King Charles salutes Lionesses after England's historic Euro glory

France 24

4 days ago

Sarina Wiegman's side held their nerve to survive a tense penalty shoot-out as Chloe Kelly scored the decisive spot-kick after two crucial saves from Hannah Hampton.
Alessia Russo's second-half equaliser had revived England's bid to retain the Euro title after Mariona Caldentey's 25th minute opener for Spain.
Kelly's winning kick sparked jubilant celebrations across England, while the Prince of Wales and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined the party in the stands at St Jakob-Park in Basel.
Prince William celebrated with his daughter Princess Charlotte before congratulating England's players on the pitch.
England's 3-1 shoot-out victory avenged their 2023 Women's World Cup final loss against Spain in Australia.
King Charles saluted Wiegman's team for their cathartic win, and immediately set their next target as he urged them to win the World Cup in 2027.
"This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025," the King wrote on social media.
"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.
"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. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!"
Starmer congratulated the Lionesses on making history with the second of their back-to-back Euro crowns.
The Lionesses are the first senior English national football team to win a major tournament on foreign soil.
'You've made the nation proud'
England's men won the 1966 World Cup at home and the Lionesses clinched the Women's Euro at Wembley in 2022.
"Champions! Congratulations Lionesses - what a team. What a game. What drama," Starmer said on X.
"You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers."
While Kelly and company earned the silverware in Switzerland, back home street parties, pubs and bars were filled with England fans cheering their team to victory.
Supporters watched on big screens at Boxpark Croydon in south London, erupting when Kelly scored her penalty.
Ecstatic fans danced on benches, waved England flags and threw drinks into the air after the ball hit the net.
Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham said a victory parade in London on Tuesday would "give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players".
"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," he said.
"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."