Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
The Lionesses' historic success at the Women's Euro 2025 is arguably one of the greatest moments in English football history. While the 1966 men's World Cup remains the most iconic achievement in the country's rich sporting history, what the England women's team achieved in Switzerland was nothing short of extraordinary. Not only did the Lionesses successfully defend their European crown against the high-flying Spanish side, but they also became the first England team to win a major tournament on foreign soil.
Following the historic triumph, the squad flew home on Monday to attend a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock in central London.
Sarina Wiegman, England coach and the architect of Euro 2025 success, described the reception at 10 Downing Street as "very, very special".
For Wiegman, her third successive Euro 2025 title (1 with Germany and 2 with England), made the victory even sweeter. The Dutchwoman passionately addressed those gathered in the Downing Street garden and called for greater investment in women's football.
Wiegman, speaking hours before the UK government announced a new package of measures to boost grassroots developement in women's football, urged further investment in the game.
"This incredible team won the Euros and then straightaway sent a letter to you, the Government, asking for attention and asking for access to football for all girls," Wiegman said.
"Steps have been taken, but we're not done yet. We have to keep moving forward, and we need a little bit more. We need some more investment," she added.
Looking at the larger picture, Wiegman urged all the stakeholders to keep England's status as women's football's trailblazers intact.
"We're not there yet. In England, we're up there, but England needs to stay the trailblazer; it needs to be the big example. The players first but also the FA, the clubs, the Government, the country, the fans — let's keep being the trailblazers."
Earlier on Monday, the team's aeroplane, branded with the word "home", touched down at Southend Airport in south-east England.
The Lionesses won £4.4 million prize money - £2.7 million higher than what it was for Euro 2022, but the amount was still £20.1 million less than what Spain won after defeating England in the men's Euro final in Germany last year.
