The opening match attracted an unprecedented 29,092 spectators, with a further 2.9m people watching live on BBC2, while the tournament overall entertained 115,816 fans at 15 matches.

To celebrate the huge success and to congratulate the England team and the tournament's organisers, The FA, together with MPs and Lords, invited players, coaching staff and competition officials to the Jubilee Room at the Houses of Parliament for a special reception on Tuesday.

Sir Trevor Brooking, The FA's Director of Football Development was present alongside Hope Powell and England team captain Faye White. She was joined by 14 members of the Euro 2005 squad, including Kelly Smith, Fara Williams and Karen Carney.

Many members of both the Commons and Lords came to congratulate the team, including Education Secretary Ruth Kelly who praised The FA on hosting a successful tournament and for their work in developing the female game pledging more support for schools sport.

Football is now the number one participation sport for women and girls, with over 100,000 playing regular football in England. This wide participation base, in addition to the clear health, education and social benefits, is good news for today's grassroots and future England teams.

The tournament final and closing ceremony took place on Sunday 19 June at Blackburn Rovers' Ewood Park with Germany taking the honours for the fourth successive time.