England return home to cheers after European Championship success

England were greeted by cheering crowds as they returned to home soil on Monday afternoon following their Women’s European Championship triumph.

The Lionesses successfully defended their European crown with a 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Spain in the tournament’s showpiece in Basel on Sunday.

Welcome home, #Lionesses! 👋 pic.twitter.com/VdccxyyTXo

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 28, 2025

Alessia Russo cancelled out the opener from Arsenal team-mate Mariona Caldentey and after drawing 1-1 following extra time, an entertaining final ultimately boiled down to penalties.

Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two brilliant saves in the shootout before Chloe Kelly fired home from the spot to ensure England retained their European title.

The Lionesses left their team hotel in Zurich on Monday morning with skipper Leah Williamson carefully escorting the trophy to the bus.

After almost a month of competition in Switzerland, the team’s aeroplane branded with the word “home” touched down at Southend Airport on Monday afternoon.

Holding the trophy, Williamson was first to step off the plane alongside head coach Sarina Wiegman.

Outside of the airport, crowds were lined up to welcome the team and the trophy back home.

The Lionesses are set to celebrate their win with a reception at Downing Street later on Monday, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock.

A homecoming open-top bus parade follows in central London on Tuesday, where there will be a procession along The Mall and the celebration will finish with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.