Chloe Kelly stepped up to the plate once again, scoring the decisive penalty as England triumphed over Spain 3-1 in a thrilling shootout to capture the Euro 2025 title. This victory saw England successfully defend their championship, having first claimed the trophy three years ago, following an intense match that ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time.
England’s journey to the final showcased remarkable resilience, highlighted by a comeback from two goals down to defeat Sweden in the quarter-finals and a nail-biting win against Italy in the semi-finals, where Kelly also contributed a vital extra-time goal.
The match against Spain began with an early breakthrough for the Spanish side. Ona Batlle’s cross allowed Mariona Caldentey to score in the 25th minute, putting England on the back foot. With Lauren James sidelined due to an ankle injury, Kelly’s entry just before halftime proved pivotal. She not only solidified England’s defense but also assisted Alessia Russo in equalizing with a perfectly placed header in the 57th minute.
Despite Spain’s dominance in possession throughout the match, they were unable to find a second goal, leading to a tense extra-time period that also ended without more scoring. In the penalty shootout, after an impressive series of saves by both goalkeepers, it came down to Kelly’s final kick. With her trademark run-up, Kelly struck the ball into the net and celebrated with her teammates, affirming her composure under pressure.
“I’m so proud of this team… I was cool, I was composed and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net,” Kelly expressed after the match, echoing the confidence that had propelled England through the tournament.
This final marked a historic moment, being the first women’s Euro final to be resolved by penalties since England’s inaugural participation in 1984. England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton celebrated their grit and determination, highlighting an unwavering English spirit that refuses to give in.
Spain, despite their disappointment, recognized their strong performance, with Bonmati expressing pride in her team’s efforts during the match, although admitting the agony of the shootout loss.
Overall, England’s triumph not only cements their status as a leading force in women’s football but also serves as a beacon of perseverance and teamwork for future competitions. The blend of seasoned experts and emerging stars within the squad fosters hope for continued success on the international stage.
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