'Best day of my life' - Lionesses react to EURO 2025 homecoming parade

England stars have been reacting to the incredible homecoming they received in London today after winning EURO 2025.

Three years on from their celebration in Trafalgar Square after winning the same trophy at Wembley, the Lionesses were being greeted by masses of fans in the capital again, with an open-top bus procession culminating with a staged ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace.

Several of the players revealed afterwards that they were incredibly humbled and grateful for all of the support.

Beth Mead said to Sky News: "It's pretty crazy. I had to put my glasses on a few times, I could feel myself getting emotional.

"Seeing how much joy we've brought to the nation, the number of people who have come out and supported us throughout the tournament and today, the atmosphere, the adrenaline, was insane.

"I remember watching the Jubilee so seeing the crowds here for us today is surreal. It's a pinch-me moment."

Mead revealed one particular performer was her highlight of the day.

She said: "It was pretty cool when Heather Small came out.

"We've put that song (Proud) on either before or after every game and it meant a lot to us throughout the tournament.

"It's part of our journey so being able to sing that live with her was cool.

Proud 🥹 pic.twitter.com/7DESnox9pV

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 29, 2025

"The whole party has been a whirlwind. I've had very little sleep, as you can tell with my voice going, but it's very much worth it."

Defender Maya Le Tissier echoed Mead's sentiments, saying the day was "one of the best of my life".

She told Sky: "Going on the bus and then standing on stage with all of the staff, all of the players, all of the families at the front, is incredible.

"I had a moment looking out, thinking, 'This is crazy'. It was so special to be out there and to have all of the fans here, because obviously some of them couldn't get to Switzerland. This is their chance.

"The whole tournament was crazy. It was hard watching from the bench with all the late goals but we made it and we are here now. It was all worth it in the end.

"Obviously some of the girls have done it twice and now we want to do it again in four years."

A highlight of the ceremony was head coach Sarina Wiegman dancing with Burna Boy, one of her favourite artists.

Esme Morgan revealed she was not surprised to see Wiegman comfortable dancing in front of thousands of people.

The duo you didn’t know you needed 😁😁 pic.twitter.com/WrItK2EDjY

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 29, 2025

She told BBC Sport: "Sarina's got rhythm.

"She absolutely loves Burna Boy. I can't believe it. Her face when they brought Burna Boy out was a picture.

"None of us could believe it to be honest and she was busting out some moves and singing away, so that was a special moment.

"A few of us said the other day, 'We hope the parade is not the full length of The Mall because there might not be enough people to fill it'.

"We were like, 'What if that happens?' But we showed up today and it was absolutely packed, I can't believe it. You don't realise the scale of how many people watch and support us. We feel so lucky."

Niamh Charles claimed that she "had never had a day like this, ever".

She said to the BBC: "If I think back to the younger me that came to visit Buckingham Palace, I never would have thought that I would be stood here now.

"Me and my family did a weekend down here, we went around all of the sights, and we actually have pictures of me posing here, so it is crazy to think this is the reality of women's football now and what we have done."

As in Sunday's victory against Spain, the final word can be left to Chloe Kelly.

The penalty shoot-out hero said on stage: "Pressure? What pressure!

"It feels so good to stand side-by-side with every one of these girls and the staff. It's incredible.

"Thank you to everyone out here to support us today."