England’s Lionesses celebrated in style last night after securing their second consecutive Euros victory, clinching the title from Spain in a penalty shootout.
Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot-kick following two crucial saves by goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, sealing the win and sparking jubilant scenes across the country.
As soon as Kelly’s penalty hit the back of the net, the stadium erupted in elation, as players sprinted to the corner where England fans had gathered.
Lucy Bronze, whose leg was strapped up, hobbled behind them determined to join in despite her visible injury.
Even Sarina Wiegman, the usually composed England coach, was swept up in the excitement and ran down the touchline with the players.
Celebrations were accompanied by the now-iconic anthem of ‘Sweet Caroline’ blasting over the speakers.
Meanwhile, fan zones erupted as supporters stood on tables, waved flags, threw drinks in the air, and excitedly hugged each other as England claimed victory.
With medals hanging from their necks, the Lionesses left the field last night performing a musical number, before returning with boxes full of pizza and cans of beer.
Players belted out 2010 hit Dancing On My Own by Robyn as they exited down the tunnel, led by team captain Leah Williamson and Beth Mead.
The emotion of the evening wasn’t just on the surface. Chloe Kelly, having faced a difficult season before transferring to Arsenal in January, was in tears as she celebrated with friends and family.
Lauren James was seen posing for a selfie with a large group of her loved ones, including Chelsea men’s captain Reece James.
Lauren Hemp was seen embracing her girlfriend and former footballer Ashley Hodson.
But for the family members who could not be there last night to celebrate the Lionesses victory, the players made sure to pay tribute.
Ella Toone posted a photo of herself and teammate Mead, captioning the image with: “We did it for our angels in the sky. Forever with us & forever proud.”
Beth Mead’s mum, June, passed away in January 2023 after a battle with ovarian cancer. Toone’s father died in September last year, having been diagnosed with prostate cancer the day after he had watched Ella score in the Euro 2022 final.
As the trophy presentation ended, Alessia Russo, Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, and others sprinted into the colourful piles of confetti.
Inside the England dressing room, Grace Clinton, Aggie Beever-Jones and Jess Park shared a selfie with their medals.
Beever-Jones celebrated both the Euros victory and her 22nd birthday on Sunday and captioned her Instagram post: “BEST BIRTHDAY EVER”.
Video footage shows players holding up a dog called Reggie, who belongs to the owner of Cheals on Wheels, a mobile barista bar accompanying the Lionesses at Euros.
Reggie became the unofficial mascot of the team.
The Lionesses may feel a little worse for wear this morning as celebrations reportedly went on until 4am.
The team filed off, clutching the trophy and glasses of wine, before they were met at their hotel by loved ones.
Sarina Wiegman and captain Leah Williamson cut a celebratory cake before the dancing began in wild scenes shared on social media.
Players were seen belting out tunes on karaoke as people bopped on the dancefloor.
During a post-match interview, Lioness manager Sarina Wiegman discussed her plans for the rest of the evening.
“I’ll do some more dancing,” she said. “I'll have a drink but I don't think I'll drink as much as the players will do.”
The team remained at the venue until around midnight before taking a bus back to their hotel in Zurich, the grand Dolder hotel, where the main celebrations continued late into the night.
Celebrations will continue this week, as the Lionesses will gather for an event in central London on Tuesday.
There will be an open-top bus procession along The Mall, which will start at 12.10pm, before a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.
Fans can attend for free but it will be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: "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."
Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: "The Lionesses' incredible win has done our country proud. Now, we have the chance to cheer these heroes home at their homecoming parade."
King Charles said the team had the royal family’s "warmest appreciation and admiration" following their win, adding: "The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can."
In a statement posted on X, the King said: "This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025.
"For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant 'football's coming home'.
"As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true.
"For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration."
The King added: "More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms.
"Well done, Lionesses."
