England Women’s Euro 2025 Victory Sparks Renewed Call for Investment in the Game

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England head coach Sarina Wiegman has called for continued investment in women’s football following the Lionesses’ historic UEFA Women’s European Championship (Euro 2025) triumph. Speaking at a special reception at 10 Downing Street, Wiegman emphasised the importance of maintaining England’s leadership in the women’s game after the national team secured back-to-back European titles.

The Lionesses clinched victory on Sunday in Basel, Switzerland, defeating Spain in a dramatic penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw in extra time. The win marked the first time an England team has won a major international tournament on foreign soil. The team returned to the United Kingdom on Monday and was welcomed at a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock. Number 10 Downing Street was adorned with St George’s flags and celebratory decorations in honour of the achievement.

During her speech, Wiegman thanked the Government for the reception but stressed the need to build on recent progress. “Steps have been taken, but we’re not done yet, we have to keep moving forward, and we need a little bit more,” she said. Highlighting the team’s earlier appeal to the Government to ensure equal access to football for girls, Wiegman added, “We need some more investment. We’re not there yet. England needs to stay the trailblazer.”

Rayner also praised the team for their resilience and skill, saying they had defended their title “with grit, with determination and with skill.” She commended the impact the team continues to have on the sport and young women across the country.

The team’s return home was met with celebration. A peak live audience of 12.2 million tuned in across BBC platforms to watch Sunday’s final, making it the most-watched television moment of the year so far. Star striker Chloe Kelly once again proved pivotal, converting the winning penalty, repeating her heroics from Euro 2022 when she scored the decisive goal against Germany.

Captain Leah Williamson and coach Wiegman were the first to disembark the team’s plane, which landed at Southend Airport in south-east England. The squad then headed to London for a series of celebrations, culminating in an open-top bus parade along The Mall and a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Defender Jess Carter did not attend the celebrations, as she returned to the United States ahead of her club, Gotham FC’s, National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) fixture against the Chicago Stars on Saturday.

In a message from the royal family, King Charles III offered his congratulations, expressing the monarchy’s “warmest appreciation and admiration” for the team’s performance. He also issued a challenge for the future, urging the Lionesses to aim for victory at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.

As the celebrations continue, the call for sustained investment in grassroots football and infrastructure remains clear. With public support and political backing, the Lionesses’ success could serve as a lasting catalyst for growth in the women’s game.