England have etched their name in footballing history once again – this time with a sensational penalty shootout victory over Spain to retain their European crown at Euro 2025.
🏆 A Night of Glory and Grit
It was a match that had everything – heartbreak, heroics, and a fairytale ending. Chloe Kelly, who famously scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final, was once again the Lionesses' saviour. Her decisive penalty, after Spain missed three in a row, sealed England’s triumph in one of the most intense finals ever witnessed.
More than just a win, this marks England’s first-ever major international trophy won outside of home soil, a historic feat under manager Sarina Wiegman, who has now won three successive European titles – two with England and one with the Netherlands.
🔥 England: The Ultimate Comeback Queens
Once again, England showcased their unbelievable resilience. Trailing at half-time after Mariona Caldentey’s clinical header, the Lionesses refused to let their dreams slip away. Remarkably, this was the fourth time in the tournament they had fallen behind – and yet, each time, they found a way back.
Lauren James, despite injury concerns, was given a start, but struggled to make an impact. The turning point came when Chloe Kelly was brought on – her pinpoint cross finding Alessia Russo, who calmly headed home to make it 1–1 and shift the momentum.
From there, it was about heart. England defended with everything they had, trusted their preparation, and held firm to take the game into penalties – a strategy that paid off.
🎯 Penalty Pressure? Not for These Lionesses
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was immense, saving two crucial penalties as Spain faltered. When Kelly stepped up, there was never any doubt. She fired the ball past Cata Coll, sparking wild celebrations as England lifted back-to-back Euro titles.
Wiegman, always composed, once again proved why she’s among the greatest managers in modern football. Her timely substitutions and tactical flexibility were vital in turning the tide.
🇪🇸 Spain’s Missed Opportunity
Spain came into the final as favourites – unbeaten in the tournament, unbeaten in 10 straight matches, and hungry for redemption after the Rubiales controversy overshadowed their 2023 World Cup victory.
They started strong, exploiting spaces in England’s midfield and controlling the tempo. But missed chances haunted them. Had they taken a 2–0 lead in the first half, the story may have been different.
This golden Spanish generation now has both a World Cup and heartbreak on its résumé. Their wait for a European title continues.
⭐ Standout Performers
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Chloe Kelly (Player of the Match – Rating: 8.66)
Came off the bench, assisted the equalizer, and scored the winning penalty. Big players deliver on big occasions. -
Alessia Russo (Rating: 8.07)
Her header brought England level and gave them hope. -
Hannah Hampton (Rating: 8.02)
Commanded her box and came up big in the shootout. -
Lauren Hemp (Rating: 7.51)
Relentless energy and pressing throughout – never stopped running. -
Jess Carter (Rating: 6.76)
After being benched and facing abuse earlier, she returned strong and composed.
Notably, Lauren James had a tough night (Rating: 5.17), but her teammates picked up the slack when it mattered most.
📊 Key Stats at a Glance
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England led for just 4 minutes and 52 seconds throughout the knockout stages.
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10 goal involvements came from substitutes (5 goals, 5 assists) – a tournament record since 2013.
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England are the first team ever to win a Euro final after trailing at half-time.
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They also became the first side to play three extra-time matches in a single tournament.
🔜 What’s Next?
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England: A grand celebration is planned in London. With Sarina Wiegman under contract till the 2027 World Cup, the focus will now shift to lifting the trophy that eluded them in Sydney.
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Spain: With Euro heartbreak behind them, they’ll regroup for the upcoming Brazil tournament, aiming to defend their World Cup title.
🦁 The Final Roar
This victory wasn’t just about football – it was about belief, unity, and the power of a team that refuses to quit. England’s Euro 2025 journey will go down as one of the greatest sporting stories, reminding us all that comebacks are written by the brave.
#WeAreTheChampions #Lionesses #EURO2025 #ChloeKelly #WiegmanLegacy #EnglandVsSpain
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