‘I was in the crowd when England’s Lionesses roared home – the atmosphere was incredible’

More than 65,000 people gathered in central London to watch England’s Lionesses celebrate their homecoming in style

It looked like it was going to rain on their parade.

All morning, thick clouds hovered over Buckingham Palace like they were ready to burst – ominous, brooding. A bit like England in the group stages. Or England 2-0 down against Sweden, or right up to extra time against France.

But with this group, you knew it would come good in the end.

And sure enough, just as their two red open-topped buses turned onto the Mall, the clouds parted and the sun came blazing down in glory.

Over 65,000 people erupted in cheers, not for the weather, but for what we’d all come to celebrate – the Lionesses, double European champions, heroes of the summer.

I had joined the throng of jubilant fans lining the Mall, packed shoulder-to-shoulder with families, football fans, and faces painted with pride.

Some of whom had arrived in the early hours to get the best view of the women whose names were emblazoned on their shirts and flags.

Even before the Lionesses arrived, excitement rippled through the air. The noise built as the crowd swelled – chants echoing, fans singing along to the Royal Marines Band’s brass rendition of It’s Coming Home, and cheers ringing out as England’s tournament highlights played on the big screens.

Many of those cheering were teenage girls who had followed every nail-biting second of the Lionesses’ journey – and had to see the finale too as their heroes brought it home.

Among them was 12-year-old Amelie from Brighton, who was with her dad Anthony. Watching Sarina Wiegman’s side win the Euros in 2022 inspired her to take up football, and she’s just got home from competing with her girls’ team in the Gothia Cup in Sweden.

“I just saw how happy it makes them and how determined they are and how much work they put in,” she said. “It just really inspired me.

“This time I watched every single game. It’s given me even more determination. It’s made me realise that the sky’s the limit.”

Friends Bea, Lily and Izzy, all 16 from Guildford, agreed it was important to be there. “So many girls have got into football because of them,” said Bea. “They inspire me. They taught me not to give up, because even when it looks like you might not win, you still can.”

The Mall has probably never heard such high-pitched screams as when the Lionesses finally came into view. Some of the girls gasped as they saw their heroines riding past. They looked as excited to see them – filming on their phones, waving and blowing kisses, and Captain Leah Williamson hoisting the trophy aloft.

There were still more memories to be made.

Sarina dancing on stage with Burna Boy. Chloe Kelly dropping an F-bomb on live TV – prompting a wince and an apology from Alex Scott between giggles. Heather Small leading the England squad in a rendition of Proud.

Then came the final crescendo – red smoke billowing into the sky as the squad raised the trophy once more. It was followed by the loudest moment of the day – tens of thousands belting out Sweet Caroline in unison.

And right until the very end, the sun kept shining for the Lionesses. Of course it did.