Latest news with #EurosVictory
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
No10 confirms if there will be bank holiday for Euros win after Lionesses' victory with penalty heroics
THE Government has confirmed if there will be a bank holiday following the Lionesses' historic Euros victory. 4 4 They are the first senior England football team to win a major tournament on foreign soil and the first to retain a trophy after victory in 2022. But speaking today, the Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds revealed that there won't be a bank holiday to celebrate the win. Speaking to Times Radio, Mr Reynolds said: "There should be a day of celebration. That's what the prime minister promised. "That's not a bank holiday, but there is a Downing Street reception today. There'll be the Victory Parade tomorrow. "I'm afraid I can't announce a bank holiday, but there should be a celebration to mark this brilliant achievement." The Downing Street reception today is due to be hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. The team will then attend a homecoming celebration event on Tuesday, with a ceremony expected to take place outside Buckingham Palace. The Prime Minister has previously pushed for a bank holiday to celebrate the Lionesses' achievements. Ahead of their loss to Spain in the World Cup final two years ago, Sir Keir Starmer backed a day of celebration. Writing on X at the time, he said: "It's almost 60 years since England won the World Cup. "I'm never complacent about anything… but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home." Mr Reynolds added: "It's a magnificent achievement and it was just a privilege to watch. "I think this team handles the big tournament pressure better than any England team I've ever seen. "I mean, there were some tough moments, but they really came through." England fell behind to a goal by Mariona Caldentey in the 25th minute, but Alessia Russo scored a stunning equaliser after half time. Chloe Kelly delivered the perfect cross to Russo in the box, who brilliantly headed it into the side-netting. The teams battled it out in 30 minutes of extra time before England's Kelly scored the winning goal in penalties. The match took place in Basel, Switzerland, at the massive St Jakob-Park stadium and just over 34,000 fans are in attendance. Sir Keir and The Prince of Wales watched on from the stands in Basel, while an estimated 16 million Brits supported from home. The Prime Minister hailed the team's triumph, saying: "The Lionesses have once again captured the hearts of the nation. "Their victory is not only a remarkable sporting achievement, but an inspiration for young people across the country. "It stands as a testament to the determination, resilience and unity that define this outstanding team." Supporters stood on tables, waved flags, threw drinks in the air and excitedly hugged each other as England claimed victory. The FA confirmed there will be an open-top bus parade along the Mall before the ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial. Fans can attend for free and it will be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky. Manager Sarina Wiegman ran on to the pitch punching the air as she joined the mass of players and staff mobbing Kelly. The Arsenal ace was in tears as she joined thousands of delighted fans singing Sweet Caroline. Moments later, Kelly said: 'I am so proud of this team. So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English. I was cool, I was composed. 'I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. Unbelievable. All the staff and Sarina Wiegman — she has done it again! Unbelievable. 'It is going to be crazy. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it.' 4
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Keir Starmer mocked for cringe call with hero Lionesses from Scotland as squad crowd around phone at No10 reception
SIR Keir Starmer has been mocked by fans after his "awkward" behaviour on a phone call with the heroic Lionesses. Sarina Wiegman's side retained their title as European champions on Sunday after Chloe Kelly coolly dispatched the decisive spot-kick in a penalty shootout following a tense 1-1 draw with Spain. 7 7 7 7 The newly-crowned winners arrived for a celebratory reception at Downing Street on Monday evening, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. Number 10 was decorated for the occasion, with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. But Sir Keir was not in attendance due to meeting with US President Donald Trump in Scotland. The President welcomed the PM and his wife Victoria to his golf course at Turnberry this afternoon for wide-ranging talks. However, Starmer did manage a phone call to the Lionesses while they were at the Downing Street garden to celebrate their Euros victory. A post shared on Sir Keir's social media showed the moment Sarina Wiegman and some of the Lionesses received a video call from the PM. He said: "Fantastic to see you all and welcome to Downing Street. I just wanted to say a huge congratulations to you and the whole team." The video-call lasted about five minutes and Wiegman could be heard saying "hello Keir, nice to see you", adding "it's lovely here". She then thanked him for calling and for supporting the team throughout the tournament. But trolls were quick to hit out against Sir Keir's phone call with some branding it "awkward" for the heroic Lionesses. Another said on X, formerly Twitter: "Why does Keir have that uncanny valley AI feel in this video? "It just gives off such weird vibes man." England's Lionesses return home to heroes' welcome with EURO 2025 trophy Meanwhile, a third laughed: "They couldn't wait to get you off the phone." "All feels so fake," said another of Starmer's attempt at conversation during the phone call. The PM's post was captioned: "Back-to-back tournament wins. Inspiring the next generation. History makers. "On behalf of the entire nation — congratulations Lionesses." Sarina Wiegman's troops secured a sensational second straight Women's European Championship title last Sunday with a penalty shootout victory over Spain in Basel. England bested the Spaniards 3-1 in the shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time on Sunday. Chloe Kelly slammed home the winning penalty to send the nation into a state of pandemonium. 7 7 7 Kelly and her team-mates partied into small hours of the morning after their historic achievement. And they were greeted by a chorus of cheers as they touched down in Old Blighty on Monday afternoon. Scores of footie fans waited for their heroines outside the terminal after getting wind of their arrival and erupted in cheers at Southend Airport in Essex. Tuesday will see the team enjoy an open-top bus procession along The Mall and a ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace. However, the Government won't commemorate the Lionesses' latest trophy haul with a Bank Holiday. CHAMPIONS AGAIN The Lionesses had a bumpy ride in Switzerland, but always managed to come up with the goods in the big moments. Sarina Wiegman 's side produced several Houdini acts before triumphing on penalties against world champions Spain in the final. England got off to a poor start as Beth Mead missed the first pen of the shootout But Hampton saved twice - including one from Caldentey and another from superstar Aitana Bonmati before Salma Paralluelo shanked her effort wide.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Lionesses arrive at No 10 to meet with Angela Rayner after touching down in the UK to heroes' welcome after their history-making second Euros victory
The Lionesses have arrived at Downing Street for a celebratory reception hosted by , after touching down in the UK to a heroes' welcome from Euros victory. Sarina Wiegman and her team walked up the gated street in central London towards No 10 for the reception – fresh from their nail-biting Euros victory. The building has been decked out for the girls arrivals with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. Earlier today the team stepped off their private jet at Southend Airport to rapturous applause and a sea of fans chanting 'It's coming home', as captain Leah Williamson clutched the coveted European Championship trophy. Sir Keir Starmer is notably absent, currently north of the border meeting with Donald Trump during his Scotland visit. Supporters – many draped in England flags and holding up handmade banners for stars including Alessia Russo, Lucy Bronze, Lauren James, and Williamson - screamed with excitement as the stars walked past. Even though the players didn't stop for selfies or autographs, fans didn't miss a beat, with over 10,000 users tracking the team's plane via Swedish website Flightradar24, desperate to witness their heroes' every move. The aircraft was met with a dramatic water cannon salute by two fire engines as it taxied in – a fitting tribute to England's football queens. Despite a gruelling few days on and off the pitch, the Lionesses showed no signs of slowing down as they prepared for a jam-packed schedule of celebrations – including a blockbuster open-top bus parade through The Mall tomorrow. The windows and railings at the entrance to No 10 Downing Street, London, are adorned in St George's Cross flags ahead of the reception Kicking off at 12.10pm, the parade will roll on to the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace for a star-studded ceremony hosted by former England ace Alex Scott. Fans who missed out on today's welcome are being urged to join the festivities tomorrow instead. The FA said in a statement: 'Our history-making Lionesses will return home this afternoon. But due to limited space at the airport, we would advise fans not to travel there today. 'Instead, we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Central London tomorrow for the homecoming celebrations.' The directive was issued to prevent chaos at already stretched airports and ensure the safe arrival of the national heroes. Tuesday's celebrations are expected to rival the scenes at Trafalgar Square three years ago – though this year's journey to glory was undeniably more nail-biting. Though dramatic, England's success that time around was comparatively less tense that the one achieved on Sunday night at the St. Jakob-Park. But they were still ultimately grateful for the contribution of Chloe Kelly, the match winner against Germany at Wembley, who scored the decisive penalty to sink Spain. Kelly's introduction midway through the first half changed the momentum of a game that Spain dominated and looked set to win. The 27-year-old, who, like her Gunners team-mates, adds Euros glory to Champions League success, assisted Alessia Russo's 57th-minute equaliser after Mariona Caldentey's 25th-minute opener. The Lionesses have touched down in England less than 24 hours after their Euro 2025 triumph Even a one hour delay to the returning flight did not dampen spirits among the fans in attendance Former England star Jill Scott signed autographs for fans after arriving with the team England skipper Leah Williamson was in possession of the trophy as the squad returned The two sides could not be separated after 120 minutes of action, leading to the dreaded penalty shootout. England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton produced two saves and saw another go wide of the post in the 3-1 shootout win. England stars celebrated long into the night after their dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Spain. Players joined family and friends to let their hair down. Ella Toone sang karaoke as England manager Sarina Wiegman and captain Leah Williamson cut a celebratory cake together. Players were still partying into the early hours of the morning, with Toone's partner Joe Bunney posting a picture at 4.10am on Monday morning. Celebrations began in earnest swiftly after their title defence was assured, with the Lionesses performing a musical number as they left the field. Led by captain Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, England's players belted out 2010 hit Dancing On My Own by Robyn as they exited down the tunnel. The team would later return to the field armed with several boxes of pizza and cans of beer. Friends and family also joined in the celebrations. Lauren James was seen posing for a group selfie with a large squad of loved-ones, including Chelsea men's captain Reece James. Ella Toone celebrated with her medal as the party continued into the night in Switzerland Keira Walsh (left) and Alex Greenwood (right) are among the Lionesses stars to claim their second title Sarina Wiegman has become only the second women's manager to win three successive Euros Lauren Hemp celebrated her second European Championship crown by wrapping her arms around girlfriend and former footballer Ashley Hodson. Inside the England dressing room, Grace Clinton, Aggie Beever-Jones and Jess Park shared a selfie with their medals. Beever-Jones had an extra reason to celebrate as Sunday was her 22nd birthday. The Chelsea star captioned an Instagram post: 'BEST BIRTHDAY EVER.' Maya Le Tissier later uploaded a selfie of herself and Beever-Jones flaunting their medals while on the team bus. It was not only the players in the party mood. Indeed, manager Wiegman discussed her plans for the rest of the evening during a post-match interview. '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.' By late morning, the squad was seen boarding the coach that would take them to the airport ahead of their trip back. Hemp was seen holding a Lego set based on the Disney movie 'Beauty and the Beast' as she left the team hotel in Zurich.
The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
No 10 brushes off calls for extra bank holiday to mark Lionesses' victory
Downing Street has brushed off calls for an extra bank holiday in the wake of the Lionesses' Euros victory. The England women's team will celebrate their victory with a visit to No 10 on Monday evening, followed by an open-top bus parade through central London on Tuesday. The Lionesses defended their Euros title in a penalty shootout win over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday. The Government had already indicated it was unlikely to heed calls for an extra bank holiday to herald England's success. On Monday, the Prime Minister's official spokesman attempted to make light of calls for the additional day off work. 'If we had a bank holiday every time the Lionesses win we'd never go to work,' he told reporters. He added: 'It is a tribute to the success of the Lionesses. The Prime Minister has said how inspiring their incredible victory was last night, and the team has captured the hearts of the nation. 'We look forward to joining the rest of the country celebrating this incredible win.' The spokesman pointed to the plans for a parade and the Downing Street reception as part of the Government's efforts to ensure the team has a warm welcome on their return to the UK. Bank holidays have a costly impact on the UK economy, and various governments have been reticent to introduce additional public holidays. Analysis by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport estimated the cost of the additional bank holiday to mark Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee in June 2022 was £2.4 billion. Elsewhere, the Prime Minister's spokesman insisted there was an independent process for nominations for honours, when asked about calls for the team to be recognised for their victory. However, in a rare show of support from the Government for members of the team to receive nominations, he added: 'I hope we'll see lots of nominations for this incredible winning team. 'Many of them were honoured after their incredible Euros win just three years ago, and everyone can see what an amazing job Sarina (Wiegman) and the team have done for this country in terms of its historic win, and women's sport more generally.' Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will host the Downing Street reception for the England team on Monday night. Asked if Sir Keir Starmer was disappointed not to be at the event, his spokesman insisted the Prime Minister was 'obviously very pleased to be meeting President Trump up in Scotland'. He added: 'I'm sure he (the Prime Minister) will have a chance to celebrate with them in the future as well.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
No 10 brushes off calls for extra bank holiday to mark Lionesses' victory
Downing Street has brushed off calls for an extra bank holiday in the wake of the Lionesses' Euros victory. The England women's team will celebrate their victory with a visit to No 10 on Monday evening, followed by an open-top bus parade through central London on Tuesday. The Lionesses defended their Euros title in a penalty shootout win over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday. The Government had already indicated it was unlikely to heed calls for an extra bank holiday to herald England's success. On Monday, the Prime Minister's official spokesman attempted to make light of calls for the additional day off work. 'If we had a bank holiday every time the Lionesses win we'd never go to work,' he told reporters. He added: 'It is a tribute to the success of the Lionesses. The Prime Minister has said how inspiring their incredible victory was last night, and the team has captured the hearts of the nation. 'We look forward to joining the rest of the country celebrating this incredible win.' The spokesman pointed to the plans for a parade and the Downing Street reception as part of the Government's efforts to ensure the team has a warm welcome on their return to the UK. Bank holidays have a costly impact on the UK economy, and various governments have been reticent to introduce additional public holidays. Analysis by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport estimated the cost of the additional bank holiday to mark Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee in June 2022 was £2.4 billion. Elsewhere, the Prime Minister's spokesman insisted there was an independent process for nominations for honours, when asked about calls for the team to be recognised for their victory. However, in a rare show of support from the Government for members of the team to receive nominations, he added: 'I hope we'll see lots of nominations for this incredible winning team. 'Many of them were honoured after their incredible Euros win just three years ago, and everyone can see what an amazing job Sarina (Wiegman) and the team have done for this country in terms of its historic win, and women's sport more generally.' Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will host the Downing Street reception for the England team on Monday night. Asked if Sir Keir Starmer was disappointed not to be at the event, his spokesman insisted the Prime Minister was 'obviously very pleased to be meeting President Trump up in Scotland'. He added: 'I'm sure he (the Prime Minister) will have a chance to celebrate with them in the future as well.'
