Palace parade for Lionesses

THE England Women’s football team lifted their European Championship trophy outside Buckingham Palace yesterday, as thousands joined in the celebrations of their dramatic victory.

- HARRY STEDMAN

The Lionesses were cheered by thousands of fans along The Mall, after the team defended their European title with a penalty shootout win over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland, last Sunday.

Wearing white Nike T-shirts and England scarves, the team took photos with their phones as the buses travelled down the street, led by the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth and flanked on either side by flag-waving fans.

Manager Sarina Wiegman danced alongside afrobeat star Burna Boy on stage while there was also a performance of Proud by Heather Small, before captain Leah Williamson lifted the trophy to huge cheers.

The squad then posed for photos with the gathered fans on The Mall amid a large red fireworks display, before singing along to Neil Diamond’s