‘Heaven and heel’: how the papers, a prince and the people rejoiced at Lionesses’ Euro semi win

England’s women have united the nation and the front pages after their thumping 4-0 win over Sweden in the semi-final of Euro 2022 prompted spontaneous celebrations.

The victory at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on Tuesday night means the Lionesses have the chance to go one better than their male counterparts 12 months ago and become European champions when they face either France or Germany at Wembley on Sunday.

The win in front of a record crowd for a Euro semi-final was greeted with tears, cheers and choruses of “football’s coming home” in Sheffield city centre where about 2,000 fans had gathered to watch on a giant screen as the goals went in.

There were also large crowds in Trafalgar Square in London and scenes of jubilation in pubs across the country as the team overcame a shaky start to defeat the highest ranked team in the tournament.

Wednesday’s newspaper front pages nearly all carry pictures of the triumphant players but only the Sun leads on the story. “Now bring on Germany (or France) at Wembley” it says, with an image of a beaming Fran Kirby celebrating after she made it 4-0.

Tomorrow's front page: England's Lionesses hammer Sweden 4-0 to set up a Euros final against France or Germany at Wembley https://t.co/KNOOBYRaRA pic.twitter.com/6zSb2xIe4L

The Guardian has a large picture of Kirby being mobbed by her teammates after her brilliant chipped finish. “England put four past Swedes to reach Euro2022 final at Wembley”, says the headline.

Guardian front page, Wednesday 27 July 2022: Ministers ‘played fast and loose’ with £777m in Covid contracts pic.twitter.com/8GixejBDnb

The Mail’s page one picture is headlined “Roarsome! Rampant Lionesses makes us dare to dream”, while the Times has “Lionesses roar through to