England’s Lionesses are set to return home on Monday to a hero’s welcome after retaining their European Championship title with a dramatic penalty shootout win over reigning world champions Spain in Basel.
Chloe Kelly sealed the victory by scoring the decisive spot-kick in a tense finale, echoing her 2022 heroics. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Kelly once again stepping up in the shootout to secure a 3-1 win.
It was a moment of sweet redemption for Sarina Wiegman’s side, who lost to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final. This time, they emerged victorious and will be honoured with celebrations across London, beginning with a reception at 10 Downing Street hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock.
An open-top bus parade is scheduled for Tuesday, culminating in a celebration at Buckingham Palace. Red-and-white St George’s flags were already draped across Downing Street ahead of the team’s arrival from Zurich.
King Charles III praised the team’s achievement, calling it “an inspiration” and urging them to aim for World Cup glory in 2027. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the Lionesses had “captured the hearts of the nation” and hailed their success as a beacon of hope for young people.
Team captain Leah Williamson proudly displayed the trophy as fans gathered to cheer them on their way to the airport.
England’s road to the title was far from smooth. After losing their group opener to France, they bounced back with wins over the Netherlands and Wales. A dramatic comeback against Sweden in the quarter-finals saw them recover from 2-0 down before winning on penalties. They edged Italy in extra time in the semi-final, and on Sunday, came from behind again after Mariona Caldentey’s opener for Spain. Alessia Russo equalised before the game went to penalties.
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was named player of the match after two crucial saves in the shootout, while Spain’s Salma Paralluelo missed her kick, setting the stage for Kelly’s winner.
Remarkably, England led for less than five minutes throughout the entire knockout stage.
Coach Sarina Wiegman, now a three-time European champion after titles with the Netherlands in 2017 and England in 2022 and 2025, called the tournament the most “chaotic and ridiculous” her team had experienced.
“The players say we can win by any means, and we just never, ever give up,” Wiegman said.
She also praised the rising standard of women’s football, noting that the intensity and quality had reached new heights. “This tournament broke every record again,” she added. “I hope that will boost the women’s game everywhere.”
The Lionesses’ triumph adds another chapter to their remarkable legacy and sets the stage for even greater expectations at the 2027 World Cup.
