Lionesses' Euro Glory: Kelly's Heroics Seal Back-to-Back Titles

THE LIONESSES posed on the red carpet outside Downing Street after lifting the Euros trophy in a heroic win.

Sarina Wiegman's troops secured a sensational second straight Women's European Championship title last Sunday with a shootout victory over Spain in Basel.

9 England are the Euro 2025 champions after back-to-back continental wins Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

9 Manager Sarina Wiegman and the Lionesses celebrating with the trophy Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

9 British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner reacts during a reception to celebrate England’s victory Credit: Reuters

9 The Lionesses and the Deputy PM were all smiles Credit: Reuters

The team arrived for a celebratory reception at Downing Street , hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock, just before 7pm tonight.

Number 10 was decorated for the occasion, with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings.

Team captain Leah Williamson was seen smiling and holding the Euros trophy as the team left their hotel in Zurich and began their journey home in the rain.

Other team members, wearing their medals, smiled as they high-fived supporters waiting outside the building and signed autographs.

Staff inside No 10 were seen applauding the Lionesses as they formed a guard of honour.

Tuesday will see the team enjoy an open-top bus procession along The Mall and a ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace .

England bested the Spaniards 3-1 in the shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time on Sunday.

Chloe Kell y slammed home the winning penalty to send the nation into a state of pandemonium.

Kelly and her team-mates partied into small hours of the morning after their historic achievement.

And they were greeted by a chorus of cheers as they touched down in Old Blighty this afternoon.

Scores of footie fans waited for their heroines outside the terminal after getting wind of their arrival.

And they were itching to give the players an arrival worthy of their historic achievement.

Supporters erupted in cheers at Southend Airport in Essex as they saw the white and red plane approaching the runway.

And even louder cheers were heard when the team emerged from the airport to walk along a red carpet before waving at fans.

However, the Government won't commemorate the Lionesses' latet trophy haul with a Bank Holiday.

After the game, the King said the team had the royal family 's "warmest appreciation and admiration" in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Monarch Charles added: "The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can".

A trip to Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle may be on the cards for the winning squad as it is understood possible plans for a reception in the autumn are being explored by royal aides.

9 England hero Chloe Kelly laughs as the team celebrate at the reception Credit: PA

9 The England women’s football team arrived in Downing Street, London, for a reception at No 10 Credit: PA

9 The heroic Lionesses were cheered on as they arrived Credit: PA

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the team's triumph, saying the Lionesses had "once again captured the hearts of the nation" and were "an inspiration for young people across the country".

The Lionesses had a bumpy ride in Switzerland , but always managed to come up with the goods in the big moments.

Sarina Wiegman 's side produced several Houdini acts before triumphing on penalties against world champions Spain in the final.

Kelly, 27, kept her cool to slot home the decisive penalty as England retained their title as European champions via a shootout on a historic night in Basel .

The former Man City forward was the definition of a supersub , coming on for an injured Lauren James at the end of the first half and going on to set up Alessia Russo 's equalising goal and netting the deciding spot kick.

9 The Lionesses beat Spain in the final yesterday Credit: Getty

9 The Lionesses celebrate retaining their trophy Credit: EPA