Chloe Kelly held her nerve in the shootout as England defeated Spain 3-1 on penalties to win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Basel on Sunday. The final had ended 1-1 after extra time, with the Lionesses showing resilience yet again to lift back-to-back European titles and avenge their 2023 World Cup final loss to the same opponent. Spain appeared to be on course for another famous win over England, dominating large parts of the game and taking a first-half lead through Mariona Caldentey’s header at St Jakob-Park. But just as they had in the knockout rounds, England clawed their way back into the contest. Down 1-0 and under pressure, Sarina Wiegman’s side showed grit. Alessia Russo brought them level just before the hour mark, heading in from a Chloe Kelly cross after a rare spell of English pressure. That equaliser shifted the momentum as the match headed toward extra time and eventually, penalties.
Alessia Russo of England scores her team’s first goal during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Final (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Spain, who had impressed throughout the tournament and boasted seven Barcelona players in their starting XI, controlled possession but failed to convert their chances. Aitana Bonmatí, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, saw her penalty saved in the shootout. Spain converted just one of their four spot-kicks, with only Patri Guijarro finding the net. England, too, had nervy moments in the shootout. Beth Mead missed her retaken penalty and captain Leah Williamson was denied by Spain keeper Cata Coll. But Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles kept England ahead before Kelly stepped up and buried the decisive kick. The win marked a historic third consecutive Euro title for manager Sarina Wiegman, who previously led the Netherlands to glory in 2017 and England in 2022. It also eased the pain of their narrow defeat in the World Cup final two years ago in Sydney.
Beth Mead of England slips and scores a penalty kick, before having to retake it due to a double touch which she misses during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Final (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
Earlier in the game, Lauren James was handed a start despite injury concerns but had to come off before half-time. Her replacement, Kelly, once again made a telling impact from the bench, just as she did in the semifinal against Italy, where she scored the extra-time winner.
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Spain had their moments late on, especially through Salma Paralluelo, but couldn’t break through a stubborn England defence. The final whistle of extra time brought up penalties, which was followed by heartbreak for La Roja. With 34,203 fans watching on, the Lionesses once again proved why they are Europe’s most clutch team, showing fight and character when it mattered most.
