‘Lionesses Bring It Home Again’: 65,000 Fans Celebrate Historic Euros Triumph in London

Crowds flood central London to cheer England’s victorious squad as they parade through the city and raise the trophy outside Buckingham Palace

Thousands of passionate England supporters gathered in central London on Tuesday to celebrate the Lionesses’ triumphant return after their Euro 2025 win in Switzerland. Around 65,000 fans – decked in red and white – filled the Mall, flooding in from Green Park to witness history and welcome their heroes home.

The scene was one of uncontainable joy: boys with England flags painted on their cheeks, young girls in football kits, die-hard supporters of the women’s game, and first-time fans united in a shared moment of national pride.

“I had to be here,” said 58-year-old Joanne Rumsby, draped in an England flag and wearing a red-and-white flower crown. “I saw them win in Wembley three years ago, but seeing them do it again—this felt even more incredible. Total pride and joy.”

After arriving from Switzerland on Monday, the England squad was met with chants, cheers, and emotional outpourings. One young fan held a sign that read: “Lionesses hear the roar” — and roar they did.

From the top of a branded open-top bus emblazoned with “champions,” the players danced and waved, visibly enjoying every moment before taking the stage at the Queen Victoria Memorial, just outside Buckingham Palace.

“I’ve cried the whole way down the Mall,” admitted team captain Leah Williamson, speaking to broadcaster and former England player Alex Scott. “This is unreal.”

Williamson reflected on the tough road to victory, which included late equalizers, three straight extra-time matches, and nerve-racking penalty shootouts.

“We fight for the team, for the country, and especially for the young girls,” she told the crowd. “Thank you for sticking with us. Our journey isn’t over.”

Among the crowd was 49-year-old Beth Magee, who climbed over a barrier separating the VIP section from the public with help from her daughters Ella, Martha, and Rosie.

“I’ve always played by the rules – until today,” she laughed. “When the police tried to move us, I told my girls, ‘I’ll talk to them, but we’re not leaving.’”

Since their 2022 victory, the Lionesses have made it their mission to grow the women’s game. The results have been clear: over 1,500 new teams formed across England and participation among girls and women has jumped by more than 50%.

“I started playing just a week after they won in 2022,” said 55-year-old Vivienne Avery. “I saw a training course and thought, ‘If not now, when?’ They’ve inspired people of all ages.”

Her daughter, 20-year-old Ruby Davies, said she struggled to find a girls’ team as a teenager growing up in Southfields, south-west London.

“Now there are teams everywhere,” she said. “Winning twice like this – it’s never happened before for England. This will change everything.”

As the official event wrapped up, the players kept the party going, singing and dancing as fans called for more. During the wild, joyous celebration, Chloe Kelly sparked laughs and groans from broadcasters by exclaiming, “It’s so fucking special!” live on stage.

Manager Sarina Wiegman – typically reserved – danced alongside her favorite singer Burna Boy, who joined the team on stage for a rendition of For My Hand.

Asked how she felt about fans replacing “Tequila” with her name in the popular chant, Wiegman grinned. “The English are very creative,” she said. “Now it’s stuck in my head—so thanks!”

On how this win differed from 2022, she emphasized the team’s unity and belief. “It all starts with talent, but it’s the bond we have that made the difference. Everyone stepped up.”

Looking out at the packed Mall, England star Lucy Bronze, wearing ski sunglasses and an England scarf, said the support had been overwhelming.

“This is unreal,” she said. “We did this three years ago, but to experience this again – it’s just amazing.”

She later revealed that she had played the final with a fractured tibia, joking when asked about the post-match celebrations: “I don’t remember.”

As the team waved farewell, red and white pyrotechnics lit the sky, and the sounds of Sweet Caroline and One More Time echoed across London.

“I want to play even more now,” said nine-year-old Eva Mummery, who came from Gloucestershire with her Gotherington Jaguars under-11s teammates. “I want to get better and one day win that trophy too—with my amazing team.”