England defended their European Championship crown in dramatic fashion on Sunday, July 27, 2025, by beating Spain 3-1 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw following extra time.

Chloe Kelly Seals Victory

Chloe Kelly fired in the decisive penalty to give England the win. Her composed finish secured the team’s second straight Euro title. “I was cool, I was composed, and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net,” said Kelly, who also scored the winning goal in the 2022 final.

Heroic Saves by Hampton

Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton played a crucial role, saving penalties from Spain’s Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí. Salma Paralluelo then missed her shot completely, sending the ball wide.

England had relied on their strong bench once again, just like in earlier knockout rounds against Italy and Sweden. Kelly, coming on as a substitute, changed the game.

Spain Scores First but Fails to Finish

Spain took the lead in the 25th minute through Mariona Caldentey, who finished a sharp cross from Ona Batlle. But England responded in the 57th minute when Alessia Russo headed in Kelly’s cross to equalize.

Despite Spain controlling possession during extra time, they failed to convert their chances. “We played better, created more scoring chances, but in soccer sometimes that’s not enough,” said Bonmatí, who was named the best player of the tournament.

Missed Chances and New Rules

Beth Mead’s first penalty was saved, but due to a new rule, she was allowed to retake it after an accidental double touch. Though she missed again, England’s other penalties and Hampton’s saves made up for it. Spain’s opener resembled a classic English goal – a perfect cross and a clinical header – on a wet, grey evening in Switzerland.

Familiar Faces, Familiar Fight

Caldentey and many of her teammates came from FC Barcelona, the same core that won the Women’s Champions League final in May. Ironically, it was Arsenal’s Russo and Kelly who combined to bring England level, despite Caldentey also playing for Arsenal.

Wiegman's Winning Record Continues

England coach Sarina Wiegman extended her incredible run. She now holds three Women’s Euro titles — with the Netherlands in 2017, and England in 2022 and 2025.

She has never been knocked out of a Women’s Euros and continues the tradition of women coaches winning the tournament for eight editions in a row, despite being outnumbered by male coaches.

Royal Support from Both Nations

Royal family members from both countries attended the match at St. Jakob-Park in Basel. Prince William and Princess Charlotte supported England, while Spain’s Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía cheered for Spain.

This victory also marked England’s first-ever senior title abroad, for either the men’s or women’s team.