Basel, Switzerland – England has once again etched their name in the history books of women's football, defeating reigning World Champions Spain 3-1 on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw in the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 final at St. Jakob-Park. The victory not only sees the Lionesses retain their European title but also provides sweet revenge for their narrow defeat to the same opponent in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final.
The highly anticipated clash, a rematch of the Sydney showdown two years prior, lived up to its billing as a tactical battle between two of the sport's powerhouses. Spain, with their signature precision passing and technical dominance, largely controlled possession throughout the game. Their efforts paid off in the 25th minute when Mariona Caldentey broke the deadlock with a well-placed header, following a clever cross from Ona Batlle that caught the English defense off guard.
Spain continued to dictate the tempo for the remainder of the first half, putting England under significant pressure. However, Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses, known for their resilience and never-say-die attitude, emerged from the break with renewed determination.
Their persistence was rewarded just before the hour mark when super-sub Alessia Russo, brought on earlier due to an injury to Lauren James, headed home a perfectly weighted cross from Chloe Kelly, bringing England level and igniting the fervent crowd in Basel. The equalizer visibly shifted the momentum, and while Spain still held the lion's share of possession, England found their footing and created more dangerous moments.
Despite a valiant effort from both sides and several close calls, including a late chance for Spain's Salma Paralluelo and a strong save from Spain's Cata Coll on a Chloe Kelly shot, neither team could find a winning goal in regular time, sending the match into a grueling extra 30 minutes.
The extra time was a testament to the fitness and mental fortitude of both squads, with chances at both ends. However, the deadlock remained unbroken, setting the stage for the ultimate decider: a penalty shootout.
The shootout began with a touch of drama as England's Beth Mead had her initial penalty saved by Cata Coll, only for it to be retaken due to an infringement. However, her second attempt was also denied by the Spanish goalkeeper. Spain's Patricia Guijarro calmly converted their first, putting the pressure on England.
But England's Hannah Hampton stepped up, making crucial saves from Mariona Caldentey and then the reigning Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, swinging the advantage back to the Lionesses. Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles confidently dispatched their spot-kicks for England. With the score at 2-1 to England, Chloe Kelly, the hero of the Euro 2022 final, stepped up to the spot. With nerves of steel, she slotted the ball home, securing the victory and sending the English contingent into raptures.
The triumph marks Sarina Wiegman's remarkable third consecutive Euro title, having led the Netherlands to victory in 2017 and England to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2025. It's a victory that not only solidifies England's position as a dominant force in women's football but also provides a sweet taste of redemption against a formidable Spanish side.