Multiple ContributorsJul 27, 2025, 03:15 PM ET
Multiple Contributors
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BASEL, Switzerland –Englanddefended their Euro 2025 crown as they beatSpain3-1 on penalties in Basel on Sunday.
Spain had the best of the first half andMariona Caldenteystruck the opener with a powerful header. ButChloe Kellychanged the game for the Lionesses when she replaced an injuredLauren Jamesin the 40th minute and sent in a perfect cross forAlessia Russoto head home the equalizer on 57 minutes.
England had gone behind to every opponent in the knockout rounds, but couldn’t find a winner despite the arrival of super subMichelle Agyemang. Spain’s own subSalma Paralluelohad two wonderful chances to score in extra time, but the game went to penalties.
Beth Meadslipped and scored the first in the shootout, but VAR intervened as she was adjudged to have touched the ball twice andCata Collsaved her retaken effort.
Caldentey then missed Spain’s second effort, asHannah Hamptonpushed it away to level things, and she then stoppedAitana Bonmatí’s shot to give England the advantage.
Leah Williamsonthen saw hers saved, but Salma blazed hers wide of the post before Kelly stepped confidently up to hand England the trophy with the most powerful goal of the whole tournament — her shot achieving a speed of 110km/h, according to Connected Ball Technology housed inside the adidas Konektis Finale match ball.
– Euro 2025 final as it happened:England repeat as champions-Agyemang wins young player of tournament award- England player ratings:Hampton scores 10/10 in triumph-Women’s Euro 2025 bracket, results and fixtures schedule
There will never be another tournament win like this. It looked like the Lionesses had used up all nine of their lives after theSwedenquarterfinal penalty shootout. But then cameItaly, as Agyemang popped up in the 96th minute to take the match to extra time, and Kelly scored a late winner.
This England team have lived the most remarkable existence in Switzerland — from the depths of concern after the openingFranceperformance, to the dominance ofNetherlandsandWales, then the bonkers knockout matches.
Spain were a different story though; England were underdogs against the reigning world champions. But there was something about this “movie,” as manager Sarina Wiegman called it, as England bounced from round to round. It felt like the tournament was destined to end up in English hands as they produced miracle after miracle
And there was one more to come against Spain.
This was a performance based on grit, determination, some brilliant defending from Jess Carter, and sheer fight as England held off the Spanish onslaught in extra time. England had been second best for much of the match, but this team don’t know when they’re beaten.
And the star? Kelly. The Euro 2022 match-winner, the 119th minute winner in the Italy match, and then the winning penalty in Basel.
Source: Espnsoccer
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