England win Euro 2022: The Queen leads tributes to Lionesses - BBC Sport
The Queen leads the tributes for England on winning Euro 2022 after their 2-1 extra-time win over Germany.
Last updated on .From the section Women's Euro 2022

The Queen has led the tributes to England's Euro 2022 winners, sending a message of congratulations in which she called them "an inspiration".

The Lionesses beat Germany 2-1 at Wembley thanks to goals from substitutes Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly.

It is England's first major tournament success since the 1966 men's World Cup.

"My warmest congratulations, and those of my family, go to you all on winning the European Women's Championships," a statement from the UK monarch said.

There will be a victory celebration in front of fans at Trafalgar Square on Monday between 11:00 and 14:00 BST - an event that will be broadcast live on BBC One from 12:40 BST.
• None 'Women's football will never be the same again'

The Queen's message added: "It is a significant achievement for the entire team, including your support staff.

"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."

Prince William, writing on his Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Twitter account, said: "Sensational. An incredible win. The whole nation couldn't be prouder of you all. Wonderful to see history in the making tonight at Wembley, congratulations!"

Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised Sarina Wiegman's side on social media, writing: "Football has come home! A stunning victory by the Lionesses.

"Huge congratulations to Sarina [Wiegman, manager], Leah [Williamson, captain] and the whole team. Football pitches across the country will be filled as never before by girls and women inspired by your triumph."

It was the women's team first major tournament win. Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham said it was an "incredible achievement and a historic sporting moment".

"This team of Lionesses have been outstanding ambassadors, both on and off the pitch, from the first game to the last. Each and every member of this squad has left an indelible and enduring mark on women's football in England.

"Not only have they captured the hearts of the nation, but they have also broken down boundaries. They have left a lasting legacy that will positively impact women's and girls' football in this country for generations to come."

England's men's side lost to Italy on penalties at the same venue in last summer's European Championship final.

Their captain Harry Kane tweeted: "Absolutely unreal scenes at Wembley!! Massive congrats to the amazing Lionesses!! Ella Toone, take a bow for that finish too."

Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire wrote: "Brilliant game. History made. The whole country is proud of you. Enjoy the celebrations."

'This is the moment' - pundits' reaction

Former England and Arsenal defender Alex Scott was highly emotional on BBC One after the final whistle.

"So many people have been involved to get women's football to this point, to see this trophy," she said. "This is what we've all been dreaming of, the amount of investment in the game to get us to this point.

"This moment reminds me of the 1999 Women's World Cup when USA won that. It changed the face of soccer in America forever. I feel this is a moment in England. This is the moment."

The final was watched by 87,192 people at Wembley - a record for a Euros game in men's or women's football.

The Women's Euros attendance record had also been broken in the opening game at Old Trafford, with 68,871 watching England beat Austria 1-0.

In total, 574,875 people watched Euro 2022 - more than twice the previous record.

Seven of the top Women's Euros attendances have been this summer - also at the home grounds of Southampton, Brighton, Sheffield United and MK Dons.

"Back in 2018 we were begging people to host the Euros games in their stadiums," continued Scott. "So many people said no. I hope they're looking at themselves and thinking they weren't brave enough.

"I'm not standing up at corporate events begging for them to get involved in the women's game. If you're not involved, you've missed the boat. You've missed the train, it's finally left the station, it's gathering speed."

"It comes to clearness and communication," he said in his role as a BBC pundit. "I spoke to some of my players before the Euros. Sarina had one-to-one talks with each of them - 'I see you as a starter, I see you as an impact player'.

"They knew before they were coming in what was expected of them. Once I heard that I immediately had a feeling this is going to be a great Euros for England - they won't waste energy on those conversations when they're in the tournament."

Former keeper Rachel Brown-Finnis, who played with Scott in England's last final - a 6-2 defeat to Germany at the 2009 Euros - added: "I'm tearful with joy. All the years of players promoting the sport, giving a professional persona when you weren't getting paid,

"Today has made everything worthwhile. Well done England, the world is proud of you."