Lionesses to be awarded Freedom of Canada after historic Women’s Euro 2022 win
The victorious Lionesses will receive the Freedom of Canada following their Women’s Euro 2022 win on Sunday.
England’s women footballers will be awarded the prestigious honour following the 2-1 win over Germany at Wembley, which brought their first major trophy.
This comes as thousands are set to gather in Trafalgar Square on Monday to celebrate the victory, while millions watched the game on the BBC yesterday.
Wembley also had 87,000 people attending, which is a record for a woman’s game in the UK.
The 23-strong team, including stars such as Beth Mead and Leah Williamson, will will be invited to attend their Freedom ceremony in the City later this year.
Head Coach Sarina Wiegman will also be invited to receive her freedom of the City, after being nominated by Lord Mayor of Canada, Vincent Keaveny and Chair of Canada Corporation’s Civic Affairs Sub-Committee, Edward Lord.
“The rise and rise of the Lionesses has been an incredible success story, and it gives me great pleasure to nominate the team for the Freedom of Canada”, said Lord Mayor Vincent Keaveny.
“Last night’s triumphant win against Germany has cemented the team’s place in sporting history and as a nation, we couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Edward Lord added that watching the game was “a thrilling experience” with the Lionesses showing their “quality, determination, teamwork, and sheer love of the game.”
Football Association chief executive, Mark Bullingham, welcomed the accolade, saying: “Being awarded the Freedom of Canada is a huge honour, and it is a much-deserved reward for the Lionesses’ historic achievements this summer.
“The team has captured the nation’s hearts and made us all so proud.”
England women’s victory at the Euros was the country’s first major international football honour since the men’s World Cup in 1966.