England’s Lionesses have written a new chapter in football history, claiming their first-ever European Championship title with a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout victory over reigning world champions Spain in Basel.
Chloe Kelly once again delivered on the big stage, confidently slotting home the winning spot-kick, while goalkeeper Hannah Hampton produced two crucial saves to seal the triumph.
The victory comes as sweet revenge for England, who suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2023 World Cup. But under Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses are now European champions once more becoming the first English side ever to win a major tournament on foreign soil.
In doing so, they also became the first men’s or women’s England team to successfully defend a European crown, following up their Euro 2022 success. Only Germany have previously managed to retain the Women’s Euros title.
Remarkably, England led for just four minutes and 52 seconds across the entire knockout stage, yet still emerged victorious.
A Game of High Drama
Spain took the lead when Mariona Caldentey headed in from an Ona Batlle cross despite England’s early dominance. Things worsened for the Lionesses as Lauren James was forced off with an injury just before half-time.
Alessia Russo restored parity shortly after the break, meeting a superb Kelly cross to level the scores.
Extra time proved tense, with both sides playing cautiously as penalties loomed.
Penalty Shootout Heroics
Beth Mead missed her retaken opening spot-kick, but Alex Greenwood kept England in it after Patri Guijarro had converted for Spain. Hampton then denied Caldentey, allowing Niamh Charles to put England ahead.
The Chelsea shot-stopper produced more heroics by saving Aitana Bonmatí’s effort, and despite Leah Williamson missing, Salma Paralluelo also failed to convert handing Kelly the chance to seal the title.
The Arsenal forward made no mistake, firing home to cement her place as a Lioness legend.
Kelly the Big-Game Player
Kelly, who also netted the decisive penalty in the semi-final against Italy, has now scored the winning goal in back-to-back Euros finals, underlining her reputation as England’s clutch performer.
The Lionesses also set a record as the first team to take three matches to extra time in a single edition of either the Women’s World Cup or Euros.
England’s triumph was not just about silverware it was a statement of resilience, redemption, and history-making excellence.
