Arsenal’s Beth Mead & Leah Williamson are European champions!

For the first time since 1966, football has come home and it was Arsenal’s Leah Williamson who captained the Lionesses to European glory.

An extra-time goal from Chloe Kelly helped England to a 2-1 victory over Germany under the Wembley arch on Sunday evening after Ella Toone and Lina Magull had earlier traded strikes.

Kelly, who missed much of the domestic season with an ACL injury, was in the right place at the right time as she latched onto a loose ball in the German box to poach home one of the most significant goals in English football history.

Arsenal’s Mead & Williamson are European champions after Lionesses beat Germany 2-1

Germany, who edged past France on Wednesday to set up Sunday’s final with England, were dealt a huge blow in the build-up to the contest as leading marksman Alexandra Popp pulled up in the warm-up with a muscle injury.

She would go on to play no part in the game and thus ended the competition as the joint-leading scorer. However, Beth Mead’s superior assist haul meant she took home the Golden Boot. The Arsenal winger was also named the Player of the Tournament having notched a staggering 11 goal contributions.

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Mead and Williamson were ever-presents throughout the tournament as the excellent Sarina Wiegman refused to alter his starting XI. In a tight and tense affair, skipper Williamson was a figure of serenity at the heart of England’s defence.

Speaking as a pundit on the BBC, Arsenal women’s coach Jonas Eidevall was full of praise for his two champions: “Beth Mead has been incredible in these Euros. Leah Williamson hasn’t put a foot wrong. She’s so young. This is the first time starting games in a major tournament. As a captain, she’s been a phenomenal leader.”

Kelly’s winner (and first England goal!) sparked scenes of unadulterated joy inside the stadium as a record 87,192 fans watched on. It was a magical moment, and one that’ll be etched into the minds of all supporters.

Many believe that this is merely the start for Wiegman’s Lionesses. Sunday’s victory was vindication for their stark improvement under the Dutchman since she succeeded Phil Neville as head coach last year.

The World Cup is next on the agenda for Wiegman’s young stars. But, for now, let’s enjoy football coming home for the first time in 56 years, eh?