(Alexander Hassenstein via Getty Images)
England came into Sunday’s UEFA Euro 2025 final looking for revenge — and got it. Two years after losing to Spain in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Lionesses defeated Spain in penalties, 1(3) – 1(1), to take home back-to-back Euro titles.
English keeper Hannah Hampton notched two outstanding saves to tee up the victory. Chloe Kelly’s decisive penalty kick completed the Lionesses’ title defense.
In a frantic, exciting game, the two European powerhouses battled to control the pace. Spain struck first off a stunning sequence in the 25th minute, ending with a masterful header from Mariona Caldentey. La Roja’s tactical strength was on display in this game, as the Spaniards kept the ball moving through England’s defense.
England, who spent the entire tournament coming from behind, kept up the pressure in the second half. The Lionesses were rewarded with a goal in the 57th minute, as Alessia Russo’s stellar header sent the ball into the corner of the goal.
The score held, sending the game into extra time. And in the end, it came down to the penalty kicks.
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Though an early miss from Beth Mead, who had to retake her penalty after slipping, threatened to ruin England’s chances, Hampton recorded key saves against Caldentey and reigning Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí. Niamh Charles, who subbed into the game in stoppage time, and Alex Greenwood scored the other penalties for England, before Kelly brought it home.
England has had an incredible run of luck and grit this tournament, coming from behind in all three knockout stage games to eventually win in extra time. Sunday was the team’s second penalty shootout in the 2025 Euros — and, once again, England emerged victorious.
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The Lionesses put their bodies on the line for this one: Lucy Bronze, a key piece of England’s Euro run, went down multiple times Sunday with a thigh injury that had seemed to bother her for multiple games. Postgame, Bronze revealed to BBC that she had played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia — a sacrifice that is very on-brand for the tough veteran defender.
No matter the consequences, that sacrifice has paid off: Three years after taking home England’s first major title in 50 years (men or women), the Lionesses have done it again.
