Tom HamiltonCloseTom HamiltonSenior Writer• Joined ESPN in 2011• Covered two Olympics, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours• Previously rugby editor, and became senior writer in 2018Follow on XEmily KeoghCloseEmily KeoghCorrespondentBased in London, Emily Keogh is ESPN’s women’s soccer correspondent, specializing in the WSL and UWCLFollow on XJul 29, 2025, 12:00 PM ET
CloseTom HamiltonSenior Writer• Joined ESPN in 2011• Covered two Olympics, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours• Previously rugby editor, and became senior writer in 2018Follow on X
Tom HamiltonSenior Writer
CloseEmily KeoghCorrespondentBased in London, Emily Keogh is ESPN’s women’s soccer correspondent, specializing in the WSL and UWCLFollow on X
Emily KeoghCorrespondent
EmailPrintOpen Extended Reactions
EmailPrintOpen Extended Reactions
Open Extended Reactions
LONDON — The two double-decker buses had already been down The Mall, the helicopters were still circling, the thousands of fans had got a glimpse of their heroes,EnglandcaptainLeah Williamsonhad talked through tears, and coach Sarina Wiegman had danced with Burna Boy whenEuro 2025final match-winnerChloe Kellysummed up what everyone was thinking. “It’s so f—ing special,” she said.
The first tents popped up for Tuesday’s victory parade at 2 a.m. along the streets of the capital.
By 9 a.m., little more than 36 hours after Kelly scored the final spot kick of theshootout winoverSpainin Basel, Switzerland, the place was packed. Supporters climbed up the wall splitting St. James’ Park from the Queen Victoria Memorial to get a better view, but as far as you could see, there was a throng of adoration for the Lionesses.
There were young fans, older supporters, new converts and those who had followed women’s football all the way through to this wonderful moment.
Talking to those who’d been there since the early hours to welcome home the repeat Euro winners, who won the rematch of the 2023World Cupfinal after losing that game in Sydney, there were two words frequently mentioned for why this country has fallen in love with the Lionesses all over again: “grit” and “determination.”
-Don’t stop believing: The inside story of England’s Euro 2025 win-Euro 2025 Talking Points: Best match, goal, player, tournament XI-Wiegman calls for more investment in women’s football
One young fan from North London spoke of how she adored them as role models — her cousin in the England under-17 women’s team. “They just never give up,” she said.
Amelie came from Brighton, inspired by the class of 2022, and is now playing for Withdean Galaxy — a club that has grown from six girls to 300 in the past six years. She loves Chloe Kelly.
Father and daughter Paul and Orla from Norwich adoreLucy Bronze. “No one thought they could win it after the first game, but they show you that you should never give up,” Orla, 11, said.
Two 18-year-olds from London were enamored by the Lionesses after their Euro 2022 win and began supporting England andArsenalas it gave them “a sense of community.”
Source: Espnsoccer
