England’s victorious women’s football squad will receive a heroes’ welcome upon their return home on Monday, following their successful defence of the UEFA European Championship title, according to Reuters.
Government ministers will host a Downing Street reception to honour the team, whose victory in Basel is being hailed as a profound inspiration for young people across the nation.
The Lionesses secured the trophy on Sunday night in a dramatic penalty shootout against Spain, prevailing 3-1 after the match finished level. Striker Chloe Kelly fired home the decisive spot-kick, cementing their status as European champions for the second consecutive tournament, having first lifted the trophy on home soil three years ago.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who will host the Downing Street reception, expressed immense pride:
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.
Echoing this sentiment, Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock, also attending the reception, remarked that England’s win “builds brilliantly on the momentum we’re creating in women’s sport”.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who will miss the reception due to a scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump in Scotland, also lauded the team, calling their victory an inspiration for the country’s youth.
The squad, returning from Switzerland, will be greeted at the Prime Minister’s official London residence by ministers and representatives from the Football Association (FA).
Captain Leah Williamson revealed her mixed feelings, saying she was in total disbelief at the victory, yet added with characteristic determination, “Playing for this England team is unbelievable. You cannot put us down.” She also confessed that deep down, she always knew they would bring the trophy home.
