England win the Euro 2025 final against Spain in an amazing match to become European champions! They won 3-1 on penalties after the game finished 1-1 in normal time and extra time. Sarina Wiegman’s squad pulled off one of the upsets of the tournament. They went on to become the first senior England national team to win a major trophy on foreign soil. Substitute Chloe Kelly, the final hero, scored the fifth England penalty to win the final and the championship.
The game was played in a sold-out Rose Bowl stadium packed with passionate supporters from both countries. England dominated possession throughout the game but faced an early setback when Spain’s Mariona Caldentey scored with a well-placed header in the 25th minute. Despite this challenge, England responded with resilience.
It was quickly canceled out—almost perfectly on cue—as Alessia Russo drew England level. She took full advantage of an inch-perfect Kelly cross, the substitute having replaced Lauren James in the 40th minute. This goal not only showcased England’s determination but highlighted Kelly’s critical role in the match.
A Battle of Wills
When the match moved into extra time, the teams played with desperation and determination to avoid penalty kicks and force the winning goal. Both teams were unable to find a breakthrough, setting up a dramatic penalty shootout. England’s goalkeeper Hannah Hampton emerged as a key player during this period. She’s made a number of critical, game-changing saves to keep her team in it, even showing her poise in the big moments.
In the very first round of the shootout, England faced an unexpected challenge. Beth Mead’s initial penalty kick had to be taken twice due to the double touch rule. Leah Williamson, Niamh Charles, and Alex Greenwood refused to be deterred. They efficiently turned their resulting fouls into corresponding penalties, setting the stage for Kelly’s moment to shine.
It was here that Kelly’s confidence came through, as she stepped up to take the most important penalty kick. She expressed her mindset leading up to the moment:
“When Chloe stepped up I turned around to the fans, miming a kick and trying to ask if we score do we win, I’d completely lost track.” – Hannah Hampton
Wiegman spoke of her elation after the historic win, focusing on the merits of unity and togetherness from the team leading up to the tournament.
“I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don’t miss a penalty twice!” – Chloe Kelly
Celebrating Historic Achievements
This success is becoming one of the biggest wins in Kelly’s career. She has scored the winning goal in two major finals for England, including Euro 2022, making this an especially emphatic Swanson moment. Ian Wright praised her consistent performance during the tournament:
“I can’t believe it. The word ‘team’ really described who we are – a team,” – Sarina Wiegman
The win will serve as a reminder of England’s grit and quality. Hampton reflected on the team’s spirit during challenging moments:
“Chloe Kelly is clutch. She’s done it all the way through the tournament.” – Ian Wright
During the tournament, their responsibility, control, maturity and tactical flexibility has been their hallmark. Their road to battle depicted defeating difficult challengers along with staying calm and cool under fire. The Reds meanwhile had named the same side as their semi-final victory, but Jess Carter returned to the back line, replacing Esme Morgan. This proved to be an excellent strategic move by this AFFWC 2023 team, as England displayed their overall talent and depth.
“This team is just unbelievable, incredible. We’ve shown throughout the tournament we can come back when we go a goal back. We’ve got that grit, that English blood in us. We never say die, we keep going and we did that today.” – Hannah Hampton
A Remarkable Journey
Even with injuries like Lucy Bronze’s fractured tibia, you could see the love and commitment that these players brought. Bronze noted her challenges but remained focused on contributing to the team’s success:
Despite facing injuries, including Lucy Bronze’s struggle with a fractured tibia, the players showed immense dedication and spirit. Bronze noted her challenges but remained focused on contributing to the team’s success:
“I have actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, and then I have hurt my knee on my other leg,” – Lucy Bronze
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