Euro 2022 celebration: England football fans fill Trafalgar Square today to celebrate Lionesses’ historic win
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Mums, daughters and football fans have told how watching the Lionesses swoop to victory at the Euros 2022 has been a “massive inspiration” for women’s sport.
The England women’s team beat Germany 2-1 in a dramatic extra-time thriller at Wembley Stadium last night
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Hide AdAnd today, fans flooded London’s iconic Trafalgar Square to celebrate the victory - England’s first in an international championship in 56 years and the Lionesses first ever major title.
Presented by Alex Scott, captain Leah Williamson, the team and coach Sarina Weigman answered questions and thanked fans for their support.
While mayor Sadiq Khan, wearing his own football shirt, praised the players, exhorting: “These women brought it home.”
Chelsea youth player Heidi Bekteshi, 12, and mum Rachel, 49, were at the barrier to see the Lionesses lift the trophy aloft.
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Hide AdRachel, a nurse from Watford, said: “It’s a massive inspiration.
“She started playing football at eight and even then many girls weren’t playing but she persevered - seeing this, it gives you hope.”
And Heidi, a striker for Chelsea youth academy, who played for the London Bees until scoring a place at Stamford Bridge earlier this year added: “It’s so exciting to be here!
“The match yesterday was so good.”
While fellow football fans Ellie Robinson, 31, and daughter Bonnie, six, said the result was “history making”.
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Hide AdEllie, who had travelled to central London from Dartford, Kent, said: “It’s crazy - my niece is really into football and she plays a lot.
“She went with her school to see one of the first games they played.
“To see them coming full circle like this is amazing.
“To come from 2018, when no one wanted to host them to now, and to see all the support here and at Wembley it’s incredible.
“It’s a history making moment - we had to get up here today and see them all.”
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Hide AdAnd Bonnie, in year one, who goes to football camp, added: “It was really good.”
And dads Chris Lumsden, 42, and Tweni Ubor, 42, brought Noa, 12, Alegria, 13, Bahia, 10, and Gus, nine, to the event.
“On a day like today, we couldn’t miss it,” Tweni said.
“We support Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers - when we’re not cheering on England.
“Gus and Bahia play football at school.
“It’s so great to see this.”
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