England Retain Euro Title with Penalty Shootout Victory Over Spain

England Women, led by standout performances from Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton, retained their European Championship title after a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout win over Spain, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the final of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.

On the biggest stage and against the reigning world champions, the Lionesses refused to surrender. After falling behind in the first half, they levelled in regular time, held firm in extra time, and ultimately prevailed in the shootout—thanks to two penalty saves by goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and a decisive final spot-kick from Chloe Kelly.

It marks the first time an England senior side has won back-to-back major international tournaments, and the first time a senior England team has claimed a trophy on foreign soil. In doing so, they avenged their defeat to Spain in the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where La Roja triumphed 1-0.

Despite the historic victory, England were second best for much of the evening. Spain dominated possession and carved out more clear-cut chances, but their wastefulness in front of goal ultimately cost them their first-ever European title.

A Spanish Masterclass—Undone
Spain began the final in commanding fashion. Mariona Caldentey’s goal in the 25th minute was a testament to the elegance and intricacy of Spanish football. A slick one-two between Ona Batlle and Aitana Bonmatí, followed by a precise cross from Athenea del Castillo, found Caldentey unmarked in the box. She powered her header past Hampton to put La Roja ahead.

It was a move emblematic of Spain’s identity—fluid passing, intelligent movement, and unwavering patience. Esther González had earlier warned England with a dangerous early effort, and when Lucy Bronze lost track of Caldentey in the box, the goal felt inevitable. Bronze held her head in her hands—an error punished at the highest level.

At times, Spain’s control was such that it felt as if they had an extra player on the pitch. Their pressing and precision were relentless. Yet England had moments of promise in the first half: Alessia Russo troubled the Spanish defence with a sharp angled strike, and Lauren Hemp nearly capitalised on a poor back-pass, only to be denied by an excellent near-post save from Cata Coll. Keira Walsh also went close, curling a shot wide from the edge of the area.

England were made to pay for their missed chances, just as Germany had been in the semi-final.

The Lionesses’ Comeback Spirit
This was the third time in the tournament that England had trailed, having previously come from behind to defeat both Sweden and Italy in the knockout stages. Their resilience again shone through.

In the 57th minute, Chloe Kelly—on as a substitute for the injured Lauren James—delivered a pinpoint cross which Russo met between Spain’s centre-backs, directing a composed header past Coll. It was the equaliser England desperately needed, and it sparked a shift in momentum.

Suddenly, the Lionesses were winning duels, pressing high, and forcing errors. Kelly nearly added a second with a low drive across the goalmouth. The game, however, remained finely balanced. Jessica Carter, recalled to the starting line-up after being dropped for the semi-final—and subjected to racial abuse earlier in the tournament—was immense at the back. Her performance helped restore stability to England’s defence.

Carter’s resolve was especially crucial when Spain introduced Vicky López and Salma Paralluelo in extra time. The duo added pace and unpredictability. Paralluelo came agonisingly close to a winner after being played in by Bonmatí, whose vision and control continued to torment England.

The Lionesses, though, were determined to cling on. As Spain pushed forward relentlessly, both López and Paralluelo squandered opportunities to capitalise. England, meanwhile, displayed heart, grit, and unity—proving once again that they were more than the sum of their parts.

A Historic Triumph on Penalties
Despite trailing for long periods in their three knockout matches, England had led for just four minutes in total. Yet, they emerged as champions.

In the shootout, Hampton saved Spain’s first and third penalties. Though Beth Mead’s initial attempt had found the net, it was ruled a double-touch and saved on the retake. Still, Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles converted theirs, before Chloe Kelly stepped up—just as she did in 2022—to score the decisive penalty and seal glory.

England are once again European champions.