On Sunday, July 27, 2025, the women’s national team of England were crowned European football champions for the second time in history. In a thrilling rematch of the 2023 World Cup final, the reigning European champions defeated world champions Spain 3–1 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw (1–1 regular time, 0–0 extra time) in front of a sold-out crowd of 34,203 fans at St. Jakob-Park in Basel. Spain had appeared to be on a smooth path to victory after taking a 1–0 halftime lead through Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey in the 25th minute.
However, a surprise equalizer from Alessia Russo brought England back into the game out of nowhere. From that point, the match shifted dramatically. Despite a tense and goalless extra time, the penalty shootout saw Spain collapse under pressure, while English goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and forward Chloe Kelly emerged as national heroes. Spain Dictated Early Play Spain controlled the game from the outset, showing no early signs of nerves.
England, however, nearly capitalized on a defensive error in the 19th minute when Lauren Hemp intercepted a poor back pass but failed to beat Spanish keeper Cata Coll. Earlier, Coll had already denied a close-range effort from Russo in the 3rd minute. Despite these moments, it was Spain who dictated the rhythm—controlling both the midfield and wings. Their dominance was rewarded with a goal from Caldentey, who confidently headed home from close range after a string of well-coordinated plays down the right flank.
England gradually became more passive and suffered another blow when striker Lauren James, who had started despite injury concerns, had to be subbed off just before halftime. Spain continued to press, although they lacked clear chances to extend their lead, and England went into the break fortunate to be trailing by just one goal. England Shows Grit and Resilience Again Having already shown comeback spirit in previous matches during the tournament, England once again demonstrated their resilience. Alessia Russo completed a swift counterattack with a perfectly placed header, leveling the score and completely shifting the momentum.
The equalizer gave the Lionesses renewed confidence, with substitute Chloe Kelly providing energy and pace on the wing. In the 69th minute, Kelly nearly gave England the lead, but Cata Coll managed to tip her shot just wide with her fingertips. Spain struggled to regain control of the game, which steadily moved toward extra time. In the additional period, Spain once again appeared dominant. Salma Paralluelo missed a golden chance in the 105th minute, and Vicky López failed to convert from a promising position in the 113th.
Penalty Shootout Drama Seals England’s Glory The penalty shootout began with England’s Beth Mead missing the first kick and Spain’s Patri Guijarro equalizing. However, the pressure soon got to the Spanish players. Aitana Bonmatí and Mariona Caldentey, two of Spain’s most reliable stars, both failed to convert against Hannah Hampton. After Salma Paralluelo also missed, it was Chloe Kelly who stepped up and sealed the victory for England with confidence.
The triumph marks the third UEFA Women’s Euro title for head coach Sarina Wiegman—one with the Netherlands and now two with England—further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest managers in women’s football history.
