England's heroes have been congratulated by the Queen no less following their Euro 2022 triumph at Wembley on Sunday afternoon.
Sarina Wiegman's side took the lead just after the hour mark after Ella Toone latched on to a long ball and chipped home with aplomb. The Lionesses were pegged back, though, on minute 79 with Germany taking the final to extra-time. But Wembley's electric atmosphere was soon restored when Chloe Kelly prodded home to end a long wait for a trophy for England and bring football back home.
Jubilation ensued at full-time with celebrities, pundits, fellow footballers and even Piers Morgan rushing to congratulate the Lionesses. But the Queen's message might just stand out the most.
A statement from her royal highness read: "My warmest congratulations, and those of my family, go to you all on winning the European Women’s Football Championships. 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.
"ELIZABETH R."
Ian Wright believes England reaped the rewards for all their hard work after the Lionesses became European champions at Wembley.
"I can't even put into words the amount of work that's gone into this and they're getting what they deserve," Wright said in his role as a summariser for the BBC. "I can't believe it. I'm so proud - I'm still a bit shocked by it. She (Wiegman) has used that XI through the whole of the tournament but the people that are coming on know that they've got a role to play and they're happy to come off the bench and play their role."
Former England and Arsenal defender Alex Scott struggled to speak as the players celebrated their win on the Wembley pitch.
"This is a dream, an absolute dream for every young girl that dreamt of playing football. It's incredible," she said on BBC One. Every single player has played a part. Nikita Parris, who came on at the end, came on to do a job for the team and the way teams play as a whole determines its success.
"It hurts (to lose a final). I walked past the trophy in 2009 and it stayed with me forever. I'm so happy."
