noting: “We are a real family – we support each other on and off the field.”
“We have faced difficulties, but we have always found the strength to overcome them.”
Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning penalty in the final, made an emotional statement during the celebration on stage.
The striker addressed the host: “Being part of this team with such girls and invisible heroes from the headquarters is like nothing else.”
“Thank you to everyone who was with us in Switzerland and here today. This is truly unforgettable.”
Scott quickly apologized for the player's emotional expressions.
Alessia Russo, who scored an equaliser in the final from under her head, described the celebrations on the Mall as “surreal”.
In an interview with BBC News about her impressions of the open-top bus ride, she admitted: “Fatigue mixed with euphoria. It's hard to describe.”
“We didn't realise the scale of the event, but the energy on the bus and being able to share the joy with the fans in England was incredible.”
Asked about the London celebrations, the footballer replied: “It's like a dream. Seeing the capital come out onto the streets to the royal residence is unimaginable.”
“I never even imagined this in my dreams.”
Celebrations began with the team landing at Southend Airport in Essex, where hundreds greeted Wiegman's coaching staff with the trophy.
The footballers attended a reception at Downing Street hosted by UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his admiration in a video message from the garden of Downing Street: “Huge congratulations to the team and the coaching staff.”
King Charles III congratulated the champions via social media: “You have proven that even in the last minutes, defeat can be turned into victory.”
“Bravo, Lionesses!”
The royal family is considering hosting an autumn reception in honour of the team at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
