Euro 2025 daily newsletter: Day twenty-seven
England beat Spain 3-1 on penalties to become back-to-back European champions
In a final that had everything, England retained their European Championship crown, defeating Spain 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at full-time.
England came out strong in the first 10 minutes, creating chances with high intensity and pace. However, momentum shifted and Spain’s Mariona Caldentey broke the deadlock with a header in the 24th minute. Spain executed their signature play for much of the first half, dictating possession, pressing high, and forcing England’s back line into tricky positions.
The feeling at half-time was all too familiar for England, but the players knew they could find a way back, as they had already done this tournament. Alessia Russo scored early in the second half, but neither team could find the decisive goal - so penalties it was.
The match was a battle of the goalkeepers, not just during the shootout. Both Hannah Hampton and Cata Coll made crucial saves throughout and were exceptionally composed for the spot-kicks. It wasn’t a case of poor penalties but good saves in pressure moments. Spain’s Caldentey, Aitana Bonmatí, and Salma Paralluelo missed three penalties in a row, giving Chloe Kelly the opportunity to make history once again.
It felt like deja vu when Kelly scored the winning penalty (as she did against Sweden in the quarter-final) after assisting Russo’s goal in the second half. She has established herself as England’s Euros hero, having scored the winner in their 2022 victory. This season, in particular, has been one where she has overcome so much adversity, to the point where she considered quitting football, making it even more emotional for her.
Celebrations are already underway, and they will continue with plans for a homecoming victory parade in central London on Tuesday. It will start at 12:10pm at The Mall, culminating in a ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.
News
Leah Williamson has become the first England captain to lift a trophy on foreign soil
Michelle Agyemang was deservedly named Young Player of the Tournament
Aitana Bonmatí took home the Player of the Tournament award
Esther Gonzalez was awarded top scorer with four goals across the competition
If the entire tournament wasn’t mindblowing enough for England fans, Lucy Bronze revealed post-match that she played the last four weeks with a fractured tibia
England still have not lost a penalty shootout under Sarina Wiegman
What does it mean?
England have now won this competition twice in a row, but beyond the silverware, their impact stretches far wider. They continue to inspire a new generation of boys and girls across the country. After their historic 2022 win, the team wrote an open letter to the UK government calling for greater access to football for girls in schools. Don’t be surprised if they use this latest triumph to push for even more lasting change. These two Euros titles are just the beginning, and there is still a long way to go for women’s football.
For Spain, the players looked heartbroken, naturally. Their dreams of completing the treble were shattered, but winning the 2023 World Cup, 2024 Nations League and reaching their first ever Euros final are remarkable achievements. Their World Cup win two years ago was unfortunately overshadowed by the incident between Luis Rubiales and Jenni Hermoso, but this is a team that has overcome so much, and finally, the focus is just on the football. Caldentey, who plays for Arsenal, has spoken about why so many Spanish players choose to play in the WSL, because in her words, Spain “won the World Cup and it changed nothing”. My own experience of living in Spain for a year showed me that the female players do not receive the attention they deserve. Spain’s Liga F also deserves a similar level of investment and support, especially given the calibre of their players.
What’s up next?
Don’t worry, there is still plenty of dramatic women’s football to come!
The Women’s Super League returns on 5 September when title winners Chelsea take on Manchester City. The next major tournament is the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, and the level is only rising on the international stage. Keep following The Cutback for coverage and analysis of the WSL, Champions League, NWSL, and beyond.
To continue supporting the Lionesses and other players, make sure to tune in to these competitions because women’s football is here to stay. It is only going to continue growing and getting better, so your support is needed.
I am signing off from this daily newsletter, but I have loved writing about the wonderful stories and historic moments that have happened over the last month. I cannot wait for what’s to come in women’s football.