England beat Spain 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out to win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 after a dramatic 1-1 draw following extra time on Sunday in Basel.
The victory at St Jakob-Park marks back-to-back European titles for the Lionesses, who also avenged their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final defeat to the Spanish.
Despite Spain dominating possession and taking the lead through Mariona Caldentey’s first-half header, England once again showed their trademark resilience.
Alessia Russo headed home the equaliser just before the hour mark, and after a tense extra time, the final was decided on penalties. Spain faltered from the spot, missing three of their efforts, including a save from reigning Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, while Kelly, coming off the bench, sealed the win with a composed finish.
“I was cool; I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net,” Kelly said after the game.
The triumph cements Sarina Wiegman’s legacy as one of the greatest coaches in women’s football, having now won three straight European titles, with the Netherlands in 2017 and England in 2022 and 2025.
“We said we can win by any means, and that’s what we have shown again today. Losing your first game and becoming European champions is incredible,” Wiegman said, referencing England’s opening loss to France in the group stage.
Spain, who lifted the World Cup in Australia two years ago, were bidding for their first European crown but were undone by England’s grit and clinical finishing under pressure. A distraught Bonmati admitted, “Football is cruel. Everything seems bad right now, but I think we played the best football during the tournament.”
The Lionesses’ resilience and tactical discipline once again paid off as they added another chapter to their growing legacy in European football.
