Football fans are asked to register their interest in the Trafalgar Square fan party
(Picture: PA)The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have lauded the England Lionesses for their “great comeback” after they made it through to the semi-finals of the European Women’s Championship in dramatic style.
England had to come from behind to beat pre-tournament favourites Spain in extra-time and will now face either Sweden or Belgium in Sheffield on Tuesday night. William and Kate hailed the team’s heroics, tweeting: “Great performances and comeback Lionesses, brilliant team effort!”
The Lionesses’ success in Brighton has sparked a surge in interest and the semi-final will now be shown live on giant screens in Trafalgar Square, with free access for up to 5,000 fans.
Great performance and comeback @Lionesses, brilliant team effort! On to the #WEURO2022 semis. W
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) July 20, 2022
After Wednesday night’s final whistle the team celebrated on the pitch with striker Ellen White delighting a young girl in the crowd by handing over her shirt.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the Trafalgar Square screening — expected to be the largest in the country — had been organised due to the Lionesses’ “incredible performances”. Entrance will be on a “first come, first-served” basis.
England won all three of their group games without conceding a goal but they fell behind last night when Esther Gonzalez scored for Spain shortly after the break.
They were trailing and facing an exit from the tournament until the 84th minute when substitute Ella Toone popped up with an equaliser. Georgia Stanway then thumped in the winner in the first half of extra time from outside the box, sending the Brighton stadium into delirium.
The Lionesses are now one of the favourites to lift the trophy. Mr Khan said: “As a huge football fan, I have been swept away by the incredible performances of Ellen White, Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead and our wonderful squad.
“With Euros fever gripping the country, I am delighted that thousands of Londoners and visitors will be able to come together and cheer the team on to glory on Tuesday night.”
In order to gauge demand, fans are asked to register their interest at www.london.gov.uk/womenseuro2022 by 5pm on Monday. Registration does not guarantee entry but will ensure that fans receive updates about the event and help the Mayor’s office to plan for the screening.
From Saturday, Trafalgar Square will be transformed into an official Uefa “fan party”. The free event, which will be open daily until July 31, will include a pop-up football pitch featuring exhibition games and football-themed activities. The square will also host a free screening of the final on July 31.
The semi-final kicks-off at Bramall Lane in Sheffield at 8pm on Tuesday.
