Defending champions England beat Spain on penalties to win Women's Euro 2025

London erupted in a cacophony of cheers and relief as defending champions England secured a historic victory in the Women's Euro 2025 final, triumphing over arch-rivals Spain in a nail-biting penalty shootout. The Lionesses, who had fought to a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of pulsating football, emerged victorious with a 3-1 win in the shootout, with Chloe Kelly once again etching her name into folklore by converting the decisive spot-kick. This hard-fought triumph not only cemented England's status as a dominant force in women's football but also offered sweet revenge for their agonizing defeat to the same Spanish side in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final.

The highly anticipated showdown at a sold-out Wembley Stadium lived up to every ounce of its billing, delivering a tactical masterclass intertwined with raw emotion. Spain, known for their intricate passing and technical prowess, opened the scoring in the 67th minute through a sublime finish from Aitana Bonmatí, who capitalised on a rare defensive lapse from England. The goal sent a wave of anxiety through the home crowd, threatening to repeat the heartache of Sydney. However, the Lionesses, renowned for their resilience, responded with characteristic grit. Just ten minutes later, Alessia Russo, introduced as a second-half substitute, powered home a header from a Lauren Hemp cross, igniting the stadium and restoring parity, sending the match into a tense period of extra time.

The additional thirty minutes were a test of endurance and nerve. Both teams, visibly fatigued but driven by the ultimate prize, pushed for a winner. England's Georgia Stanway rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike, while Spain's Salma Paralluelo forced a spectacular save from Mary Earps, who once again proved her credentials as one of the world's elite goalkeepers. As the clock wound down, the inevitability of penalties loomed large, casting a pall of suspense over the hallowed turf. The mental fortitude of the players was about to be put to the ultimate test.

The penalty shootout began with an immediate advantage for England, as Spain's opening kick was brilliantly saved by Earps. England's Beth Mead calmly slotted hers home, followed by another crucial save from Earps. Despite a miss from England's Leah Williamson, the Lionesses maintained their composure. Ella Toone dispatched her penalty with precision, setting the stage for Chloe Kelly. With the weight of a nation on her shoulders, and a chilling echo of her Euro 2022 winner, Kelly stepped up, took a deep breath, and dispatched her penalty with unerring accuracy into the bottom corner, sending the crowd into raptures and securing back-to-back European titles for Sarina Wiegman's formidable side.