Time to wrap this blog up. We’ll leave you with Alexandra Topping’s report from central London, where 65,000 fans showed up to celebrate England’s achievement.
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If Euro 2025 has got you hooked, why not sign up for our free women’s football newsletter? The latest edition of Moving the Goalposts looks at Nigeria’s Wafcon win; take a look and sign up to get it straight to your inbox.
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What has the tournament, and England’s dramatic win, meant to you? Have your say here.
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Where will England defend their trophy in 2029? There are five hosting bids on the table, with the winning nation(s) to be announced in December. Aside from a joint Sweden-Denmark bid, Germany, Italy, Poland and Portugal have all put their hats in the ring. Portugal have never hosted before, while Poland would be the first eastern European country to host if they are successful.
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Idyllic locations, excellent infrastructure and a growing sense of its own identity – Switzerland delivered as hosts of Euro 2025, writes Nick Ames.
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Sophie Downey gives her verdict on how every England player performed in Switzerland.
Suzanne Wrack reflects on the key ingredients that helped England retain their title.
David Squires takes a look back at England’s carefree stroll through the knockout stages.
Jonathan Liew writes that it was England’s team spirit and cohesion that made the difference.
Murshida Uddin and Eze Obasi pay tribute to Jess Carter, who produced a superb defensive display in the final after suffering racial abuse online.
Look back on England’s triumph with our writers: here’s Tom Garry on the Sarina Wiegman effect.
Our picture desk has put together stunning gallery of England’s road to Euro 2025. Check it out.
How did England do it all? Here is Suzanne Wrack to tell you.
Critically, the togetherness of the team has been a feature of interviews with the players and the head coach, Sarina Wiegman. That has not been automatic, it has been carefully crafted, the players encouraged to share stories of their personal journeys for that purpose. Many of those have been publicly shared too, players keen to be ambassadors and people who fans can empathise with and connect to: Bronze spoke about her attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism diagnoses, Hampton discussed an eye condition that affects her depth perception and had doctors doubting whether she’d be able to play, Williamson and Mead talked candidly about their anterior cruciate ligament recovery journeys.
They bonded further through their shared anger and frustration at the racist abuse meted out to Carter online and their collective public condemnation of it. They have also been united in personal grief, with Mead and Ella Toone being consoled by teammates amid the celebrations, a poignant reminder that sometimes good times don’t feel so good.
Read the full, brilliant, feature below.
Chloe Kelly has apologised for swearing in front of 65,000 fans and on national TV. I am sure most did not mind in the slightest.
— Chloe (@chloekelly) July 29, 2025
Alexandra Topping’s verdict from the parade.
Another reader’s account on England’s win:
I don’t quite know why, but I felt more nervous in the Sweden and Italy games than on Sunday night. Once we reached the final, we knew we had a shot at winning. All we had to do was get to the point where we could make it happen. There was a different feel to this game, compared to the one we lost against Spain in 2023. During the World Cup final I remember having an awful, sinking feeling as the clock wound down past the 80th minute, and just having a stunning, horrible realisation that we weren’t going to do it. Everything felt desperate and you could tell we were panicking.
But, even when Spain maintained their intensity in this match, dragging the game out, keeping us under pressure towards the 90th minute (and then in extra time), I just couldn’t imagine us losing. I was trying to picture the next day’s headlines. During the Italy and Sweden games, I could very much imagine the image of our players crouched on the pitch, head in hands, captioned “England suffer shock upset against underdogs”.
The collective belief of all players involved in the final was infectious. We knew Spain weren’t infallible and, as much as they knew our weaknesses, Sarina got the tactics spot on: switching Hemp to the right, knowing she’d be able to track back and minimise Spain exploiting the space left by Bronze’s high runs; and bringing Agyemang on far earlier and throwing the kitchen sink at it. Every team needs a bit of luck. For us to have overcome defeat and near loss throughout the tournament, it almost seemed like it had to result in a win. And when it did – it was just amazing. I’m so happy for the players, and for what it means for not just women’s football in this country (and around Europe), but football in general. The family we watched the game with weren’t interested in it four years ago, and yesterday were crying during Williamson’s post-match interview, and at Bronze’s heroism. It gives you hope.
It means everything. I can remember watching England women play in the 2012 Olympics and the stadiums being almost empty in comparison. Having to convince cousins that women’s football was something worth watching, having to actively seek out channels broadcasting games over the last few years. When they won it in 2022, everything changed. I joined uni the following year, and even within the year since, the women’s football club has expanded from two teams to five, four of which play competitively, and the first team won the southern championship this year.
I feel incredibly lucky to live at a time when it’s normal to see young kids, and even men, wearing T-shirts sporting the names of the Lionesses. It is heartwarming to have male friends send highlight reels, or interview clips, and want to discuss recent games. This is absolutely England’s golden age – it will be a challenge for us going forward to retain the same level of success, with the standard improving at a seemingly exponential rate over the last three years. Teams that we would have obliterated a few years ago are now catching up and posing significant threats – which is fantastic to see (even if my Garmin’s heart rate monitor thinks otherwise).
I just feel incredibly lucky and so inspired by this amazing group of players. Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Alex Greenwood – names I have followed for years. The togetherness they create, the leadership they show on and off the pitch. They are selfless players who have pursued the game with the knowledge that there would have been easier routes in life, perhaps more lucrative and secure careers they could have pursued. To choose the hard route - committing to a game without knowledge of long-term security, and to keep fighting for the progression of a sport they love, shows a care and resilience that speaks bounds.
Caoimhe, a 21-year-old student from Bristol
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What’s next for the England players? After today’s festivities the players will get some family time but their break from football is dependant on the club they play for.
NWSL clubs in the US are in the midst of their season. Jess Carter has already flown back to Gotham FC, the defender keen to play against the Chicago Stars this weekend. Esme Morgan of Washington Spirit told BBC during the parade that she would be travelling tomorrow.
Women’s Super League clubs’ pre seasons have started but England players will be forgiven for showing up a bit late, surely. The WSL kicks off on 5 September, just over five weeks away.
Parade highlight: the sheer joy on Wiegman’s face when she was surprised with a Burna Boy appearance. She didn’t even smile that big when her side won the trophy!
The final trophy lift.
History. Made. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/AUmgrutebP
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 29, 2025
The parade has all but wrapped up now but fans are still lingering at the Mall. Celebrations of this Euro win will continue for a while. The official Lionesses account is reporting that there were around 65,000 fans in attendance. Again, for comparison, after the 2022 Euro win, there were an estimated 7,000 fans celebrating in Trafalgar Square.
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Sarina Wiegman on her third successive Euro triumph: “It was chaos. I hoped a little less chaos but they didn’t keep their promise to finish things quicker! We just kept having hope and belief and they just showed up when it was really necessary and urgent.
“There is a huge talent pool in this team. In 2022 we had great bonding but I think that made the absolute difference now: everyone was ready to step up and support each other. It was amazing to be a part of.”
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Lucy Bronze, who seemed rather dazed, little wonder considering that broken leg had this to say: “It’s just amazing. This moment is unbelievable. We did it three years ago but to do this again and come back to this is incredible.
“Thank you so much to each and everyone one of you. The group effort we had in this tournament was unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like it. Every single player has played such a huge part.”
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While Euro 2025 was being played, Nigeria were queens of Africa.
And here’s where the dancing comes in, as a number of players perform the Do-si-dos. Ike and Tina’s version is the best, but it clearly gets the Lionesses going, and the Wembley DJ is asked to play some more. Will he? “Give it up one more time for England,” he says, trying to put an end to proceedings. The Mall is emptying but the party will go on for some days yet. Islands In The Stream rings out as the stage begins to empty. Now Don’t Stop Believing. These girls sure love their Magic FM anthems. And frankly, who doesn’t?
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And, yes, here it comes, so good, so good, it’s Sweet Caroline.
Wiki fact: In a 2007 interview, Neil Diamond stated the inspiration for the song was John F. Kennedy‘s daughter Caroline Kennedy, who was 11 years old at the time it was released.
The players do the dance you have seen at weddings and at special nights down the local, jumping around together. There’s a long session ahead, and Alex promises more music. Next up, Celine Dion’s version River Deep, Mountain High. Yes, really.
“We are so very proud,” says Heather Small. Alex announces the moment we have all been waiting for, as Kerry Davis, Lioness legend, helps bring out the trophy. Alex asks Leah Williamson to take the trophy to her teammates and there we go it’s lifted – One More Time – as Daft Punk plays.
Next: Lucy Bronze, in full skiing shades. “Incredible,” she says, hinting she will continue to play. “They all know how much they mean to me.”
“I don’t remember,” she says of the celebration party. And now…Heather Small, with Chloe Kelly on backing vocals. What have they done today to make us feel proud? Rather a lot, in truth. Heather’s still got the voice and moves. It’s a long time since Elegant Slumming.
Next up, Michelle Agyemang and Hannah Hampton, the young guns. “I just have to stand there while they do the work,” says Hampton….”If you have a dream, believe it. If it makes you happy, go and follow that smile.”
“I love all you guys,” says an overcome Ageymang. “I am so grateful to be here. It feels surreal seeing all those people; it feels fake.”
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Here comes Chloe Kelly. “Pressure, what pressure,” she hollers. And then a rude word. “It’s so fucking special.” Oh Chloe, the filth and the fury, Alex Scott issues an instant apology before Chloe declares: “I am so proud to be English.”
The players sing “Tequila” by the Champs. “Very innovative and funny, the English” says Sarina, still calm. “It was chaos, a little less chaos. We kept having hope. It starts with talent, the bonding in this team made the absolute difference. Everybody was ready to support each other.”
She’s now asked to dance to her favourite artist. No, it’s not Shocking Blue, it’s Burna Boy, and off she goes, mum-dancing. He’s doing the one that features Ed Sheeran, whose backing vocals can be heard. Sheeran isn’t here. He’s missing out as the players dance together, Sarina joining Burna Boy, and serenaded by the big man. What a moment. “Hopefully I can party with you guys afterwards,” says BB.
Freed From Desire cues us up, and Sarina Wiegman is grooving away. Leah Williamson is first on the mic, and asked to speak up by the crowd. “This is a special one for us. We came together. Nasty things to deal with and still we rise,” she says, tears welling. Scott, her close friend, gees her up. “Everything we do, we do it for young girls. This journey’s not done yet.”
Alex gives props to the backroom staff, and then it’s time for Sarina.
Sarina Wiegman and the players are now on stage and here is John Brewin to take you through the rest of the celebrations.
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Alex Scott says hello to the ground before introducing the highlight package of the final. It’s short and before we know it, Kelly slots the winning penalty home.
The video starts with Sarina Wiegman saying she was not allowed to play football growing up before each player talks about their journey into the game as a woman before thanking their friends and family who have supported them. It ends with the captain Leah Williamson saying the is the “luckiest girl in the world”.
And now Sweet Caroline, of course! The players are about to make their way on to the stage … But first a video that the host says “will inspire the next generation”.
The players are now making their way off the bus dancing and singing while they wait to get on stage. The trophy has been passed around from player to player while the band plays Freed from Desire. Na-na-na-na-na, na-na, na-na-na, na-na-na.
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The bus enters the grounds of Buckingham Palace as the players are serenaded by a band rendition of It’s Coming Home. Keira Walsh calls it “a proper English performance” and that it is an “emotional day”. She mentions her new sights: the 2027 World Cup.
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And here’s Chloe Kelly, dancing over to the interview:
I am aura farming at the front of the bus! It is unbelievable to be here.
This team is so special, lead by a special manager. I am so proud to be English.
We didn’t go down without a fight. We kept getting up and going again and kept throwing punches. No one can write off the English!
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Alessia Russo says she is “tired” but still “on cloud nine”.
We didn’t know what to expect today but it feels nice to come back to England to celebrate with our fans.
It was a really tough game. As soon as Chloe put that ball in, I said ‘Right, this is it.’ And luckily it went in the back of the net.
This is surreal. To see this many people come out in London, the home of England, heading to Buckingham Palace … I would never have dreamed of this.
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You can catch the live feed of the parade at the top of this blog.
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Ella Toone speaks to the England media team on top of the bus:
We know that we have amazing fans back home but when you are in Switzerland you are in your own bubble. It’s amazing to see people supporting us.
I am absolutely buzzing. Everyone is buzzing. Things like this don’t come around every day in football so you have got to enjoy it.
The players arrive and are on the bus
Here we go! The players and coaching staff are enjoying the view of the fans as they make their way down the Mall, lead by the RAF marching band.
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Katy B is the first singing act to take the stage. The players are starting to get on the top of the bus. Sarina Wiegman is getting her dance on.
We just caught a glimpse of Chloe Kelly on Aggie Beever-Jones’s shoulders hoisting up the trophy. Cue the cheers. There is reportedly about 50,000 people at the Mall waiting to catch a glimpse. Just for comparison there was about 7,000 fans at Trafalgar Square when England won in 2022.
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Alex Scott is on stage hyping up the fans before the England players make their appearance.
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The latest David Squires cartoon has arrived! This one is on how England defended their title.
Some readers have got in touch to let us know where they were while watching the final.
I watched the final at home in Sheffield. Tramlines music festival is at the end of my road. During the penalties I turned my TV off, stood on my front doorstep and let the sound of the festival crowd watching the match tell me if we’d won or lost. The sound from them was incredible.
Josie, Hillsborough, Sheffield
I don’t think I have ever been so emotional watching a game. I have been lucky enough to meet a number of the Lionesses as I used to be vice-chair of the Hertfordshire girl’s league and the England players would come to our presentation days. They are lovely, genuinely friendly ladies who are brilliant with the girls.
I want to pay particular praise to Jess Carter. She was under intense pressure for the final after the horrendous experiences she had during the tournament. She has conducted herself with dignity and professionalism throughout and, my word, how she stepped up when we needed her. I don’t recall her putting a single foot wrong throughout the 120 minutes. She broke up attack after attack, retained possession when we needed it and constantly made herself available to her teammates. An exemplary defensive performance from an incredibly talented footballer.
I was bawling when I saw her beaming at the end. Here’s to the World Cup in two years’ time!
Pete Tomlin, Wokingham
I was born the year that the ban on women’s football was lifted. On the one hand I feel sad that I was never afforded the chance to dream of being a footballer but I’m beyond happy that this is now a reality for every girl in the UK. I watched the final at a local pub. It was joyful seeing a mix of families and other sporty women enjoying the game. Visibility cannot be underestimated - you can only be what you see and, thanks to the Lionesses, women’s football is getting the airtime it deserves.
Dawn, Hitchin
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More from Murshida Uddin at the Mall:
At the moment, we’re shown England’s penalties against Sweden that put them through to the semi-final. The crowd roars. It’s almost like we’re back in Zurich hearing the final whistle.
One England player who will not be on the bus today is Jess Carter, who has travelled back to the United States for her Gotham FC’s pre-season. Hopefully the defender will feel the love across the pond though.
After the player was subjected to vile racist abuse after England’s quarter-final win against Sweden, she decided to take a step back from social media. Sarina Wiegman opted to drop her for the semi-finals but she came back in the side against Spain and put in a commanding performance for 120 minutes.
The most heartwarming sight was the joy she was clearly feeling after putting a difficult two weeks behind her to be part of a rearguard that conceded only once against the world champions as the game ended 1-1 after extra time. Asked about having a giggle with the head coach, Sarina Wiegman, after the game she said: ‘That is normally me. Throughout this tournament I’ve not felt that. I’ve been really quite sad and disappointed at the fact that I’ve not been the relaxed Jess I know.
‘I’m someone that is ‘what will be will be’. We go out there, give our all, and either it’ll be enough or it won’t. That’s not how I’ve played this tournament until I got to this final where I thought: ‘I’m going to give it my all.’ If we lose, we lose, and if we win, great. In extra time Sarina was giving me a lot of information and we realised she just said a lot of words, and it was cool, like, we got this, and she’s been great.’
Murshida Uddin is at the scene to report:
At the start of the Mall, just before the Lionesses reach Buckingham Palace, thousands of fans have gathered all adorned with the flag of England and shirts of their favourite players. It also looks like the former Lioness Jill Scott is setting the scene on top of the bus.
The FA are putting on quite the performance for us while we wait for the team to come out – the England mascot is dancing to some classics and really energising the crowd!
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Not long now until the bus parade begins! Remember, the procession along the Mall is expected to start at 12.10pm BST before a ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace, which will be hosted by Alex Scott, the former England player.
Then there is Hannah Hampton, who was born with strabismus, or a squint, meaning that when she was looking at an object with one eye, the other would be looking in another direction. She had three operations by the age of three but they were not completely successful, saying she would try to pour juice into a glass and miss if she was not holding it. Because of the condition, she was told by doctors she would not be able to play football.
During a medical check-up at Stoke City, when Hampton was 12, doctors diagnosed another problem. She had impaired depth perception, meaning she struggles to tell how far away objects are.
From Stoke City to Aston Villa and Chelsea, Hampton has certainly learned. After countless bloody noses and broken fingers from stopping the ball too near her face, or having her hands in the wrong position, she made a conscious effort to alter her hand position. It hasn’t stopped all the blood: in extra time against Sweden, a collision left her with absorbent tissue up her right nostril.
This squad is made up of so many great characters who also happen to be great at football. There is Chloe Kelly, who has now scored a winner and a penalty winner in two separate European finals. It is an incredible turnaround from a player who contemplated leaving the sport earlier in the year after troubles with her former club side, Manchester City.
The 27-year-old forward has an aura about her, an unbridled self-confidence that she can make an impact no matter the circumstances and no matter the time she has to do it. It is the reason why there was little panic when Lauren James was forced off with her troublesome ankle injury in the first half. Many teams would have fallen apart at the sight of one of their key creative players having to depart early. England adjusted seamlessly as Kelly entered to pose a completely different threat for Spain’s backline.
Made for the big moments ✨ pic.twitter.com/8qRxMYJb1C
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025
Women and girls to get grassroots pitch access after England win
Priority access to grassroots football pitches for girls and women will be more than doubled under plans announced by the government after England’s success at Euro 2025.
As part of its “Plan for Change”, prime time slots dedicated to women’s and girls’ teams at government-funded facilities across England will be increased over the next five years to meet the expected increased demand resulting from England’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Spain in Basel on Sunday.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will also honour England’s second consecutive European Championship title by dedicating flagship sites and pitches to the Lionesses, helping to celebrate their own journeys from grassroots players to international success.
Having set out a £400m investment in new grassroots facilities, which was announced in June 2025, a new grants scheme – in partnership with the Premier League and the Football Association, to be delivered by the Football Foundation – will focus on creating welcoming, safe and accessible amenities for women and girls at existing grassroots sports sites.
The Government will be introducing a new approach to school sport, working alongside schools and national governing bodies to make sure all children have access to high quality sport – with girls and boys provided the same opportunities to play sport at school.
A new Women’s Sport taskforce will bring together leaders from across sport and academia, to focus on finding solutions to challenges facing women and girls in sport – from female athlete health to building a more diverse and dynamic workforce.
The Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, said: “Today we are taking decisive action to ensure that the incredible success of the Lionesses creates a lasting legacy for women and girls in sport.
“This isn’t just about celebrating today’s achievements – it is about building the foundations through our Plan for Change by removing barriers to participation.
“From ensuring every girl has equal access to sport in schools through our new partnership model, to creating facilities where women and girls can thrive, we are investing in the champions of tomorrow.”
And then back home. Nike pulled out the stops for the plane with the word Home branded on the wing, the H made up of the roman numeral two to represent back-to-back Euro wins. Fans waited at Southend airport before the players were whisked away by coach to 10 Downing Street for a special reception. They were hosted by Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister as Keir Starmer had been in Scotland for talks with the US President, Donald Trump.
We're home.
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 28, 2025
It's home.
🏴❤️ pic.twitter.com/WVucZNUawy
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The win was history making. It was the first time England had won a major tournament away from home. The Lionesses also became the first senior English side to defend their title – and they did it by coming from behind at half-time – the first time that had been done before at the women’s Euros.
The celebrations went long into the early hours of the morning – as expected. Songs by Natasha Bedingfield, Heather Small and Gala all featured on a night of sing-alongs, dancing and drinking as the team, the staff and their loved ones soaked in the moment. A cavapoo called Reggie was at the heart of it all.
Let’s cast our mind back to two days ago. England v Spain. Defending Euro champions v world champions. And what a game it was. Mariona Caldentey gave the Spanish the lead but Sarina Wiegman’s side have shown time and time again that when they are down, they are never out. Alessia Russo pulled one back before a nervy extra-time sent it to penalties.
It was a poor start for England, Beth Mead missing her spot kick after a retake due to double contact. But the Spanish were clearly ill-prepared for penalties, with Hannah Hampton coming up big to make saves against Caldentey and the Ballon d’Or holder Aitana Bonmatí. Tied at 2-1, Chloe Kelly stepped up and scored the winning penalty into the top corner after her signature bouncy run-up. Cue the scenes.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of England’s victory parade celebrating their triumphant Euro 2025 defence in Switzerland after a penalty shootout win against the world champions Spain.
Yesterday the Lionesses were greeted by fans as they landed back in the UK before attending a reception at Downing Street hosted by Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister.
Today an even bigger jubilant crowd will be able to celebrate with the team. The open-top bus procession along the Mall will begin at 12:10 BST before a ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace. Attendance for fans is free.
Join me for all the latest and feel free to send your thoughts on the Lionesses win, what you plan to wear to the parade and anything else you want to share. The email can be found at the top of this blog.
