SOCCER

Trafalgar Square vibrates with the new European champions

All ages turned out for a very special celebration in central London. The players sang and danced alongside the English fans.

Lynne Cameron - The FAGetty

“I’m probably the only person not hungover today because I don’t drink. It’s fantastic, the atmosphere is incredible,” the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, told Sky Sports at the massive party held in Trafalgar Square on Monday, together with the 23 players and coaching staff of England’s women’s team who won their first Euros on Sunday night. Thousands of people from young to old gathered in the landmark London square for a very special celebration - England’s first major soccer trophy victory since the men’s team lifted the World Cup 56 years ago.

“These lionesses have made history, they have broken records, they have changed the game. What is really important is that we focus the energy and take advantage of this moment. We cannot waste this legacy,” Khan explained, sharing the stage with captain Leah Williamson, Barça winger Lucy Bronze and the experienced Jill Scott, who led the singing during a mass celebration that lasted for several hours. Some commentators complained that there was no bus victory parade for the jubilant women’s team to take the trophy on a tour of the capital, but fans celebrated nevertheless - singing and dancing the whole afternoon.

England fans celebrate the women's team's Euro 2022 triumph in Trafalgar Square London, 1st August 2022.Richard BakerGetty

“I think we’ve been partying more than playing football in the last 24 hours. Obviously it’s amazing to do it with all the people who came to the game, now here and with the whole country. We are very grateful for the support,” said Leah Williamson. Among the stars of the celebration was Chloe Kelly, who has seen her number of followers increase meteorically on social media thanks to her extra-time winner against Germany: “It is very special to share this moment with such an amazing group of girls. I’m proud to wear this badge, but I’m even more proud to share the field with such an amazing group of players and people”.

Jill Scott starred in a fun moment by interviewing the Euro 2022 trophy while the classic anthems such as Three Lions (’Football’s coming home’) and Sweet Caroline were sang with great gusto by the players and fans at a very special party.

Euros victory dominates the front pages

The victory at Wembley made the front pages of all of the national newspapers, celebrated the historic milestone achieved by the women’s team coached by Sarina Wiegman. “It wasn’t a dream... We DID beat Germany in a final”, headlined the Daily Mail. “Lionesses bring it home”, opened The Times. The whole nation cheered the feat of their women’s team.

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