Leicester City win 3-0 at Preston to secure the Championship title

Leicester City wins the EFL Championship and they are set to return to England's top-tier football next season. The Foxes' return to Premier League Football was already confirmed after Leeds' shocking 4-0 loss at QPR on Friday but Jamie Vardy scored twice at Preston to secure the Championship title on Monday. 

Enzo Maresca's side needed a victory at Preston to guarantee beat Ipswich to the top spot with a game to spare and did the same comfortably. Lots of credit goes to their 37-year-old captain, Jamie Vardy. He was one of the heroes of Leicester's memorable Premier League triumph in 2016 and he became the hero once again in their promotion too.

Read Also: How did Leicester City get promoted back to the English Premier League in their first attempt?

Leicester City wins the Championship title

🌟 Goodnight, CHAMPIONS 🌟 pic.twitter.com/2FPR8QjZ35

— Leicester City (@LCFC) April 29, 2024

Vardy extended his tally to 18 after scoring twice at Deepdale. Vardy opened the scoring when his effort found the far corner in the 36th minute before smashing into an open net after Faes' shot came back off the post.

Kasey McAteer sealed the victory and secured the title when he scored with his head from Abdul Fatawu's cross in the 67th minute of the game. Abdul also has played a huge role this season for the Foxes, assisting 13 times for them.

Leicester desperately needed to return to the Premier League at the first attempt with the club running up huge losses. They were charged in March by the Premier League for alleged breaches of profit and sustainability rules (PSR) relating to their last three years in the top flight. If found guilty, Leicester could start life back in the top flight with a points deduction.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game but we got the job done. Celebrating with the fans is great," said Vardy. "How could you not love scoring goals? Especially the second one, scoring in front of the fans - you can't get a better feeling than that," he added.

CHAMPIONS OLE OLE 🥳🎉🎊 pic.twitter.com/oMS1T2YtZw

— Leicester City (@LCFC) April 29, 2024

On the other side, Leeds are sitting second on goal difference ahead of Ipswich, who have a game in hand away at Coventry on Tuesday. Ipswich will then have to host Huddersfield on the final day while Leeds face Southampton at Elland Road. Only the top two will get automatically promoted, while teams that finish from third to sixth go into the playoffs to decide the third promotion spot.