Chloe Kelly was the hero once again as England beat Spain 3-1 on penalties to win the Women’s Euro 2025 after a 1-1 draw in extra time on Sunday.
The win, which came at the St Jakob-Park in Basel, helped the Lionesses get revenge for their 2023 World Cup final loss to Spain and also retain their European crown.
Spain took the lead in the first half through a header from Mariona Caldentey, and they looked in control for most of the game. But England, just like in their earlier matches, came from behind.
Alessia Russo scored England’s equaliser in the 57th minute, heading home a cross from Kelly. After 120 minutes with no further goals, the match went to penalties.
Kelly, who came off the bench, scored the final penalty to give England the victory. “I was calm and confident. I knew I was going to score,” she told the BBC.
Spain missed three of their four spot kicks. Even their star player, Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, saw her shot saved. Only Patri Guijarro managed to score for Spain in the shootout.
England coach Sarina Wiegman made history, winning her third straight Euro title — first with the Netherlands in 2017 and now back-to-back with England.
“What a performance from this team,” she said. “We said we could win in any situation, and we’ve done it again.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was at the stadium, praised the team in a post on X: “What a team. What a game. You’ve made the nation proud. History makers.”
Spain, the current world champions, were hoping to win their first Euro title but couldn’t hold on to their early lead. They controlled possession but couldn’t take their chances.
“I’m in shock,” Bonmati said after the game. “We played well throughout the tournament. This is a cruel way to lose.”
England’s path to the final wasn’t easy. They came back from 2-0 down to beat Sweden in the quarter-finals and needed a late equaliser in the semi-final against Italy before winning both games on penalties.
On Sunday, Lauren James returned from injury but had to be substituted before half-time. It was Kelly who stepped up once again, delivering a strong performance and providing the assist for Russo’s goal.
In the shootout, England’s Beth Mead missed her first attempt after being asked to retake, and captain Leah Williamson also had her kick saved. But Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles scored before Kelly sealed the win.
