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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Joseph Wilkes & Josh O'Brien

Queen, David Beckham, Spice Girls, Shania Twain and more lead tributes to England women

England's Lionesses were the toast of the nation after their stunning Euro 2022 campaign ended in the ultimate triumph - beating Germany in the final to lift the trophy at Wembley.

And everyone from British royalty to global music stars were inspired to have their say on the uplifting success of the history makers.

The 2-1 win marked the first major tournament success in Lioness history, a feat made all the more impressive considering Germany have won the European Championships a stunning eight times.

In what was a cagey, hard-fought affair, it was the hosts who broke the deadlock courtesy of Ella Toone's deft chip just after the hour mark.

The Lionesses were pictured partying in their changing room, dancing and singing to tunes with their medals around their necks (The FA via Getty Images)

Germany responded just over 15 minutes later to take the tie into extra-time, but England managed to avoid the dreaded penalty shootout thanks to Chloe Kelly's 110th minute winner.

The full-time whistle prompted wild celebrations inside Wembley and it was a similar story on social media.

A number of A-listers and household names took to Twitter to express their delight at the victory.

Queen Elizabeth sent her congratulations to the Lionesses (PA)

The Lionesses even received a heart-warming message from the Queen.

A message on behalf of the monarch read: "My warmest congratulations, and those of my family, go to you all on winning the European Women’s Football Championships. It is a significant achievement for the entire team, including your support staff.

"The Championships and your performance in them have rightly won praise. However, your success goes far beyond the trophy you have so deservedly earned.

Prince William embraces England captain Leah Williamson after the historic win (PA)

HAVE YOUR SAY! Where does the Lionesses victory rank among England's greatest sporting triumphs? Comment below

"You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations. It is my hope that you will be as proud of the impact you have had on your sport as you are of the result today. ELIZABETH R."

The Queen's sentiments were echoed by fellow royals the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who tweeted: "Sensational. An incredible win Lionesses and the whole nation couldn't be prouder of you all. Wonderful to see history in the making tonight at Wembley. Congratulations!"

The royal couple's daughter Princess Charlotte had previously wished the Lionesses luck in a sweet video message ahead of the final saying: "Good luck, I hope you win, bye," and waving to the camera in an endearing video message.

Charlotte lends her support to the Lionesses (KensingtonRoyal/Twitter)

The win did not go unnoticed across the pond, either.

While country pop royalty Shania Twain, known for her empowering tunes, took to Twitter to congratulate the Lionesses and quoted one of her famous lyrics.

The Canadian wrote: "You know these women will have had to fight for respect from the first moment they picked up the ball - Let's f***ing go girls!"

Rock icon Shania Twain had powerful words for England's women (Getty Images)

Spice Girls Geri Horner and Mel C were at the match, with the Ginger Spice star posting Instagram snaps of the pair celebrating. Geri wrote: "Yay congratulations! Lionesses! So proud of you."

While Sporty Spice Mel waxed lyrical about the "heroes", writing: "Heroes, one and all!! How incredible to watch a group of young women come together, have each others backs, change peoples perceptions and touch the hearts of the whole country.

"You have inspired a generation of young women to lace up their boots and take on the boys! What a joy to watch this iconic moment with my fellow Spice Girl @therealgerihalliwell , We’re beyond proud. #eurochamps #girlpower #footballcamehome #thegirlssortedit."

Geri Horner and Mel C were at the match together (Melanie C/Instagram)
It was a mini Spice Girls reunion (Geri Halliwell /Instagram)

The official Twitter page for the legendary pop group heralded the victory, posting: "Congratulations Lionesses True #GirlPower right there."

Fellow pop icon Adele shared her thoughts via Instagram, posting a photo of the side celebrating alongside the caption: "You did it!! It's come home!!".

Ex-One Direction member Niall Horan dubbed the win "inspirational" while Dame Joan Collins wrote on Twitter: "#BringItHome they did!".

Mel said the Lionesses had 'inspired a generation of young women' (Geri Halliwell /Instagram)
Chloe Kelly is held aloft after scoring the winning goal (UEFA via Getty Images)

England legend David Beckham shared a good luck message before the final, in an Instagram video with his daughter Harper showing off her skills in bright yellow football boots.

As the 11-year-old effortlessly taps a penalty into an open goal David said: "Harper Beckham steps up to take the last minute free kick for the Lionesses. She shoots! She scores!"

An enthusiastic Harper says to the camera: "Let’s go girls and bring that cup home!"

David then shared a heartfelt message for the Lionesses, saying: "Hey girls, so I just want to say good luck for the final. Thank you for inspiring my daughter and thank you for inspiring the whole country. Bring that cup home!"

Becks wasn't in attendance at Wembley, but uploaded a short clip of himself watching the game to his Instagram stories with the word 'champions' written across the screen.

While mum Victoria simply wrote: "Congratulations to the Lionesses! What an inspiration!"

Harper Beckham was rooting for the Lionesses (David Beckham/Twitter)
Becks thanked them for inspiring his daughter (David Beckham/Twitter)

Rock legend and Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood heaped praise on the Lionesses with an eccentric Instagram video of himself watching the celebrations unfold and roaring like a lion as he made a claw motion.

The rocker said to the camera: "Congratulations to the girls. Come on you Lionesses. Grrr." While his post read: "You’ve made us all so proud. What an incredible result! Thank you forever!"

Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway wrote: "Lot of screaming going on right now in our house!! Come on Lionesses."

Lucy Bronze and Mary Earps dance on the table as the players stormed manager Sarina Wiegman's press conference (UEFA via Getty Images)

This Morning favourites Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield got caught up in the emotion, posting Instagram stories throughout the match.

Holly wrote: "Who run the world? Girls. Football's coming home. Congrats!"

While Phillip penned: "You legends!! Congratulation to every single person who worked so hard to get to this triumphant moment.

English comic David Baddiel has a special place etched into the folklore of football in this country for iconic pop hit 'Three Lions', with Frank Skinner, which the Lionesses were seen singing as they invaded their manager's press conference.

The 58-year-old said: "It's coming home. In fact it’s come home. A sentence I thought I’d never write. I’ve gone. Thank you Lionesses."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson uploaded a picture of himself watching the action alongside two of his children.

Once the win was confirmed, Johnson wrote: "Football has come home! A stunning victory by the Lionesses. Huge congratulations to Sarina [Wiegman], Leah [Williamson] and the whole team.

"Football pitches across the country will be filled as never before by girls and women inspired by your triumph."

Rishi Sunak appeared to get carried away as he watched the match in Salisbury (PA)

While Tory leadership and PM hopeful Rishi Sunak was pictured getting fired-up with his celebration of England's first goal, in a bar in Salisbury.

Of course the result was also met with an outpouring of elation from the football world, with English icon Gary Lineker tweeting: "Football is a simple game. 22 women chase a ball for 90 minutes and, at the end, England actually win. Congratulations Lionesses. Fabulous."

Never shy of a pun or two, Lineker also added: "The Lionesses have only gone and done it, and Kelly is England’s heroine, bra none."

From one Three Lions legend to another, current England skipper Harry Kane waxed lyrical over the game's opening goal.

The Tottenham talisman tweeted: "Absolutely unreal scenes at Wembley!! Massive congrats to the amazing Lionesses!! Ella Toone, take a bow for that finish too."

And in one of the most fitting tributes of them all, Sir Geoff Hurst, the hat-trick hero of the last time England won a major footballing trophy - the 1966 World Cup - simply wrote: "European Champions. Unbelievably proud."

Leah Williamson skippered England's Lionesses to a historic victory as the nation watched on (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

The good feeling was palpable across the country as England's Lionesses achieved a victory that is likely to mean much more than just the silverware at the end of it as they look to inspire a generation.

Coleen Rooney, whose husband Wayne is England men's record goalscorer, wrote: "Fantastic… well deserved ladies!!! Enjoy EVERY minute."

Christine McGuinness was pictured in high spirits as she attended the final following her separation from Paddy.

Real Housewives of Cheshire star Christine, 34, was all smiles as she shared a photo of herself inside the stadium and cheered on the Lionesses in the caption, which read: "Things I love to see.

Christine cheered on the women's England team ahead of their victory (mrsmcguinness/Instagram)
Chloe Kelly (right) Jill Scott (centre) and Lauren Hemp wheel away after the massive goal (PA)

"Women supporting women Going against the grain Doing what they love Believing in themselves Fighting for equality And our country getting behind them shouting “Yes girls”

“COME ON ENGLAND”."

Comedy favourite Miranda Hart was gushing as she revealed she'd wanted to be a goalkeeper when she was young.

Miranda wrote: "Crying. So brilliant. So important. Too emotional to articulate more. I am glad there are 7 year olds watching this who wanted to be a goalkeeper like I did! But didn’t think it was ‘appropriate’ or ‘allowed’ to voice it. Thank you Lionesses."

Stacey Solomon's family enjoy the win (Stacey Solomon/Instagram)

Loose Women star Stacey Solomon shared a snap of her family celebrating the win in front of a massive telly.

The star's TV presenter hubby Joe Swash can be seen sat on a table with a boy, raising his fists in the air in celebration as Stacey captions the pic: "Well done England. So inspirational and just epic! Our whole house was screaming."

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