News
England Crowned European Champions Again After Dramatic Penalty Shootout Win Over Spain
Jul
England have retained their UEFA Women’s EURO title after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over world champions Spain. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with England winning 3-1 on penalties.
First Half: Spain Strike First
Spain opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Ona Batlle delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, which Mariona Caldentey headed into the top corner to give La Roja the lead. Spain looked more composed after the goal, dominating possession while England struggled to get out of their half.
England suffered a setback when Lauren James was forced off due to injury and was replaced by Chloe Kelly.
Second Half: Russo’s Equaliser Levels the Final
Despite Spain’s control of the ball, England equalised out of nowhere in the 57th minute. Chloe Kelly sent in a superb cross that found Alessia Russo, who guided her header past the goalkeeper to make it 1-1.
Substitutions followed on both sides. England introduced Michelle Agyemang and Niamh Charles, while Spain brought on Clàudia Pina, Salma Paralluelo, and Vicky López in search of a winner.
Extra Time: Still No Separation
Neither team could find a decisive goal in extra time. Fatigue set in, and while both had chances—especially through Paralluelo and Kelly—goalkeepers Hannah Hampton and Cata Coll stood strong. With the score still level, the championship would be decided by penalties.
Penalty Shootout: Lionesses Hold Their Nerve
- Spain took the lead with Patri Guijarro converting the opening penalty.
- Beth Mead missed England’s first effort after slipping, and the retake was saved.
- Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles scored for England.
- Hannah Hampton became the hero, saving penalties from Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí.
- Salma Paralluelo then missed the target completely.
- Finally, Chloe Kelly stepped up and fired her penalty into the top corner, sealing a 3-1 shootout win for England.
A Historic Night for the Lionesses
- England become the first nation in 12 years to defend the UEFA Women’s EURO title.
- Spain fall short of a historic treble after winning the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Nations League.
- Chloe Kelly adds to her legacy, having also scored the winner in the EURO 2022 final.
The final in Basel capped off a record-breaking tournament with over 600,000 fans attending matches across Switzerland. The Lionesses are once again queens of Europe.
See more product at: Hornnastee
