The ice-cool Chloe Kelly stepped up
England’s Lionesses have beaten Spain 3-1 on penalties to retain the Euros and avenge their World Cup final heartbreak from two years ago.
Ahead of the final, England captain Leah Williamson emphasised what victory would mean to the country.
She said: “We came to the tournament, we wanted to be here, we wanted to be in it until the end and have a chance to fight for that trophy.
“I think we don’t necessarily carry the weight of it, how much it means to people, but we’re aware of it because it means the same to us.
“The respect for the women’s game, the respect for women and women’s sport in general continues, and we can try our best to continue to elevate that.”
Going into the final, Spain were the favourites, having remained undefeated.
Mariona Caldentey gave Spain the lead in the 25th minute.
But the Lionesses fought back, with Alessia Russo nodding in a brilliant header just before the hour mark.
Spain pushed hard in extra time.
But despite dominating possession, they couldn’t find a way past Hannah Hampton, who was outstanding throughout the tournament.
It went to penalties, a tense moment for both sides.
Beth Mead missed England’s first penalty after being made to retake it. However, Hampton’s string of saves flipped the momentum.
Salma Paralluelo dragged her penalty wide, meaning England were one successful kick away from winning Euro 2025.
The ice-cool Chloe Kelly stepped up to blast in the winning penalty and send England into wild celebrations.
The win caps off another remarkable tournament for the Lionesses, who have now established themselves as the dominant force in European football.
Chloe Kelly said: “I am so proud of this team. So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English.
“I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don’t miss penalties twice.”
“Unbelievable. All the staff behind us and Sarina Wiegman – she has done it again! Unbelievable.
“It is going to be crazy. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it.”
The Lionesses now stand alone as back-to-back European champions, a feat that confirms their legacy and sets the bar even higher for women’s football in England.
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