Chloe Kelly struck the winning penalty as England defeated Spain 3-1 in a shoot-out to win the Women’s Euro 2025 title after a 1-1 draw in extra time, avenging their 2023 World Cup final loss and securing back-to-back European championships.
Spain had taken the lead through Mariona Caldentey’s first-half header at St Jakob-Park in Basel, dominating possession and looking poised for another historic win. However, England — showing the resilience that defined their knockout stage run — fought back.
Alessia Russo equalised with a header in the 57th minute after a cross from Kelly, who came on as an early substitute for the injured Lauren James. The match remained level through extra time, pushing the final to penalties.
Kelly, who had previously scored the winner in the Euro 2022 final, calmly converted the decisive kick after Spain missed three of their spot-kicks, including one by reigning Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati. Beth Mead and Leah Williamson also missed for England, but successful strikes from Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles kept the Lionesses in contention before Kelly sealed the win.
“What a team. What a game. What drama,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who watched from the stands. “You’ve made the nation proud.”
The victory further cements Sarina Wiegman’s legacy, as she becomes the first coach to win three consecutive women’s European titles — once with the Netherlands in 2017 and now twice with England. Her squad had earlier overturned deficits against Sweden and Italy in the quarter- and semi-finals, respectively.
Spain, despite playing fluid, possession-based football throughout the tournament and the final, missed the opportunity to add a European crown to their World Cup title. “Football is cruel,” said Bonmati, who apologised for her missed penalty. “I think we played the best football during the tournament.”
The final, witnessed by over 34,000 fans, was another showcase of England’s growing dominance and fighting spirit on the international stage.
