As Football’s Coming Home blasted out of the speakers and players embraced in ecstasy, there was a sense of uncharted joy around Wembley Stadium. Over 87,000 spectators – a record for the occasion – had just witnessed England beat Germany 2-1 in the final of the Women’s European Championship, securing the nation’s first major senior trophy since the men’s team had lifted the 1966 World Cup against the same country at the same postcode.
Tears, unhinged dance moves, knee slides across glittered confetti and celebratory photos ensued. The joyous scenes even spread to the press conference room – often a more rigid, reserved environment – when the players interrupted coach Sarina Wiegman’s de-brief with their own rendition of Baddiel and Skinner’s famous anthem; Mary Earps and Lucy Bronze dancing on their manager’s desk like two uncaring school kids who’d just scored
