Sarina Wiegman savours Lionesses' ‘very special' Downing Street reception after Euro 2025 title
England defeated Spain in Sunday's final and upon returning to the UK on Monday, the Lionesses travelled from Southend Airport to attend a reception in Downing Street, London, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland for talks with US President Donald Trump.
'Downing Street, you don't come there normally and it was really nice how they built it up like this,' Wiegman said, pointing in the direction of the England flags and bunting surrounding the buildings of No 10 Downing Street, the traditional residence of the serving British Prime Minister.
'It is very special to be able to go inside and also in the garden. The people there were very nice, they also put up some pictures of what we have done at the Euros.
'It was lovely, a very warm welcome. I've felt love all over but today even more so.'
Wiegman has now won three successive European Championship titles as head coach — one with the Netherlands and two with England, who had never previously won a major international title.
The 55-year-old Dutch coach was questioned on speculation linking her to an honorary damehood — a traditionally British honorific title given to women who have been admitted to certain orders of chivalry.
'I haven't thought about that,' Wiegman said. 'I feel so much respect from England, the Royal Family too. I think the most important thing is feeling valued. It's very special to get so much respect from England.'
The Lionesses will have an open-top bus parade in central London on Tuesday, along with a procession along the mall and a ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.
(Richard Pohle –)
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