England cemented their place in football history as overseen by manager Sarina Wiegman, emerging victorious over Spain in a dramatic UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final decided by a penalty shootout. In a tense, enthralling contest in Basel on 27 July 2025, England held their nerve to triumph 3–1 on penalties after a 1–1 draw through extra time, with Chloe Kelly once again proving she is England’s ultimate clutch player.
Spain took an early lead in the 25th minute, when Mariona Caldentey rose unmarked to head in a cross from Ona Batlle, capitalizing on England’s defensive misstep. Under the weight of Spain’s possession-based domination, the world champions appeared in control.
However, the momentum shifted when Kelly was introduced before halftime for the injured Lauren James. It proved a pivotal moment. Kelly’s direct running unsettled Spain’s back line and, in the 57th minute, she delivered a trademark cross onto the head of Alessia Russo, who nodded in the equaliser. That goal epitomized England’s gritty tournament character—never beaten, always fighting.
The match remained deadlocked through extra time. Spain continued to exert technical superiority, while England defended stoically, with captain Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze, and Alex Greenwood marshaling every challenge. At full time, the score stood at 1–1.
In the shootout, England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton emerged as a hero, saving penalties from Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí, while Spain’s Salma Paralluelo missed her effort wide of the target. With the opportunity to seal back-to-back European titles, Chloe Kelly marched forward with characteristic composure. Adopting her trademark hop-skip run-up, she smashed her spot-kick into the net, sparking jubilant scenes among the Lionesses and the travelling fans.
England thus successfully defended their Euros crown, becoming the first senior England side ever to win a major title overseas. Kelly, just 27, had now scored decisive goals in two major finals—the extra-time winner in Euro 2022 at Wembley and now the penalty shootout decider in Euro 2025. Her reputation as a “super‑sub” is firmly etched in national folklore.
This victory was also a triumph for Sarina Wiegman, securing a third consecutive European title and underscoring her status as one of world football’s finest managers. She orchestrated England’s resilience across the tournament: recovering from a 2–0 deficit to beat Sweden in the quarterfinal shootout, and narrowly defeating Italy in extra time in the semis—Kelly again delivering in both matches.
Post-match reactions captured the emotion and magnitude of the occasion. Kelly expressed immense pride, saying she was “cool, composed… I knew I was going to hit the back of the net”. while Hampton described her teammates as “mentality monsters,” calling their relentless spirit “magic and steel”.
Spanish media, by contrast, reacted with disappointment and criticism of Kelly’s celebration in front of Spain’s goalkeeper Cata Coll, calling it unnecessarily “cocky” and questioning the propriety of the gesture—though acknowledging Spain had been the superior side for long stretches of the match. Aitana Bonmatí, Spain’s player of the tournament, conceded her side were better in play but could not translate dominance into victory: “sometimes… that’s not enough in football”.
Off the pitch, England’s celebrations went into full swing: scenes of champagne, karaoke performances, and plans for a hero’s parade in London were enthusiastically shared. Kelly and Hampton are being tipped for national honours and possible MBEs for their defining roles in the triumph.
In summary, Chloe Kelly was England’s undoubted hero. From crucial assist to Russo, through to the composed winning penalty, she embodied the grit, belief, and poise that delivered England a second successive Women’s Euro title. England’s comeback spirit, Wiegman’s masterful leadership, and Hampton’s heroics formed a collective story of perseverance and triumph—one etched in European football folklore forever.
