Lionesses' Victory Parade: Fans Sing 'It's Coming Home' on Open-Top Bus

The Lionesses' Historic Euro 2025 Victory and Celebration

The Lionesses have kicked off their Euro 2025 title celebrations as they took to The Mall for a trophy parade, where thousands of fans gathered to welcome them home. Captain Leah Williamson was seen lifting the silver trophy as the crowd sang “It’s coming home,” while the England players waved to the crowds from atop two double-decker buses that displayed “2022 and 2025 European Champions” on both sides.

The players reached Buckingham Palace, where they will finish with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial. England defeated Spain in dramatic fashion after Chloe Kelly’s winning penalty secured back-to-back European Championships for Sarina Wiegman’s side. The England players partied through the night, having avenged their defeat to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final, and returned to home soil as heroes on Monday after becoming the first England team in history to defend a major tournament title.

A Day of Celebration and Recognition

The squad was immediately taken to Downing Street, where St George's flags fluttered from the windows and railings, for a reception with deputy prime minister Angela Rayner in the garden of No 10. The celebration continued as fans from across the UK made their way to The Mall, some traveling long distances to witness the event. A group of six supporters from Somerset drove two hours and 15 minutes to London, expressing their excitement about seeing the players and hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorites like Chloe Kelly and Georgia Stanway.

As the day progressed, the atmosphere grew more electric. Fans lined the streets, waving flags and singing along to "Sweet Caroline" as the open-top bus procession moved down The Mall. The parade concluded with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial, where the Lionesses were honored for their historic victory.

Emotional Moments and Public Response

Emotional moments marked the day, with captain Leah Williamson expressing her gratitude to the crowd. She choked up as she said, “I'm holding back tears. I've been crying all down The Mall.” She added, “There are many ways to win a football match. And we always chose the tough one.”

Forward player Alessia Russo shared her feelings about the game, describing it as surreal and expressing how incredible it was to see the team celebrated in such a grand setting. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said, highlighting the overwhelming support from fans.

Government minister Lisa Nandy praised the Lionesses, stating that they have helped “change society.” She emphasized the importance of their success in inspiring future generations and promoting women's football.

Legacy and Impact

The Lionesses’ victory has sparked discussions about the legacy of the team and its impact on the sport. Former England star Alex Scott hosted the ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace, highlighting the significance of the moment. The team’s performance has also inspired many young fans, with Kat Spurr and Julie Turner expressing hope that this success will encourage more people to support women's football.

Sarina Wiegman, the England manager, used a unique approach to motivate her players before the final, including a sweary toiletry bag with the message “b**es get sh done.” Her leadership played a crucial role in the team’s success, leading them to three consecutive Euros titles with the Netherlands and England.

The Broader Implications

The victory has not only brought joy to fans but also highlighted the growing popularity of women's football. The Euro 2025 final viewing figures confirmed that the match was the most-watched moment of the year, with a peak TV audience of 16.2 million across BBC and ITV. This success has led to increased investment and support for the sport, with the government pledging to continue backing initiatives that promote grassroots participation and develop the women's game.

As the Lionesses celebrate their historic achievement, their journey serves as a testament to the power of teamwork, determination, and resilience. Their victory has not only brought pride to the nation but also set a new standard for women's football, inspiring future generations to dream big and strive for excellence.