England cemented their place in history with a stunning penalty-shootout victory over Spain to retain their European title at Euro 2025.
Chloe Kelly, who scored the iconic winner at Wembley in the final of Euro 2022, was the hero again as she converted the decisive spot-kick to seal victory after Spain had missed three in a row, with Hannah Hampton saving two of them.
It is the first time an England team has won a major trophy on foreign soil and seals manager Sarina Wiegman’s status as one of the world’s greatest with her third successive European title – achieved with two countries.
The Lionesses also became the first side to win a single-legged Euros final having been behind at half-time, proving they are the ultimate comeback queens.
They looked down and out when they trailed for a fourth time at Euro 2025, having conceded first in all three knockout matches – but they would not allow their story to end in such a feeble manner.
Mariona Caldentey’s first-half header had put Spain in control, but it did little to dampen England’s unwavering belief and they refused to be beaten.
Substitute Kelly’s introduction changed things when she came on for a struggling Lauren James, named in the starting XI by Wiegman despite doubts over an ankle injury in the build-up.
Kelly’s whipped cross picked out Alessia Russo, who headed the ball into the far corner to make it 1-1.
The Lionesses then dug deep, putting in endless blocks and playing for a shootout, knowing they had what it took to deliver under pressure and complete the greatest achievement by an England team.
Having been second best in Sydney, England were seeking redemption for their World Cup final defeat and knew they faced the toughest of tests.
They have done things the hard way throughout the tournament – bouncing back from an opening defeat by France, coming from 2-0 down to beat Sweden in a penalty shootout and leaving it until the last minute to net a winner in extra time against Italy in the semi-final.
But despite demonstrating their comeback ability, few would have given them much of a chance at half-time when Wiegman’s gamble on James backfired and Spain were cruising.
Goalkeeper Hampton had to make several key saves, before Kelly’s introduction helped kick England into action and Russo scored her first goal of the knockout stages.
It has been a theme of this tournament – that England’s resilience was beyond anything shown by anyone else. They know how to win, they had proven it before and that was all they needed to turn to in the toughest moments.
Wiegman, the composer, the coolest woman in the stadium, made the right changes when it was clear Plan A had gone askew, another theme of the tournament.
And Kelly, who has enjoyed the limelight in this generation of Lionesses, ensured she had another key contribution in the final.
There was never any doubt when she fired the ball past goalkeeper Cata Coll, then ran into the corner by the England fans to celebrate – her shirt not whirling around her head this time, but held tightly by her team-mates.
What were the talking points for Spain?
Spain had not been able to celebrate their 2023 World Cup win properly in the wake of the Luis Rubiales sexual assault case and this was their chance to create further history.
In their first Euros final, they were favourites having not lost a match in the tournament or in 10 games in all competitions.
England had stumbled through the campaign, not fully convincing, while Spain had shown free-flowing football and some of their creative best, albeit against largely weaker opposition.
They capitalised when England left gaps open in midfield in the first half, exploiting James’ limitations out wide but missed chances to pull away.
That ultimately proved costly against opponents who were never really out of it.
Spain were threatening to take over with this generation of stars but England have proved to be their stumbling block in Europe.
While Spain will always be able to call themselves World Cup winners, their wait for European glory goes on.
Which players stood out?
Lauren Hemp was undoubtedly England’s best player, providing a long-ball outlet down their right-wing and pressing Spain’s backline into mistakes, particularly in the first half.
She was still sprinting after balls, dribbling past players and disrupting with her unpredictability deep in extra time.
On the other wing, Kelly’s impact was instant and she did what she needed to do -set up a goal and put away her spot-kick.
Meanwhile, defender Jess Carter – dropped to the bench for England’s semi-final win over Italy after suffering racial abuse – slotted back into the team and looked assured.
What were the standout stats?
England led for just four minutes and 52 seconds in the knockout stage of the tournament.
Ten goal involvements came via substitutes for England at Euro 2025 (five goals, five assists), the most on record (since 2013) at one tournament.
Six of the past 10 goals scored in European Championship finals have been scored by Women’s Super League players.
England became the first team to have three different matches go to extra time.
What’s next for these teams?
England will return home to a heroes’ welcome and enjoy their victory, with a celebration expected to take place in London. Manager Wiegman is under contract until the 2027 World Cup where they will hope to complete unfinished business.
Spain’s attention will also turn to the Brazil tournament where they hope to retain their title.
