Cricket World Cup: Queen congratulates England over 'thrilling' victory

The Queen has congratulated the England team for their nail-biting victory over New Zealand in the cricket World Cup.

Former players and the soon-to-be-departing prime minister Theresa May have also been reacting to the team winning their first world cup.

A statement issued by Buckingham Palace 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.

"Elizabeth R."

Mrs May posted a tweet that featured her in a video dancing with the caption: "Well done @EnglandCricket!"

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: "The most incredible result in the #CWC19Final - going all the way to a Super Over. Congrats to every member of the @englandcricketteam.

"This game shows what you can achieve with a slice of luck and when you never give up. And why it should be free to watch on TV."

The Conservative Party leadership contenders Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt were also euphoric.

Mr Johnson said: "An incredible day of sport! @Lewis Hamilton wins the British Grand Prix, @EnglandCricket win the #CWC19Final and well done @DjokerNole at Wimbledon!"

Mr Hunt could not resist referring to his leadership battle in which Mr Johnson is regarded as the frontrunner.

He said: "Won't make any trite comparisons about other contests where the seemingly impossible really can happen…but so proud to see the England cricket team lift the World Cup trophy for the first time on home soil!"

Former England captain Andrew Strauss said after the game: "I'm a wreck. I don't know what to say. It's completely unfathomable.

"The commitment, the effort, the drive, the determination, the hunger those guys showed under the upmost pressure, it was just extraordinary to watch.

"The greatest game of cricket in history! And it was in a Lord's World Cup final.

"The 22 players should be incredibly proud of themselves today. They have done their respective countries proud. It's a special moment for cricket, but particularly English cricket. We haven't had a moment like this before - those guys deserve to celebrate.

"They've been brave enough to try something different, something we've never done before in this country, and it has come off."

Former England player Graeme Swann tweeted: "That's the best game I've ever seen and the last hour was the worst and most nervous I've ever felt. WHAT A WIN!!!!! @englandcricket officially World Cup champions, I feel like crying/singing/dancing/hugging/screaming all at once!!!!"