Lionesses win Euro 2022 with extra-time victory over Germany

England’s Lionesses have won Euro 2022 after beating Germany 2-1 in extra-time at Wembley.

It is the country’s first major trophy since the men’s side won the World Cup in 1966.

Ella Toone gave England the lead in the 62nd minute with a sublime lob after being sent through one-on-one with the German goalkeeper.

The Lionesses were unable to hold on as Germany’s Lina Magull scored a flick-on at the near post in the 79th minute.

But England prevailed in extra-time as Chloe Kelly poked home from close range after Germany failed to clear a corner.

Speaking to the BBC after the game, Kelly said “it’s amazing” before running off to sing Sweet Caroline with her teammates.

Returning briefly to the microphone, she added: “This is what dreams are made of. Wow, this is unbelievable.”

Captain Leah Williamson said: “We talk, and we talk, and we talk and we finally did it,” adding: “I just can’t stop crying.”

Ella Toone said it was the “best day” of her life and it “doesn’t seem real”.

“I am absolutely buzzing my head off,” she went on. “I can’t even explain what it feels like. It’s come home!”

Jill Scott, 35, who was brought on late in the second half, said the younger players had “played with such freedom”, adding: “I don’t think I’m going to sleep this week.”

Beth Mead won the Golden Boot after finishing the tournament with six goals, 12 months after she was left out of Team GB’s Olympic squad for the Tokyo Games.

“I can’t believe it,” she said. “Sometimes football puts you down but bouncing back is the best way and that is what we have done.

“I am so, so proud of this team. I love this team and I love this country.”

Men’s team captain Harry Kane tweeted: “Absolutely unreal scenes at Wembley!! Massive congrats to the amazing Lionesses!!”

There will be a celebration in London’s Trafalgar Square at Monday lunchtime, with supporters being given free entry on a first-come-first-served basis from 11am.

It is the second successive title for manager Sarina Wiegman, who led the Dutch to victory in the tournament in 2017.

Explaining England’s success, she said they had “agreed on a couple of things about behaviour and they weren’t just words, we lived it”.

She continued: “The game was so tight, there was a little bit of fight in there, but who cares, we won 2-1.

“We are European champions.”

Since Wiegman took charge last September, England have played 20 times with no defeats, 18 wins, 106 goals scored and only five conceded.

The Queen sent the team her “warmest congratulations”, adding that the trophy had been “so deservedly earned”.

Her Majesty said: “You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “Football has come home! A stunning victory by the Lionesses. Football pitches across the country will be filled as never before by girls and women inspired by your triumph.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the “entire nation is so proud” and the victory had given his “daughter and her friends strong, successful role models”.

Former England international Gary Neville tweeted that the Lionesses’ victory was a “seismic moment for sport in this country”.

Jamie Carragher said they were “all role models for future generations”.

The number of fans at Wembley was 87,192 – a UEFA Euro tournament record.