Over 65,000 fans line streets of London to give the Lionesses a day to remember

England defender Esme Morgan’s fears about a lack of people lining The Mall were swiftly banished this afternoon as a crowd of approximately 65,000 celebrated the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 success.

Sarina Wiegman’s side overcame Spain in a penalty shoot-out in Sunday’s final in Basel to successfully defend the crown they won on home soil three years ago.

After flying home yesterday, the players enjoyed a drinks reception with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Raynor at Downing Street before getting the chance to lap up the adoration of the fans on an open-top bus parade in central London this afternoon.

Morgan relieved the Mall wasn’t empty

Morgan, who was dropped for the final, said: “A few of us said the other day ‘we hope the parade is not the full length of The Mall because there might not be enough people to fill it’.

“We were like ‘what if that happens?’ – but we showed up today and it was absolutely packed, I can’t believe it. You don’t realise the scale of how many people watch and support us, and yeah, we feel so lucky.”

Captain Leah Williamson added: “I’ve been crying all the way down The Mall.

“This is unbelievable, probably one of the best things we’ve been a part of.”

Burna Boy surprise for Wiegman

Princess Beatrice of York was in attendance, representing the Royal Family, as the bus weaved its way to an on-stage ceremony in front of the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace.

There was even a special appearance from pop act Burna Boy – Wiegman’s favourite artist.

Morgan added: “Sarina’s got rhythm. She absolutely loves Burna Boy. I can’t believe it. Her face when they brought Burna Boy out was a picture. None of us could believe it to be honest and, yeah, she was busting out some moves and singing away, so that was a special moment.”

“I’ve never had a day like this, never ever,” Chelsea defender Niamh Charles told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“If I think back to the younger me that came to visit Buckingham Palace, I never would have thought that I would be stood here now.

“Me and my family did a weekend down here, we went around all of the sights, and we actually have pictures of me posing here, so it is crazy to think this is the reality of women’s football now and what we have done.”

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