England’s triumphant women’s football team will be honoured with a reception at 10 Downing Street on Monday afternoon, in celebration of the successful defence of their European title.
The Lionesses became the first senior England football team to win a major trophy on foreign soil and the first to win back-to-back titles when they defeated Spain on penalties in Basel on Sunday. The team then returned to their hotel base in Zurich on Sunday night to celebrate with their families and friends.
They fly back from Switzerland on Monday and their reception at No 10 will be hosted by the deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, and the sports minister, Stephanie Peacock, with players, coaches and representatives from the Football Association invited.
The prime minister, Keir Starmer, said: “The Lionesses have once again captured the hearts of the nation. Their victory is not only a remarkable sporting achievement but an inspiration for young people across the country. It stands as a testament to the determination, resilience and unity that define this outstanding team.
“I’m delighted that the squad will be welcomed into Downing Street as the whole country marks this historic win and the lasting impact they are creating for the future of the game.”
Rayner said: “Our Lionesses are absolute champions and they proved that again last night. Not only are they bringing it home for England again, but they’re inspiring the next generation of champions too. It’ll be a privilege to celebrate this amazing win with them in Downing Street.”
The squad, who had been contesting their third consecutive major final in three years, will then have a free, public celebration with fans along the Mall on Tuesday, which will be broadcast live on the BBC, ITV and Sky.
The captain, Leah Williamson, became the first England captain to lift a major trophy twice, and the right-back Lucy Bronze set a record for the most appearances for the Lionesses at major tournaments. Bronze revealed after the game that she had played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia.
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The striker Alessia Russo scored England’s equaliser against Spain in a match that finished 1-1 after extra time, and Hannah Hampton was England’s heroine in the penalty shootout, saving two penalties before Chloe Kelly’s winning spot-kick clinched the victory.