England’s Lionesses retained their European crown with a 3‑1 shootout win (England vs Spain) over world champions Spain following a 1‑1 draw in Basel. Chloe Kelly the hero, Alessia Russo equalizer, Hampton heroics and what it all means for women’s football.
🏟 England vs Spain Recap: Frustration in Basel
In a nerve-wracking UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Final at St Jakob-Park, Basel, England and Spain played out a thrilling 1‑1 draw after 120 minutes, taking the game to a penalty shootout. England triumphed on penalties 3‑1, Chloe Kelly stabbing home the decisive spot-kick after Hannah Hampton made vital saves and hails the second half of extra time first Euros final to be settled on penalties since 1984.
Spain broke the deadlock in the 25th minute via Mariona Caldentey before Alessia Russo levelled after converting Kelly’s cross in the 57th. England had to ride out long stretches of possession from Spain but held their nerve to win on penalties.
🎯 Key Players & Clutch Moments
Chloe Kelly: Subbed on for injured Lauren James just before halftime. Assisted on Russo’s goal and coolly finished the decisive penalty, matching what she did in 2022.
Alessia Russo: There was some sensational coordination by England as Kelly whipped in a cross and Russo headed that home in the 57th minute to make it 1-1.
Hannah Hampton: England’s goalkeeper denied Caldentey and Bonmatí from the spot and now have the momentum.
Mariona Caldentey: The first to score, it was with a header thanks to England’s lax defense.
🔍 Tactical Analysis: The role of underdogs vs Dominance
Spain circled possession — at about 67 percent, give or take a handling error — and created chance after chance, though not, to be fair, a great many more goals. Under coach Sarina Wiegman, England sat back, and played a more physical, direct counter-attacking game. The introduction of Kelly was critical as her direct play revitalized England’s left channel, adding much-needed edge.
🧠 Resilience & Legacy
England were the first English team to win a major tournament on foreign soil and the first senior team to achieve two major victories Euro 2022 and 2025. Chloe Kelly became a member of a very select club, having produced match winning moments in back-to-back finals. In the meantime, Lucy Bronze, who played on with a fractured tibia and a knee problem that grew more serious, won the admiration of fans, when her middle name (“Tough”) went viral.
📋 Broader Context & Background
The Spain team that reached final had been world champions Spain since they had not lost in twenty-three games after winning Euro 2024 and Nations League, and having led their group in the Euro 2025, winning all games on the way. This outcome flipped the script not just England avenging their 2023 World Cup loss to Spain, but reasserting their continental hegemony.
Spain beating England in yet another EURO final. 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/7xQrPdCgW5
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) July 27, 2025
📺 Where to Watch & Coverage
The final was streamed live on all major platforms:
UK: BBC and Sky Sports
USA: ESPN / streaming platforms
Europe & beyond: UEFA. tv highlights and replay streams
After their � triumph, the England squad was given national honors such as a reception at 10 Downing Street, an open-top bus parade in London and a trophy presentation at Buckingham Palace.
📈 Effect on Players & the Squad
Originally on the outside at club level too under Gareth Taylor at Manchester City, Kelly offered timely reminders of her England worth with not one but two tournament-winning performances in the process.
Russo, Williamson, Walsh and others enhanced their reputation as world-class players with excellent defensive work and leadership.
Lucy Bronze’s performance while injured demonstrated a spirit and dedication to the cause that was off the scale.
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