After a night of unforgettable celebration and a dramatic win that left the nation buzzing, England’s Lionesses have touched down on home soil—and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
With the European Championship trophy safely in hand, the team is already moving into full celebration mode, starting with a visit to 10 Downing Street.
Homecoming Scenes as the Champions Arrive
Captain Leah Williamson led the squad out of a private terminal at Southend Airport late Monday afternoon, greeted by a crowd that brought the energy.
Fans were chanting “It’s coming home” and waving banners for favourites like Alessia Russo, Lucy Bronze, Lauren James, and Williamson herself.
Though a delayed flight cut their time short, the Lionesses still soaked up the moment before boarding a coach to Downing Street for an event with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
Many fans who couldn’t be there in person followed their flight online—over 10,000 people tracked their journey via Flightradar24.
As the aircraft arrived, it was met with a ceremonial water cannon salute—one of many special touches welcoming the team back.
Tuesday’s Parade Set to Rival Trafalgar Square’s Glory Days
If you missed the airport buzz, don’t worry.
The real celebration is happening Tuesday, with a massive open-top bus parade kicking off along The Mall at 12:10pm, ending with a grand ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace around 12:30pm.
Hosted by former Lioness Alex Scott, the event is expected to draw huge crowds.
The FA has encouraged fans to skip the airport and show up in full force for the official homecoming instead.
Chloe Kelly Turns the Tide in a Nerve-Shredding Final
Sunday night’s final in St. Jakob-Park wasn’t for the faint of heart.
Spain looked poised to take the title after a 25th-minute goal from Mariona Caldentey, but Chloe Kelly changed everything.
Introduced midway through the first half, she provided the assist for Russo’s second-half equaliser and gave England a new surge of energy.
The game went all the way through extra time, ending in a penalty shootout.
England’s keeper Hannah Hampton came up big, with two crucial saves and one wide miss from Spain handing England a 3-1 victory on penalties.
Party Mode Activated: Karaoke, Cake and Champagne
After the match, celebrations began instantly.
The players, still buzzing from their win, sang Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” in the tunnel—led by Leah Williamson and Beth Mead—before returning to the pitch armed with boxes of pizza and cans of beer.
Back at the hotel, the party kept going. Ella Toone took over the karaoke mic, while Williamson and manager Sarina Wiegman cut a celebratory cake together.
Photos from the early hours of Monday morning showed players still in full celebration mode—with Toone’s partner Joe Bunney posting a 4:10am snapshot of the party still in full swing.
Sweet Moments and Selfies With Friends and Family
It wasn’t just the players getting in on the fun. Families joined too.
Lauren James was seen snapping selfies with brother and Chelsea men’s captain Reece James, while Lauren Hemp shared a moment with her girlfriend and ex-footballer Ashley Hodson.
Inside the dressing room, Grace Clinton, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Jess Park grinned for the camera with their medals.
It was a double celebration for Beever-Jones, who turned 22 on Sunday and posted on Instagram, “BEST BIRTHDAY EVER.”
Maya Le Tissier joined in with a selfie from the team bus, medals still gleaming.
Wiegman on Dancing Duty, Players on Cloud Nine
Even manager Sarina Wiegman admitted she wasn’t ready for bed just yet.
“I’ll do some more dancing,” she smiled in a post-match interview.
“I’ll have a drink—but I don’t think I’ll drink as much as the players will do.”
By Monday morning, the squad was already preparing for the flight home.
Players were spotted boarding the team bus—some bleary-eyed, others beaming. One sweet detail? Hemp brought a Beauty and the Beast Lego set with her from Zurich.
What’s Next for the Lionesses?
With celebrations continuing and a huge crowd expected in London on Tuesday, the Lionesses are set to be honoured in style.
But beyond the trophies and parades, it’s clear this team has once again captured the heart of the nation.
Their gritty, passionate performance—and their joy in sharing it with fans—has cemented their place in English football history.