A Historic Night in Basel
On July 27, 2025, England’s Lionesses etched their names into football history, defeating Spain 3-1 on penalties to clinch the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 title at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland. The victory marked England’s second consecutive European Championship, a feat no other senior English team—male or female—had achieved on foreign soil. After a grueling 120-minute battle that ended in a 1-1 draw, Chloe Kelly emerged as the hero, smashing the decisive penalty past Spain’s goalkeeper Cata Coll, avenging England’s 2023 World Cup final loss to La Roja. This triumph was more than a trophy; it was a testament to the Lionesses’ grit, tactical brilliance, and unyielding spirit.
The Road to the Final
The journey to the Euro 2025 final was anything but smooth for England. Under the guidance of Sarina Wiegman, widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in women’s football, the Lionesses faced adversity at every turn. They stumbled early, losing their opening group stage match to France. Yet, their resilience shone through in the knockout rounds, where they trailed in all three matches—against Sweden, Italy, and Spain—only to claw their way back. England led for just four minutes and 52 seconds across their knockout games, a statistic that underscores their knack for thriving under pressure.
England’s Knockout Stage Comebacks
Each knockout match told a story of defiance. In the quarterfinals against Sweden, England overturned a two-goal deficit to win in a penalty shootout. The semifinals saw them face Italy, where Chloe Kelly’s 119th-minute goal secured their place in the final. Against Spain, they once again fell behind but refused to buckle, showcasing a team culture built on belief and tenacity.
The Match: A Tactical Chess Game
The final was a clash of titans, pitting defending champions England against World Cup holders Spain. Spain, known for their tiki-taka style, dominated possession early, with Aitana Bonmatí, Athenea del Castillo, and Ona Batlle combining for a pinpoint cross that Mariona Caldentey headed home in the 25th minute. England’s defense, caught flat-footed, seemed rattled, and the loss of Lauren James to an ankle injury before halftime only deepened their woes.
England’s Tactical Adjustments
Enter Chloe Kelly, the super-sub who replaced James. Her introduction shifted the game’s momentum. Kelly’s presence fortified England’s left flank, and in the 57th minute, she delivered a perfect cross for Alessia Russo to head home the equalizer. Sarina Wiegman’s decision to bring on Kelly was a masterstroke, proving her reputation as a tactical genius who thrives in high-stakes moments.
The Penalty Shootout: A Test of Nerves
After 120 minutes of end-to-end action, the match went to penalties—the first time a Women’s Euro final had been decided this way since 1984. England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton emerged as the unsung hero, saving shots from Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí. Spain’s Salma Paralluelo dragged her effort wide, setting the stage for Kelly’s moment of glory. Despite Cata Coll saving penalties from Beth Mead and Leah Williamson, Kelly’s fierce strike into the roof of the net sealed England’s victory.
Key Moments in the Shootout
- England’s Penalties: Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles, and Chloe Kelly scored, while Beth Mead and Leah Williamson were denied.
- Spain’s Penalties: Patri Guijarro scored, but Hampton saved from Caldentey and Bonmatí, and Paralluelo missed.
- Fastest Goal: Kelly’s penalty, clocked at 110 km/h by Adidas’ Konektis match ball technology, was the fastest goal of the tournament.
Standout Performers
The Lionesses’ victory was a collective effort, but several players stood out. Alessia Russo solidified her status as an elite goalscorer with her 57th-minute header. Hannah Hampton’s penalty saves were pivotal, earning her widespread praise. Lucy Bronze, playing through a fractured tibia, embodied the team’s grit, logging nearly 600 minutes across the tournament despite her injury. And then there was Chloe Kelly, whose composure under pressure made her the match-winner for the second straight Euro final.
Unsung Heroes
Jess Carter, often overlooked, was a defensive rock, breaking up countless Spanish attacks. Niamh Charles, a late substitute, scored a crucial penalty, proving her mettle in a high-pressure moment. These contributions, though less heralded, were vital to England’s success.
Sarina Wiegman: The Mastermind
Sarina Wiegman’s influence cannot be overstated. With three consecutive Euro titles—two with England (2022, 2025) and one with the Netherlands (2017)—she has cemented her legacy as the top female national team coach of her generation. Her ability to adapt tactically, inspire her players, and foster a culture of resilience was evident throughout the tournament. Wiegman’s “new England” mantra, emphasizing mental toughness and adaptability, guided the Lionesses to glory.
Wiegman’s Tactical Brilliance
Wiegman’s decision to switch Lauren James and Lauren Hemp to opposite wings mirrored Germany’s successful defensive strategy against Spain in the semifinals. This adjustment helped England neutralize Spain’s attacking threat, particularly in the second half. Her substitutions, including Kelly and Michelle Agyemang, injected fresh energy and shifted the game’s momentum.
Spain’s Perspective: A Bitter Defeat
Spain, despite their loss, showcased their trademark style. Their intricate passing and relentless pressure kept England on the back foot for much of the match. Mariona Caldentey’s first-half goal highlighted their attacking prowess, but their inability to convert chances in extra time proved costly. Coach Montse Tomé, whose contract was not renewed post-tournament, expressed pride in her team’s performance, noting they were “superior” but acknowledging that football sometimes hinges on fine margins.
Spain’s Missed Opportunities
Salma Paralluelo’s failure to convert a close-range chance in extra time was a turning point. In the shootout, the misses from Caldentey, Bonmatí, and Paralluelo underscored Spain’s struggles under pressure, despite their dominance in open play.
The Rivalry: England vs. Spain
The 2025 final was the latest chapter in a growing rivalry between England and Spain. Their 2023 World Cup final clash, won 1-0 by Spain, was marred by controversy when then-RFEF president Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso without consent during the medal ceremony. England’s victory in Basel avenged that defeat, proving their ability to compete with a Spanish side widely regarded as the world’s best.
Historical Context
- Previous Encounters: England and Spain faced off three times in prior Euros (2013, 2017, 2022), with each team claiming victories.
- 2023 World Cup: Spain’s 1-0 win in Sydney was a bitter pill for England, fueling their determination in 2025.
- Nations League: Spain beat England 2-1 in June 2025, adding spice to the final.
The Impact of the Victory
England’s triumph resonated far beyond the pitch. The Lionesses became the first English senior team to win a major tournament overseas, a milestone celebrated by fans and royalty alike. King Charles praised their resilience, while the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Charlotte, lauded the team on X, calling it a moment of national pride. The victory parade in London was a testament to the team’s cultural impact, with thousands turning out to celebrate.
Cultural Significance
Women’s football continues to soar in popularity, with Euro 2025 drawing a record-breaking 657,291 attendees. The final alone attracted 34,203 fans, the fourth-highest in tournament history. This surge reflects the growing support for the women’s game, fueled by the Lionesses’ success and their role as trailblazers for gender equality in sport.
Comparing England and Spain
| Aspect | England | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Playing Style | Resilient, direct, counter-attacking | Tiki-taka, possession-based |
| Key Players | Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Hannah Hampton | Mariona Caldentey, Aitana Bonmatí, Ona Batlle |
| Coach | Sarina Wiegman (3rd Euro title) | Montse Tomé (contract not renewed) |
| Tournament Performance | Came from behind in all knockout matches | Dominated possession, trailed only 4 minutes |
| Penalty Shootout | 3/5 scored (Greenwood, Charles, Kelly) | 1/4 scored (Guijarro) |
Pros and Cons of England’s Approach
Pros:
- Unmatched resilience, coming from behind in every knockout match.
- Tactical flexibility under Wiegman’s leadership.
- Strong substitutes like Kelly and Agyemang who changed games.
Cons:
- Relied heavily on late comebacks, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.
- Injury concerns, with key players like Lauren James and Lucy Bronze battling fitness issues.
- Missed penalties from Mead and Williamson could have been costly.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Who scored the winning penalty for England in the Euro 2025 final?
Chloe Kelly scored the decisive penalty, smashing it into the roof of the net to secure England’s 3-1 shootout victory over Spain. Her composure echoed her heroics in the 2022 final against Germany.
How did England perform in the Euro 2025 tournament?
England overcame an early loss to France and trailed in all three knockout matches but won through resilience and penalty shootouts. They scored 11 goals in the group stage and showed tactical adaptability.
Why was the England vs. Spain final significant?
The final was a rematch of the 2023 World Cup, with England avenging their defeat. It marked their first major trophy on foreign soil and solidified their status as a women’s football powerhouse.
What challenges did Spain face in the final?
Spain dominated possession but failed to convert key chances, particularly in extra time. Their penalty shootout performance was poor, with two saves by Hampton and a miss from Paralluelo.
Looking Ahead: The 2027 World Cup
With Euro 2025 in the books, both teams now turn their attention to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. England, still stinging from their 2023 final loss, will aim to go one step further. Spain, the defending champions, will look to rebound from their Euro disappointment. The Lionesses’ depth and Wiegman’s leadership make them formidable, but Spain’s technical brilliance ensures the rivalry will remain fierce.
How to Follow Women’s Football
- Watch Matches: Stream Women’s Super League games on platforms like Sky Sports or BBC iPlayer (UK only).
- Get Tickets: Check UEFA.com for upcoming international fixtures and ticket availability.
- Stay Updated: Follow @Lionesses on X for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content.
FAQ
How did England win the Euro 2025 final?
England won 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Alessia Russo equalized Mariona Caldentey’s opener, and Hannah Hampton’s saves in the shootout set up Chloe Kelly’s winning kick.
Who were the standout players for England?
Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, and Hannah Hampton were pivotal. Lucy Bronze’s courage playing with a fractured tibia and Jess Carter’s defensive solidity also stood out.
Why did Spain lose despite dominating possession?
Spain’s failure to convert chances in extra time and their poor penalty shootout performance (only one goal from four attempts) cost them the title.
What made Sarina Wiegman’s tactics effective?
Wiegman’s substitutions, like Kelly and Agyemang, and her tactical adjustments, such as switching wingers, neutralized Spain’s attack and maximized England’s resilience.
How can fans support the Lionesses?
Fans can attend matches, stream games on platforms like BBC Sport, or engage with the team on social media. Buying official merchandise from EnglandFootball.com also helps.
A Personal Reflection
As a lifelong football fan, watching the Lionesses lift the Euro 2025 trophy felt like a moment of pure joy. I remember huddling around the TV with friends in 2022 when Chloe Kelly scored against Germany, and seeing her do it again in Basel brought back that same electric thrill. It’s not just about the goals or the trophies—it’s the way this team inspires. From Lucy Bronze’s grit to Hannah Hampton’s cool-headed saves, they remind us that no setback is too big to overcome. The Lionesses aren’t just champions; they’re proof that heart and hustle can conquer even the toughest odds.
Conclusion
England’s victory over Spain in the Women’s Euro 2025 final was a masterclass in resilience, tactical nous, and sheer determination. Chloe Kelly’s penalty, Hannah Hampton’s saves, and Sarina Wiegman’s leadership turned a 1-1 draw into a historic triumph. As the Lionesses celebrated in Basel, they not only defended their European crown but also cemented their legacy as one of England’s greatest teams. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, the rivalry with Spain promises more epic battles, but for now, the Lionesses reign supreme.
