Euro 2025: How Sarina Wiegman sealed her place in England hearts at Lionesses’ parade | OneFootball

Euro 2025: How Sarina Wiegman sealed her place in England hearts at Lionesses’ parade | OneFootball

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Evening Standard

·29. Juli 2025

Euro 2025: How Sarina Wiegman sealed her place in England hearts at Lionesses’ parade

Artikelbild:Euro 2025: How Sarina Wiegman sealed her place in England hearts at Lionesses’ parade

The Dutch boss stunned everyone with her dance moves

Given the success Sarina Wiegman has enjoyed during her time as England manager, it was hard to imagine how she could endear herself to the public any more.


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But on Tuesday, during the team’s parade along The Mall and in front of Buckingham Palace, she somehow managed it.

It was two years ago, during a press conference, that the Lionesses boss first revealed she was a fan of Burna Boy. Players have since confirmed it in other interviews.

But if anyone still had doubts, those vanished when Wiegman danced on stage with Burna Boy and sang along to his song ‘For My Hand’ in front of 65,000 England fans.

It was a remarkable sight - and almost fitting, given how scarcely believable England’s run to the Euro 2025 title had been.

Wiegman is usually calm and reserved - both on the touchline and with the media - but on Tuesday, she let her hair down.

Waving her winner’s medal above her head, the 55-year-old danced around the stage, creating a moment that will live long in the memory.

Chloe Kelly’s pressure moments and Hannah Hampton’s penalty heroics have gone viral over the last month, but Wiegman may have just outdone them with her dance moves.

Her players certainly thought so. Some joined her on stage, while others pulled out their phones to capture the moment.

Artikelbild:Euro 2025: How Sarina Wiegman sealed her place in England hearts at Lionesses’ parade

Victory lap: The Lionesses celebrate down The Mall

Getty Images

The squad had been the same on the open-top buses along The Mall, filming the huge crowds that had come out to see them. Captain Leah Williamson even brought a disposable camera for the occasion.

Fans had arrived as early as 2am to get a good spot for the parade. The 65,000 who turned out dwarfed the 7,000 that attended the Trafalgar Square celebrations after Euro 2022.

That celebration three years ago happened less than 24 hours after the final and was capped at 7,000 - but the rise in attendance this time underlines just how much the women’s game has grown.

Supporters came from all over the country, many with flags, scarves and signs. One young girl held up a sign that read: “The next Jess Carter.”

Carter was the only member of the squad to miss the parade, having already flown back to the US, where her club side Gotham FC are back in action this weekend.

The rest of the England squad soaked up the atmosphere, waving to fans as the buses made their way up The Mall, led by a marching band.

Another band greeted them on stage, playing - among other songs - a rendition of ‘Football’s Coming Home’.

The sun finally broke through after a grey morning just as the buses approached Buckingham Palace, a fitting touch, and justification for the players’ sunglasses.

The other reason was just as clear, with Lucy Bronze’s answer about what Sunday night’s celebrations were like offering a clue.

“I don’t remember,” she said, grinning.

The Lionesses will never forget this day, though. Williamson was in tears all the way up The Mall and again when she took to the stage with her team-mates.

The England captain managed to deliver a rousing speech, telling fans: “This story is not done yet.”

Wiegman, typically, was more reserved as she addressed the crowd. That was, of course, until Burna Boy appeared.

He wasn’t the only guest artist - Heather Small also performed her song ‘Proud’, which had become a favourite of the squad during their time in Switzerland.

The key heroes from England’s triumph were all given the chance to speak. Bronze confirmed she had no plans to retire - despite playing the tournament with a fractured leg.

Kelly, who drew the biggest cheer of the day after her stunning performances off the bench, simply said: “Pressure? What pressure?”

Finally, the trophy was brought out. Williamson wiped away tears as she stepped forward to lift it.

The 65,000 fans erupted, and the players gathered for a photo in front of the crowds - determined to capture the moment from a day they’ll never forget.

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