Euro 2022 LIVE: England players lauded by thousands at Trafalgar Square victory party
Thousands of fans gathered in London to celebrate after Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses end 56 years of hurt to win Euro 2022 for England
England hosted a victory party at Trafalgar Square on Monday afternoon, after the Lionesses defeated Germany 2-1 in the Euro 2022 final to claim their first ever major title in front of a record 87,192 crowd on home soil.
The match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes and the sides could not be separated until 110th minute when England substitute Chloe Kelly reacted quickest to a loose ball from a corner and poked in the winner. England confidently held out for the final 10 minutes of the game as euphoria and relief rang out around Wembley - and the nation - as the magnitude of what they’d just achieved hit home. Sarina Wiegman’s victory press conference was interrupted by jublient players singing and dancing on the tables, the start of celebrations which ran long into the night.
The players and manager were all awarded the freedom of the city of London following the triumph, which was England’s first major tournament victory since the men won the World Cup in 1966. Thousands were in Trafalgar Square for the celebration of the team’s achievement, which was shown live on the BBC.
Follow all the reaction and latest updates following England’s success at Euro 2022:
England beat Germany to win Euro 2022 thanks to dramatic Chloe Kelly extra-time goal
England forced to the brink before shedding pain of the past with sweetest triumph of all
The Lionesses have put a smile on the face of a divided nation
England Euro 2022 victory parade: How to watch Lionesses celebrate victory in Trafalgar Square
Sweet Caroline
A lovely moment as the players and fans all join together in song:
Leah Williamson has the last word
“Dreams turn into reality,” she says. “We would have been inspired growing up and hopefully we've inspired people watching us.”
Cue the music, as Sweet Caroline blares over the speakers.
Ella Toone on scoring England’s first goal
“The best feeling ever,” she says.
Alex Scott brings up Harry Kane’s admiration on Twitter for her deft finish. "I taught him that,” Toone says with a grin.
Leah Williamson on England’s legacy
“I think the legacy of the tournament was made before that final game. England have hosted an incredible tournaemnt and we've changed the game at home. We wanted to make our legacy about winning, and that's what we did.”
Sarina Wiegman on what’s next
"I go to back to my family, have a little rest, and then we try and qualify for the World Cup." A huge cheer goes up in the crowd.
Captain Leah Williamson on manager Wiegman
“She's the misssing ingredient that England was looking for. Special person, she puts us all first and allowed us to enjoy this tournament.”
Sarina Wiegman on the players
“First of all, they are very, very food football players. They are very, very good people. The willingless, commitment, resilience, the behaviour towards to each other. Most of all, the willingness to want to win so badly.”
The Lionesses arrive in Trafalgar Square
“Please welcome to the stage,” says Alex Scott, “your victorious Lionesses!”
A huge cheer erupts around Trafalgar Square as they emerge on stage.
Mayor of London receives mixed response
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, received a mixed response as he appeared on stage to hail a “game-changing” moment.
He also called for the whole squad to be given New Year Honours, something which was cheered.
“We’ve waited decades for football to come home, these women have brought it home,” he said before making his way off stage.
England fans told to stay away from ‘full’ Trafalgar Square
The Metropolitan Police have told fans to stay away from the victory party in Trafalgar Square after around 7,000 showed up and flooded the area around Nelson’s Column in anticipation of the players’ arrival at Monday lunchtime. Retweeting a message from mayor of London Sadiq, it said:
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