The triumphant England women’s football team are set to take centre stage in London on Tuesday with a celebratory open-top bus parade following their sensational UEFA Euro 2025 victory over Spain.
The parade will kick off at 12:10 BST along The Mall, culminating in a special ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace.
Fans from across the country – including Gloucester, Norwich, and Exeter – gathered in the early hours to secure a prime viewing spot along the route.
The victory parade will be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky, allowing millions more to join the celebrations virtually.
Upon their return to the UK on Monday, the Lionesses were welcomed by jubilant supporters at Southend Airport, before heading to Downing Street for a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
During the event, Rayner hailed the team as “Champions of Europe again”, adding, “The Lionesses have brought it home – and what a fantastic feeling that is.”
Former England international Alex Scott will host the public ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised the team’s achievement, calling the homecoming a moment for fans to “cheer these heroes home” after doing the nation proud.
Speaking outside Buckingham Palace on Tuesday morning, FA Director of Women’s Football Sue Day told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, “It’s a moment in time we can truly harness to shift the world slightly for the better.”
England secured their second consecutive European title with a 3-1 penalty shootout win in Basel on Sunday, with Chloe Kelly netting the winning spot kick after two crucial saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. This marks the first time an English football team has clinched a major tournament on foreign soil.
The final captivated the nation, with over 16 million viewers tuning in – the most-watched TV moment of the year so far.
Manager Sarina Wiegman, speaking during Monday’s Downing Street reception, joked that being at Number 10 was “quite different from standing next to the pitch.”
She also joined a video call with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was in Scotland meeting US President Donald Trump. Wiegman warmly thanked him for his support throughout the tournament.
Looking ahead, ministers unveiled plans to double pitch access for women’s and girls’ teams at government-funded sports facilities, part of a wider £900m investment in major UK sports events and infrastructure – including £400m dedicated to upgraded grassroots venues.
However, FA’s Sue Day emphasised that more progress is needed: “We want more matches on TV, better fan access, increased pay for players, and more girls playing football in schools. This is the time to turn momentum into lasting change.”
A new government taskforce will aim to replicate the success of women’s football across other sports, bringing together experts in sport and academia.
Olympic champion Dame Katherine Grainger, Chair of the British Olympic Association, noted that major tournaments create “incredible momentum,” but warned that long-term impact requires strategic planning:
“Athletes want their performances to change lives – and this moment is making that happen.”
The public echoed those sentiments, with many parents lining The Mall saying their daughters now dream of becoming footballers.
King Charles III also shared his “warmest appreciation and admiration” for the team’s achievements. Talks are reportedly underway to host a royal reception at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle this autumn.
While Downing Street dismissed calls for a new bank holiday – joking that “if we had one every time the Lionesses won, we’d never go to work” – they encouraged honours nominations, calling the team’s win “incredible”.
To commemorate the historic victory, Royal Mail will issue a special postmark on stamped mail across the UK from Monday to Friday, reading:
“It’s Home. Again. Champions of Europe 2025. England Women’s Football Squad.”
