Keir Starmer led the tributes to the England women’s national football team after they overcame Spain to win back-to-back European Championships.
The Lionesses became the first England team – men’s or women’s – to win a major competition on foreign soil, with Chloe Kelly’s penalty enough to give them a 3-1 penalty shootout win after the game finished 1-1 after extra time.
The prime minister congratulated the team on “digging deep” to retain their Euros crown.
“Champions! Congratulations Lionesses – what a team. What a game. What drama,” Starmer said in a post on X. “You dug deep when it mattered most and you’ve made the nation proud. History makers.”
King Charles sent his “heartfelt congratulations” to the team and their manager, Sarina Wiegman, in a message posted on X.
“For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant ‘football’s coming home’. As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true.”
Prince William (left) and Keir Starmer (right) celebrate Chloe Kelly’s winning penalty. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA
It was revealed on Sunday evening that England will celebrate their Euros win with fans at an event in central London on Tuesday.
There will be an open-top bus procession along he Mall, which will start at 12.10pm, before a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.
Fans can attend for free but it will be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky.
Lisa Nandy, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, said: “The Lionesses’ incredible win has done our country proud. Now, we have the chance to cheer these heroes home at their homecoming parade.”
Other figures from the sporting world and beyond sent their congratulations to the England women’s team.
Fara Williams, who holds the record for most caps for the England women’s senior team with 172, posted a video of her celebrating in the stadium with the words: “Yessssss back-to-back champions.”
The former Arsenal striker Ian Wright said: “Chloe Kelly is clutch. She’s done it all the way through the tournament. She’s come off the bench throughout the tournament and she’s not mentioned it once.
“She’s delivered every single time.”
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The deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, posted on X: “You did it! What an incredible performance from our Lionesses!
“You’ve made history and the whole nation proud! Absolutely phenomenal. Thank you for inspiring millions and bringing it home!”
Speaking to the BBC immediately after the game, a tearful Kelly said: “I’m so proud. So proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge, and I’m so proud to be English.”
The England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who saved two penalties during the shootout and saw another go wide, said: “This team is just unbelievable, incredible. We’ve shown throughout this tournament we can come back when we go a goal down. We have that grit, we’ve got English blood in us, so we never say die.”
Prince William congratulates Michelle Agyemang. Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters
Prince William was spotted in the stands applauding and celebrating with those around him – including his daughter, Princess Charlotte. As the presentation ceremony took place, the president of the FA was among those to congratulate England’s star striker Michelle Agyemang on being named young player of the tournament.
William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say “well played, fantastic, well done”.
After the game, the X account of the Prince and Princess of Wales retweeted a post by the Lionesses’ official page reading: “It’s home, again.”
