As the open-top buses rolled down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace, captain Leah Williamson was visibly moved—tears streaming as she gazed across the sea of supporters lining the near-kilometre-long stretch.
It was a moment of powerful symbolism: from 7,000 fans in Trafalgar Square three years ago to an estimated 65,000 people now celebrating England’s latest triumph—this time, not just as European Champions, but as the first England team in history to win a major trophy on foreign soil.
This team had their doubters. Even Williamson admitted they “rode their luck”—leading for just four minutes and 52 seconds across all three knockout games. Manager Sarina Wiegman’s late tactical changes were questioned, especially in the Sweden and Italy matches. But they proved inspired. Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly emerged as this tournament’s Toone and Russo—game-changers off the bench.
Kelly, once uncertain of her place at Manchester City, fired home the winning penalty at a blistering 110km/h—replicating her Euro 2022 final heroics and completing one of the most remarkable comeback arcs in English football.
But hers was just one story among many.
- Ella Toone, playing her first major tournament without her father, who died of prostate cancer last year, and losing her beloved Nana Maz on the day of the final.
- Hannah Hampton, written off by doctors in childhood due to an eye condition and nearly walking away from football altogether after being dropped from the squad post-Euro 2022, stood tall in goal as England’s hero.
- Jess Carter, targeted with racist abuse online, responded with a defensive masterclass on the biggest stage.
- Lucy Bronze, who later revealed she played through the entire tournament with a fractured tibia.
These stories, layered with courage and resilience, elevate this victory beyond the trophy cabinet.
More than a win, this was a cultural milestone. These Lionesses are no longer just athletes—they are household names. Kids wear their shirts. Adults debate their performances in group chats and over office coffee. It’s a seismic shift from 2009, when few could name a player from England’s Euros final squad. By 2022, they were rising stars. By 2025, they are icons.
The numbers back it up:
- A 56% rise in girls’ and women’s football participation between 2020 and 2024.
- A revamped talent pathway to support the next generation of Lionesses.
- WSL attendances up 239% since 2021.
- Clubs like Arsenal moving all women’s fixtures to major stadiums like the Emirates to meet growing demand.
Euro 2022 triggered the transformation. Euro 2025 proved that transformation is irreversible.
As the buses reached Buckingham Palace and confetti rained down on the squad, the tears of Leah Williamson said it all. The Lionesses haven’t just made history. They’ve made a future.
