England women look set to celebrate winning the latest European championships in London next week
England Women have retained the European championships after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory against Spain.
The world champions went in front after 25 minutes through Mariona Caldentey but the Lionesses continued fighting and equalised when Alessia Russo nodded home a cross from Chloe Kelly, who had come on earlier than planned for the injured Lauren James, just before the hour mark.
Chances for both sides were at a premium in the remaining 60 or so minutes, including extra-time, which meant penalties would be needed to decide a winner. Beth Mead stepped up first and scored but her strike from 12 yards was considered to be a double-touch which meant a re-take was needed and that was saved.
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However, Spain saw two of their first three penalties stopped by Hannah Hampton while Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles both found the back of the net. Leah Williamson missed during that time but Salma Paraluello dragging her effort wide meant Kelly had the chance to score the winner and she did exactly that.
Before England had even lifted the trophy, plans were being drawn up for celebrations, with Gabby Logan revealing on BBC that a victory parade would be taking place in central London on Tuesday, July 29.
It has now been confirmed that an open-top bus procession will start at 12.10pm along The Mall, culminating with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace starting at approximately 12.30pm, hosted by Alex Scott.
The event is free to attend, with the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force performing alongside other live music from DJ CharStape, before Sarina Wiegman and the Lionesses take the stage for a special European Championship winners trophy lift presentation.
The event will be broadcast live across the BBC, ITV and Sky between 12pm noon and 1pm.
FA Chief Executive, Mark Bullingham, said: “Our history-making Lionesses are Champions of Europe for the second successive time, and have become the first England Senior team in history to win a tournament overseas. We are so proud of all of the players, Sarina and the support team who have all been part of this incredible achievement. They have all worked unbelievably hard and we know the nation shares our pride. The victory celebration in London on Tuesday will give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players, and be part of history. We’ve had amazing support from our fans both in Switzerland and at home throughout the tournament, and we look forward to celebrating together and creating some lifelong memories.”
Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said: “The Lionesses’ incredible win has done our country proud. Now, we have the chance to cheer these heroes home at their homecoming parade. The Lionesses didn’t just set out to win the tournament, they wanted to change society – and this government is rising to that challenge. Whether it is supporting girls and boys to pursue school sport, investing in grassroots facilities across the country or bidding for the 2035 Women’s World Cup, we are laying the foundations for a decade of change by breaking down the barriers to participation and inspiring the next generation of players.”
The Guardian had noted prior to the final that a parade in central London and visit to Downing Street had been discussed amongst officials, alongside a potential trip to Buckingham Palace.
A bank holiday does not currently look likely, but Prime Minister Keir Starmer is being pushed to give the country an extra day off work.
Liberal Democrat culture, media and sport spokesman Max Wilkinson said: “The Lionesses can make history on Sunday and retain the Euros title they won so memorably three years ago.
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“If they do that, the Prime Minister should give us a Public Holiday to honour their achievement. Retaining the title would be one of our country’s greatest sporting achievements.
“Fans and patriots across the country deserve the chance to celebrate the talent, success and historic achievement of this amazing team.
“A Bank Holiday would also give our hospitality industry a much-needed assist and boost. The Prime Minister is a football fan – we’ve all seen the pictures of him enjoying a kick around with his mates.
‘If Wiegman’s heroes deliver glory, we’ll all be hoping he’ll put the ball into an empty net by giving the Lionesses and the rest of us a chance to mark the occasion.
“A Bank Holiday would also give our hospitality industry a much-needed assist and boost.”
