The Lionesses won the penalty shootout 3-1 after an initial scare when Beth Mead slipped on the opening kick, with Chloe Kelly smashing home the final one emphatically.
Frankfurt, Germany: England’s Lionesses on Sunday retained their UEFA Women’s Euro crown after overcoming World Champions Spain 3-1 on penalties in a gripping final that ended 1-1 after extra time, with Chloe Kelly once again emerging as the hero.
In a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final that Spain won, it was Kelly, who famously scored the winner in the 2022 final, who struck the decisive spot kick at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, cementing England’s resilience and dominance under Sarina Wiegman’s tenure.
Spain had taken the lead through Mariona Caldentey in the 25th minute, but England responded when her Arsenal teammate Alessia Russo headed in the equaliser in the 57th minute to bring the game level.
The sides could not be separated in regulation or extra time, forcing the final into penalties.
Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who has risen into the spotlight after the retirement of legendary shot-stopper Mary Earps, was exceptional, saving two penalties in the shootout.
Hampton’s heroics echoed her earlier performance in the quarterfinal against Sweden, cementing her status as England’s new No.1.
Veteran defender Lucy Bronze revealed after the match that she had played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia, yet still lasted nearly two hours on the pitch, epitomizing the grit and fighting spirit that has defined England throughout the tournament.
Michelle Agyemang, only 18, capped off a breakout campaign by winning the Young Player of the Tournament award. Her crucial goals in both the quarterfinal and semifinal underlined her growing importance to the squad, though she noted the medal meant even more.
Celebrations erupted on the pitch as Kelly led her teammates in singing “Sweet Caroline,” now the unofficial anthem of the team. The win secured England’s second consecutive Women’s Euro title, a feat unmatched in recent history.
“We have that grit. We’ve got English blood in us,” Hampton told the BBC. “I can’t believe it. I don’t think it’s going to sink in for a while.”
The Lionesses’ triumph drew praise from the Royal Family. King Charles sent his congratulations: “You have my whole family’s warmest appreciation and admiration. More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory.”
Prince William and Princess Charlotte added in a message on X: “What a game! Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn’t be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment.”
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