Welcome home Lionesses! England’s World Cup stars share their reunions with friends and much-missed pets after landing at Heathrow this morning… after ‘devastating’ fans by leaving through a private exit
The England lionesses have flown back to London less than 48 hours after their heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
The players made history with their performance in the match at Stadium Australia, but despite a brave penalty save from goalkeeper Mary Earps, England were unable to overcome the one-goal deficit after captain Olga Carmona struck after half an hour.
The final became the second most watched television event of 2023, with twelve million people tuning in to the BBC alone to cheer on the Lionesses.
But after the dust settled, Sarina Wiegman’s side made the journey from Australia to land at Heathrow at 6:40am on Tuesday morning, wasting no time returning home to family and friends.
Shortly after landing, Captain Millie Bright shared photos of a new addition to her household on Instagram: a miniature long-haired Dachshund named Elsa.
Lioness Captain Millie Bright celebrated her return home with a photo of her new puppy
The long-haired dachshund Elsa was a birthday present for her 30th birthday from friend Levi Crew
Chloe Kelly also enjoyed a reunion with her two dogs Otis and Rolo after flying to London earlier this morning
The puppy was given to the Chelsea defender as a birthday present by her boyfriend, Levi Crew, the day after she turned 30 while on air.
Chloe Kelly made a reunion with furry friends a priority when she got home, sharing a photo of “her boys,” Cavapoochon Otis and Cavopoo Rolo.
Kelly said ahead of the tournament that she would miss her two dogs the most while Down Under, adding, “You can FaceTime home, can’t you?”
From the mirrorRolo was a gift Kelly gave herself after winning the 2022 European Championships last year.
The Manchester City winger scored the winning goal in last summer’s final against Germany to clinch the trophy on home soil, but was unable to prove the difference against Spain when she was introduced as a second-half substitute.
Rachel Daly shared photos of her rescue dog Dexi as she came home from the World Cup
The lionesses look tired yesterday as they arrive at Sydney airport to head home to England
WSL Golden Boot winner Rachel Daly similarly marked her homecoming, sharing photos of her rescue dog Dexi on Instagram.
In comparison, Lauren James couldn’t wait to get back into her Chelsea line-up and visit teammates at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground hours after landing at nearby Heathrow.
The talented striker looked delighted to be back on home soil after a tournament of highs and lows that saw her hailed as one of the league’s players after a sweltering group stage before being handed a lewd two-match ban after receiving a red card received. card in England’s round of 16 against Nigeria.
The Lionesses’ swift passage through Heathrow this morning immediately after landing came as a disappointment to some fans, who made the journey to London airport to greet players from the plane.
However, the FA told MailOnline that neither the women’s nor the men’s national teams publicly arrive after major tournaments.
About 40 fans, including children, had gathered at Terminal 3 early this morning hoping to meet the stars. A 10-year-old boy named Mason was waiting with an autograph book after traveling from nearby Hayes with his aunt Michelle Atkins.
Lauren James seemed elated to be back on home soil as she checked in with Cobham to catch up with her Chelsea teammates
Around 1,000 footballs play ‘Proud’ on the grass of the Actonians Ladies FC ground in Chiswick
The ‘Proud’ tribute to the players is located under the flight path to Heathrow at Actonians Ladies FC
Lionesses fans awaited the England team’s arrival at London Heathrow Airport this morning
But the FA confirmed that neither men’s nor women’s teams are admitted by the public after major tournaments
Mason, who was almost in tears when he was interviewed, said: ‘Everyone kept saying they wouldn’t work it out, they won’t work it out – I believed they would work it out. And when we finally heard they weren’t coming out, actually a confirmation, I was devastated because I wanted to see Mary (Earps) or Millie Bright, because they did extremely well in the World Cup and I’m proud of them.’
England was greeted over the capital with a message from the ground: 1,000 footballs with the text ‘proud’ on the ground of Actonians Ladies’ FC in Chiswick, which is directly below the flight path.
In the aftermath of Sunday’s defeat, Bright poured out fans’ praise and thanked supporters for their boundless faith.
Thank you for always supporting us and always believing in us,” Bright said in an emotional interview. “It’s the fans who get us through it; it’s the fans that give us our motivation and our drive to get better – not just on the pitch but off it, and that define our values and standards.
The Chelsea star also praised his teammates, adding: “I wouldn’t want to be part of any other team. The girls have been outstanding throughout the tournament and every day.
“I think we can look back in a few weeks when the emotions have subsided and really appreciate our trip.”
The England players were devastated to lose to Spain on Sunday after a strong campaign
Esme Morgan consoled Rachel Daly on the pitch after the defeat as Spain lifted the trophy
But after the final game, Bright took the time to praise the fans and her fellow Lionesses on TV