England’s Euro 2022 champions are celebrating before thousands of fans after claiming the first major trophy in their history.
“I think we’ve partied more than we’ve actually played football in the last 24 hours,” said the Lionesses’ captain Leah Williamson, to cheers from the crowd.
On a more serious note, she said she believes the win has inspired “change of the best kind”.
England boss Sarina Wiegman and the team showed off the trophy to supporters gathered at a fanzone in Trafalgar Square, some draped in flags which simply read “Home”, to toast and get a glimpse of the European champions.
England Euro 2022 win live: Lionesses emerge from hotel after partying into early hours
Wiegman, who coached Netherlands to victory in 2017, hailed the “willingness to want to win so badly” and the “commitment and resilience” of her players.
Williamson described the Dutch coach as the “missing ingredient” and her side the “dream team”. “This team likes to work hard but also like to party hard,” she said.
Lucy Bronze said the aim was now to win the World Cup, while Jill Scott said her hopes were that women’s football would now be known as “football” following the success.
Chloe Kelly’s extra-time winner was still fresh in memories as families gathered, singing and dancing.
They cheered on a montage of England’s path to glory as it was played on the big screens.
“I ain’t stopped dancing, my feet just keep going,” Kelly said.
The Lionesses’ 2-1 victory over Germany at Wembley last night was also the first significant silverware for a senior England side since the 1966 World Cup triumph over West Germany.
The dramatic final was watched by a crowd of 87,192 at the national stadium – the biggest-ever attendance for any Euros game, men’s or women’s.
The squad partied on long after the final whistle was blown, through the night, and even with fans outside the team hotel, The Lensbury Resort in Teddington.
Describing the celebrations, Wiegman told Lionesses Live: “(It was) crazy. Lots of music, lots of dancing. English people can drink!
“A little bit too much alcohol, I think. But that’s OK. We enjoyed it. When you have these accomplishments, it’s really good to have a party.”
Williamson was asked how she felt. “A little bit rough, but alright,” she said.
England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who memorably danced on the table during Wiegman’s post-match news conference, said: “I saw my moment. I saw my opportunity. I took it. I felt like it was the perfect moment to get on a table.
“If you can’t get on a table after you’re the European champion, when can you?”
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And the party continued on Monday for Wiegman and her players, with the Queen hailing their historic win “an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations”.
Among those at Trafalgar Square was Chris North, 52, who said his six-year-old daughter was excited to see her “new role models”.
“My wife’s an ex-women’s rugby player so we always had women’s sport in our family, but they were so inspiring last night,” he said.
“The game was so exciting to watch. It’s definitely a new dawn, which is fantastic.”
Ryan Grumbridge, 40, and Gemma Grumbridge, 43, travelled from Oldham to London to watch the Euros final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday night with their two daughters.
Mr Grumbridge, who is a coach for the 250-strong girls’ football club Crompton FC, said this is a “massive” moment for women’s football.
“It’s good for them to get some recognition – I hope it keeps growing and growing, and we’ll carry on getting decent-sized crowds.”
Earlier it was announced the players and head coach will be awarded the Freedom of the City of London following their Euro 2022 triumph.
The 23-strong team and Wiegman will be invited to attend the ceremony later this year.
Lord Mayor of the City of London, Vincent Keaveny, said: “Last night’s triumphant win against Germany has cemented the team’s place in sporting history and as a nation, we couldn’t be prouder of them.”
A peak audience of 17.4 million watched last night’s match, making it the most-watched women’s football game on UK television.
It was also the most-watched programme of the year so far in the UK, according to the BBC.