In an electrifying conclusion to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament, England defied all odds to retain their European crown, defeating reigning world champions Spain 3-1 on penalties in Basel, Switzerland. The triumph marks a historic back-to-back European Championship win for the Lionesses, who showed resilience and tactical brilliance in overcoming one of the most technically gifted teams in women’s football.
Despite trailing early after a powerful header from Spain’s Mariona Caldentey in the 25th minute, England clawed their way back thanks to super-sub Chloe Kelly, whose precision cross enabled Alessia Russo to nod in the equalizer midway through the second half. The match, filled with drama and high stakes, eventually headed into extra time before culminating in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout.
England’s journey through the tournament was anything but straightforward. They trailed in every single knockout match, yet managed to pull through each time — a testament to their mental fortitude and tactical adaptability under manager Sarina Wiegman. From a late comeback against Sweden, to extra-time heroics versus Italy, and now a penalty triumph over Spain, the Lionesses’ path to glory reads like a screenplay.
The final was no different. Lauren James, returning from injury, started the match but was clearly not at full strength. She was replaced by Kelly in the 40th minute, a decision that turned the tide. Kelly’s relentless pace and pinpoint delivery reignited England’s attack. It was her cross that led to the equalizer, and it was her final penalty — clocked at 110 km/h by Connected Ball Technology — that sealed England’s win.
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was another standout, saving two penalties from Spain’s top midfielders — Aitana Bonmatí and Caldentey — and giving England the edge after Beth Mead’s initial miss was ruled invalid by VAR for a double touch.
Spain, despite dominating possession and registering 22 shots compared to England’s eight, failed to convert their dominance into goals. Manager Montse Tomé’s tactical tweak — placing Caldentey on the left — initially paid dividends, but the decision to substitute Esther González and not field Cristina Martín-Prieto in extra time left Spain without a genuine striker in critical moments. Despite creating chances through young talents like Salma Paralluelo and Clàudia Pina, Spain could not find the finishing touch.
Salma, once hailed as Spain’s future after her standout 2023 World Cup campaign, missed two golden opportunities in extra time and ultimately skied her penalty in the shootout. Her tournament was marred by inconsistency, likely due to her recent struggles with mental and physical exhaustion which saw her take a break from football late last year.
England’s win also drew comparisons to recent Champions League tactics. Midway through the match, Wiegman dropped Lucy Bronze into a midfield role to counter Spain’s elite engine room of Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, and Patricia Guijarro — a move reminiscent of Arsenal’s tactical masterstroke against Barcelona earlier this year.
Jess Carter, initially criticized for her early tournament performances, was one of England’s most dependable players in the final. She thwarted Spain’s attackers time and again and combined brilliantly with Leah Williamson in defense. Her redemptive arc, punctuated by emotional celebration and post-match reflections on facing online abuse, resonated widely.
Meanwhile, Spain’s goalkeeper Cata Coll deserved better. Returning to action after battling tonsillitis, she made key saves throughout the knockout stages and again in the final, denying Mead and Williamson in the shootout. But her valiant effort was not enough to carry Spain over the finish line.
The match capped off a tournament full of unexpected twists. England, despite leading their knockout games for under five minutes in total, emerged champions, underscoring that in football, heart, timing, and tactical ingenuity often outweigh sheer possession or shot count.
Spain’s long-standing struggles in the Euros continue, despite winning the Women’s World Cup just two years ago. They now hold the unfortunate distinction of being world champions who have never lifted a European title. With key talents like Bonmatí, Putellas, and Guijarro entering their prime, the pressure will mount ahead of Euro 2029.
As for England, they not only defended their title but rewrote history in doing so. Chloe Kelly, once again, emerged as the national hero — delivering the winning goal in Euro 2022, scoring the decisive strike against Italy this year, and now firing home the winning penalty in Basel. Her clutch performances place her among England’s greatest-ever players.
With a second European crown and a growing legacy, the Lionesses have cemented their place at the pinnacle of international women’s football.
