ENGLAND BEAT SPAIN TO KEEP EURO CROWN

By: Gyang Dakwo

England held their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to beat Spain 3-1 and win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 title on Sunday, holding on to the trophy they won three years ago after a thrilling final that ended 1-1 after extra time.

Spain was the better side for much of the game as they saw more of the ball, and they made that count in the 25th minute when Ona Batlle sent in a lovely cross. The England defence did not react quickly enough, and Mariona Caldentey took full advantage by heading the ball past goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.

But England refused to give in, and they found a way back in the 57th minute. Chloe Kelly, who had come on as a substitute, whipped in a fine cross that Alessia Russo met with a powerful header to bring the scores level.

Spain kept the ball well and pushed forward again and again, but the English defence stayed strong and made sure there were no more goals in normal time. Extra time followed the same pattern, with Spain pressing and England holding firm, and the game finished 1-1.

The shootout brought fresh drama. Spain started brightly as Cata Coll saved Beth Mead’s first kick, but Hampton quickly turned the tide by stopping Caldentey’s effort and then denying Aitana Bonmati to give England a clear edge.

Coll kept Spain in it with another brilliant save to stop Leah Williamson, yet Spain’s hopes faded when Salma Paralluelo missed the target completely.

That gave Kelly the chance to end it, just like she did at Wembley in 2022. She took her trademark prancing run-up and smashed the ball into the net, then sprinted away in joy as her teammates chased her down to celebrate with the roaring England fans.

Speaking after the match, Kelly said, “I am so proud, so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge, and I am so proud to be English. I was cool, I was composed, and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net.”

It was the first Women’s Euro final to be decided by a penalty shootout since the first edition in 1984, when England lost to Sweden. This time, though, England got the better end of it, showing heart and courage to lift the trophy once more.

This is the first English team male or female to win a major tournament on foreign soil.