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Lionesses celebrate Euros triumph at ‘very special’ Downing Street reception

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Lionesses celebrate Euros triumph at 'very special' Downing Street reception

The red carpet was rolled out at No 10 on Monday evening as the Lionesses attended a reception to celebrate their Euro 2025 victory.

The England squad went straight to Downing Street after touching down at Southend Airport in Essex less than 24 hours after they defeated Spain in a penalty shootout in Sunday’s final.

Led by captain Leah Williamson, who proudly clutched the trophy, the side posed for pictures outside No 10 before being greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

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The England squad outside No 10. Pic: PA

England's team captain Leah Williamson carries the trophy when leaving a special reception, to celebrate their victory in the Women's Euro 2025 final, at Downing Street in London, Monday, July 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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Leah Williamson carries the trophy. Pic: AP

Speaking to Sky News correspondent Ashna Hurynag after the 40-minute reception, England manager Sarina Wiegman described the celebration as “very, very special”.

“To be able to go inside and also be in the garden there, [was] really nice,” she said. “They had put up pictures of us to show what we had done in the Euros… it was very, very special.”

Some people on social media have called for the England boss – who is from the Netherlands – to get an honorary damehood, but Wiegman told Ashna Hurynag that she “hasn’t thought about that”.

“I feel so much respect from England and from the Royal Family too, I think that’s the most important thing, feeling valued,” she said.

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Weigman also joined some of the players to videocall Sir Keir Starmer, who was in Scotland with Donald Trump.

England attend Downing Street reception. Pic: Reuters
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England manager Sarina Wiegman and some of the players on a video call with Sir Keir Starmer. Pic: Reuters

England manager Sarina Wiegman speaks at a reception at No 10 Downing Street, London. Pic: Richard Pohle/The Times/PA Wire
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Pic: PA

Angela Rayner reacts during a reception to celebrate England's victory in the Women's EURO 2025, at Downing Street in London. Reuters
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Angela Rayner congratulates some of the players. Pic: Reuters

In a speech at the reception, the manager quipped: “I have to make my apologies [for giving] you lots of heart attacks.”

“We made it through and that’s why we’re here now,” she continued.

“The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we’re already legendary. Thank you so much for having us here.”

As the Lionesses left Downing Street, some stopped to try and meet another famous feline – Larry the Cat.

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Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson with the trophy as she and members of the England team attend a reception at Downing St. Pic: PA
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Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson in the garden at No 10. Pic: PA

England's Esme Morgan, Anna Moorhouse and Grace Clinton try and get Larry the Cat's attention as they leave No.10 Downing Street. Pic: PA
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England’s Esme Morgan, Anna Moorhouse and Grace Clinton try and get Larry the Cat’s attention. Pic: PA

The celebrations will continue on Tuesday afternoon with an open-top bus parade through central London before the team gather outside Buckingham Palace.

The Lionesses retained their Women’s Euros title on Sunday night by beating Spain in Basel, Switzerland.

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Behind the scenes after Lionesses’ win

Mariona Caldentey put Spain 1-0 ahead in the first half, but England’s Alessia Russo levelled the score in the 57th minute.

The game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, with the score remaining the same at the end of extra-time.

The match then went to a penalty shootout, which the Lionesses won 3-1.