England successfully defended their European crown with a nerve-shredding 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Spain after a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final in Basel, Switzerland.
Spain had dominated possession throughout the contest and struck first in the 25th minute when Ona Batlle’s pinpoint cross found Mariona Caldentey, who headed past England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. With Lauren James struggling due to an ankle injury, England looked vulnerable — until Sarina Wiegman’s inspired substitution brought on Chloe Kelly before halftime.
Kelly immediately tightened England’s leaky left flank and made a decisive impact in the second half. In the 57th minute, she delivered a perfect cross for Alessia Russo, whose powerful header brought England level.
Despite controlling much of the game, Spain couldn’t break through a resilient English defence again, and extra time passed without a goal, sending the final to penalties.
The shootout began in Spain’s favour when Catalina Coll saved Beth Mead’s spot kick. But Hampton responded in kind, denying both Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati. Though Coll stopped Leah Williamson’s effort, Spain's Salma Paralluelo missed the target, swinging momentum back to England.
That left the door open for Kelly — already a hero from England’s 2022 Euros triumph — to step up once more. With her trademark confident run-up, she smashed home the winning penalty, sparking scenes of jubilation among the England squad and fans.
It was a moment of redemption and resilience, as England sealed back-to-back European titles and once again proved their championship pedigree on the biggest stage.
