The heartbroken Lionesses waved to fans and signed autographs as they left Australia and embarked on their long journey home after the Women’s World Cup final defeat.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman led the team out of their hotel in Sydney after their loss to Spain. Most of the team kept smiles on their faces as they greeted the fans, but some looked dejected as they prepared to board the plane for the UK.
Fans demand that the Lionesses receive honors and a throwback parade after they become finalists.
Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer was the first to call for them to be given honours, saying they had ‘galvanized the whole nation with their historic achievement’.
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, also said “everyone on the team” deserved honour.
And the sentiment was echoed by fans, who said: ‘There should always be a throwback parade or celebration for lionesses. They need to know the effect and the pride they inspired throughout the @Lionesses tournament, we need to put that in place.
England head coach Sarina Wiegman leaves the team hotel in Sydney, smiling and waving
England’s Katie Zelem leaves the team hotel in Sydney after losing to Spain
Chloe Kelly keeps smiling despite loss in Women’s World Cup final
Lauren James and Rachel Daly prepare for the long journey home
The Lionesses pictured look more downcast at the end of their stay in Sydney
England’s Esme Morgan waves to fans outside their hotel
Calls grow to recognize team with honor and throwback party
Another said: ‘Proud of you each of @Lionesses! You have inspired us with your team spirit, your determination & your performance! The final was a step too far this time. Fantastic performance! Next stop, a very well deserved London bus parade and a visit to Downing St / Buckingham Palace.
Celebrities, royals and politicians have said the Lionesses have “inspired millions” and “paved the way for generations to come”.
Olga Carmona’s first-half strike was enough to eliminate Sarina Wiegman’s side as fans watched as England failed to make a breakthrough in Sydney on Sunday.
But despite the 1-0 loss, fans were quick to praise the team for the “fantastic” job they had done for women’s football.
The Prince of Wales tweeted a personal message to the Lionesses after the match, saying “their spirit and drive inspired so many”.
William, who watched the final alongside the Princess of Wales and Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at their home in Sandringham, Norfolk, said: ‘Although it’s the outcome none of us wanted, @Lionesses you made yourselves and this nation is proud.
“Your spirit and drive have inspired so many and paved the way for generations to come.
‘Thank you for the football memories. Congratulations to Spain.’
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak posted on Twitter, now known as X, to say everyone was “incredibly proud” of the team despite the loss.
He said, “You absolutely left nothing there, Lionesses.
“It wasn’t, but you have already secured your legacy as game changers.
“We are all incredibly proud of you.”
Jessica Carter leaves the team hotel in Sydney on Monday August 21
Crowds of fans take pictures of England’s Millie Bright
England’s Ellie Roebuck prepares to return to UK
Georgia Stanway pictured as the team prepare to head for their flight
Alex Greenwood smiles at fans as they leave their hotel in Sydney
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, who attended the game in Sydney on behalf of the government, also said how proud she was of the team, saying: ‘They have inspired millions across the country with glorious performances, moments of magic and relentless determination and desire.
“An incredible journey has come to an end, but it will never be forgotten. »
Manchester United and England defender Maya Le Tissier said she was “disgusted” at the loss but “proud” of the Lionesses who are “an inspiration to everyone”.
Speaking at a screening of the game in London’s Olympic Park, she told PA news agency: “Obviously we were so close but unfortunately it didn’t work out but I think we can be very proud of the players.
“They will be an inspiration to everyone, every girl and every boy who now wants to play for England.
“They are a massive inspiration to everyone and I think you can see the impact it has had on Australia as well as a nation.
“So yes, they can be very pleased with themselves.”
The Lionesses leave for England, defeated – pictured at Sydney Airport
The Lionesses of England look dejected with defeat as they prepare to leave Australia at Sydney Airport
The Lionesses pictured queuing at the airport, ready to make the long journey home
Despite the 1-0 loss, fans were quick to praise the team for the “fantastic” job they had done for women’s football.
England players console themselves after losing to Spain in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final
Lucy Bronze collapsed in the England caucus after their 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final
