Substitute Chloe Kelly once again proved to be England’s hero, firing the winning penalty as the Lionesses defeated world champions Spain 3-1 on penalties to defend their Euro 2025 title in Basel. This dramatic shootout victory capped off a gripping final that saw England bounce back twice to force the decider against the side that eliminated them at the 2023 World Cup in Sydney.
Spain took the lead in the 25th minute when Mariona Caldentey powered a header into the top right corner, finishing a precise delivery from Ona Batlle. England responded after halftime, with Alessia Russo, an Arsenal teammate of Kelly’s, heading home from a Kelly cross to level the score at 1-1.
England’s goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was outstanding in the shootout, producing key saves that kept the Lionesses in contention. After Salma Paralluelo missed for Spain, Kelly stepped up confidently to convert the decisive penalty, echoing her heroics from Wembley three years prior.
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The match featured notable moments from key players: Lauren James overcame an ankle knock to start and was substituted at halftime, with Kelly entering the fray immediately making an impact. Lucy Bronze cemented her place in history by starting her 36th appearance in major international tournaments, becoming England’s record holder.
Throughout the contest, both teams created chances. England’s Russo forced an early save from Spain’s goalkeeper Cata Coll, while Spain’s Caldentey and Bonmati were thwarted multiple times by Hampton’s goalkeeping prowess. Extra time saw more defensive resilience from England as they held off fierce Spanish pressure.
In the nail-biting shootout, after some initial conversions, Hampton saved attempts from Caldentey and Bonmati. Spain’s Paralluelo’s miss opened the door for Kelly, who stepped up with calm composure to clinch the title for England once more.
This victory marks a remarkable back-to-back European Championship triumph for the Lionesses and solidifies their position among the elite in women’s football with a dramatic win against the reigning world champions.