England defeated Spain 3-1 in a penalty shootout on Sunday, July 27, to win the Women’s Euro 2025 after a dramatic final ended 1-1 following extra time, sealing back-to-back continental titles for the Lionesses and avenging their World Cup final defeat from two years ago.
Spain had taken the lead at St Jakob Park in Basel through Mariona Caldentey’s first-half header and appeared poised to repeat their Sydney triumph over England in 2023. But Sarina Wiegman’s side, who had already staged comebacks against Sweden and Italy in earlier knockout rounds, fought back once again.
Alessia Russo equalised just before the hour mark with a header from Chloe Kelly’s cross. With no further goals, the final went to penalties, where Kelly — once again a game-changer off the bench — stepped up to convert the winner.
It was a heartbreaking end for Spain, who missed three of their spot kicks. Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati had her effort saved, while Patri Guijarro was the only Spanish player to find the net in the shootout.
For England, the triumph marks a historic achievement under Wiegman, who has now won three consecutive European Championships — the first with the Netherlands in 2017 and two more with England, including their 2022 victory over Germany at Wembley.
Spain, despite dominating possession and controlling large portions of the match, fell short in their quest to add a European crown to their 2023 World Cup title. Their failure to extend the lead during their first-half dominance proved costly.
Earlier, goalkeeper Cata Coll nearly gifted England a goal with a careless pass that Lauren Hemp intercepted, but the Spanish shot-stopper recovered well. Spain eventually broke through when Bonmati and Athenea del Castillo combined to release Ona Batlle, whose cross was headed in by Caldentey.
Even trailing 1-0, England never looked out of the contest. Their resilience paid off in the 57th minute when Kelly crossed from the left for her Arsenal teammate Russo to nod home the equaliser.
With the bulk of the 34,203 spectators backing England, momentum shifted in the second half. Kelly nearly scored the winner in regulation with a curling effort that Coll pushed wide, while Michelle Agyemang replaced Russo late on, hoping to deliver another clutch moment after her late equaliser against Italy in the semifinals.
Spain brought on Salma Paralluelo, who created danger on several occasions in extra time, but neither side could find the breakthrough before the match was decided from the spot.
England’s Beth Mead saw her first penalty saved after being forced to retake it, and captain Leah Williamson also missed. However, Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles both converted their efforts to put England ahead.
With Spain missing two more penalties and only Guijarro scoring, Kelly stepped up to slot home the winner, sealing England’s second European title in a row and confirming their place as the dominant force in women’s football.
