Berlin: England retained their European title with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Spain in the Euro 2025 final, becoming the first senior England team to win a major tournament on foreign soil.
The Lionesses came from behind to draw 1-1 in regulation time before sealing a 4-1 win in the shootout. Chloe Kelly, the hero of the Euro 2022 final, once again held her nerve to score the decisive penalty after Spain missed three in a row. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two crucial saves to keep England alive and guide them to a second consecutive European crown.
Manager Sarina Wiegman, who has now won three European titles, two with England and one with the Netherlands, further solidified her legacy as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the women’s game.
Spain took the lead in the first half through Mariona Caldentey’s well-placed header, exploiting space left in England’s midfield. Lauren James, included in the starting XI despite fitness concerns, struggled to impose herself, and Spain looked in control at the break.
🏴 BACK-TO-BACK 🏆#WEURO2025 pic.twitter.com/85H1DtSprs
— UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 27, 2025
But England showed their trademark resilience. Wiegman introduced Chloe Kelly in the second half, and the game shifted. Kelly’s whipped cross was met by Alessia Russo, who powered a header into the far corner to level the score. From there, England defended deeply, absorbing pressure and forcing the game into extra time and eventually penalties.
In the shootout, Spain collapsed under the pressure, missing three of their first four penalties. Kelly converted England’s final spot-kick, sparking celebrations among players and fans in Berlin.
England’s triumph caps off a remarkable run at Euro 2025. They lost their group-stage opener to France, came from 2-0 down to defeat Sweden in a shootout, and needed extra time to edge past Italy in the semi-final. In each knockout match, England had trailed at some stage but found a way to survive and win.
Spain, the reigning world champions, entered the final unbeaten in their last ten matches and were widely seen as favorites. They played flowing, possession-based football throughout the tournament but were made to rue missed chances in the final.
Despite dominating stretches of play and exposing England’s defensive vulnerabilities in the first half, Spain failed to capitalize on key moments. The final marked Spain’s first-ever Euros final appearance, but their wait for a European title continues.
🏴 #WEURO2025 CHAMPIONS 🏆 pic.twitter.com/cJVInqjBar
— UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 27, 2025
Lauren Hemp stood out for England, constantly pressing and creating problems down the right wing. Jess Carter, returning to the starting line-up after facing online abuse earlier in the tournament, delivered a composed and solid performance in defense. Kelly’s impact off the bench was immediate, and Hampton’s saves during the shootout proved decisive.
Key Stats
- England led for just 4 minutes and 52 seconds across all knockout stage matches.
- Ten of England’s goal involvements came from substitutes — five goals and five assists.
- England became the first team to reach extra time in three matches in a single Women’s Euro.
- Six of the last ten goals in Euros finals have been scored by Women’s Super League players.
England will return home to a hero’s welcome, with celebrations expected to take place in London. Wiegman remains under contract through the 2027 World Cup, where England will aim to complete their redemption arc after losing the 2023 final to Spain.
