Sarina Wiegman steals show at Lionesses parade with Burna Boy love-in

Sarina Wiegman lets her hair down with her favourite artist Burna Boy - PA/Gareth Fuller

It was a surprise Sarina Wiegman could barely believe. As the Lionesses celebrated winning back-to-back European Championship titles in front of Buckingham Palace, out came Wiegman’s favourite artist.

Visibly shocked, Wiegman’s hands went to her head, before she embraced Burna Boy, the Nigerian singer, on stage. Knowing every word, they proceeded to sing his hit song For Your Hand – which he recorded with Ed Sheeran in 2023 – together as Wiegman danced beside him in front of more than 65,000 fans.

“Sarina’s got rhythm,” defender Esme Morgan told BBC 5 Live. “She absolutely loves Burna Boy. I can’t believe it. Her face when they brought Burna Boy out was a picture, none of us could believe it to be honest and she was busting out some moves and singing away, that was a special moment.”

The England manager has won three European trophies in her career but has rarely looked as happy as she did in that moment.

When asked about her Spotify Wrapped song list in 2023, Wiegman had said For Your Hand was her most-played song that year. Ella Toone had also joked that Wiegman would often rubbish the songs being played on the team bus, saying: “What’s this? Put Burna Boy on.”

While Wiegman had her moment alongside her hero, Toone and Morgan were not quite as lucky. Toone had said before the final that she and Morgan would belt out Heather Small’s song Proud as motivation before every game. So it was fitting when Small came onto the stage to sing after Burna Boy and two microphones were passed to Toone and Morgan. They were, however, not turned on – and only Small could be heard.

Three years ago the Lionesses had celebrated winning their first European Championship in front of 7,000 fans at Trafalgar Square.

The crowd was capped that day by the size of the venue and the late planning of the event. This time, the FA had planned in advance – though it is understood the specially-designed buses that took the players down the Mall were nearly cancelled before Michelle Agyemang scored a 96th-minute equaliser in the semi-final against Italy.

Angela Rayner was in attendance, a day on from hosting the Lionesses at a Downing Street garden party, along with former England players Karen Carney and Jill Scott. While they would have had a perfect view from the VIP area, many fans said they could barely see the buses and only knew the team was arriving because they could hear the marching band playing in front of them.

Some of the players still looked like they were running on adrenalin and many donned sunglasses to hide tired eyes.

Captain Leah Williamson was emotional as she was asked to sum up her feelings. “I’m in the trenches, I am holding back tears,” said Williamson. “I have been crying all the way down the Mall, this is unbelievable. This is probably one of the best things we have ever been a part of, so thank you for coming out.

“There are lots of ways to win a football match and we repeatedly did it the hard way, but I think you can see how much we care about playing for England, how much we love it. 2022 was a fairytale, but this feels really hard-earned and we are very proud of ourselves. So, thank you and we hope you are [proud of us], too.

“We did some work together, we came close, the first game maybe rocked us a little bit, but I just think it is [about] special people. We love each other. We have got each other’s back – on and off the pitch. We had tough moments, nasty things to deal with, and still we rise.

“My message is: everything we do, obviously we do it for us and our team, but we do it for the country and we do it for young girls. This job never existed 30, 40 years ago and we are making history every single step. Thank you so much, thank you so much for being with us.

“Stay with us – this story is not done yet.”

Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning penalty against Spain in the final shoot-out, had a slip of the tongue as she swore on stage before later apologising on social media.

Meanwhile, Lucy Bronze, who revealed after the final that she had played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia, insisted she has no plans to retire any time soon. “Not yet,” she said when asked by presenter and former England player Alex Scott. 

“I think we are both on 140 [caps], right?

“It’s just amazing. This moment is unbelievable. We did it three years ago, but to do this again and come back to this is incredible.

“Thank you so much to each and every one of my team-mates. I think they all know how much they mean to me, to each other. The group effort that we had in this tournament was unbelievable. From every single player, from [No] 1 to 23, I have never seen anything like it.

“Every single day in training, every single game, before games, after games, every single player has played such a huge part in the history of what this team has created this summer.”

One of the biggest cheers of the day came when Agyemang, who won the young Player of the tournament award, was brought to the front of the stage. Fans sang the 19-year-old’s name, she said: “It means the world to me. I’m so grateful to be here. It is still surreal. It doesn’t seem real seeing people down there right now, it seems fake! It is crazy to think about what we have done and to be here today.”

Michelle Agyemang (right), who scored two vital goals en route to the final, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton share a word on stage - Getty Images/Jack Taylor

A statue for the 2022 team has been planned for some time and Mark Bullingham, the FA CEO, has said they may redesign it to reflect their second win.

Williamson ensured there was a quick rendition of Wiegman’s song, to the tune of Tequila by The Champs – with fans shouting “Sarina!” instead. Wiegman described the song as “inventive”, but her duet with Burna Boy undoubtedly stole the show.

The Lionesses’ manager is known for her “typically Dutch” direct style and manner, especially in interviews. But throughout the Euros she showed her softer side and is said to have relaxed since first taking the job in 2021. From celebrating wildly on the pitch in Basel to dancing in front of Buckingham Palace, Wiegman’s joy and happiness encapsulated everything she and her players have given to the nation in the last four weeks.

01:58 PM BST

The moment the fans waited to see

While Sarina Wiegman dancing with Burna Boy was an undoubted highlight, this is what the 65,000 supporters came for, the lifting of the trophy. 

Leah Williamson holds the European Championship trophy aloft in front of 65,000 cheering fans - PA/Gareth Fuller

01:22 PM BST

‘The women actually bring it home’

Killy Cavendish, 66, and Wendy Keelan, 65, were celebrating the Lionesses’ victory and growing popularity.

“Women play with more passion,” Ms Cavendish said.

The retired hospitality worker has never been to a game of football but is now desperate to attend an England women’s match.

“I won’t bother with the men’s at all now,” she continued. “The women are just much nicer, they’re more down to earth and not prima-donnas.”

Ms Keelan, who had travelled with Ms Cavendish from south London, joked: “The women actually bring it home. But this [was] a lovely way to welcome them home.”

01:20 PM BST

As with football matches

We’ve just had an official attendance issued. This figure has just been released by the FA, there were (and many still are) 65,000 on The Mall today. 

01:18 PM BST

Hannah Hampton - ‘Don’t let people tell you what you can and can’t do’

On her tournament...

“I just do whatever I can for the team. They’ve ran for 120 minutes, I just stand in the 18-yard box. They’ve got me through the whole tournament when it didn’t start off the way I wanted it to. They just kept be going. To be standing right now with this group of girls is amazing.”

On her message to young girls and fans...

“Don’t let people tell you what you can and can’t do. If you’ve got a dream you can go out and do it. I got told so many times that I’m not good enough, that I shouldn’t be playing football from the start. Just keep doing it and if it makes you happy go follow that smile.”

01:15 PM BST

They’re still on stage

Islands In The Stream by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers famous number is followed by Journey’s Don’t Stop Belivin.

Fans lap up the celebrations on The Mall - PA/James Manning

01:03 PM BST

The players want more chooons

And they get them, this one, River Deep, Mountain High, is clearly another team favourite as once again they all strut their stuff on the stage. 

This was meant to end at 1pm but I think they may have trouble getting these girls off stage...

12:58 PM BST

Now it’s time for THAT song

Yep, you’ve guessed it, Sweet Caroline.

As you’d expect the whole squad and fans get really into the spirit.

12:54 PM BST

Before Heather Small sings...

...Proud (the most-used song after sporting success...) Sarina Wiegman had this to say...

On the victory..

“It was chaos. I hoped for a little less chaos, but the players didn’t keep their promise to finish things quicker. We always had a plan and the players were trying to execute that on the pitch. We kept our hope and belief. We just showed up when it was really necessary and urgent.”

On her chant...

“My chant is very innovative and funny from the English. It is in my head all of the time now, so thank you.”

On her victorious players...

“There is a huge pool of talent in this team. We want to play to our strengths always. The bonding of this team in this tournament made the absolute difference. Everybody was ready to step up and support each other. It was just amazing to be a part of.”

12:48 PM BST

Chloe Kelly speaks - ‘This is so f-----g special’

On taking those penalties...

“Pressure? What pressure? It feels so good to stand side by side next to all these girls throughout the tournament. This is so f------g special!”

Alex Scott apologises for the fruity language (I say if you cannot swear today, then when can you swear? (answer for some of you will possibly be ‘never’. Fair...))

On winning the tournament...

“Everyone knows what it takes to win it but it’s so hard to win it, it’s special to be here today. I am so proud to be English.”

12:43 PM BST

Sarina Wiegman is dancing

That’s because not only has she now won back-to-back European Championships with England, but, more importantly (right now at least...) her favourite artist, Burna Boy, is singing with her on the stage. She looks very happy. She knows all the words (#ProperFan) and looks as though she’s a mean dancer as well. Burna Boy and her basically end up doing a duet. Brilliant.

12:39 PM BST

The players are now on the stage - ‘ I am holding back tears’

Led by Sarina Wiegman, they’re all wearing their Nike ‘Home’ T-shirts, with most also wearing scarves. 

Host Alex Scott asks Leah Williamson how she is...

“I am holding back tears, this is one of the best things we’’ve been part of, thanks for coming out.”

On the tournament...

“There are lots of ways to win a football match, we did it the hard way. 2022 was fairy tale, this was different we are proud of ourselves and hope you are too.”

On what message she has for the fans...

“We worked together, we came close. The first game rocked us, but we work with special people, we love each other , we have each other’s backs. Message is we do it for the country and young girls. This job never existed 30-40 years ago. Stay with us, this story is not done yet.”

12:33 PM BST

The bus that says it all

The victorious players and their fans on The Mall - Getty Images/Alex Pantling

12:30 PM BST

The parade is over now it’s time for the speeches

These will take place in front of the Victoria Memorial, which is in front of Buckingham Palace.

We’re currently seeing a montage of memories from the players on how they overcame obstacles to ultimately become two-time European champions.

12:26 PM BST

Scenes of joy

Aggie Beever-Jones waves to the corwds - Getty Images/Alex Pantling

The Mall is packed with fans cheering on Sarina Wiegman’s team - PA/Yui Mok

12:19 PM BST

Alessia Russo speaks to the BBC - ‘I am on cloud nine’

On how she’s feeling...

“I’m tired but on cloud nine. This is just unreal. We didn’t know what to expect coming into today. It feels so nice to come back to England and celebrate with our fans.”

On whether she can remember her goal...

“No, not really. It was a really tough game. But as soon as Chloe [Kelly] put that ball in. We spoke at half-time that I felt that area was a bit free. As soon as it came in, yeah I put it in the back of the net.

On the parade scenes...

“It feels a bit surreal. It’s just crazy seeing this many people come out in the heart of London, coming up to Buckingham Palace. It’s crazy.”

12:17 PM BST

The brass band and drummers

Are leading the two-time European Champions down the famous road.

It’s now selfie time on the top deck, Chloe Kelly is at the front dancing and having a good time, I think she deserves it.

12:11 PM BST

Here they are!

It’s not a sunny day in London but there are a fair few sunnies being worn by the players, another heavy night?!

The Lionesses are waving to the thousands on The Mall, while others are taking photos of the fans on their phones.

Fans get a glimpse of the heroes with the trophy - Getty Images/Alex Pantling

12:09 PM BST

The bus is about to get going

We can see the players on the top deck on Horse Guards Parade and the fans are about to get a glimpse of what they came to cheer. 

Meanwhile, the hordes of supporters are being entertained by brass band, unfortunately, they’re not playing Sweet Caroline...ho hum. 

11:46 AM BST

Atmosphere building up

Definitely a day for face painting - Getty Images/Leon Neal

Fans wearing masks of Ella Toone, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Alessia Russo wait for the parade to get under way - Getty Images/John Phillips

11:43 AM BST

Lionesses are ready

They stayed at the Hilton last night, a short free-kick away from the parade route. Notice the name of the suite behind them...I doff my cap to the hotel’s marketing team.

The Lionesses with an apt room name behind them

11:38 AM BST

Fans packing The Mall

I have just got to the media pen. I believe Heather Small, Burna Boy and Katy B are all performing later. Meanwhile fans have climbed high onto the wall behind media centre. 

11:27 AM BST

Siblings fly in from Austria for the parade

Leo Falk, 22, and her brother Jojo, 16, took a 6am flight from Vienna just to watch the parade. 

The siblings, who are part English, booked their flights yesterday and travelled over from their home in Steyr, Austria, this morning. 

Ms Falk said: “We’re just here today, kind of crazy I know but definitely worth it. 

“We’re taking the flight back tonight.”

Kitted out in England gear, they arrived at The Mall just before 9am after making their way from Gatwick Airport. 

Their return flight home is at 7pm this evening. 

“We’ll get a close as we can to the action, cheer on the lionesses and then maybe do a bit of sightseeing before we go,” she added. 

11:10 AM BST

‘Premier League is too expensive – women’s football is taking off’

Carly Martin, 45, wearing a crown of red and white roses, was one of the first to arrive this morning to secure a coveted spot at the top of The Mall. 

Alongside her daughter, Katie Robinson, 21, she woke up at 4:45am before making the journey from south Wimbledon. 

They were meeting a group of six others, who they have met during their travels following the Lionesses – which included last week’s dramatic semi-final win.

Speaking about the growing popularity of the women’s game, Ms Martin said: “It’s so accessible. 

“Nobody can afford to go to Premier League matches, that’s why women’s football is taking off.” 

11:02 AM BST

Will we be seeing more of this today?

Is there no end to Ella Toone’s talents? A double European Championship winner, one of the best players in the world, and now, it would appear, a very useful, expressive dancer...

10:56 AM BST

A reminder of who they FaceTimed last night

It’s no surprise to see the great and the good rubbing shoulders (albeit via the iPhone here...) with the victorious Lionesses. 

10:49 AM BST

‘These women are absolute legends’

10:40 AM BST

One player will not be able join in the celebrations

Jess Carter, who was brilliant in the final, has had to go back to her club, Gotham FC (yes, it is a real team, and, yes, it has no relation to Batman...) in the US, New York to be precise. 

10:19 AM BST

Excitement in the air

10:12 AM BST

50,000 fans expected

Thousands of England fans have already gathered outside Buckingham Palace and along the Mall in anticipation of the Lionesses trophy parade on Tuesday morning. 

The Mall, lined with huge alternating England flags and Union Jacks, has been steadily filling since the early hours, with coveted spaces at the front of the barriers already running out. 

With more than two hours until their heroes drive by in an open-top bus parade, there is a carnival atmosphere among fans. 

With free England flags being handed out by stewards, there is bunting galore, alongside face paint, jester hats and renditions of Sweet Caroline. 

Fans have travelled from far and wide, with organisers expecting up to 50,000 to join in today’s celebrations. 

That would dwarf the attendance at the 2022 ceremony which was a lot more confined as it took place in Trafalgar Square. 

Getting ready to cheer on her footballing heroes - Getty Images/Leon Neal

10:03 AM BST

Fans getting their spots on the Mall

Face paint is the order of the day as fans get ready to cheer on the Lionesses - Getty Images/Leon Neal

Fans with a cardboard cut out of victorious captain Leah Williamson - Getty Images/Leon Neal

Some fans got there early to make sure they got a good view of the two-time European champions - Getty Images/Leon Neal

09:37 AM BST

How much will it cost?

Good news, it’s free to attend, although both the Football Association and local authorities are expecting large numbers with children already on their summer holidays, meaning busy Tube stations and large road closures.

They have warned that while those travelling in person are urged to bring flags, whistles and horns to show their support. Smoke flares, fireworks, tents, chairs and BBQs will be prohibited.

09:31 AM BST

Can I watch it on TV?

Yes, for those unable to travel into London or who would prefer to watch from the comfort of their living room (or office desk), the event will be available to watch live on the BBC, ITV and Sky.

09:29 AM BST

What is the route?

The parade will set off at 12:10pm from Horse Guards Parade onto The Mall and along to Buckingham Palace, with the “Homecoming” ceremony itself to be staged at the Queen Victoria Memorial from 12:30pm.

As a result of the parade, road closures will be in place for both drivers and cyclists around St James’ Park for the day until at least 6pm.

09:24 AM BST

What time does it start?

Beginning at 12:10pm, there will be a 20-minute parade towards Buckingham Palace, before a 30-minute celebration will take place. The event is expected to finish at approximately 1pm, although could run longer with large numbers expected to attend.

09:22 AM BST

Fans to pay tribute to victorious Lionesses

The Lionesses will be celebrated outside Buckingham Palace today as the newly crowned European champions will be given an open-top bus parade through the heart of London.

Fans will be able to show their appreciation for Sarina Wiegman’s victorious side after they became the first England team in history to win a major tournament on foreign soil by successfully defending the European Championship that they also won three years ago at Wembley.

On Monday evening Wiegman and the squad were treated to a champagne and canapes reception at Downing Street - though most players opted for a refreshing glass of Pimm’s instead – which was hosted by Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, and Stephanie Peacock, the Sports Minister.

However, absent Sir Keir Starmer did at least beam in via FaceTime after holding a call with Wiegman and a number of players to express his disappointment at not being able to attend – he was instead in Scotland meeting with Donald Trump, the US president.

The party continues on Tuesday where fans will be able to join the celebrations at an event that will be hosted by BBC presenter Alex Scott. 

Throughout the morning we’ll post everything you need to know about the Lionesses’ open-top bus parade, before covering the celebrations from London. 

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