Euro 2022 LIVE: England players lauded by thousands at Trafalgar Square victory party

England hosted a victory party at Trafalgar Square on Monday afternoon, after the Lionesses defeated Germany 2-1 in the Euro 2022 final to claim their first ever major title in front of a record 87,192 crowd on home soil.

The match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes and the sides could not be separated until 110th minute when England substitute Chloe Kelly reacted quickest to a loose ball from a corner and poked in the winner. England confidently held out for the final 10 minutes of the game as euphoria and relief rang out around Wembley - and the nation - as the magnitude of what they’d just achieved hit home. Sarina Wiegman’s victory press conference was interrupted by jublient players singing and dancing on the tables, the start of celebrations which ran long into the night.

The players and manager were all awarded the freedom of the city of London following the triumph, which was England’s first major tournament victory since the men won the World Cup in 1966. Thousands were in Trafalgar Square for the celebration of the team’s achievement, which was shown live on the BBC.

Follow all the reaction and latest updates following England’s success at Euro 2022:

England win Euro 2022

• Players celebrate at victory party in Trafalgar Square

• Wiegman and her England players given Freedom of London

• Queen leads tributes to ‘inspirational’ Lionesses

• More than 17 million UK viewers tune in to watch historic victory

England celebrate Euro 2022 win at victory party

14:17 , Lawrence Ostlere

Jill Scott interviews the European Championship trophy:

‘It’s home!’: Newspapers react to England’s Euro 2022 victory

14:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

The national newspapers anticipated further celebration by fans after England defeated Germany in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley Stadium.

An “honorary damehood” for victorious coach Sarina Wiegmann is proposed by one, while another admires the side’s “unbridled enthusiasm and dignity”.

“The Lionyesses” are praised for “making herstory” as The Sun dedicates its first five pages to coverage of the match.

Inside, the paper’s editorial says there is only one word for the moment when substitute Chloe Kelly wildly celebrated her late goal to break German hearts and inspire a new generation of players – “Wunderbar!”

The Times also fills its first five pages with the match, which it said kicked off “jubilant scenes in the land of hope and (finally) glory”.

‘It’s home!’: Newspapers react to England’s Euro 2022 victory

Ian Wright says Lionesses are ‘getting what they deserve’ after Euro triumph

14:00 , Lawrence Ostlere

Ian Wright believes England reaped the rewards for all their hard work after the Lionesses became European champions at Wembley.

Sarina Wiegman’s side defeated Germany 2-1 after extra-time, Chloe Kelly scoring the winner after Ella Toone’s wonderful lobbed opener had been cancelled out by Lina Magull with 11 minutes of normal time remaining.

“I can’t even put into words the amount of work that’s gone into this and they’re getting what they deserve,” Wright said in his role as a summariser for the BBC.

Ian Wright says Lionesses ‘getting what they deserve’ after Euro triumph

How Sarina Wiegman cut through the noise to end England’s 56 years of hurt

13:52 , Lawrence Ostlere

Our reporter Jamie Braidwood was at Wembley:

Deep underneath Wembley and away from where England’s party was really beginning to kick off, Sarina Wiegman seemed to lean in as she shared one of the secrets behind their historic success. A manager who has made not only a transformative effect on this team but English football as a whole by guiding the Lionesses to their first major international title, did so while naming the same starting line-up throughout Euro 2022, and she was about to reveal how.

Firstly, there are reasons this had never been done before in the history of the European Championships, and why a manager may choose to change one of their starting 11 at least once when there are another 12 waiting, hungry and desperate, for the same opportunity. Although out of a manager’s control, fitness and injuries are a key reason, and it’s certainly an area where England had good fortune compared to other countries at Euro 2022.

It spoke of Wiegman’s vision and the respect she has earned throughout her squad, however, that she could name an unchanged team for six matches in a row without there being disharmony in the England camp, or a repeat of the same sort of dissatisfaction that may have derailed previous team’s bids in the past 56 years.

How Sarina Wiegman cut through the noise to end England’s 56 years of hurt

Emma Hayes on Sarina Wiegman

13:45 , Lawrence Ostlere

Hayes admitted to having “about five hours’ sleep” after the final before donning her tracksuit and running a coaching session with children as part of her support for McDonald’s Fun Football.

“I think I have been crying the whole morning. I don’t think I can take it in,” she added.

“Everybody in this country has worked so hard for a number of years to get to this point, and the fact that team did what they did on home soil in front of a packed crowd at Wembley, it is what dreams are made of.

“They have inspired a nation. Everyone is in love with that team for the right reasons. They are winners, and they are so deserving of everything that is going to come their way.

“It is important for them to enjoy it today, this week, the next few weeks, because what they have done deserves a celebration of this magnitude.

“I think everybody in the women’s game knew it was now or never, so they have delivered what a lot of people had worked towards for a number of years.

“It is a talented group, it always has been, but they needed the magic of Sarina to help the team get over the line.”

Emma Hayes on Sarina Wiegman

13:36 , Lawrence Ostlere

“I think some of the opinions in and around whether women could do that job are absolute nonsense. Of course she could do the job.

“I think it is time for a lot of things to be on more of an equal footing.

“Whether it is my niece only being able to play one football session in school, whereas the boys play three, or girls who are playing at the same level as the men on a fraction of their pay.

“For me, there has to be an increase in investment across the game, and when it comes to coaching into the men’s game it has to be a pre-requisite for successful teams.

“I think it is time for those changes to happen.

“You’ve got to invest in not only free access for the kids, but also coaching, because seeing Sarina on the touchline last night I think is immense for any young girl who aspires to grow up being a coach. We need to invest in female coaches as well.

“I am super proud of Sarina. She is an an immense human being who carries the pressure so well and delivers in so many different ways.

“I’m sure for her winning the title with her home nation was immense, but she realised last night how massive football is in this country.

“She is so humble, she is knowledgeable, she is wise and she is experienced, and most importantly, she is a fantastic person.”

Emma Hayes: Sarina Wiegman can coach men’s football

13:29 , Lawrence Ostlere

Emma Hayes has no doubt that England boss Sarina Wiegman could “do the job” as a head coach in men’s professional football.

And Chelsea manager Hayes says it is “time for a lot of things to be on more of an equal footing” following England’s stunning Euro 2022 triumph.

Chloe Kelly’s extra-time goal sealed a 2-1 victory over Germany at Wembley. It was the Lionesses’ first major trophy, and the first for a senior England side since the 1966 World Cup.

At the heart of it all was 52-year-old Wiegman, who only took charge last September, and claimed a second consecutive Euro trophy, having guided her native Netherlands to glory in 2017.

As a result, debate will inevitably intensify about the day when a female head coach carries out a similar role in men’s football.

“She is an amazing manager. It’s the same sport, she just manages women rather than men at an extremely high level,” Hayes told the PA news agency.

BBC reports record viewing figures for Euro 2022 final

13:17 , Lawrence Ostlere

One or two comments below this blog along the lines of ‘does anyone care?’ – as Alex Scott points out, millions care.

The final was the most watched TV event of the year the UK by its peak 17.4 million viewers, and the second-most average viewership across the programme.

The game was watched by an average of 11 million people on TV, a record for a women’s football match in the UK. The audience peaked at more than 17 million in the closing minutes of the Lionesses’ 2-1 victory at Wembley, according to overnight figures released by the ratings organisation Barb.

The average audience of 11.0 million is for BBC One’s entire coverage of Sunday’s final, which ran for several hours during the afternoon and evening.

It is slightly behind the 11.2 million average overnight ratings for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee concert, which was broadcast by BBC One in early June, and which remains the biggest TV audience of the year so far.

Ratings for Sunday’s match peaked at 7.32pm - the moment the final whistle blew - when the audience reached 17.6million, Barb said.

The average TV audience for the match itself, from kick-off to final whistle, was 13.6 million, according to the BBC.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: “We are incredibly proud to have championed women’s football and are thrilled we were able to bring such a special sporting moment to the public.

“This was the most-watched women’s football game on UK television of all time and deservedly so. Everyone at the BBC is delighted at the win and being able to share that with the public.”

Separate figures from the BBC show that coverage of the game was streamed 5.9 million times across the iPlayer and BBC Sport website.

Alex Scott: ‘Who cares? Millions care'

13:05 , Lawrence Ostlere

A killer line from Alex Scott to sign off, with a reference to a derogatory hashtag which spread on social media about the women’s Euros:

“Hashtag ‘who cares’? Millions care. Millions. Like our captain Leah Williamson said, the tournament may be over but the journey has just begun.”

Sweet Caroline

13:00 , Lawrence Ostlere

A lovely moment as the players and fans all join together in song:

Leah Williamson has the last word

12:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

“Dreams turn into reality,” she says. “We would have been inspired growing up and hopefully we've inspired people watching us.”

Cue the music, as Sweet Caroline blares over the speakers.

Ella Toone on scoring England’s first goal

12:53 , Lawrence Ostlere

“The best feeling ever,” she says.

Alex Scott brings up Harry Kane’s admiration on Twitter for her deft finish. "I taught him that,” Toone says with a grin.

Leah Williamson on England’s legacy

12:50 , Lawrence Ostlere

“I think the legacy of the tournament was made before that final game. England have hosted an incredible tournaemnt and we've changed the game at home. We wanted to make our legacy about winning, and that's what we did.”

Sarina Wiegman on what’s next

12:49 , Lawrence Ostlere

"I go to back to my family, have a little rest, and then we try and qualify for the World Cup." A huge cheer goes up in the crowd.

Captain Leah Williamson on manager Wiegman

12:47 , Lawrence Ostlere

“She's the misssing ingredient that England was looking for. Special person, she puts us all first and allowed us to enjoy this tournament.”

Sarina Wiegman on the players

12:46 , Lawrence Ostlere

“First of all, they are very, very food football players. They are very, very good people. The willingless, commitment, resilience, the behaviour towards to each other. Most of all, the willingness to want to win so badly.”

The Lionesses arrive in Trafalgar Square

12:43 , Lawrence Ostlere

“Please welcome to the stage,” says Alex Scott, “your victorious Lionesses!”

A huge cheer erupts around Trafalgar Square as they emerge on stage.

Mayor of London receives mixed response

12:39 , Lawrence Ostlere

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, received a mixed response as he appeared on stage to hail a “game-changing” moment.

He also called for the whole squad to be given New Year Honours, something which was cheered.

“We’ve waited decades for football to come home, these women have brought it home,” he said before making his way off stage.

England fans told to stay away from ‘full’ Trafalgar Square

12:28 , Lawrence Ostlere

The Metropolitan Police have told fans to stay away from the victory party in Trafalgar Square after around 7,000 showed up and flooded the area around Nelson’s Column in anticipation of the players’ arrival at Monday lunchtime. Retweeting a message from mayor of London Sadiq, it said:

Women’s game will be ‘turbo charged’ by success

12:23 , Lawrence Ostlere

Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham insists England’s Euro 2022 success will “turbo charge” the women’s game in this country.

“The last few years have been incredible. We have invested really heavily and the Lionesses have taken their opportunity and they have produced something incredible. It’s been an amazing month and an amazing day yesterday,” Bullingham told BBC Breakfast.

“I think it will really turbo charge everything we have been doing in the women’s game.

“There is no reason why we shouldn’t have the same number of girls playing as boys and it will inspire a whole new generation of players.”

Bullingham continued: “We have worked incredibly hard to make a lot of new opportunities for girls and to make sure clubs and schools are embracing opportunities and schools are using football in the curriculum and for them to see it as normal for girls to play football like boys do.

“We have been preparing for this moment for years. We have got clubs throughout the country ready to take girls on, we have been investing in schools, we have created opportunities for girls to come forward and we are ready and willing to do that.”

Former England international and TV pundit Alex Scott said the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 victory would be a game changer in terms of raising the profile of women’s football.

She told BBC Breakfast: “These Lionesses have raised the bar. They have changed the way women’s football is viewed in this country. The train has left the station and it is gathering pace.

“It will be tragic to take any steps back after what we have witnessed yesterday and through the whole tournament.

“There must be an opportunity for every single girl to play football if they want to.”

Wiegman opens up on England party

12:21 , Lawrence Ostlere

England manager Sarina Wiegman admits her players indulged in “a little too much alcohol” after their Euro 2022 victory over Germany.

Chloe Kelly’s extra-time goal sealed a 2-1 victory as the Lionesses claimed the first major trophy in their history and the first for a senior England side since the men’s 1966 World Cup triumph over West Germany.

The party went on long into the early hours and Wiegman seemed slightly surprised by how much alcohol was consumed.

“Crazy, lots of music, lots of dancing,” was her description of the party in an interview published on the Lionesses’ Twitter account from outside the team hotel.

“English people can drink...so a little bit too much alcohol but that’s OK.

“When you have this accomplishment it is good to have a party.”

Sadiq Khan says England’s victory will be ‘game-changing’

12:16 , Lawrence Ostlere

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, speaking at Trafalgar Square today, predicts England’s Euro 2022 triumph will be “game-changing” for women’s football.

Mead hails ‘calm’ Wiegman

12:10 , Lawrence Ostlere

A crowd of 87,192 - the biggest-ever attendance for any Euros match, men’s or women’s - saw Chloe Kelly seal victory with a 110th-minute finish after fellow substitute Ella Toone’s expert chip just after the hour mark was cancelled out by Germany’s Lina Magull with 11 minutes of normal time to go.

England celebrated a first major trophy for a senior side since the 1966 World Cup win against West Germany, while boss Sarina Wiegman could savour back-to-back Euros successes after leading her native Netherlands to the 2017 crown.

The Dutchwoman took charge of England last September and the team has subsequently gone unbeaten in 20 matches, with 18 wins and over 100 goals scored.

When Mead - who has netted 20 times under Wiegman - was asked about what the manager had said to the team at the crucial moments in the build-up to and during the final, she said: “What a woman! She was so calm.

“She believed in us, we believed in each other as a team and she didn’t actually have to say that much. We believed in the ability of this squad - and here we are.”

She added: “As a team, we’ve actually been really calm (in the build-up). There’s been a lot of buzz around but we’ve actually been pretty good at keeping ourselves in our bubble and just concentrating on what we’ve been doing.

“Credit to Sarina and the staff again, they’ve created that environment, and (on Sunday) I think we just said we’re going out and playing another game of football, and that really stuck I think in terms of not putting too much pressure on ourselves with the game.”

Mead: ‘I still think I’m dreaming'

12:09 , Lawrence Ostlere

The prospect of Mead ending up with the Golden Boot was enhanced just prior to kick-off on Sunday by the news that Alexandra Popp, also on six goals for the tournament, had withdrawn from Germany’s starting line-up after sustaining an injury in the warm-up.

And regarding the player of the tournament award she ended up with as well, Mead said: “Mad - I didn’t expect it.

“The guy pulled me over and I was like, ‘oh God what I have done now?!’ Normally in trouble for something!

“But he said ‘you’re player of the tournament’. I was like...I still think I’m dreaming.”

When it was put to her that she was a trailblazer and an icon, the Arsenal winger said: “I’m just Beth Mead! It doesn’t sound right!”

Beth Mead hopes Euro 2022 puts women’s football ‘on the map'

12:08 , Lawrence Ostlere

Beth Mead wants to help the women’s game continue to rise after the England forward finished Euro 2022 with a winner’s medal, the Golden Boot and the player of the tournament award.

The Lionesses got their hands on the first piece of major silverware in their history on Sunday as they were crowned European champions following a 2-1 extra-time victory over Germany in front of a record-breaking crowd at Wembley.

Mead also took the two individual accolades having scored six goals and provided five assists across the tournament.

Asked what she would do with the profile she now has, the 27-year-old said: “Do what I can to help the game.

“I’m here to play the game, I love doing what I’m doing and if I can help a per cent to get the women’s game out there and up there more, I’ll do that.”

She added: “It’s amazing for the game, not just for me. I really hope that this puts women’s football on the map and projects it to (another) level and (it) gets what it deserves.”

Arsenal top for minutes among WSL clubs

11:59 , Lawrence Ostlere

Arsenal contributed 11 players and a total of 3,076 minutes at Euro 2022, the most of any English club.

The Gunners’ contingent included two of England’s stars - captain Leah Williamson and Golden Boot winner Beth Mead - plus other leading players such as Vivianne Miedema from the Netherlands and Stina Blackstenius from Sweden.

Reigning WSL champions Chelsea provided nine players, the same as Manchester City, while Manchester United supplied eight.

Although WSL players dominated the tournament overall, Bayern Munich provided the most minutes of any individual club, with 4,399 spread across 14 players.

Barcelona were second on the list with 4,144 minutes, ahead of German champions Wolfsburg (4,006) and Champions League winners Lyon (3,245).

WSL dominates Euro 2022 performers

11:56 , Lawrence Ostlere

Players from the Women’s Super League (WSL) accounted for 21 per cent of minutes played at Euro 2022, PA news agency analysis shows.

The WSL was the top domestic league at the tournament, with players accumulating 13,534 minutes in total, ahead of Germany’s Frauen-Bundesliga (11,760) and Spain’s Primera Division (7,712).

This follows calls for bigger crowds at WSL games, with Euro 2022 having smashed previous attendance records and the final having been played in front of a sell-out audience at Wembley.

Fifty-two WSL players featured at some point during the tournament, including 15 for England, seven for Norway, and five for Denmark and Sweden.

Only three of the 18 players used by Sarina Wiegman will be plying their trade outside England in 2022-23 - Lucy Bronze at Barcelona, Rachel Daly at Houston Dash and Georgia Stanway at Bayern Munich.

Runners-up Germany were one of just two teams that did not field a WSL player, alongside Portugal.

Thousands arrive in London for victory party

11:50 , Lawrence Ostlere

Some of the best images from this morning’s gathering in Trafalgar Square:

Fans gather to celebrate Euro 2022 success

11:48 , Lawrence Ostlere

Thousands of fans are already gathered in Trafalgar Square for the victory party, ready to greet the players when they arrive with the trophy.

It took until half past 11 for the the first rendition of Three Lions to blast over the speakers, leading to a surge in flag waving and singing.

A montage of England’s path to glory was played on the big screens, cheered on once again by the fans.

Anita Asante on football in schools: ‘Hopefully this win will inspire that shift’

11:46 , Lawrence Ostlere

Asante, who is a first-team coach at Women’s Championship club Bristol City, believes the impact of success will be just as great off the field.

“People talk about inspiring the next generation but it is beyond that now,” she added.

“There are boys, girls, men and women of all ages that have got really behind and felt connected to this England side and that is the shift there is now, that value and respect of the women’s game at this level.

“Now it is about transferring this momentum to the WSL this season, making sure the fan experience is good and clubs are proactive in efficiently advertising their games.

“BBC and Sky have committed to showing the games and that is going to go a long way to supporting the long-term legacy of what this tournament has done.”

Over the last 10 years there has been a £50million National Lottery investment in women’s football and during the tournament a further £2m was allocated for a new grassroots girls programme later this summer, with £1m having already been invested in getting more women playing in each of the host cities.

And Asante believes the Lionesses’ victory could also help change policy.

“We have seen a roll back of exercise and PE in schools but kids spend lots of hours at school and it is rare opportunity to give the new generation of girls, in particular, the opportunity to play football,” she said.

“I think there is 40 per cent - maybe more - of girls in school who cannot access football and that has to change.

“Hopefully this win will inspire that shift so people within the game and who have power within the structure of schools can support it.

“It is about opportunities for everyone and that is part of the inclusive part of the game, we want everyone to be able to get access.”

Anita Asante: Euro win will empower England to reach new levels

11:44 , Lawrence Ostlere

Former England international Anita Asante believes the “psychological empowerment” of winning Euro 2022 will push the Lionesses to new levels.

Chloe Kelly’s extra-time goal at Wembley sealed a 2-1 victory over Germany as Sarina Wiegman’s side claimed the first major trophy in their history.

It was also first major tournament triumph for a senior England team since the men’s 1966 World Cup triumph over West Germany.

Asante, who was a member of the side beaten by Germany in the 2009 Euros final, said winning a trophy changes everything.

“From a football perspective, psychologically it is really empowering to know you are the dominant team in Europe at the moment and can play anyone and win,” she told the PA news agency.

“That allows the team to feel they can strive to new levels. There are a lot of young players in this team, they have many years ahead of them and so many tournaments to come it can motivate them further to establish real dominance at international level.

“It shifts the narrative. We sing ‘all the years of hurt’ and that has been intrinsic to our culture of football as a national team, but I do think there is a massive shift now and winning a tournament reinvigorates that belief in what our football teams can do.

“The men got to the (Euro) final last year and that was a wonderful achievement as well but this is fantastic for the women’s game at the moment as they also have the World Cup (next year) so we can build on this excitement.”

‘I saw my opportunity. I took it'

11:41 , Lawrence Ostlere

England goalkeeper Mary Earps memorably danced on the table during Wiegman’s press conference on Sunday night.

Explaining her decision, the Manchester United keeper told Lionesses Live: “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?”

England’s Euro 2022 win is not an ending – it’s just the start

11:38 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here’s our reporter Mark Critchley on a historic night at Wembley and why it’s just the start:

The morning after the historic night before, it is worth checking in on the Football Association’s eight-point Women’s & Girls’ Football Strategy, 2020-2024: Inspiring Positive Change, with particular attention paid to point six. “England: win an international tournament,” it reads. Well, there you go. Job done. A whole two years ahead of schedule as well.

Except it isn’t job done, actually. Far from it. And you could tell that much at Wembley, too.

England’s Euro 2022 win is not an ending – it’s just the start

England fan Tess, 8, celebrates with Euro 2022 trophy after stealing nation’s hearts singing Sweet Caroline

11:34 , Lawrence Ostlere

An eight-year-old England fan who stole the nation’s hearts when she was caught on camera singing to “Sweet Caroline” celebrated the Lionesses’ historic win with the Euro 2022 trophy.

The young schoolgirl attended the final and was given the chance to lift the trophy by the BBC. She was interviewed by Gabby Logan before the game and told the presenter: “I feel like we can win this match.”

Tess, whose favourite player is England forward Alessia Russo, was surprised on air before the game with the gift of shirt the footballer wore when she backheeled the ball into Sweden’s goal in the semi-final.

England fan Tess, 8, celebrates with Euro 2022 trophy after stealing nation’s hearts

Sarina Wiegman: 'English people can drink!’

11:32 , Lawrence Ostlere

England boss Sarina Wiegman enjoyed her night of celebrations.

She 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.”

England’s players emerge from team hotel this morning

11:18 , Lawrence Ostlere

England's players emerged bleary-eyed from the team hotel this morning after a long night of partying.

The players celebrated on the lawn of the Lensbury Resort before taking the party inside until 4am, and many of the stars of their Euro 2022 final victory came out around 9am looking a little worse for wear.

Who can blame them?

The story behind Chloe Kelly’s celebration

11:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

England’s Chloe Kelly channelled Brandi Chastain when she took off her shirt after netting the winner against Germany in the Women’s Euros final on Sunday, with the celebration receiving a stamp of approval from the former United States player herself.

Kelly scored in the second half of extra time at Wembley Stadium and threw off her shirt in jubilation, 23 years on from when Chastain did the same after converting the decisive penalty in the 1999 World Cup final against China.

“I see you @Chloe_Kelly98 well done. Enjoy the free rounds of pints and dinners for the rest of your life from all of England. Cheers!” she tweeted.

Chastain later added that she was headed to England soon and the two could enjoy the victory together.

Kelly’s celebration, which is rare in the women’s game, earned her a booking but it was all worth it in the end as England clinched their first major trophy with a 2-1 win in front of a record home crowd.

England are on their way!

11:06 , Lawrence Ostlere

The bus carrying England’s squad has departed their team hotel for the trip to Trafalgar Square...

England have changed the way the country sees women’s football

10:59 , Lawrence Ostlere

England’s historic Euros triumph has changed the way the women’s game is viewed, a former player has said, as thousands of fans gear up to celebrate the Lionesses’ victory in central London.

England beat Germany 2-1 after extra time in front of 87,000 supporters at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, securing the first major tournament title for the country since 1966.

Up to 7,000 supporters will have the opportunity to join the team at an event hosted by ex-player Alex Scott in Trafalgar Square from 11am on Monday.

Scott, a former England international, said the Lionesses’ win would be a game changer in terms of raising the profile of women’s football.

She told BBC Breakfast: “These Lionesses have raised the bar. They have changed the way women’s football is viewed in this country.

“The train has left the station and it is gathering pace. It will be tragic to take any steps back after what we have witnessed yesterday and through the whole tournament.

“There must be an opportunity for every single girl to play football if they want to.”

David Baddiel: ‘It was beautiful'

10:51 , Lawrence Ostlere

David Baddiel has said it was “beautiful” to hear the football anthem Three Lions sung at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The comedian, who recorded the classic football song with Frank Skinner and rock band Lightning Seeds in 1996, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It’s beautiful, it’s fantastic.

“It was beautiful to hear it sung out at Wembley yesterday as we finally clinched a final - I really did think that would never happen,” Mr Baddiel said.

“It was so amazing to actually think ‘Oh, we won’ - this doesn’t happen.

“It’s actually happened, and then the team all coming into the press conference and anarchically breaking [it] up by singing the song... it was just so brilliant, and so in the spirit of the Lionesses, which is kind of joyful and unbridled and brilliant, the way they play.

“So yes, I was very happy about it.”

The most-watched TV event of the year

10:43 , Lawrence Ostlere

England’s Euro 2022 final with Germany attracted a peak TV audience of 17.4 million, a record for a women’s football match in the UK, according to overnight ratings released by the BBC.

The previous record was set during England’s 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat by the United States, which enjoyed a peak audience of 11.7 million.

More reaction to England’s Euro 2022 win:

10:36 , Lawrence Ostlere

FORMER ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL ALEX SCOTT

“I walked past that trophy in 2009 and it lived with me forever. I’m so pleased that these England girls don’t have to experience that. It’s a great day.”

FORMER ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL GARY NEVILLE

“What the Lionesses have just done is amazing and so damned bloody hard to do. A seismic moment for Sport in this country! Well done to you all.”

UK PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON

“Football has come home! A stunning victory by the Lionesses. Huge congratulations to Sarina, Leah and the whole team. Football pitches across the country will be filled as never before by girls and women inspired by your triumph.”

TOTTENHAM STRIKER HARRY KANE

“Absolutely unreal scenes at Wembley!! Massive congrats to the amazing Lionesses, Ella Toone take a bow for that finish too.”

“THREE LIONS” SINGER DAVID BADDIEL

“Home. In fact it’s come home. A sentence I thought I’d never write. I’ve gone. Thank you Lionesses.”

BRITAIN’S QUEEN ELIZABETH II

“The Championships and your performance in them have rightly won praise. However, your success goes far beyond the trophy you have so deservedly earned.

“You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations. It is my hope that you will be as proud of the impact you have had on your sport as you are of the result today.”

Reaction to England’s Euro 2022 win:

10:15 , Lawrence Ostlere

Reaction to England winning the Women’s European Championship final on Sunday to claim their first major title in front of a record crowd on home soil:

ENGLAND FORWARD CHLOE KELLY

“Thank you to every single person. Honestly, it’s amazing. This is what dreams are made of,” Kelly told the BBC.

“It’s unbelievable. To be here and score the winner, these girls are special, this manager is special. This is amazing. I just want to celebrate now.”

ENGLAND COACH SARINA WIEGMAN

“I think we really made a change. I think this tournament has done so much for the game but also for society and women in society in England but I also think in Europe and across the world and I hope that will make a (bigger) change too.”

ENGLAND CAPTAIN LEAH WILLIAMSON

“I just can’t stop crying. We talk, we talk and we talk and we finally (did) it. You know what? The kids are alright. This is the proudest moment of my life. Listen, the legacy of this tournament is the change in society.”

ENGLAND DEFENDER LUCY BRONZE

“This will probably sink in at the end of my career. The younger players probably think this (winning trophies) is normal. We have got to go and win the World Cup now.”

FORMER ENGLAND STRIKER IAN WRIGHT

“I can’t put into words how much work has gone into this. I’m so proud, I can’t believe it!”

‘She would have been proud’: Sarina Wiegman dedicates England’s Euro 2022 triumph to late sister

10:04 , Lawrence Ostlere

England manager Sarina Wiegman hailed the impact her team’s historic Euro 2022 victory has made on women and society while revealing she dedicated the win to her late sister who passed away before the tournament.

Wiegman’s team ended 56 years of hurt by defeating Germany 2-1 after extra time in front of over 87,000 fans at Wembley, a record crowd for any match at the European Championships, becoming the first England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966 to win a major international tournament.

The Dutchwoman was only appointed as England manager 10 months ago but has now won successive Euros after leading the Netherlands to glory five years ago.

Wiegman also revealed that the wristband she kissed at full-time was in dedication to her late sister, who passed away in June. Wiegman was forced to miss part of England’s training camp due what the FA said at the time was a “close family bereavement”.

“She would have been here,” Wiegman said. “She would have been really proud of me and I would have been proud of her too.”

Sarina Wiegman dedicates England’s Euro 2022 triumph to late sister

Players gatecrash Wiegman press conference

09:50 , Lawrence Ostlere

England beat Germany 2-1 to win the Euro final after a dramatic extra-time goal by Chloe Kelly at Wembley.

The team interrupted England manager Sarina Wiegman’s press conference and started singing Three Lions. The Lionesses gathered around Wiegman and started dancing to celebrate their victory.

Sarina Wiegman praised the impact her squad’s historic win has on women and society while revealing she dedicated the victory to her late sister, who passed away before the tournament.

‘It’s coming home’: England team crash Sarina Wiegman’s press conference

Wiegman and players given freedom of the city

09:34 , Lawrence Ostlere

England’s players and head coach Sarina Wiegman will be awarded the Freedom of the City of London following their Euro 2022 triumph.

Chloe Kelly’s extra-time goal sealed a 2-1 victory over Germany as the Lionesses claimed the first major trophy in their history and the first for a senior England side since the 1966 World Cup.

The 23-strong team and Wiegman will be invited to attend their Freedom ceremony later this year after being nominated by Lord Mayor of the City of London, Vincent Keaveny, and chair of the City of London Corporation’s civic affairs sub-committee, Edward Lord OBE.

Keaveny said: “The rise and rise of the Lionesses has been an incredible success story and it gives me great pleasure to nominate the team for the Freedom of the City of London.

“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.”

Lord added: “Watching last night’s match was a thrilling experience, and it was a stunning victory for the Lionesses, showing their quality, determination, teamwork, and sheer love of the game.

“On behalf of the whole Square Mile, I offer them our warmest congratulations on such an incredible performance in a tournament that made the whole country proud.”

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade. Recent recipients include former England cricketer Sajid Mahmood and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.

Victory celebration at Trafalgar Square today

09:26 , Lawrence Ostlere

Thousands are expected to join the players of England women’s football team to celebrate their momentous win at the Euros.

The Lionesses took home the trophy after beating Germany 2-1 in extra time at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The day after, thousands of fans are being given the opportunity to join the winning team at an event in central London.

Here are the details:

How to watch Lionesses celebrate Euro 2022 victory in Trafalgar Square

Queen leads praise for ‘inspirational’ Lionesses

09:16 , Lawrence Ostlere

The Queen has led the praise for the England Women’s team after their historic Euro 2022 win, hailing the group as “an inspiration for girls and women” across the nation.

England won the European Women’s Football Championships as they were cheered on by the Duke of Cambridge and an 87,000-strong crowd at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The team beat Germany 2-1 after extra time, securing the first major tournament title for any England team since 1966.

Following their triumph, the Queen praised the team, saying their “success goes far beyond the trophy”. She said in a statement: “My warmest congratulations, and those of my family, go to you all on winning the European Women’s Football Championships.

“It is a significant achievement for the entire team, including your support staff. The Championships and your performance in them have rightly won praise.

“You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations. It is my hope that you will be as proud of the impact you have had on your sport as you are of the result today.”

Sweet Caroline, England’s new soundtrack

09:11 , Lawrence Ostlere

Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’ rang out across Wembley on Sunday evening as England fans celebrated their team’s victory in the Euro 2022 final.

Lionesses matchwinner Chloe Kelly dropped the mic to cut short her post-match television interview in order to take part in the singalong with her team-mates.

It has become an anthem for many sports in England, from darts to rugby league, with fans revelling in the thought that “good times never seemed so good”.

Yet its origin as a sporting anthem appears to be across the Atlantic, where Major League Baseball team the Boston Red Sox lays claim to sparking its popularity.

It is claimed that during a game at the Red Sox’s Fenway Park stadium in 1997, Amy Tobey, an employee in charge of ball-park music, played ‘Sweet Caroline’ because someone she knew had just had a baby named Caroline.

For the next few years, the song would be played on select occasions but that all changed when Dr Charles Steinberg joined the Red Sox as executive vice president of public affairs in 2002 and came to the conclusion that the song had transformative powers, so ordered it to be played during every game.

On April 20, 2013, in the emotional first game back at Fenway Park following the Boston Marathon bombings, Diamond came out to the diamond to play his song live.

It was at that time that Super League side Castleford, who had appointed a new head coach in Daryl Powell, began to look at ways to introduce some razzamatazz to an ageing Wheldon Road, which became the Mend-A-Hose Jungle.

Then chief executive Steve Gill, a Neil Diamond fan, had become aware of the crowd reaction to ‘Sweet Caroline’ at the Red Sox and segments were played, along with Tom Jones’ ‘Delilah’ and Oasis’ ‘Wonderwall’, post match to gauge fans’ views.

The Tigers’ media manager Tom Maguire explained: “Sweet Caroline got the biggest reaction and it stuck.”

Maguire says it was played in full for the first time after full-back Luke Dorn scored a last-minute, match-winning try against Wigan on March 9, 2014 and, coincidence or not, Diamond’s catchy tune became something of a lucky charm as Castleford enjoyed a remarkable upturn in fortunes under Powell.

The Tigers turned back the clock to the era of the ‘Classy Cas’ side of the 1960s and 70s, reaching the Challenge Cup final at Wembley in 2014 and a maiden Super League Grand Final three years later after finishing top of the table for the first time in the club’s 91-year history.

Ella Toone celebrates Wembley triumph

08:56 , Lawrence Ostlere

England’s first goalscorer – and what a goal – is enjoying life as a European champion:

Alexandra Popp missed final with injury

08:52 , Lawrence Ostlere

Spare a thought for Germany striker Alexandra Popp. This was supposed to be her date with destiny after injury cruelly ruled her out of the 2013 and 2017 editions of the tournament. The 31-year-old had been the star for Germany, just months after returning after almost a year out with a knee injury, and her six goals meant it was a shootout between her and Beth Mead for the Golden Boot.

But in a cruel twist, Popp suffered yet more injury heartbreak as she sustained a muscle problem in the warm-up and had to be replaced. In a career blighted by injury, this one was probably the most painful yet.

England in the papers this morning

08:39 , Lawrence Ostlere

All over the front pages...

Wiegman wins and keepers shine: what we learned from Euro 2022

08:33 , Lawrence Ostlere

After a captivating three-and-a-half weeks of action, England were crowned Euro 2022 champions after a 2-1 extra-time win over Germany in the Wembley final.

Here, we look at five things we learned from the tournament.

Wiegman keeps winning and goalkeepers shine – What we learned from Euro 2022

England’s Euro 2022 win is not an ending – it’s just the start

08:27 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here’s our correspondent Mark Critchley, from Wembley, on what comes next:

The morning after the historic night before, it is worth checking in on the Football Association’s eight-point Women’s & Girls’ Football Strategy, 2020-2024: Inspiring Positive Change, with particular attention paid to point six. “England: win an international tournament,” it reads. Well, there you go. Job done. A whole two years ahead of schedule as well.

Except it isn’t job done, actually. Far from it. And you could tell that much at Wembley, too.

England’s Euro 2022 win is not an ending – it’s just the start

England to take trophy on victory parade

08:22 , Lawrence Ostlere

Thousands are expected to join the players of England women’s football team to celebrate their momentous win at the Euros.

The Lionesses took home the trophy after beating Germany 2-1 in extra time at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The day after, thousands of fans are being given the opportunity to join the winning team at an event in central London.

Veteran player Alex Scott is hosting a celebration in Trafalgar Square from 11am.

Up to 7,000 supporters will be allowed to join the free event on a first-come first-serve basis.

The celebration will include live music from DJ Monki, a showing of tournament highlights and a Q&A involving the players and manager, Sarina Wiegman, before the trophy is lifted.

For those who want to watch from home, the event will be broadcast line on the BBC from 12.40pm.

The coverage - hosted by Scott - is expected to end at around 2pm.

England glory will 'turbo-charge’ women’s game

08:10 , Lawrence Ostlere

Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham insists England’s Euro 2022 success will “turbo charge” the women’s game in this country.

Chloe Kelly’s extra-time goal sealed a 2-1 victory as the Lionesses claimed the first major trophy in their history and the first for a senior England side since the 1966 World Cup triumph over West Germany.

“The last few years have been incredible. We have invested really heavily and the Lionesses have taken their opportunity and they have produced something incredible. It’s been an amazing month and an amazing day yesterday,” Bullingham told BBC Breakfast.

“I think it will really turbo charge everything we have been doing in the women’s game.

“There is no reason why we shouldn’t have the same number of girls playing as boys and it will inspire a whole new generation of players.”

Bullingham continued: “We have worked incredibly hard to make a lot of new opportunities for girls and to make sure clubs and schools are embracing opportunities and schools are using football in the curriculum and for them to see it as normal for girls to play football like boys do.

“We have been preparing for this moment for years. We have got clubs throughout the country ready to take girls on, we have been investing in schools, we have created opportunities for girls to come forward and we are ready and willing to do that.”

England players gatecrash Sarina Wiegman’s press conference

08:01 , Lawrence Ostlere

England coach Sarina Wiegman’s news conference after their Women’s European Championship win on Sunday was interrupted by her celebrating players, who danced into the room belting out a rendition of the “Three Lionesses” anthem.

Wiegman had just finished answering a question about tactics and where the game was won and lost when the players made their surprise entrance, with goalkeeper Mary Earps leaping onto the table and being joined by defender Lucy Bronze.

“We haven’t sung this at all, this is something from English culture,” Dutchwoman Wiegman told reporters after the interruption.

“I think we won the Cup. I don’t think this is the home of the Cup, that’s in Switzerland somewhere with UEFA but we won it and we’re really happy.”

The “Three Lions” song by comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner and band The Lightning Seeds was originally written for the men’s Euro ‘96 tournament which England hosted, and has since been rewritten for the women’s team.

Baddiel retweeted a clip of the England players’ celebrations, writing: “This makes me very proud. Thanks again Lionesses.”

England win Euro 2022

07:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

England are champions of Europe after beating Germany at Wembley to be crowned Euro 2022 champions.

Chloe Kelly’s extra-time goal sealed a 2-1 victory as the Lionesses claimed the first major trophy in their history and the first for a senior England side since the 1966 World Cup triumph over West Germany.

Kelly prodded past Merle Frohms in the 110th minute to restore the tournament hosts’ lead after fellow substitute Ella Toone’s wonderful lobbed opener just after the hour mark was cancelled out by Lina Magull with 11 minutes of normal time remaining.

The dramatic contest 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.

Follow all the reaction...