Defending Champions England Beat Spain On Penalties To Win Women’s Euro 2025

Defending Champions England Beat Spain on Penalties to Win Women’s Euro 2025

England retained their Women’s Euro crown after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Spain in Basel on Sunday, as Chloe Kelly held her nerve to convert the decisive spot-kick in a 3-1 shootout triumph. The game ended 1-1 after extra time, with Alessia Russo’s header cancelling out Mariona Caldentey’s opener.

The win marked a moment of redemption for the Lionesses, who avenged their painful 2023 World Cup final defeat to Spain in Sydney. Sarina Wiegman’s side showcased resilience once again, fighting back from behind as they had done in earlier knockout rounds to seal back-to-back European Championship glory.

Spain Strike First, England Hold Nerve

Spain, looking to add a first European title to their 2023 World Cup triumph, dominated possession from the start. Their control was rewarded in the 38th minute when Ona Batlle’s precise cross from the right found Caldentey, who powered a header past Mary Earps to put La Roja ahead.

England, however, refused to panic. Having come from behind in both the quarter-final against Sweden and the semi-final versus Italy, they grew in confidence after the break. In the 57th minute, Chloe Kelly—who replaced the injured Lauren James in the first half—delivered a dangerous cross from the left, and Russo rose highest to head home the equaliser.

From that point on, the Lionesses sensed another comeback win. Kelly, who had changed the game with her energy, nearly put England ahead with a curling effort that required a fingertip save from Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll.

Extra Time and Penalty Drama

With neither side able to find a winner in extra time, the final went to a shootout. England endured an early setback when Beth Mead’s penalty was saved, even after she was forced to retake. Captain Leah Williamson also saw her effort stopped by Coll.

But Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles both converted their kicks, while Spain faltered under pressure. Aitana Bonmati, the Ballon d’Or winner, saw her penalty saved, and Patri Guijarro was the only Spanish scorer.

At 2-1 up, Kelly stepped up with the chance to win it. Showing composure reminiscent of her heroics in the 2022 final, she coolly slotted home the decisive spot-kick, sparking wild celebrations among England players and the 34,203 spectators at St Jakob-Park.

“I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net,” Kelly told the BBC after her match-winning strike.

Wiegman’s Historic Feat

For England head coach Sarina Wiegman, this victory cements her place among the greats of women’s football management. She has now won three consecutive European Championships—guiding the Netherlands to victory in 2017 before leading England to back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2025.

“We said we can win by any means and that’s what we have shown again today. I am so proud of the team and the staff. It is incredible,” Wiegman said. “Losing your first game and becoming European champions is incredible.”

England had opened the tournament with a loss to France but recovered to mount a remarkable campaign. They overcame Sweden in the quarter-finals after rallying from 2-0 down to win on penalties and needed a stoppage-time equaliser from Michelle Agyemang to force extra time in the semi-final against Italy, where Kelly struck the winner.

Redemption for the Lionesses

This triumph was especially sweet for England after the heartbreak of the 2023 World Cup final, where Spain had edged them 1-0. “What a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you’ve made the nation proud. History makers,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted on X after attending the match.

Spain, meanwhile, were left to rue missed opportunities and poor finishing. “I am in shock,” Bonmati admitted. “Football is cruel. Everything seems bad right now, but I think we played the best football during the tournament.”

Despite their dominance in possession, Spain’s inability to convert chances and seal the game proved costly. Coll’s earlier error nearly gifted England a goal when her short pass allowed Lauren Hemp to pounce, though the goalkeeper redeemed herself with a crucial save.

Kelly Delivers Once Again

Chloe Kelly’s impact off the bench was reminiscent of her decisive goal in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley. Her assist for Russo’s equaliser and eventual winning penalty underlined her status as England’s clutch performer in big moments.

“It’s about the whole team,” Kelly said. “We’ve shown fight, belief and togetherness throughout the tournament. We never give up, and this is what it means to be Lionesses.”

Spain Fall Short

Spain had arrived in Basel as favourites, boasting a midfield led by Bonmati and a young, talented squad. However, their defeat highlighted the unpredictability of tournament football. Despite playing arguably the best football at Euro 2025, their inability to convert possession into goals ultimately denied them a maiden European crown.

Head coach Montse Tomé praised her team despite the heartbreak: “We have to keep our heads high. We played with our identity, but in football, sometimes it comes down to moments. England are a great team, and they took their chance.”

A New Era of Dominance?

England’s back-to-back triumphs signal a golden era for women’s football in the country. The Lionesses have now reached three consecutive major finals—Euro 2022, World Cup 2023, and Euro 2025—winning two of them.

With a mix of experienced leaders like Williamson, Greenwood, and Mead, and rising talents such as James, Russo, and Agyemang, England look poised to remain contenders for years to come.

As Wiegman celebrated with her players, the sense of belief around the Lionesses was palpable. “This is just the beginning,” captain Williamson declared. “We’ve shown we can win even when it’s tough. We’re building a legacy.”

Looking Ahead

For Spain, the loss will sting, but their young squad still has immense potential. La Roja remain one of the most technically gifted teams in the world and will aim to bounce back at the 2027 World Cup.

For England, however, Euro 2025 will be remembered as a campaign of grit, resilience, and redemption. From a shaky start to unforgettable comeback wins, the Lionesses have once again captured the imagination of a nation—cementing their place as Europe’s dominant force.

As Kelly lifted the trophy high in Basel, it felt like history repeating itself—but also a sign that England’s women are not done making it.