England Retain the Crown: Lionesses Win Back-to-Back UEFA Women’s Euro Titles
England have successfully defended their European title, edging out Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout at St. Jakob-Park in Basel to claim victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
Spain dominated early proceedings with their trademark possession game and took a deserved lead in the first half. A slick passing sequence down the right wing involving Aitana Bonmatí, Athenea del Castillo, and Ona Batlle ended with a pinpoint cross into the box, where Mariona Caldentey rose highest to head past Mary Earps.
England responded with characteristic grit after the break. With nearly an hour gone, super-sub Chloe Kelly—the hero of the 2022 final—curled in a sublime cross from the right. Alessia Russo met it with a thunderous header to level the score at 1-1, sending the travelling English fans into raptures.
Extra time failed to separate the two giants, leading to the high-stakes drama of penalties. Cata Coll gave Spain an early edge by saving Beth Mead’s opening attempt, but Hannah Hampton soon turned the tide by denying Caldentey. The pressure mounted when young defender Niamh Charles, introduced late in the game, calmly converted to give England the advantage.
From there, the nerves took over. Bonmatí was denied again by Hampton, Leah Williamson’s strike was saved by Coll, and Salma Paralluelo sent her effort wide. With the title on the line, it was left to Kelly, who stepped up and confidently slotted home the winning penalty—securing England's second consecutive European crown.
UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Final
England 1–1 Spain (England win 3–1 on penalties)
