England’s Lionesses have once again made history by defending their European crown, defeating a powerful Spanish team 3-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a gripping 1-1 draw that stretched through regulation and extra time. The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final, held at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, was a match filled with emotion, resilience, tactical brilliance, and unforgettable drama.
This historic final not only sealed back-to-back European titles for England but also marked the first time since 1984 that a Women’s Euro final was decided by a penalty shootout.
Spain Strike Early After Dominating Possession
From the first whistle, Spain showed exactly why they had been considered one of the favorites throughout the tournament. Their signature possession-based style of play, built around their technically gifted midfielders like Aitana Bonmatí and Teresa Abelleira, helped them control the tempo early on.
In the 25th minute, Spain’s persistence paid off. Right-back Ona Batlle surged forward and delivered a beautifully floated cross into the heart of the box. England’s defense, momentarily caught off balance, allowed Mariona Caldentey to rise unmarked and head the ball into the back of the net, past goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. It was a deserved lead for La Roja, who had carved open the English backline with their crisp passing and fluid movement.
England Struggles After Losing Lauren James
The early goal left England reeling, and their situation worsened when creative midfielder Lauren James appeared to struggle with an ankle injury. Known for her dribbling flair and attacking instincts, James’s limited mobility impacted England’s ability to retain the ball in Spain’s half.
Coach Sarina Wiegman, renowned for her tactical intelligence, quickly responded. Just before halftime, she brought on Chloe Kelly—England’s hero from the 2022 final. It was a substitution that would go on to change the course of the match.
Super-Sub Chloe Kelly Sparks the Comeback
Chloe Kelly immediately made her presence felt. Her pace and strength on the flank helped stabilize England’s previously exposed left side, where Spain had been launching the majority of their attacks. Kelly’s high pressing and tactical discipline also lifted the team’s defensive intensity.
The turning point came in the 57th minute. With England pushing forward, Kelly delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Forward Alessia Russo timed her run perfectly, jumping above her marker to meet the ball with a strong, accurate header. The ball flew past goalkeeper Catalina Coll, and just like that, England were back in the match at 1-1.
The equalizer energized the Lionesses and reignited the contest, setting the stage for an intense final half hour of regular time and a nerve-wracking period of extra time.
Spain Keep Pushing, but England Hold the Line
Despite England’s renewed energy, Spain resumed their dominance in possession. Bonmatí, recently awarded the Ballon d’Or, continued to orchestrate play in the midfield, combining with Abelleira and Caldentey to probe the English defense with quick interchanges and creative passing.
However, England’s defense held strong. Millie Bright, Alex Greenwood, and Lucy Bronze formed a formidable backline, blocking shots, intercepting passes, and tracking runners with determination. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton remained alert and composed, stopping multiple long-range efforts from Spain.
During extra time, Spain once again dominated the ball but failed to convert their chances into a decisive goal. The match remained locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes, leading to the dreaded penalty shootout.
A Shootout for the Ages: England vs Spain from the Spot
The tension inside St. Jakob-Park was palpable as the teams prepared for the shootout—the first in a Women’s Euro final in over four decades.
Spain struck first, as goalkeeper Catalina Coll saved Beth Mead’s opening penalty, giving Spain an early advantage. But England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton quickly turned the tide. She dived low to deny Mariona Caldentey’s effort and followed up with another heroic save from Aitana Bonmatí, silencing Spain’s fans.
Leah Williamson, returning from injury to captain England, saw her effort saved by Coll to keep the shootout in the balance. But then came a pivotal moment—Spain’s substitute Salma Paralluelo, one of the rising stars of the tournament, stepped up and sent her shot wide of the post, a devastating miss that shifted the pressure firmly back onto Spain.
Chloe Kelly Delivers the Winning Blow Again
Up stepped Chloe Kelly, the woman who had already etched her name in English football history with her 2022 extra-time winner at Wembley. With steely focus, she made her signature slow, confident run-up before blasting the ball into the top corner.
The stadium erupted in jubilation as Kelly sprinted away in celebration, leaping into the arms of her teammates in front of the roaring England fans. It was another iconic moment in her career—and one that sealed England’s 3-1 victory in the shootout.
Post-Match Emotions: Pride, Joy, and Tears
After the final whistle, emotions spilled over. Chloe Kelly expressed her joy and pride:
“I’m so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge. I was calm and composed—I knew I was going to hit the back of the net.”
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who had emerged as the unexpected hero, praised the squad’s grit and unity during a post-match interview with BBC Sport:
“This team is just unbelievable. We’ve shown throughout this tournament that we can fight back. We have that spirit. We never give up—and we proved that today.”
Spain: Tournament Giants Fall Just Short
Spain, who had trailed for only four minutes across the entire tournament—and never once during the match against England—suffered a painful defeat. Their performance throughout Euro 2025 had been dominant, with convincing wins against Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
But despite boasting the tournament’s highest pass completion rate and one of the best defensive records, Spain faltered when it mattered most. Their failure to convert dominance into goals, especially during extra time, ultimately cost them their first Women’s Euro title.
Back-to-Back Champions: England’s New Era of Dominance
With this victory, England becomes just the second national team after Germany to win back-to-back UEFA Women’s European Championships. Manager Sarina Wiegman further solidified her legacy as one of the sport’s most accomplished coaches, having now led the Netherlands and England to major titles.
The Lionesses’ blend of youth and experience, tactical flexibility, and never-say-die attitude have made them one of the most admired teams in world football. Their success has also continued to boost the popularity of women’s football in the UK and across Europe, drawing millions of viewers, selling out stadiums, and inspiring a new generation of fans.
What Comes Next for the Lionesses?
With the 2025 European title in hand, England’s focus now shifts to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The qualification campaign begins later this year, and expectations will be sky-high.
Key players like Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Lauren James, and Hannah Hampton will play central roles in the team’s ambitions. Off the pitch, the Football Association (FA) has announced expanded investment in grassroots programs to build on the success of the Lionesses and increase access to football for girls across the country.
