England’s national football team, fondly known as the Three Lions, stands on the cusp of making history once again. Should they triumph over Spain in the Euro 2024 final this Sunday, the nation will celebrate with an extravagant open-top bus parade through the heart of London.
The Victory Route
The parade route has been meticulously planned to showcase England’s glory, starting from Guildhall in the City of London. The journey will take Gareth Southgate’s squad past iconic landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Trafalgar Square, culminating at Buckingham Palace for a royal reception. This grand event promises to draw an estimated million fans eager to celebrate the historic victory.
A Royal Reception
Upon arrival at Buckingham Palace, the team will be greeted by members of the royal family, with Prince William, the president of the FA, potentially leading the reception. This illustrious welcome will mirror the royal acknowledgment the nation received in 1966 when Queen Elizabeth II presented the World Cup trophy to Bobby Moore at Wembley Stadium.
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National Celebration
The festivities are set to extend over two days, beginning with the open-top bus parade on Monday. Following the parade, the team will meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street. Starmer is expected to travel to Berlin to support the team during the final.
Preparations and Public Reaction
Preparations for the parade are already underway, reflecting the nation’s optimism and excitement. The anticipation is palpable, especially after England’s dramatic semi-final victory over the Netherlands, with Ollie Watkins scoring a decisive goal in the 90th minute, sparking jubilation among fans.
A New Bank Holiday?
There is also speculation about the introduction of a new bank holiday to commemorate the potential victory, adding another layer of celebration to the historic achievement. However, this proposal has drawn some criticism, particularly from supporters of the Lionesses, who were denied a victory parade after their 2022 Euros win against Germany.
Could It Finally Be Coming Home?
As the countdown to the final continues, England fans are filled with hope and excitement. The possibility of ending a major trophy drought since 1966 has the nation buzzing. All eyes will be on Berlin this Sunday as the Three Lions aim to bring football home once again.
The nation waits with bated breath, ready to celebrate a victory that would resonate through the annals of English football history.
