England’s Euro 2022 football win “will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations”, Queen Elizabeth II has said after the Lionesses beat Germany 2-1 to lift their first major trophy.
Chloe Kelly’s extra-time goal secured England’s win at a sold-out Wembley on Sunday.
“Your success goes far beyond the trophy you have so deservedly earned,” the queen said in a statement on Sunday.
“You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations.”
Substitute Ella Toone’s sublime chip, in front of a record crowd for any European Championships match of 87,192 at Wembley, had put England in front.
Germany’s Lina Magull levelled 11 minutes from the end of 90 minutes.
Kelly struck in extra time to give England the win, which came just over 56 years to the day since the England men defeated West Germany to win the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley.
Here is how the players, experts and the fans reacted to England’s win:
Watched on, appropriately, by the square’s four famous lion statues, the fans rode a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the match, eventually ending in sheer joy.
“I think they’re wonderful,” Maggie Maybury, 67, from London, told the AFP news agency at the fan zone. “Everyone’s going to love them. They will just be the darlings. It’s going to be good for women’s sports.”
Kirsty Carey, 33, from London, said the history-making players were “a true inspiration for young girls all over the country”.
“It is a huge, huge stepping stone for English football, women’s football,” she said
