In a breathtaking finale on July 27, 2025, the England Lionesses etched their name into football history, clinching the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 title with a dramatic 3-1 victory on penalties over defending World Cup champions Spain, after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time.
Drama on the Pitch: From Setback to Sweet Revenge
The final played out like a perfect script, for Spain first. Mariona Caldentey opened the scoring with a powerful header in the first half, seemingly putting her side in control. But England rebounded, and in a defining moment, Alessia Russo rose to head in the equaliser from a piercing Chloe Kelly cross. With scores tied, the match entered extra time, but neither side could break through.
Nail-Biting Shootout Heroics
The tension peaked when penalties began. Hannah Hampton, England’s goalkeeper, emerged as the unlikely hero, saving two crucial spot-kicks, including attempts from Caldentey and the tournament’s Player of the Tournament, Aitana Bonmatí. England stayed cool, converting their penalties with precision. After a miss by Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly stepped up, and once again sealed the moment as she had in the 2022 final.
This triumph marks the first time any England team, male or female, has defended a major championship on foreign soil, making this win both historic and symbolic.
A Gritty Journey to Glory
France shocked England in the group stage opener, sending them into what felt like a knockout-mode early on. But the Lionesses responded emphatically, thrashing Wales 6-1, dismantling the Netherlands 4-0, and edging Sweden via a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. In the quarter-final, they beat Sweden on penalties after a dramatic comeback in extra time. Then in the semi-final, Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly turned the game around in the dying minutes to beat Italy 2-1 and storm into the final.
Coach Wiegman’s Masterclass
Sarina Wiegman’s tactical nous was again on display throughout the tournament. She expertly balanced injury concerns, made critical substitutions, and held firm even after questionable early losses. Her England side now boasts an unbeaten record in UEFA Women’s Euro finals, and she has clinched finals as coach with two different nations (Netherlands 2017 and England 2022).
Players of the Moment
- Chloe Kelly: Once again the final-winner, first in the semi-final, then the title-sealing penalty. Her composure under pressure is fast becoming legendary.
- Hannah Hampton: Showed nerves of steel, her tactical penalty cheat‑sheet taped to her forearm becoming the stuff of folklore.
- Michelle Agyemang: Recognised as Young Player of the Tournament for her semi-final brilliance and growing maturity on the pitch.
Why It Matters
This victory is transformational for both women’s football and England’s national identity. With record-breaking viewership, over 45 million viewers worldwide, and a tournament revenue doubling that of Euro 2022 to €128 million, the momentum behind the women’s game is undeniable.
Being only the second nation to ever retain a Women’s Euro title, following Germany, the Lionesses now stand among football royalty. More importantly, they proved that resilience, leadership, and belief can rewrite expectation, advancing the sport even further.
