Chloe Kelly was once again the hero for England as she struck the decisive penalty to seal a dramatic 3-1 shootout victory over Spain in the Euro 2025 final, ensuring the Lionesses retained their European crown on Sunday after a gripping 1-1 draw following extra time.
It was yet another remarkable comeback from Sarina Wiegman’s side, who had already overcome a two-goal deficit to beat Sweden on penalties in the quarter-finals, and edged past Italy in the semi-finals thanks to another extra-time winner from Kelly.
Spain, reigning World and Nations League champions, struck first at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne. In the 25th minute, Ona Batlle’s cross caught the England defence off guard, allowing Mariona Caldentey to head past Hannah Hampton and give Spain the lead.
England’s woes deepened as Lauren James suffered an ankle injury, forcing her off just before half-time. Kelly replaced her in what proved to be an inspired substitution. The Manchester City forward immediately tightened up England’s vulnerable left flank and soon made her presence felt at the other end.
In the 57th minute, Kelly delivered a pinpoint cross for Alessia Russo, who rose highest to nod home the equaliser and breathe new life into England’s campaign.
Spain dominated possession for much of the match, probing England’s defence without reward. Despite sustained pressure during normal and extra time, they could not break the deadlock.
The shootout began with Spain in the ascendancy as Cata Coll saved Beth Mead’s opening effort. However, Hampton responded in kind, denying both Caldentey and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati to swing the momentum back in England’s favour.
Coll briefly revived Spanish hopes by stopping Leah Williamson’s spot-kick, but Salma Paralluelo fired wide to leave Kelly with the chance to seal victory.
Reminiscent of her iconic 2022 winner at Wembley, Kelly took her trademark prancing run-up before smashing the ball home and wheeling away in jubilation, celebrating wildly with her teammates in front of the jubilant England fans.
“I’m so proud, so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge, and I’m so proud to be English,” said a beaming Kelly. “I was cool, I was composed and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net.”
The final marked the first time since the inaugural tournament in 1984 – when England were beaten by Sweden – that the European Championship was decided by a penalty shootout.
Hampton, who played a vital role in England’s triumph, summed up the spirit of the squad: “Unbelievable, incredible, showing throughout this tournament we can come back when we go a goal down, and we have that grit.
“We’ve got English blood in us, so we never say die and we just keep going, and we did that today.”
For Spain, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. “I don’t have much emotion left to be honest,” Bonmati said afterwards. “I have emptied myself of emotion. We are all exhausted.
“I have to say sorry, because it was my fault in the end, but I was not able to score it (the penalty). Congratulations to our opponents. In my opinion, we were superior in the match, but on some occasions, that’s not enough in football.”
England, however, showed once again that heart, resilience, and belief are sometimes the greatest weapons of all.