Latest news with #Lionesses'
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Lionesses' Beatlemania-like homecoming shows women footballers are FINALLY getting the honour and respect they deserve
WITH Chloe Kelly inevitably at the front of the bus, the Royal Marines band struck up Sweet Caroline and the parade was off. Inching down the Mall — British royalty's ceremonial thoroughfare — the Lionesses were accorded all the trappings of a state occasion. 11 Beaming families made up much of the crowd at the Lionesses' victory parade in London Credit: Getty 11 The champions return, with an open-top bus parade towards Buckingham Palace Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 11 Spectators show their love for the team as they wait for the bus to pass Credit: Getty Banned by the FA for half a century, ridiculed and written off by others, women footballers were now receiving the honour and respect they have long been due. And much of the admiration was coming from mums, who had brought their daughters along to soak in the inspirational Lioness magic. Among them was Kerry Randall, from Gloucester, who made a last-minute decision to bring her brood — Kaydee, six, Hadley, seven, Lennox, ten, Macey, 12 and Cole, 14. The 37-year-old early-years educator told me: 'It's nice for the girls to see we're equal to the men — if not better sometimes.' READ MORE ON THE LIONESSES Daughter Macey added: 'It shows that women can succeed in life.' Holding a giant poster of London , said: 'The win meant everything to me. It's a giant step forward for women's football and for women in general.' Proper recognition for the Lionesses' achievements has taken a long time — but now it's unmistakably here. Standing ten deep around me as the bus passed, the Beatlemania-like roar from tens of thousands of female voices was deafening. Most read in Football There were plenty of blokes in attendance, but with so many women cramming along the railings lining St James's Park, the testosterone was drowned out. Michelle Agyemang, the tournament's 19-year-old breakout star, seemed a little overawed by the ecstatic scenes that were unfurling as the bus passed a sea of phones. There were plenty of blokes in attendance, but with so many women cramming along the railings lining St James's Park, the testosterone was drowned out. Inside Lionesses' boozy Euro 2025 celebrations as stars party with pizzas, beers and loved ones after win over Spain No one was swilling tinnies, let alone chopping out lines of coke in the Portaloos. And nobody felt the need to shove a Wembley . Passing alternate Union flags and St George Crosses on the Mall, the procession soon reached Buckingham Palace. I'd half expected the wrought iron gates to swing open and a flunky to beckon inspirational coach It's no more than the likeable 55-year-old Dutch former PE teacher deserves. 11 This young fan's face paint conveys the crowd's love for the Lionesses Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 11 A young girl gets a better view as crowds cheer on the returning champs Credit: Getty 11 A young fan signals her appreciation as the Lionesses make their way down the Mall towards Buckingham Palace Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Her squad shuffled on to a makeshift stage in front of the Victoria Memorial. Beneath the gilded monument to one English Queen, there now gathered more than two dozen others. Seated on a throne above the Lionesses was the marble figure of 'They didn't want us on their pitches' When the King's great, great, great grandmother died in 1901 women didn't even have the vote. It took another 27 years before all women over 21 were finally enfranchised, giving them the same voting rights as men. Women's football had a similar struggle to win acceptance in a male-dominated world. Amid the scenes of hysteria, I thought back to the day in 2010 when I met Edna Broughton, then 80, who was the Edna, who sadly didn't live to see the Lionesses' two Euro triumphs, was star striker for the world-famous Dick, Kerr Ladies football team, which was founded in 1917. In its heyday they played in front of 53,000 fans at Everton's Goodison Park, and beat a French side in the first ever women's international. The team were treated like superstars — but in the stuffy Football Association corridors of power , it caused deep consternation. Minutes from a 1921 meeting read: 'Complaints have been made as to football being played by women and the Council feel impelled to express their strong opinion that the game is quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged.' So I love the fact that they're so proud to be English and that it doesn't matter what colour or race you are. That brings people together. Pat MacFarlane, 64, fan at the parade Edna, who played for Dick Kerr from 1945 until 1959, told me: 'They were chauvinists — they didn't want us on their pitches. 'I think the men were worried because we were becoming as popular as they were.' So yesterday's celebrations were also for those who came before the Lionesses, and for the young girls who will follow after — not just as footballers, but as leaders in industry and politics who will have fed off the Lionesses' guts, drive and will to succeed. As student Katie Baird, 18, from Guildford, Surrey , put it: 'The women's teams had massive crowds before they were banned — but now we're back.' Her friend Lauren Mutch, 19, added: 'The Lionesses' victory was nothing short of inspirational. They showed the men how it's done.' In their St George plastic bowler hats, Joyce Allison, 79, Elizabeth Elrick, 73, and Pat MacFarlane, 64, had travelled from London's East End to witness the joyous scenes on the Mall. Teacher Pat told me: 'When I was a kid, only boys were allowed to play football. We were told you weren't allowed to play.' Of the Lionesses, she said: 'I love the fact that they're so proud to be English and that it doesn't matter what colour or race you are. That brings people together.' 11 A fan shows her support with three crosses of St George Credit: Alamy 11 Fans Lauren, Katie and Lillianne wave the flag for the Lionesses Credit: Paul Edwards 11 Mum Kerry Randall, from Gloucester, made a last-minute decision to bring her brood — Kaydee, six, Hadley, seven, Lennox, ten, Macey, 12 and Cole, 14, to the parade Credit: Paul Edwards 11 Joyce Allison, 79, Elizabeth Elrick, 73, and Pat MacFarlane, 64, show their support Credit: Paul Edwards 11 Sun man Oliver Harvey cheers on the champs Credit: Paul Edwards
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Lionesses' Beatlemania-like homecoming shows women footballers are FINALLY getting the honour and respect they deserve
WITH Chloe Kelly inevitably at the front of the bus, the Royal Marines band struck up Sweet Caroline and the parade was off. Inching down the Mall — British royalty's ceremonial thoroughfare — the Lionesses were accorded all the trappings of a state occasion. 11 11 11 Banned by the FA for half a century, ridiculed and written off by others, women footballers were now receiving the honour and respect they have long been due. And much of the admiration was coming from mums, who had brought their daughters along to soak in the inspirational Lioness magic. Among them was Kerry Randall, from Gloucester, who made a last-minute decision to bring her brood — Kaydee, six, Hadley, seven, Lennox, ten, Macey, 12 and Cole, 14. The 37-year-old early-years educator told me: 'It's nice for the girls to see we're equal to the men — if not better sometimes.' Daughter Macey added: 'It shows that women can succeed in life.' Holding a giant poster of Beth Mead, student and football coach Tillie Sykes, from Bromley, South London, said: 'The win meant everything to me. It's a giant step forward for women's football and for women in general.' Proper recognition for the Lionesses' achievements has taken a long time — but now it's unmistakably here. Standing ten deep around me as the bus passed, the Beatlemania-like roar from tens of thousands of female voices was deafening. There were plenty of blokes in attendance, but with so many women cramming along the railings lining St James's Park, the testosterone was drowned out. Michelle Agyemang, the tournament's 19-year-old breakout star, seemed a little overawed by the ecstatic scenes that were unfurling as the bus passed a sea of phones. There were plenty of blokes in attendance, but with so many women cramming along the railings lining St James's Park, the testosterone was drowned out. Inside Lionesses' boozy Euro 2025 celebrations as stars party with pizzas, beers and loved ones after win over Spain No one was swilling tinnies, let alone chopping out lines of coke in the Portaloos. And nobody felt the need to shove a lit flare up their bottom, as a smashed fan had before the English men's Euro 2020 final defeat at Wembley. Passing alternate Union flags and St George Crosses on the Mall, the procession soon reached Buckingham Palace. I'd half expected the wrought iron gates to swing open and a flunky to beckon inspirational coach Sarina Wiegman inside to collect an honorary damehood then and there. It's no more than the likeable 55-year-old Dutch former PE teacher deserves. 11 11 11 Her squad shuffled on to a makeshift stage in front of the Victoria Memorial. Beneath the gilded monument to one English Queen, there now gathered more than two dozen others. Seated on a throne above the Lionesses was the marble figure of Queen Victoria, her memorial topped with the glinting bronze statue of winged victory. 'They didn't want us on their pitches' When the King's great, great, great grandmother died in 1901 women didn't even have the vote. It took another 27 years before all women over 21 were finally enfranchised, giving them the same voting rights as men. Women's football had a similar struggle to win acceptance in a male-dominated world. Amid the scenes of hysteria, I thought back to the day in 2010 when I met Edna Broughton, then 80, who was the Chloe Kelly of her day. Edna, who sadly didn't live to see the Lionesses' two Euro triumphs, was star striker for the world-famous Dick, Kerr Ladies football team, which was founded in 1917. In its heyday they played in front of 53,000 fans at Everton's Goodison Park, and beat a French side in the first ever women's international. The team were treated like superstars — but in the stuffy Football Association corridors of power, it caused deep consternation. Minutes from a 1921 meeting read: 'Complaints have been made as to football being played by women and the Council feel impelled to express their strong opinion that the game is quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged.' So women footballers were banned from all FA-affiliated grounds — and incredibly, it lasted for 50 years. I love the fact that they're so proud to be English and that it doesn't matter what colour or race you are. That brings people together. Pat MacFarlane, 64, fan at the parade Edna, who played for Dick Kerr from 1945 until 1959, told me: 'They were chauvinists — they didn't want us on their pitches. 'I think the men were worried because we were becoming as popular as they were.' So yesterday's celebrations were also for those who came before the Lionesses, and for the young girls who will follow after — not just as footballers, but as leaders in industry and politics who will have fed off the Lionesses' guts, drive and will to succeed. As student Katie Baird, 18, from Guildford, Surrey, put it: 'The women's teams had massive crowds before they were banned — but now we're back.' Her friend Lauren Mutch, 19, added: 'The Lionesses' victory was nothing short of inspirational. They showed the men how it's done.' In their St George plastic bowler hats, Joyce Allison, 79, Elizabeth Elrick, 73, and Pat MacFarlane, 64, had travelled from London's East End to witness the joyous scenes on the Mall. Teacher Pat told me: 'When I was a kid, only boys were allowed to play football. We were told you weren't allowed to play.' Of the Lionesses, she said: 'I love the fact that they're so proud to be English and that it doesn't matter what colour or race you are. That brings people together.' 11 11 11 11
South Wales Guardian
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
European champions England given a hero's welcome outside Buckingham Palace
Less than 48 hours on from the nerve-shredding penalty shootout in Basel that saw Sarina Wiegman's side retain their European crown, throngs of supporters took over the approach to Buckingham Palace as the team paraded the trophy along the famous route from an open-top bus and revelled in an achievement unique in English football. For the first time since England teams began competing at major international tournaments in 1950, a side bearing the three lions returned home victorious as Chloe Kelly's winning kick capped a stunning fightback against the world champions, making Wiegman's players the first to win a tournament outside of England. Proud 🥹 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 29, 2025 It was a fitting intervention that, as the bus arrived from the Mall to a specially-erected stage in front of the palace at around 12:20, an overcast sky over London parted for the first time and bathed the European champions in sunshine. Some supporters had waited for 12 hours for captain Leah Williamson and her team. The earliest devotees reportedly set up camp just after midnight in anticipation of the players' arrival on the Mall just past noon, to be joined by fans who had travelled from all over the country and who represented a cross-section of ages and backgrounds. A carnival atmosphere had been heightened at around 11am when footage was shown on a big screen of England's remarkable route through the tournament. From the disappointment of the loss to France with which they began the defence of their title, to the escapology acts of the knockout stages that saw them fight back from the brink of elimination against Sweden and Italy. The England supporters' band – the soundtrack to so many tournament disappointments throughout decades of England teams returning home empty-handed – were in attendance, underscoring the significance to English football of the Lionesses' back-to-back tournament triumphs. Later, the Central Band of the Royal Air Force took over to serenade the players onto stage with a rendition of 'Sweet Caroline'. Addressing the crowd, a visibly emotional Williamson said: 'Special people, we love each other, we've got each other's back on and off the pitch. 'Everything we do, we do for us and the team but we do it for the country and young girls. This job never existed thirty years ago. This story's not done yet.' The duo you didn't know you needed 😁😁 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 29, 2025 Wiegman, who was coaxed into dancing by an on-stage appearance from Afrobeat star Burna Boy, said: 'We just kept hope and belief and (the players) showed up when it was really necessary and urgent. 'There's a huge talent pool in this team. The bonding in this team in this tournament, that made the difference. Everyone was willing to step up and support each other.' Kelly, whose goal in the final moment of extra-time put England through against Italy – before hitting the winning penalty in the final – said: 'Pressure? What pressure? It feels so good to stand side by side with these girls. Thank you to everyone who got out to support us. It's so f*****g special.' Goalkeeper and penalty hero Hannah Hampton said: 'Don't let people tell you what you can and can't do. If it makes you happy go and follow that smile.' Young player of the tournament Michelle Agyemang, whose equalising goals in the quarter-final and semi-final, said: 'It's still surreal. It doesn't even seem real.' The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for when Williamson lifted the European Championship trophy high as Buckingham Palace disappeared behind plumes of red and white smoke and 'Sweet Caroline' echoed again over London.
North Wales Chronicle
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
European champions England given a hero's welcome outside Buckingham Palace
Less than 48 hours on from the nerve-shredding penalty shootout in Basel that saw Sarina Wiegman's side retain their European crown, throngs of supporters took over the approach to Buckingham Palace as the team paraded the trophy along the famous route from an open-top bus and revelled in an achievement unique in English football. For the first time since England teams began competing at major international tournaments in 1950, a side bearing the three lions returned home victorious as Chloe Kelly's winning kick capped a stunning fightback against the world champions, making Wiegman's players the first to win a tournament outside of England. Proud 🥹 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 29, 2025 It was a fitting intervention that, as the bus arrived from the Mall to a specially-erected stage in front of the palace at around 12:20, an overcast sky over London parted for the first time and bathed the European champions in sunshine. Some supporters had waited for 12 hours for captain Leah Williamson and her team. The earliest devotees reportedly set up camp just after midnight in anticipation of the players' arrival on the Mall just past noon, to be joined by fans who had travelled from all over the country and who represented a cross-section of ages and backgrounds. A carnival atmosphere had been heightened at around 11am when footage was shown on a big screen of England's remarkable route through the tournament. From the disappointment of the loss to France with which they began the defence of their title, to the escapology acts of the knockout stages that saw them fight back from the brink of elimination against Sweden and Italy. The England supporters' band – the soundtrack to so many tournament disappointments throughout decades of England teams returning home empty-handed – were in attendance, underscoring the significance to English football of the Lionesses' back-to-back tournament triumphs. Later, the Central Band of the Royal Air Force took over to serenade the players onto stage with a rendition of 'Sweet Caroline'. Addressing the crowd, a visibly emotional Williamson said: 'Special people, we love each other, we've got each other's back on and off the pitch. 'Everything we do, we do for us and the team but we do it for the country and young girls. This job never existed thirty years ago. This story's not done yet.' The duo you didn't know you needed 😁😁 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 29, 2025 Wiegman, who was coaxed into dancing by an on-stage appearance from Afrobeat star Burna Boy, said: 'We just kept hope and belief and (the players) showed up when it was really necessary and urgent. 'There's a huge talent pool in this team. The bonding in this team in this tournament, that made the difference. Everyone was willing to step up and support each other.' Kelly, whose goal in the final moment of extra-time put England through against Italy – before hitting the winning penalty in the final – said: 'Pressure? What pressure? It feels so good to stand side by side with these girls. Thank you to everyone who got out to support us. It's so f*****g special.' Goalkeeper and penalty hero Hannah Hampton said: 'Don't let people tell you what you can and can't do. If it makes you happy go and follow that smile.' Young player of the tournament Michelle Agyemang, whose equalising goals in the quarter-final and semi-final, said: 'It's still surreal. It doesn't even seem real.' The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for when Williamson lifted the European Championship trophy high as Buckingham Palace disappeared behind plumes of red and white smoke and 'Sweet Caroline' echoed again over London.
The Independent
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Leah Williamson hints there is still more to come from the Lionesses after Euros victory
An emotional Leah Williamson declared that the Lionesses' journey was far from over as England celebrated their Euro 2025 triumph with an open-top bus parade through central London on Tuesday. Thousands of jubilant fans lined the Mall, culminating in a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace, where the team was met with rapturous applause. Less than 48 hours after securing their European Championship crown by defeating Spain on penalties in the Basel final, the significance of the moment was palpable for the England captain, who fought back tears amidst the revelry. "I'm holding back tears. I've been crying all the way down the Mall. This is unbelievable and it's one of the best things we've ever been a part of so thanks for coming out," Williamson told the adoring crowd. She added: "Everything we do, we do it for us and our team but we do it for the country and young girls. This job never existed 30 or 40 years ago and we're making history every single step. Stay with us, this story is not done yet." The Lionesses' path to retaining their title was marked by remarkable defiance, showcasing a never-say-die attitude throughout the tournament. After an opening defeat to France, England staged dramatic comebacks, trailing 2-0 to Sweden in the quarter-finals, 1-0 to Italy in the semi-finals, and going behind in the showpiece against Spain, only to battle back and secure the trophy they first won three years prior. Reflecting on their challenging route to victory, Williamson told supporters: "There's lots of ways to win a football match and we repeatedly did it the hard way. But you can see how much we care about playing for England and how much we love it – 2022 was a fairy tale but this feels really hard-earned and we're very proud of ourselves so thank you and we hope you are, too. The first game maybe rocked us a little bit but I just think we're special people and we love each other, we've got each others' back on and off the pitch. We had tough moments, nasty things to deal with and still we rise." For England head coach Sarina Wiegman, this marked her third consecutive European Championship crown, having previously led the Netherlands to glory in 2017. "It was chaos. I hoped a little less chaos but they didn't keep their promise to finish things quicker! We just kept having hope and belief and they just showed up when it was really necessary and urgent," Wiegman remarked. She praised the squad's depth and unity: "There is a huge talent pool in this team. In 2022 we had great bonding but I think that made the absolute difference now: everyone was ready to step up and support each other. It was amazing to be a part of." Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton proved instrumental in the final, keeping Spain at bay during the 1-1 draw and the subsequent 3-1 penalty shootout success. Asked about her mindset before the penalties, Hampton stated: "Just do whatever I can for the team – they ran around for 120 minutes and I've got it easy just standing still in my own 18-yard box." She offered an inspiring message to aspiring athletes: "Don't let people tell you what you can and can't do. If you've got a dream and you really believe it, go out and do it. I did it. I got told many times that I'm not good enough and I shouldn't be playing football from the start. Keep doing it and if it makes you happy, go follow that smile." Teenager Michelle Agyemang, named best young player of the tournament, made a significant impact by scoring crucial late equalisers in the quarter-final against Sweden and the semi-final against Italy. The 19-year-old expressed her disbelief: "I don't know what to say. It's surreal, it doesn't seem real seeing people down there. It's crazy to see what we've done and be here today." The experienced Lucy Bronze added: "This moment is unbelievable. We did it three years ago but to do it again and to come back to this is just incredible." When asked to compare the current celebrations to those three years prior, Bronze quipped: "I don't remember."
