England Triumphs Over Spain in Thrilling Euro 2025 Final Shootout

Basel, Switzerland – July 27, 2025 – England’s Lionesses cemented their legacy as European champions, defeating world champions Spain 3-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final at St. Jakob-Park. The victory marks the first time an English senior team has won a major tournament on foreign soil, with Chloe Kelly emerging as the hero once again, just as she did in the Euro 2022 final.

Match Recap

The final, a repeat of the 2023 Women’s World Cup final where Spain triumphed 1-0, promised a fierce battle between two footballing powerhouses. Spain, unbeaten at Euro 2025 and riding a 10-match winning streak with 38 goals scored, dominated possession early. Mariona Caldentey gave La Roja a deserved lead in the 25th minute, nodding in a pinpoint cross to silence the English supporters.

England, under Sarina Wiegman’s guidance, faced adversity throughout the tournament, trailing in all three knockout matches. True to their resilient spirit, the Lionesses fought back. In the second half, substitute Chloe Kelly provided a crucial cross that Alessia Russo headed home to level the score, igniting hope among the 600,000+ fans who made this the most-attended Women’s Euro in history.

The match remained tense through extra time, with England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton requiring treatment for a leg injury but continuing to anchor the defense. Lucy Bronze, later revealed to have played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia, was substituted due to a knee issue but inspired her teammates with her grit. Jess Carter, reinstated after being dropped for the semi-final, delivered a standout performance, thwarting numerous Spanish attacks.

As the game proceeded to penalties, Hampton proved her mettle, saving two of Spain’s four spot-kicks from Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati, while Salma Paralluelo dragged her effort wide. England’s penalties were not flawless, with Beth Mead and Leah Williamson having their attempts saved, but Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles scored. Chloe Kelly sealed the victory with a thunderous strike into the top corner, clocked at 110 km/h—the fastest goal of the tournament.

Key Performances

Hannah Hampton (England): Named player of the match, the goalkeeper’s two penalty saves capped an extraordinary tournament. Stepping up after Mary Earps’ retirement, Hampton’s “fairytale” journey was lauded by Wiegman.
Chloe Kelly (England): The substitute’s assist and winning penalty underscored her knack for delivering in big moments, echoing her Euro 2022 heroics.
Alessia Russo (England): Her equalizing header was pivotal, showcasing her importance to the squad despite not scoring against Spain in prior encounters.
Mariona Caldentey (Spain): Scored Spain’s opener but missed in the shootout. Her 12 goal involvements since 2024 highlight her threat.
Aitana Bonmati (Spain): Named Player of the Tournament, the Ballon d’Or winner was a constant menace, though England contained her in key moments.

Tactical Insights

Spain’s possession-based style, averaging 621 completed passes per game, tested England’s resolve. The Lionesses, led for just 4 minutes and 52 seconds in the knockout stages, relied on defensive solidity and substitute impact. England’s 10 goal involvements from substitutes (five goals, five assists) set a tournament record since 2013. Wiegman’s decision to start Jess Carter over Esme Morgan paid dividends, with Carter’s defensive heroics neutralizing Spain’s attacking threat.

Spain’s coach, Montserrat Tomé, acknowledged her team’s superiority in play but lamented their penalty shootout execution, noting the players were confident in training. England’s collective pressing, inspired by Germany’s semi-final tactics against Spain, disrupted La Roja’s rhythm, particularly in the second half.

Historical Context

This victory marks England’s second consecutive Women’s Euro title, a feat not achieved in 12 years. Sarina Wiegman becomes the first coach to win three straight European titles (two with England, one with the Netherlands). The Lionesses’ triumph avenges their 2023 World Cup final loss to Spain and solidifies their status as a global powerhouse.

Spain, despite their defeat, showcased their pedigree. Their first Euro final appearance and 24 shots per game underlined their attacking prowess, with Esther Gonzalez finishing as the tournament’s top scorer. However, the absence of Jenni Hermoso, a key figure in their 2023 World Cup campaign, was notable amid ongoing recovery from the controversy surrounding former federation president Luis Rubiales.

Standout Moments

Michelle Agyemang’s Impact: The 19-year-old, named Young Player of the Tournament, continued her breakout campaign, having scored crucial equalizers in the quarter-final and semi-final.
Lucy Bronze’s Resilience: Playing through a fractured tibia, Bronze’s determination epitomized England’s never-say-die attitude.
Fan Atmosphere: St. Jakob-Park, or “Joggeli,” buzzed with energy, with Switzerland’s multilingual “thank you” banners adding to the occasion’s grandeur.

Post-Match Reactions

England captain Leah Williamson expressed “total disbelief” at the victory, emphasizing the team’s unbreakable spirit: “You cannot put us down.” Chloe Kelly, reflecting on her personal struggles, dedicated the win to those who doubted her: “Tough times don’t last.” Wiegman praised her squad’s resilience, calling the tournament “chaotic and ridiculous” but a testament to their character.

Spain’s Tomé remained gracious, acknowledging England’s tenacity while expressing pride in her team’s performance. Former Lioness Ellen White noted the significance of Spain’s chance to celebrate a final unmarred by off-field controversies, unlike their 2023 World Cup triumph.

Looking Ahead

With the 2025 Women’s Euro in the books, attention turns to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, where Spain will defend their title and England will aim to go one better than their 2023 final loss. The Lionesses’ depth, with emerging stars like Agyemang and Grace Clinton, bodes well for their future.

England’s celebrations will continue with a homecoming party, while Spain reflects on a missed opportunity to add a third major trophy in three years. For now, the Lionesses reign supreme, proving once again that they thrive under pressure.