3 months ago
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England has defended the women's European championship after a thrilling penalty shoot-out triumph over Spain.
Chloe Kelly, the Lionesses' hero throughout the knockout rounds, stepped forward to convert the decisive spot-kick and send England supporters into raptures. Having required penalties to overcome Sweden in the Euro 2025 quarter-finals and seeing their semi-final against Italy decided in extra-time, Sarina Wiegman's squad went the full distance for a third consecutive occasion.
More shoot-out theatre unfolded in Basel, and Kelly's moment of glory seemed destined. Beth Mead watched a twice-taken penalty kept out by Cata Coll, but Hannah Hampton thwarted Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati – only for Coll to produce a crucial save from Leah Williamson.
Salma Paralluelo fired her attempt wide, however, and Kelly hammered England to glory, delivering Wiegman her THIRD consecutive European Championship, with the Lionesses successfully retaining the crown they claimed in 2021 after she'd guided her homeland, Netherlands, to triumph in 2017.
"This team is just unbelievable, incredible," said Hampton. "We've shown throughout the tournament we can come back when we go a goal back. We've got that grit, that English blood in us. We never say die, we keep going and we did that today.
"When Chloe stepped up I turned around to the fans, miming a kick and trying to ask if we score do we win, I'd completely lost track. They were just cheering at me so I didn't know what the answer was, but then I saw that run up and that was it, we've won. I can't believe it.
"I'm so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge and so proud to be English," said Kelly. "I was cool, I was composed, I knew I going to hit the back of the net. I don't miss penalties twice.
"It's unbelievable, it's not just this team it's the staff behind us. Twenty-three players and all the staff behind us. Sarina Wiegman has done it again. It's unbelievable.
"It's going to be crazy. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and show the love to all these girls because they deserve it."
During the opening 45 minutes, Spain appeared to possess too much quality for Sarina Wiegman's team, though the narrative shifted dramatically following the interval. After a nerve-wracking 120 minutes, there was absolutely nothing separating the two nations.
Wiegman's decision to start Lauren James proved unsuccessful, with the creative midfielder lasting fewer than 45 minutes before being withdrawn. However, her substitute Kelly proved instrumental once again, providing the assist for Alessia Russo's equaliser just before the hour mark, canceling out Mariona Caldentey's header that had given Spain the advantage at the break.
Both managers made alterations to their starting line-ups. One change was anticipated, with Laia Aleixandri returning from suspension for Spain, but Montse Tome also brought in Athenea del Castillo to replace Claudia Pina.
Meanwhile, England's boss Wiegman recalled Jess Carter, replacing Esme Morgan at centre-back.
England kicked off on the offensive, with Alessia Russo outpacing the offside trap and forcing a crucial low save from Cata Coll. Lauren James, deemed fit to start on the left, didn't take a chance on the rebound, and the threat was swiftly neutralized.
On the flip side, Esther Gonzalez demonstrated why she entered the final as the tournament's leading scorer. Spain's number nine has a knack for carving out shooting opportunities where others struggle, first testing Hannah Hampton before sending a powerful shot wide of the near post.
It was evident that England's strategy involved pressing Spain high up the pitch, a tactic that almost bore fruit within the first 20 minutes.
Lauren Hemp was quick to seize a loose pass from Cata Coll, but the Spanish keeper redeemed herself with a strong left foot to deny the winger's attempt.
And just five minutes later, the World Cup holders took the lead, with Caldentey rising unmarked to power a header into the net from Ona Batlle's cross.
Spain couldn't find a second goal, however, allowing England to equalise.
Once again, it was Kelly who made a significant impact from the bench, switching to her right foot and delivering a precise cross for Russo to head into the net.
This goal gave England a period of dominance, with Russo playing confidently, and it seemed the next goal would be pivotal.
However, Russo wouldn't be the one to score it, as the Arsenal forward was substituted for teammate Michelle Agyemang with 20 minutes remaining.
Spain brought on Claudia Pina around the same time, and the substitute tested Hampton with a powerful shot that the keeper had to deflect. Neither team managed to score a second goal before the end of regulation time, forcing England into extra-time for the third consecutive match.
Spanish substitute Vicky Lopez caused trouble in the additional 30 minutes with her fresh legs, while another Spanish replacement, Salma Paralluelo, squandered a golden opportunity to put Spain ahead by missing her attempted flick inside the six-yard box.
With no team able to secure a victory, the match went to penalties where Hampton stood firm and Kelly scored the decisive goal.
English (US) ·