BASEL, Switzerland (BN24) — England won the Women’s Euro 2025 title on Sunday night with a 3-1 victory in a penalty shootout over Spain after a gripping 1-1 draw following extra time, securing back-to-back European championships and avenging their 2023 World Cup final defeat.
Played in front of a vocal crowd of 34,203 at St Jakob Park, the rematch of the Sydney final delivered another dramatic chapter in the growing rivalry between two of Europe’s elite women’s football sides. Spain took an early lead through Mariona Caldentey’s header in the first half, but England responded after the break when Alessia Russo nodded home from Chloe Kelly’s cross in the 57th minute.
With no decisive breakthrough in regular or extra time, the title was settled from the spot. Kelly, a substitute who made a decisive impact in England’s 2022 triumph, once again delivered in the clutch — converting the winning penalty after Spain faltered with three missed attempts.
Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, saw her penalty saved, while Olga Carmona and Esther González also missed. Patri Guijarro was the only Spanish player to convert. England overcame early shootout nerves, including a missed retake from Beth Mead and a wide effort by captain Leah Williamson, to find composure through successful strikes from Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles before Kelly sealed the title.
It marked a third straight European Championship title for head coach Sarina Wiegman — her first with the Netherlands in 2017 and now two in succession with England, following their 2022 triumph over Germany at Wembley. The Lionesses’ consistency and resilience under pressure again defined their run, having come from behind in earlier knockout victories over Sweden and Italy.
Spain had controlled large stretches of the match, especially in the first half, where their possession and pressing forced errors. Their opening goal came after a sweeping move involving Aitana Bonmatí and Athenea del Castillo set up Ona Batlle for a precise cross, which Caldentey headed past Mary Earps.
Despite the early setback and a near costly error from Spanish keeper Cata Coll, who recovered after gifting Lauren Hemp a chance, England held their nerve. The second half saw momentum swing toward the Lionesses, backed by the majority of the Swiss crowd. Kelly’s curling effort was nearly the winner in regulation, and Michelle Agyemang’s introduction added late attacking threat.
Salma Paralluelo tested England’s defense in extra time, but neither side could capitalize on late opportunities. In the end, it was England’s nerve from the spot that decided the final.
England’s second consecutive European title cements their place as the dominant force in international women’s football, while Spain, despite their 2023 World Cup triumph, will leave Switzerland wondering what might have been.
