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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
James Morris

England cricket fans call for World Cup victory parade to celebrate historic win

England cricket fans were today calling for a victory parade to be held to honour the country's World Cup heroes .

The English Cricket Board has held talks with the Greater London Authority about staging an event such as a parade or a street party to celebrate the side's success .

But the governing body has decided against hosting one given the limited time between Sunday’s final and the start of The Ashes series.

However fans were desperate to have that decision overturned and for the team's historic victory to be celebrated publicly.

One fan wrote: "England deserves a victory parade! We shouldn't even be asking this has to be easily the biggest win this country has seen in ages!"

Champions: Ben Stokes with Eoin Morgan (AP)

A petition on Change.org calling for a victory parade was also set up today.

Piers Morgan said on Good Morning Britain today: "Where's the open top bus parade?"

His comments came hours after thousands of ecstatic England cricket fans flocked to Trafalgar Square to celebrate the side's epic victory over New Zealand.

England and New Zealand fans had gathered in the square’s fan zone to watch one of the most dramatic cup finals in sporting history.

But it was the England fans who were in ecstasy after the men’s team became world champions for the first time ever at Lord’s.

They, alongside the 30,000 fans inside the ground and millions watching at home, were rapturous after the final was decided by a super over.

Fans watching a big screen in the Fanzone at Trafalgar Square (PA)

A number of fans stripped off as they celebrated inside the water fountain, with the party promising to go on all night.

Callum Stevens, 23, told PA of the scenes in Trafalgar Square: "I've watched cricket all my life. I've never had a moment like that ever.

England cricket fans go wild in Trafalgar Square as England win the Cricket World Cup

"I can't describe it. A super over. It never happens. Suddenly it's the World Cup final and we've got to use a super over. It's absolute pandemonium. People are like: 'What is going on?'

"And it went ballistic in there and everyone's in the fountain. Euphoria. The best sporting thing I've ever seen in my life hands down."

Moment of glory: England ift the World Cup (Action Images via Reuters)

Meanwhile, not far away in Buckingham Palace, the Queen released a statement congratulating the team, which was led by the superb Ben Stokes.

She said: "Prince Philip and I send our warmest congratulations to the England Men's Cricket team after such a thrilling victory in today's World Cup Final.

"I also extend my commiserations to the runners-up New Zealand, who competed so admirably in today's contest and throughout the tournament.”

We did it!: Joss Butler celebrates England's win (Getty Images)

Outside Lords, the atmosphere was just as jubilant.

Marianne Benton, 59, from Marlborough, Wiltshire, told PA as she left the ground: "You would not be able to make it up, it was like a penalty shoot-out but better.

Eoin Morgan lauds 'almost superhuman' Ben Stokes

"It was unbelievable. If this does not get people more interest in cricket, I don't know what will.

"It was quite emotional in there, strangers were kissing each other, people were crying, it was amazing. People were cheering and shouting out."

Meanwhile, the Royal Mail has said it will use special stamps, white and gold postboxes and a postmark to celebrate the England cricket team's historic victory.

A sheet of stamps will showcase images of the England men's team from their Cricket World Cup winning campaign while a second sheet will feature images of the England women's winning team from their 2017 victory.

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