England defend Euros title: Lionesses keep composure to edge Spain on penalties

Sarina Wiegman’s side win Euro 2025 final after nail-biting battle in Basel

Credit: Getty Images

England are European champions again after beating Spain 3-1 on penalties in the Euro 2025 final.

A gruelling 120 minutes couldn’t separate the two best sides in Switzerland as it finished 1-1 after extra time. In the end it was Chloe Kelly, forever England’s hero in major tournaments, who stepped up to score the winning penalty and bring Sarina Wiegman’s side European glory once again.

It was a high-intensity, breathless game in Basel. Instead of a cagey, patient final in which neither side wanted to take risks, this was open and energised from the very first minute.

England had the better of the chances in the first 20 minutes with the space in behind Spain’s back line providing opportunities for Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp.

England went direct for much of the first half, sending the ball down the right and getting Russo or Hemp to hold the ball up. Chances came early with Russo and Hemp forcing saves from Cata Coll in the first 20 minutes of the game.

The challenge for England was always going to be whether they could take the few opportunities that were going to come their way. Playing Spain means suffering; it’s chasing the ball and chasing shadows. The two best chances from Russo and Hemp came and went, then it was time to watch and run.

It didn’t take long for Montse Tome’s side to find their rhythm. The one-touch passing and movement forced England into diving blocks and a few early saves from Hannah Hampton.

Spain were switching from left to right, and then right to left with ease. They dotted England’s box with crosses and after several warning signs, the opener came.

It was Ona Battle who sent in the cross in the 25th minute after a series of quick passes outside the edge of the box. Mariona Caldentey headed it home and Spain were 1-0 up.

That goal didn’t knock England back but the intensity briefly dipped.

The key tactical switch from Wiegman was to put left-footed Hemp on the right side of England’s forward line and have an uncomfortable-looking Lauren James start on the left. James never seemed to settle in the game and didn’t look fully fit from the first whistle. The 23-year-old was limping and struggling to find essential touches which regularly bring her into games.

Wiegman was forced to make the early change once James went down in the 40th minute, and with that came the early Kelly super-substitution card.

There was never any panic from England’s players, and why would they when they’ve become so accustomed to scoring late goals and pulling off ridiculous comebacks.

They started the second half with energy, and by the 57th minute, they were back in the game. The ball was spread out to England’s left and Hemp sent a perfect cross into Russo who had slipped in between Irene Paredes and Laia Aleixandri. Neither defender reacted, and as if in slow motion, Russo rose unchallenged to put England back in the game.

By the time the game hit the 70th minute, both managers made bold changes. Alexia Putellas left the pitch for Claudia Pina, and Russo made way for Michelle Agyemang. The young, exciting talents replaced the experience, and in Putellas’ case, a multiple Ballon d’Or winner.

Agyemang has been England’s saving grace in Switzerland, but it was the earliest she’d entered the pitch all tournament. The 19-year-old had taken everything in her stride throughout the Euros, did she have one last moment of magic left in her?

Even though the clock kept ticking, the game felt as if it was going to go on for hours. Both sides cancelling out each other's energy, intensity and technical ability. Not as a stalemate, but as a sheer display of football brilliance.

Ninety minutes wasn’t enough; this title was going to be decided in extra time.

The first 15 minutes of extra time was the most tense either side played all game but it was Spain who had the better chances. Their best opportunity came when Battle flashed a dangerous ball across the box and Salma Paralleulo was inches away from directing it into the back of the net.

Once the second period of extra time began, Spain felt on top, tired English bodies and minds were struggling to break up any Spanish attack. Wave after wave of pressure came. Spain played balls across the box, and somehow England survived.

So, it would be penalties. After one of the worst showings in spot-kick history against Sweden, up stepped a new run of brave warriors. No Georgia Stanway, England’s usual penalty talker, no Russo, who scored against Sweden, and no Lucy Bronze either.

The pressure was still palpable and when Beth Mead missed her retaken penalty, and Patricia Guijarro scored for Spain, it seemed as if it was all going to go wrong. The composure of Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles got England back into the shootout and then up stepped the hero - Hannah Hampton.

England’s goalkeeper saved two of Spain’s five penalties, with Paralluelo missing the target. Her saves put England into a 2-1 lead with just one penalty remaining for each team. Of course, it would be Kelly with the opportunity to claim glory for England once again.

A hop, skip and smash into the top corner.

"From the first game it was chaos. Losing your first game and becoming European Champions is incredible,” Wiegman said.

"Football is chaos." England are champions again.