The England Lionesses, newly crowned back-to-back European champions after securing their title on foreign soil – an unprecedented achievement for any senior England team – returned home to an outpouring of affection. Any previous underestimation of their national impact was dispelled, as 65,000 jubilant fans awaited them on The Mall, symbolizing football`s joyous return.
With less than 36 hours` notice, supporters flocked from all corners of England, from Northumberland to Cornwall. This remarkable turnout was even more impressive considering the Prime Minister, despite his past vocal support for celebratory bank holidays during previous English triumphs, did not declare one for this historic occasion.
The Lionesses had truly captivated the nation. Their semi-final victory against Italy became the most-watched program on the UK`s second-largest broadcaster, and the final itself garnered 16 million viewers – a significant one-third increase from their previous home soil triumph three years prior. Now, a substantial portion of those fans, enough to fill nearly every club stadium in England, gathered to celebrate this monumental sporting success.
Gathered on two open-top red buses at the base of Trafalgar Square, the players had ample opportunity to absorb the profound affection directed their way – a task that seemed almost overwhelming.
“I`ve been crying all the way down The Mall,” shared captain Leah Williamson, describing the experience as “unbelievable, probably one of the best things we`ve been a part of.”
The immense crowd continued to swell as the players proceeded to a stage near the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace. Thousands lined Pall Mall and Piccadilly, while summer tourists, accustomed to serene surroundings, watched on in bemusement, perhaps expecting a different kind of English football fan.
This gathering stood in stark contrast to the often-stereotyped image of men`s football supporters. The celebration was a family-oriented event, with young children proudly wearing Lionesses jerseys featuring names like Williamson, Chloe Kelly, and Alessia Russo, alongside club kits from Arsenal and Chelsea. Niamh Charles observed, “I saw older people, younger people, people from every different walk of life. They were just so happy to be there and it was so lovely to be able to share this with them. It is for them, so it was so special to see people`s faces.”
Notably, the Cross of St. George, often a contentious symbol in recent English history, was worn by fans of all ages without any of the usual cultural friction. Unlike other England teams since Euro 2020, the Lionesses largely avoided becoming entangled in “culture wars.” Discussions about the value of women`s football were relegated to the fringe corners of social media. Chloe Kelly`s winning goal against Germany three years prior had ignited the game`s popularity, leading to sell-out crowds at major stadiums like the Emirates, Stamford Bridge, and Wembley. Furthermore, following their visit to Downing Street, the government committed to more than doubling priority access to football pitches for women and girls at the grassroots level.
Beyond their impact on the sport itself, this triumph highlights the profound connection between the team and the public they represent. Since the summer of 2022, the English public has truly embraced Sarina Wiegman`s squad, developing a deep and genuine affection for them.
Their authenticity shines through, from Chloe Kelly`s unreserved, expletive-laden declaration on daytime TV – “so f***ing special” – to the universally admired friendship between Alessia Russo and Ella Toone. This team exudes joy and represents a modern, fun-loving England, deeply connected to contemporary meme culture and embodying the football nation`s emotional rollercoaster, much like the iconic “You`re joking, not another one?” sentiment.
Throughout their three-week campaign in Switzerland, the Lionesses earned legions of new admirers, not merely for their victory, but for their resilient style. Trailing by two goals in the quarter-final, they refused to surrender, and later, withstood immense pressure from Spain. What began with apparent setbacks culminated in a triumph the Lionesses never doubted.
Their victory, as Leah Williamson aptly described, was “hard earned.” In return, their devoted supporters were eager to shower them with well-deserved adoration. Coach Sarina Wiegman clearly enjoyed Burna Boy`s serenade, and the sight of a 55-year-old former phys ed teacher dancing energetically to “For My Hand” promises to become a cherished national meme.
The festivities continued long past their scheduled end, yet thoughts were already turning to future ambitions. “Thank you so much for being with us, staying with us,” Williamson remarked, adding pointedly, “This is not done yet.” If these celebrations were extraordinary, one can only imagine the scenes if England were to return from Brazil in two years with the ultimate global trophy.
