England have done it again. Chloe Kelly has done it again. The Lionesses are the Champions of Europeretaining the title after their triumph in 2022. This win against Spain had the added drama of a penalty shootout, but when Chloe Kelly stepped up to seal the victory, did we really think she was ever going to do anything other than slam it home?
After scoring the goal that sent England to the final against Italy and scoring the winner last time out in the final against Germany, Kelly has firmly etched her name in Lionesses history as a player who simply comes in clutch, with her and the entire team putting in resilient performances to see that the trophy stays in England for another four years.
You undoubtedly soaked in the celebrations on Sunday, viewing that trophy lift in the local pub, your living room, or maybe even in person at the stadium in Basel; but today, you can bound into Central London to witness the Lionesses parade through the capital with their prize in tow on an open-top bus parade.
With a parade kicking off in the early afternoon that culminates in a ceremony (hosted by none other than Alex Scott!), it’ll be a way to show the Lionesses the love and appreciation they deserve for their dominance at the Euros over the past two tournaments. Fans will be cheering Kelly for holding her nerve; Alessia Russo for her vital equaliser; Lucy Bronze for being made of steel and playing through a tibia fracture all tournament; Michelle AGYEMANG for her crucial goals in the knockouts at just 19 years of age (and taking home the ‘young player of the tournament’ prize); captain Leah Williamson for leading the team; Jess Carter for partnering her at the back in the final just days after speaking out on horrific racist abuse suffered on social media through the tournament; and the entire squad for coming together as one to deliver success at another major tournament with the unbeatable Sarina Wiegman at the helm.
So go out and cheer the players for their efforts today and sing along with the Lionesses outside their bus. When it’s over? Don’t worry about us – we’ll just be watching the video of Chloe Kelly singing Sweet Caroline into the microphone on the pitch at full time for eternity.
Landing back in the UK yesterday, the Lionesses were greeted by fans at the airport before the team headed to Downing Street for a congratulatory reception hosted by Deputy PM Angela Rayner.
When is the open-top bus parade?
The open-top bus parade is due to take place today (Tuesday, July 29), two days after the victory in Switzerland. It’s due to begin at around 12:10pm, with the ceremony following the parade due to start at approximately 12:30pm and run until around 1pm. Fans have already begun making their way to gather along the route.
Where will the Lionesses’ trophy parade start and end?
It has been confirmed by the FA that the open-top bus parade will begin at the Trafalgar Square end of the Mall, with a procession taking place along towards Buckingham Palace. The Alex Scott-hosted ceremony will then commence in front of the Queen Victoria memorial, and we’re pretty certain you can look forward to a rendition of Sweet Caroline or two… Fans can look forward to the Royal Marines Portsmouth band and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, who are due to perform on the big stage, which is also set to be equipped with big screens to show highlights from the games.
Speaking in a statement, the FA said: “The event is free to attend, and those attending will be able to watch the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force welcome home the victorious England team, enjoy live music from DJ CharStape and see tournament highlights shown on big screens, before Sarina Wiegman and the Lionesses take the stage for a special European Championship winners trophy lift presentation.
“Further details on the homecoming celebration event, including general guidance, timings and travel information, will be shared in due course. London is going to be very busy so people should plan their visits carefully, both coming into central London and travelling home.”
Will there be a bank holiday to celebrate the victory?
A bank holiday to celebrate the victory has been ruled out, though fresh suggestions have returned following the victory. Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey has been among those calling for the celebrations to be marked with a nationwide holiday.
Others have suggested the impact on the economy for an extra bank holiday could be too great, and there was not a bank holiday when the Lionesses brought it home in 2022, nor after the 1966 World Cup. Since it was intially ruled out, there has not yet been any suggestion of a U-turn that would seen an extra bank holiday.
Both the parade and ceremony will be broadcast on BBC, ITV, and Sky tomorrow from midday.
