Leah Williamson chokes back tears in emotional speech as Lionesses celebrate with 50,000 fans

England captain Leah Williamson has said she was fighting back the tears during the European champions’ open top bus parade through London on Tuesday lunchtime.

And the Arsenal star reckoned the Lionesses doing it “the hard way” by coming from behind in all three knockout fixtures while winning twice in a penalty shootout has made this experience one of the best of her career.

"I'm holding back tears. I've been crying all down The Mall,” Williamson said when being interviewed by former England star turned TV presenter Alex Scott in front of an estimated crowd of 50,000.

"This is unbelievable, this is probably one of the best [things] we have ever been a part of, so thank you for coming out.

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"There are many ways to win a football match. And we repeatedly did it the hard way, but you can see how much we care about playing for England and how much we love it."

Scott then had to apologise on behalf of super sub Chloe Kellyafter she was so caught up in the celebrations that she swore when live on TV.

"It feels so good to stand side by side with each and every one of these girls. It's so ******* special,” Kelly said. "It's incredible to stand here today with a winners' medal around our necks and I'm so proud to be English."

Youngster Michelle Ageymang, another who made a major impact coming off the bench in Switzerland, added: “I love all you guys. I am so grateful to be here. It feels surreal seeing all those people; it feels fake.”

The entire squad was present for the latest bit of their deserved celebrations - apart from defender Jess Carter, who was forced to return to the United States by her club Gotham FC.

They face Chicago in a NWSL clash on Friday night and Carter has not been granted time off to soak up the glory with her team-mates.

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