Chijioke Gabriel
England have retained their European crown, winning the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 title after a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Spain following a tense 1-1 draw in regular and extra time.
Chloe Kelly, once again the heroine just as she was in 2022, sealed the win with a powerful final spot-kick, delivering back-to-back Euro titles for the Lionesses and avenging their 2023 World Cup final loss to La Roja.
England’s triumph came after a gutsy comeback performance. Spain dominated large stretches of the game and took the lead in the 27th minute when Mariona Caldentey headed home a precise cross from Ona Batlle following a classic tiki-taka sequence.
But England responded with determination. Alessia Russo, rising to the occasion in the 57th minute, equalized with a composed header after a brilliant assist from substitute Chloe Kelly. The match stayed level through extra time, despite late chances from both sides.
In the shootout, England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was the star, saving two penalties and watching another sail wide. Kelly then stepped up and fired into the roof of the net to seal the historic victory.
The match was more than a football contest — it marked another chapter in the fierce rivalry between the two nations and brought redemption for England, two years after Spain claimed the World Cup at their expense.
While Spain remains a dominant force in women’s football, England has once again shown grit, unity, and a champion’s resolve.