ENGLAND 1-1 SPAIN (1-3 Pens): The Lionesses came from behind in Basel thanks to Alessia Russo’s second half header and after the game went the distance, Hannah Hampton came up trumps for Sarina Wiegman’s side before Chloe Kelly blasted home the decider
It was a night of pure drama in Basel as England won the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, defeating Spain on penalties to defend their European crown. The Lionesses avenged their heartbreaking 2023 Women’s World Cup final defeat against Spain, proving their resilience and big-match pedigree in front of a roaring crowd.
The clash between Europe’s two best teams lived up to its billing. England came into the final with memories of their 2023 defeat still fresh, but Sarina Wiegman’s side showed they had learned from the past. From the first whistle, England started with intent, and Alessia Russo’s low strike inside the opening minutes forced Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll into a smart save.
Coll, however, almost turned villain 20 minutes in. Her careless pass inside the box was intercepted by Lauren Hemp, who pounced on the error only to see Coll redeem herself with a vital save from point-blank range. The Lionesses’ early dominance failed to produce a goal, and they were punished in ruthless fashion.
Against the run of play, Spain struck first. Ona Batlle whipped in a perfect cross from the right, and Mariona Caldentey rose highest to head powerfully into the top corner. The goal sent Spanish fans wild and silenced the English supporters, a reminder of the attacking quality that had made Spain world champions two years ago.
The world champions draw first blood
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Things worsened for England moments later when star forward Lauren James, who had been a doubt before kick-off, went down clutching her ankle. Her withdrawal looked like a massive blow, but her replacement, Chloe Kelly, soon became the night’s hero.
After the restart, England showed their trademark fight. Just 10 minutes into the second half, Kelly floated in a brilliant cross that Russo met perfectly, sending a looping header beyond Coll into the far corner. The equaliser sparked wild celebrations, as England grew in confidence while Spain struggled to regain their rhythm.
Alessia Russo levels matters for the Lionesses
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Spain eventually found their composure and almost restored their lead when Clàudia Pina unleashed a fierce left-footed drive that forced Hannah Hampton into an acrobatic save. Both sides battled fiercely, but neither could find a winner in regulation time, sending the final into extra time.
The 30 added minutes were cagey and tense, with neither team willing to take the decisive risk. Every tackle, every pass was made with extreme caution as both nations feared a fatal mistake. For the first time since 1984, a Women’s Euro final was to be decided on penalties.
The shootout began with both teams holding their nerve, converting their first three spot kicks each. But the turning point came when Spain’s Salma Paralluelo dragged her penalty wide. The miss handed England the chance to seal the title, and it was fitting that Chloe Kelly, who had scored the winning goal in the 2022 final, stepped up once again.
Kelly, cool as ever, sent Coll the wrong way and buried her penalty, sparking an explosion of joy among the Lionesses. England had done it – back-to-back European champions, the first team since Germany in 2013 to achieve the feat.
The victory was not just about silverware. It was a story of redemption, character, and belief. England had been haunted by their 2023 defeat, but on the biggest stage of all, they showed heart, composure, and resilience to overcome their fiercest rivals.
The scenes in Basel were electric as captain Leah Williamson lifted the trophy, surrounded by ecstatic teammates draped in the St George’s flag. It was a night that will forever be etched in English football history, a reminder of how far the women’s game has come – and how much further it can still go.
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— UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 27, 2025
For the Lionesses, this was more than a victory. It was the ultimate statement that they belong at the very top of world football, ready to dominate for years to come. The celebrations in Basel told a story of joy, pride, and redemption – a golden era for English women’s football that shows no signs of slowing down.
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