Duke of Cambridge leads praise for Lionesses as England reach Euro 2022 final

The Duke of Cambridge has said the 'entire country is so proud' of the England women's national football team after the Lionesses' 4-0 semi-final victory over Sweden booked them a place in the Euro 2022 final.

Goals from Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Manchester United's Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby means they will play at a sold-out Wembley Stadium on Sunday, while 7,000 fans will also celebrate in an expanded Trafalgar Square fan zone. Their opponents will be decided tonight, when France and Germany meet at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes.

Prince William, president of the Football Association, shared words of encouragement after the Lionesses' win - Sweden were the highest-ranked team in the Uefa Women's Euro 2022 competition.

Posting from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's @KensingtonRoyal Twitter account, the Duke of Cambridge said: "Congratulations @Lionesses on making it to the #WEURO2022 final on Sunday.

"The entire country is so proud of everything you’re achieving. We believe in you and will be with you all the way!" Gary Lineker, meanwhile, was full of praise for England's 'wonderful' victory, calling it a 'fabulous performance and win for @Lionesses'.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney also shared his pride, tweeting: "What a performance by @Lionesses tonight. A well deserved #WEURO2022 final coming up. Congratulations to all the players and staff."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulated manager Sarina Wiegman's team for its historic feat, tweeting a Union Jack flag emoji and adding: "On to Wembley! A fantastic result for captain @leahcwilliamson and the @Lionesses tonight against Sweden. Come on England, bring it home."

Nadine Dorries, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, tweeted: