England's unstoppable Lionesses have stormed into Downing Street this evening for a celebratory reception with Angela Rayner – just hours after returning home to a rapturous heroes' welcome following their nail-biting second Euros triumph.
The victorious squad, led by manager Sarina Wiegman and captain Leah Williamson, looked triumphant as they made their way up Whitehall, greeted by cheers and Union Jack-clad supporters lining the gates of No10.
The famous black door of Downing Street was decked out in full patriotic splendour, with St George's flags fluttering from the windows and bunting strung along the railings in honour of the European champions.
Earlier in the day, the team touched down at Southend Airport to scenes of pure jubilation – fans screaming, flags waving, and chants of 'It's coming home' ringing out as the squad descended from their private jet, still buzzing from their historic win.
Leading the charge, a beaming Williamson proudly held the gleaming trophy above her head as the players were met with a water cannon salute – a fitting welcome for the queens of English football.
Despite a gruelling few days on and off the pitch, the Lionesses showed no signs of slowing down as they prepared for a jam-packed schedule of celebrations – including a blockbuster open-top bus parade through The Mall tomorrow.
Noticeably absent from the festivities was Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is currently in Scotland holding talks with former US President Donald Trump.
Even though the players didn't stop for selfies or autographs, fans didn't miss a beat, with over 10,000 users tracking the team's plane via Swedish website Flightradar24, desperate to witness their heroes' every move.
Kicking off at 12.10pm, the parade will roll on to the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace for a star-studded ceremony hosted by former England ace Alex Scott.
Fans who missed out on today's welcome are being urged to join the festivities tomorrow instead.
The FA said in a statement: 'Our history-making Lionesses will return home this afternoon. But due to limited space at the airport, we would advise fans not to travel there today.
'Instead, we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Central London tomorrow for the homecoming celebrations.'
The directive was issued to prevent chaos at already stretched airports and ensure the safe arrival of the national heroes.
Tuesday's celebrations are expected to rival the scenes at Trafalgar Square three years ago – though this year's journey to glory was undeniably more nail-biting.
Though dramatic, England's success that time around was comparatively less tense that the one achieved on Sunday night at the St. Jakob-Park.
But they were still ultimately grateful for the contribution of Chloe Kelly, the match winner against Germany at Wembley, who scored the decisive penalty to sink Spain.
Kelly's introduction midway through the first half changed the momentum of a game that Spain dominated and looked set to win. The 27-year-old, who, like her Gunners team-mates, adds Euros glory to Champions League success, assisted Alessia Russo's 57th-minute equaliser after Mariona Caldentey's 25th-minute opener.
The windows and railings at the entrance to No 10 Downing Street, London, are adorned in St George's Cross flags ahead of the reception
England fans waiting outside London Southend Airport for the England team to arrive
Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Angela Rayner arrives in Downing Street
Fans with home-made signs wait for the team to arrive back in the UK
The Lionesses have touched down in England less than 24 hours after their Euro 2025 triumph
Sarina Wiegman and her stars made their way onto the tarmac before a visit to Downing Street
Former England star Jill Scott signed autographs for fans after arriving with the team
England skipper Leah Williamson was in possession of the trophy as the squad returned
The two sides could not be separated after 120 minutes of action, leading to the dreaded penalty shootout.
England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton produced two saves and saw another go wide of the post in the 3-1 shootout win.
England stars celebrated long into the night after their dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Spain. Players joined family and friends to let their hair down.
Ella Toone sang karaoke as England manager Sarina Wiegman and captain Leah Williamson cut a celebratory cake together. Players were still partying into the early hours of the morning, with Toone's partner Joe Bunney posting a picture at 4.10am on Monday morning.
Celebrations began in earnest swiftly after their title defence was assured, with the Lionesses performing a musical number as they left the field.
Led by captain Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, England's players belted out 2010 hit Dancing On My Own by Robyn as they exited down the tunnel.
The team would later return to the field armed with several boxes of pizza and cans of beer.
Friends and family also joined in the celebrations. Lauren James was seen posing for a group selfie with a large squad of loved-ones, including Chelsea men's captain Reece James.
Drinks were flowing as friends and family joined the England players in celebration
Keira Walsh (left) and Alex Greenwood (right) are among the Lionesses stars to claim their second title
Sarina Wiegman has become only the second women's manager to win three successive Euros
Lauren Hemp celebrated her second European Championship crown by wrapping her arms around girlfriend and former footballer Ashley Hodson.
Inside the England dressing room, Grace Clinton, Aggie Beever-Jones and Jess Park shared a selfie with their medals.
Beever-Jones had an extra reason to celebrate as Sunday was her 22nd birthday. The Chelsea star captioned an Instagram post: 'BEST BIRTHDAY EVER.'
Maya Le Tissier later uploaded a selfie of herself and Beever-Jones flaunting their medals while on the team bus.
It was not only the players in the party mood. Indeed, manager Wiegman discussed her plans for the rest of the evening during a post-match interview.
'I'll do some more dancing,' she said. 'I'll have a drink but I don't think I'll drink as much as the players will do.'
By late morning, the squad was seen boarding the coach that would take them to the airport ahead of their trip back. Hemp was seen holding a Lego set based on the Disney movie 'Beauty and the Beast' as she left the team hotel in Zurich.
