Incredible role models' Elated fans roar for the Lionesses

They came in their thousands, a sea of red and white pouring through Green Park to the Mall. Teenage boys with England flags painted on their faces, little girls in their Saturday morning club kits, veteran fans of the women's game, new fans who just wanted to savour the moment. A total of 65,000 jubilant England supporters lined the Mall in central London yesterday to welcome home the victorious Lionesses after their Euro 2025 win on Sunday.

- Alexandra Topping

"I just wanted to be part of history," said Joanne Rumsby, 58, an England flag over her shoulders and a red and white flower garland wrapped around her head. "I saw them win at Wembley three years ago, but to see them win again was everything. It was elation, it was pride - it was just wonderful."

The England squad, who returned from Switzerland on Monday after their victory over Spain, were greeted by chants, cheers and more than a few tears.

"Lionesses hear the roar," said the sign of one little girl. They could not fail to. From the top of the champions-branded open-top bus they danced, waved and appeared to be having the time of their lives, before taking to the stage in front of the Victoria memorial outside Buckingham Palace.

"I've been crying all the way down the Mall," said the team captain, Leah Williamson, when handed a microphone by the former England player turned broadcaster Alex Scott. "This is unbelievable."

Williamson acknowledged that the team's second major tournament trophy had been won "the hard way" - with last-minute equalisers, three consecutive spells of extra time and a series of nail-biting penalty shootouts.