England defeats Spain on penalties to retain Women’s Euro title

July 28, 2025 – 20:00 ET

England has secured back-to-back European titles after defeating Spain 3-1 on penalties in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final, held Sunday night in Basel, Switzerland. The tightly contested match ended 1-1 after extra time, before the Lionesses prevailed in the shootout behind another heroic performance from forward Chloe Kelly and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.

England claims second straight European crown

In a rematch of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final—which saw Spain emerge as champions—England turned the tables with a determined and emotional performance. Chloe Kelly, once again the difference-maker as she was in the 2022 Euro final, scored the decisive penalty after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time.

Head coach Sarina Wiegman’s side showcased remarkable resilience throughout the tournament, and Sunday’s victory served as a testament to the depth and maturity of the squad. From experienced stars to rising talents, every player contributed to a historic win.

“We have that grit. We’ve got English blood in us,” said goalkeeper Hannah Hampton in a post-match interview with the BBC. “I can’t believe it. I don’t think it’s going to sink in for a while.”

Kelly, Hampton, and Russo lead England’s charge

The game’s standout performers reflected a blend of proven leaders and emerging stars. Chloe Kelly cemented her status as a tournament legend by scoring the final penalty—her third decisive contribution in as many key matches.

Hannah Hampton, stepping up after legendary goalkeeper Mary Earps’ retirement, saved two Spanish penalties in the shootout. She previously played a crucial role in England’s quarterfinal win against Sweden, saving two spot-kicks in that match as well.

Meanwhile, forward Alessia Russo continued to prove herself as a world-class striker. Her 57th-minute header equalized the game after Mariona Caldentey gave Spain the lead in the first half.

Veteran defender Lucy Bronze revealed after the match that she had played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia—adding another layer of admiration to her performance across six high-intensity matches.

Rising stars prove the future is bright

England’s victory wasn’t just a story of familiar heroes. Michelle Agyemang, the 18-year-old sensation, won the UEFA Young Player of the Tournament award after key goals in the quarterfinal and semifinal. Her emergence marks a new generation of talent poised to carry the Lionesses forward.

The depth of the squad proved invaluable after injuries challenged Wiegman’s lineup. When Lauren James was forced off with an ankle issue in the first half, it was Chloe Kelly who stepped in—just as she did in the 2022 final—providing a game-changing presence off the bench.

Spain shows strength, but England holds firm

Spain, the reigning world champions, were widely regarded as the favorites heading into the match. They demonstrated why in the first half, controlling possession and opening the scoring in the 25th minute with a signature tiki-taka move finished by Caldentey.

La Roja dominated long spells of the match and nearly regained the lead in extra time through substitute Salma Paralluelo, who missed a golden opportunity from close range.

Spain’s goalkeeper Cata Coll made several key saves, including a fingertip stop on Kelly’s curling shot late in regulation. But the penalty shootout proved their undoing. Two Spanish players saw their penalties saved, and one missed the target, giving England the advantage.

Penalty shootout drama seals the title

With the score locked at 1-1 after extra time, the final moved to penalties—just as England’s quarterfinal and semifinal matches had.

Hampton stopped shots from Aitana Bonmatí and Irene Guerrero, while Paralluelo sent her attempt wide. England converted three of four penalties, with Kelly’s final strike sealing the win.

The Arsenal forward, who missed a penalty earlier in the tournament before scoring the rebound, made no mistake this time. She fired high into the net before running to her teammates in celebration.

“I’m so grateful to wear this badge, and I’m so proud to be English,” Kelly told the BBC. “I don’t miss penalties twice!”

Royal praise and national pride

The team’s triumph drew celebrations across the United Kingdom, including from members of the Royal Family. King Charles III released a statement congratulating the Lionesses:

“You have my whole family’s warmest appreciation and admiration. More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory.”

Prince William and Princess Charlotte also praised the team on X (formerly Twitter), posting:

“What a game! Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn’t be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment.”

A record-breaking tournament for women’s football

The Women’s Euro 2025 marked a new milestone for the sport. The total attendance for the tournament surpassed 657,000, the highest in UEFA Women’s Euro history. The final in Basel drew tens of thousands of fans, while millions more watched from home across Europe and beyond.

The sport continues to grow in stature, with England and Spain at the forefront of a rising global interest in women’s football. Despite controversies surrounding Spanish football leadership in recent years—including the incident involving Luis Rubiales during the 2023 World Cup medal ceremony—the players on both sides have maintained focus and professionalism on the pitch.

Looking ahead

England’s win reaffirms their position as a dominant force in women’s international football. With a mix of experienced leaders and promising young stars, the Lionesses are well positioned for future tournaments, including the 2027 World Cup.

Sarina Wiegman, now a two-time European champion with England, has built a team that exemplifies tactical discipline, mental toughness, and unity under pressure.

As celebrations continue, the squad’s focus will soon shift to defending their Olympic title next summer and preparing for the next global challenge.