Millions of fans across the country were in delirium this morning following a night of partying after England won the Women’s Euros – securing the first major tournament title for any England team since 1966.
Fanzones and pubs from Croydon to Aylesbury and Newcastle to Brighton were packed as families cheered on the Lionesses who beat Germany 2-1 after extra time in front of a crowd of 87,000 at Wembley Stadium.
And there were ecstatic scenes at Trafalgar Square last night where thousands of people celebrated while watching on the big screen – with some left so excited that they jumped into the fountains following the victory.
LONDON: England fans celebrate the team’s win in the Women’s Euros at the Uefa Fan Festival at Trafalgar Square last night
AYLESBURY: Fans celebrate the final whistle at Aylesbury United WFC, the former club of Lionesses forward Ellen White
CROYDON: Fans celebrate during the England v Germany Women’s Euro 2022 final at Boxpark Croydon in South London
BRIGHTON: Fans celebrate at the Brighton Laines Pub in East Sussex as England win the Women’s Euros last night
NEWCASTLE: Fans at Newcastle’s Central Park celebrate during the Women’s Euros broadcast yesterday
CROYDON: Fans celebrate England’s win over Germany in the Women’s Euro 2022 final at Boxpark Croydon in South London
The area erupted into celebrations with horns tooted and chants of ‘It’s coming home’ and ‘England’ heard.
Samantha Isaac, 38, who lives in Essex, said it was ‘a historic moment’. She said: ‘It’s really important for women and girls to get this level of success and this many people here. I’m over the moon, they have worked so hard.’
Her daughter Evie Isaac, nine, who plays football, said it was ‘exciting’. Also there was Rihana Bhugalee, 14, from Dartford, Kent, who said the atmosphere was ‘very energetic and lively’.
Mitra Wilson, 38, an osteopath receptionist from Croydon, wached the final in Trafalgar Square with her daughters Rebecca, nine, and Isabelle, eight, who were both wearing England flag face paint.
She said: ‘It is empowering them (her daughters) to know they can do it and nothing has to hold them back.’
Today, Trafalgar Square will host another party as thousands of fans will be able to celebrate the win with the players.
Up to 7,000 supporters will have the opportunity to join the team for a daytime event hosted by veteran Lioness Alex Scott in Trafalgar Square.
Supporters will be able to gain free entry on a first-come first-served basis from 11am today, and can enjoy live music from DJ Monki while tournament highlights are shown on screens.
The players and their manager, Sarina Wiegman, will take part in a Q&A session before lifting the trophy.
The event has been organised by the Greater London Authority, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Westminster Council, and will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 12.40pm. It is expected to end at 2pm.
Fans will be able to bring their own food and disposable or reusable water bottles – except glass – on site, with free water refills also available.
Yesterday, England fans have described the team’s Euros win a ‘victory for girls across the country’.
Among the fans at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, where the Lionesses beat Germany in the final, were family groups, including young women and girls.
There was a carnival-like atmosphere as a huge sea of England flags were carried out of the stadium after the match, with supporters cheering, blowing horns and singing Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline and Queen’s We Are The Champions.
Two young girls with St George flags painted on their faces were excitedly singing It’s Coming Home. Large groups embraced and danced with each other.
Megan Morinis, from Chelmsford, Essex, who watched the game with her boyfriend Max, said: ‘There were so many young girls and women here to watch this match – who says we don’t like football?
‘They played so well against a really good team in Germany and represented this country so well. It wasn’t just a historic sporting win, it was a victory for girls across the country.’
Mary Caine, 33, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, who watched the game with her daughter Sam, eight, said: ‘The girls finally brought football home. We’re delighted, it’s historic, it was magic in there and a breakthrough moment for women’s sport.’
Other fans said the atmosphere inside the stadium had been ‘electric’ and a huge ‘step forward’ for women’s sport.
Another said the Lionesses’ performance was ‘superb’ and that those in the team would go down as ‘legends’.
LONDON: England fans celebrate the team’s win in the Women’s Euros at the Uefa Fan Festival at Trafalgar Square last night
CROYDON: Fans celebrate England’s win over Germany in the Women’s Euro 2022 final at Boxpark Croydon in South London
LONDON: England fans celebrate the team’s win in the Women’s Euros at the Uefa Fan Festival at Trafalgar Square last night
CROYDON: Fans celebrate England’s win over Germany in the Women’s Euro 2022 final at Boxpark Croydon in South London
LONDON: England fans celebrate the team’s win in the Women’s Euros at the Uefa Fan Festival at Trafalgar Square last night
LONDON: England fans celebrate the team’s win in the Women’s Euros at the Uefa Fan Festival at Trafalgar Square last night
LONDON: England fans in the fountains of Trafalgar Square last night following the team’s victory in the Women’s Euros
LONDON: England fans celebrate the team’s win in the Women’s Euros at the Uefa Fan Festival at Trafalgar Square last night
During the match dozens of ticketless fans were watching the match on their phones close to the ground.
Craig Stephens, 58, and his wife Julie, 54, from Twickenham, south-west London, said: ‘We just wanted to be around Wembley while the game was on, it really is historic.’
When England went 1-0 up, many began cheering and clapping, while those in a nearby pub could be heard chanting.
Maria Quen, 27, from Willesden, north-west London, said: ‘I had a feeling Toone would do something, we’ve got our substitutions right the whole tournament.’
The stadium could be heard erupting when the second goal was scored, with a short delay before those outside saw it. Lucy Richards, 19, said: ‘I can’t believe it, what a time to score.’
A group of German fans, draped in the red, black and yellow flag, were visibly upset. At full-time, people in the streets began celebrating and cars were beeping their horns.
One police officer was seen telling his colleague not to watch the match on her phone.
CROYDON: Fans celebrate England’s win over Germany in the Women’s Euro 2022 final at Boxpark Croydon in South London#
LONDON: England fans celebrate the team’s win in the Women’s Euros at the Uefa Fan Festival at Trafalgar Square last night
AYLESBURY: Fans celebrate the final whistle at Aylesbury United WFC, the former club of Lionesses forward Ellen White
CROYDON: Fans celebrate England’s win over Germany in the Women’s Euro 2022 final at Boxpark Croydon in South London
CROYDON: Fans celebrate England’s win over Germany in the Women’s Euro 2022 final at Boxpark Croydon in South London
CROYDON: Fans celebrate England’s win over Germany in the Women’s Euro 2022 final at Boxpark Croydon in South London
AYLESBURY: Fans celebrate the final whistle at Aylesbury United WFC, the former club of Lionesses forward Ellen White
Supporters entering the stadium before the match at 5pm had been largely positive and calm, with very little trouble for police.
Groups of young women were chanting ‘It’s coming home’, with fans outside pubs and restaurants joining in.
Young children were also seen leading the chanting as their parents followed close behind.
The nearby BoxPark was also packed and noisy, with a performance from pop group S Club 7.
Chelsea Women’s football manager Emma Hayes was urging the crowds to chant and cheer louder.
Rachael Wilson, from Preston, Lancashire, was with her daughter Holly, who plays for Manchester United’s under-13 girls.
Ms Wilson said: ‘We are so proud of the team for showing that girls and women can play football.’
Childminder Helen Charlesworth, from Orpington, Kent, was with her daughter Darcey, 22, who has enjoyed football from the age of eight and started playing with boys as there were no girls’ teams around.
Despite playing at centres of excellence, and doing ‘so well’, her daughter missed out due to a ‘lack of funding’ in the women’s game.
CROYDON: Fans celebrate England’s win over Germany in the Women’s Euro 2022 final at Boxpark Croydon in South London
CROYDON: Fans celebrate England’s win over Germany in the Women’s Euro 2022 final at Boxpark Croydon in South London
LONDON: England fans in the fountains of Trafalgar Square last night following the team’s victory in the Women’s Euros
CROYDON: Fans celebrate England’s win over Germany in the Women’s Euro 2022 final at Boxpark Croydon in South London
AYLESBURY: Fans celebrate the final whistle at Aylesbury United WFC, the former club of Lionesses forward Ellen White
CROYDON: Fans celebrate England’s win over Germany in the Women’s Euro 2022 final at Boxpark Croydon in South London
LONDON: England fans celebrate the team’s win in the Women’s Euros at the Uefa Fan Festival at Trafalgar Square last night
CROYDON: Fans celebrate England’s win over Germany in the Women’s Euro 2022 final at Boxpark Croydon in South London
Ms Charlesworth said: ‘The fact that the women’s game is growing is amazing.
‘This tournament has definitely helped grow the game and support for it.’
Emma Newman, 21, a student from Whitby, North Yorkshire, said: ‘It’s a really nice atmosphere, people are just here to see the match and nothing else.
‘It’s right that fans aren’t causing trouble, these women are inspiring and deserve to be supported properly.’
Following England’s triumph, the Queen praised the team, saying their ‘success goes far beyond the trophy’.
She said in a statement: ‘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.
In an image that will live long in the memory, Chloe Kelly swings her shirt over her head after scoring the winning goal and securing the title
Leah Williamson and Millie Bright of England lift the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Trophy after their side’s victory
Chloe Kelly pokes home in extra time in yesterday’s final, sending millions across the country wild
Mary Earps dances on the table as players of England interrupt the press conference with Sarina Wiegman singing Three Lions
‘However, your success goes far beyond the trophy you have so deservedly earned. 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.’
Prince William, who was present in the stadium, also congratulated the team, tweeting: ‘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! W.’
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who watched the match from home with his children Wilfred and Romy, praised the team on their ‘stunning’ victory.
He said in a tweet: ‘Football has come home! A stunning victory by the @Lionesses. Huge congratulations to Sarina, Leah and the whole team.
‘Football pitches across the country will be filled as never before by girls and women inspired by your triumph.’
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk