The Lionesses have been greeted by cheering crowds after landing at Southend airport, with fans eager to give the squad a triumphant homecoming following their Euro 2025 victory. The team arrived back in the UK on Monday afternoon after defending their title in a penalty shootout win over Spain in Basel on Sunday.
Cheers erupted at the Essex airport as the plane approached the runway and again as the team emerged to walk along a red carpet, waving at fans. Captain Leah Williamson led the squad out of the private terminal carrying the trophy. Among the fans were twins Poppy and Daisy Macdonald, 11, who held a sign asking for a photo with star striker Alessia Russo.
The players later attended a celebratory reception at Downing Street, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock. Rayner called it a 'historic day for English football, for women's sport – and for the country', adding: 'The Lionesses have brought it home again.'
Labour also announced plans to more than double grassroots playing slots for women and girls across England over the next five years. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 'This isn't just about celebrating today's achievements – it's about building the foundations through our plan for change by removing barriers to participation.'
Despite some players being lined up for MBEs, Downing Street has no plans for a bank holiday. The prime minister's spokesperson said: 'If we had a bank holiday every time the Lionesses win, [we] would never go to work.'
