England unforgettable victory against Spain in nail-biting pen. shootout to defends Women's European crown 2025.
England pulled off an unforgettable victory against Spain in a nail-biting penalty shootout to defend their European crown at Euro 2025 — and they made history doing it.
Chloe Kelly, the hero from Euro 2022, stepped up once again when it mattered most. Her winning penalty sealed the deal after Spain missed *three* consecutive spot-kicks. Credit also goes to goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who made two massive saves to swing the momentum England’s way.
This win marks England’s **first-ever major tournament title on foreign soil** — a huge milestone in the country’s football legacy. And for head coach Sarina Wiegman, it’s her **third straight European title**, having done it with both the Netherlands and now twice with England. She’s officially stamped her place among football’s all-time great managers.
The Lionesses also became the **first team to come from behind at halftime and win a one-legged Euros final**, proving once again that they’re the queens of the comeback.
England’s Tournament Journey: Nothing Came Easy
From the get-go, this tournament tested England’s grit.
* They lost their opening match to France.
* They pulled off a miracle comeback from 2–0 down to beat Sweden in a shootout.
* Then they left it until the last gasp of extra time to defeat Italy in the semi-finals.
Nothing was straightforward — and this final followed the same script.
Wiegman’s decision to start James didn’t pan out. The midfield looked exposed. Spain had chances to put the game away. But England didn’t blink. Hampton made crucial stops, Kelly stepped up, and Russo finally found her moment in the knockout rounds.
It was a masterclass in adapting under pressure. Wiegman calmly made the necessary tweaks, and her players responded like champions.
And when Kelly smashed in that final penalty — this time, celebrating with her teammates instead of spinning her shirt overhead — it felt like a moment of destiny fulfilled.
Spain’s Missed Moment
For Spain, this was supposed to be their crowning glory — a follow-up to their 2023 World Cup triumph. But the night didn’t go according to plan.
They came into their *first-ever* Euros final as heavy favorites, unbeaten in 10 straight games and playing stylish, attacking football. And for the first 45 minutes, it looked like the hype was justified.
England’s midfield had holes, and Spain capitalized. But when it came to converting chances and putting the game out of reach, they faltered.
Their failure to build on Caldentey’s goal proved costly.
Despite their World Cup heroics, Spain’s dream of conquering Europe will have to wait. And once again, England was the wall they couldn’t get past.
Bottom line: England didn’t just defend their title — they did it the hard way, the dramatic way, and the historic way. The Lionesses have written another incredible chapter in their golden era.
Chloe Kelly, the hero from Euro 2022, stepped up once again when it mattered most. Her winning penalty sealed the deal after Spain missed *three* consecutive spot-kicks. Credit also goes to goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who made two massive saves to swing the momentum England’s way.
This win marks England’s **first-ever major tournament title on foreign soil** — a huge milestone in the country’s football legacy. And for head coach Sarina Wiegman, it’s her **third straight European title**, having done it with both the Netherlands and now twice with England. She’s officially stamped her place among football’s all-time great managers.
The Lionesses also became the **first team to come from behind at halftime and win a one-legged Euros final**, proving once again that they’re the queens of the comeback.
England’s Tournament Journey: Nothing Came Easy
From the get-go, this tournament tested England’s grit.
* They lost their opening match to France.
* They pulled off a miracle comeback from 2–0 down to beat Sweden in a shootout.
* Then they left it until the last gasp of extra time to defeat Italy in the semi-finals.
Nothing was straightforward — and this final followed the same script.
Wiegman’s decision to start James didn’t pan out. The midfield looked exposed. Spain had chances to put the game away. But England didn’t blink. Hampton made crucial stops, Kelly stepped up, and Russo finally found her moment in the knockout rounds.
It was a masterclass in adapting under pressure. Wiegman calmly made the necessary tweaks, and her players responded like champions.
And when Kelly smashed in that final penalty — this time, celebrating with her teammates instead of spinning her shirt overhead — it felt like a moment of destiny fulfilled.
Spain’s Missed Moment
For Spain, this was supposed to be their crowning glory — a follow-up to their 2023 World Cup triumph. But the night didn’t go according to plan.
They came into their *first-ever* Euros final as heavy favorites, unbeaten in 10 straight games and playing stylish, attacking football. And for the first 45 minutes, it looked like the hype was justified.
England’s midfield had holes, and Spain capitalized. But when it came to converting chances and putting the game out of reach, they faltered.
Their failure to build on Caldentey’s goal proved costly.
Despite their World Cup heroics, Spain’s dream of conquering Europe will have to wait. And once again, England was the wall they couldn’t get past.
Bottom line: England didn’t just defend their title — they did it the hard way, the dramatic way, and the historic way. The Lionesses have written another incredible chapter in their golden era.
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