Chloe Kelly scored the decisive penalty as England beat Spain 3-1 in a dramatic shootout to lift the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 trophy after a 1-1 draw at the end of extra time. The victory at St Jakob-Park in Basel not only avenged England’s heartbreaking 2023 World Cup final loss to Spain but also cemented Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses as back-to-back European champions.
Spain looked set to repeat history after Mariona Caldentey’s first-half header gave them a deserved lead. Dominating possession and dictating the tempo, La Roja threatened to derail England’s hopes once again. However, just like in their dramatic quarter-final against Sweden and semi-final against Italy, England’s resilience came through.
Russo’s Equaliser Sparks Comeback
Despite Spain’s early dominance, Alessia Russo brought England level in the 57th minute, heading in from a Chloe Kelly cross. England never looked back, and the momentum gradually shifted.
England pushed hard in extra time, with Kelly coming close again, but the game went to penalties — setting the stage for a gripping climax.
Chloe Kelly Delivers Again in Penalty Drama
After a tense shootout, Chloe Kelly slotted home the winning penalty, securing a 3-1 shootout win. “I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net,” Kelly told the BBC.
Spain, meanwhile, faltered under pressure, with three missed penalties including a save from reigning Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati. “Football is cruel. Everything seems bad right now, but I think we played the best football during the tournament,” said Bonmati to TVE.
Wiegman Makes History with Third Euro Title
Sarina Wiegman has now won three consecutive Women’s European Championships — with the Netherlands in 2017 and with England in 2022 and 2025 — becoming one of the most successful coaches in the history of the women’s game. “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,” said Wiegman.
“Losing your first game and becoming European champions is incredible,” she added.
England’s Journey: Comebacks, Grit, and Glory
The Lionesses’ road to glory was paved with comebacks. Down 2-0 to Sweden in the quarter-finals, they forced extra time and won on penalties. Against Italy, they scored in the 96th minute before Chloe Kelly’s extra-time winner.
The final saw another inspired decision from Wiegman, who gambled on starting Lauren James despite injury concerns. However, James had to be substituted before half-time, with super-sub Kelly once again rising to the occasion.
National Pride as Lionesses Make History
With over 34,000 fans in attendance, England’s players were buoyed by vocal support in Basel. “What a team. What a game. You dug deep when it mattered most and you’ve made the nation proud. History makers,” wrote British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on X.
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