Team make humble return to home turf

ENGLAND'S Lionesses were back on home ground yesterday after ending their World Cup adventure with a low-key return.

- Cyril Dixon

Sarina Wiegman and her team landed at Heathrow airport at around 6.30am after a 23-hour flight from Sydney and left quietly through a private exit.

But it left around 40 fans disappointed after they waited overnight in the public arrivals lounge to welcome home the beaten World Cup finalists.

The supporters were unaware of a longstanding FA and Heathrow protocol that means England teams exit the airport via a private route due to security concerns.

Lisa Fountain, 42, said although she was "gutted" not to see her heroines, she was not offended as "they are so humble".

She added: "We came here to give them the hero's welcome. OK, they came second, but just to get into the final was an absolutely amazing achievement." Sister Joanne Bruce, 51, added: "They have definitely done us proud. We haven't slept, we have just laughed and joked. It was just the three of us to start with. My sister was like 'I really want to go early'."