The English jubilant after the coronation of the Lionesses at the Euro against Germany

Jill Lawless, The Associated Press

LONDON — The cup is back home.

England won their first major soccer title on Saturday for the first in just over half a century. The fact that it was the women’s roster, not the men’s, that ended the decades of disappointments makes the moment even sweeter for some supporters.

After the final whistle that confirmed England’s 2-1 victory over Germany in extra time, the crowds were in jubilation at Wembley Stadium, in the outdoor broadcast areas, in the bars and in trade shows across the country.

It was the first Euro victory for the English team, and the first major title for the Three Lions – men and women – since 1966.

In London’s Trafalgar Square, supporters sang « it’s coming home » — a reference to the English anthem « Three Lions » and its refrain « football is coming home » — and are thrown into fountains to celebrate.

« I’m so happy, » said 24-year-old Becca Stewart. It shows that after all these years, women’s football is something that is close to our hearts and something to be excited about. We did it — the men couldn’t, but we did!

At Wembley, the crowd broke into Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’, a popular sports tune.

« The girls finally brought football home, » noted Mary Caine, who was in the stands with her eight-year-old daughter. “We are delighted. It is a historic moment. It was magical here and it was a defining moment for the progress of women’s sports. »

Regardless of the outcome, the Lionesses have galvanized a nation and taken interest in women’s sport in the UK to a whole new level.

Their success served as a balm for political problems in the UK and the rising cost of living affecting food and fuel in particular.

The final was played in front of a record crowd of 87,000 at Wembley and drew big television ratings, after the tournament received media coverage like never before. More than nine million people watched England’s 4-0 victory over Sweden in the semi-finals last week.

Before Sunday, no team from the United Kingdom – England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland – had won a major tournament since the crowning of the English men’s team against Germany in the West at the 1966 World Cup.

The English drought came close to being broken last summer when the men’s team lost in the final of the Men’s Euro in the penalty session against Italy.