England have retained their Women’s European Championship title after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Spain in the 2025 final, avenging their 2023 World Cup heartbreak and writing a new chapter in their growing legacy.
The Lionesses started brightly in Frankfurt, showing the confidence of a team well-versed in major finals. Alessia Russo tested Cata Coll early on, while Lauren Hemp nearly capitalised on a goalkeeping error, only to be denied from close range.
Despite England’s dominance, it was Spain who struck first, with Mariona Caldentey heading home Ona Batlle’s pinpoint cross.
England were dealt a further blow when Lauren James limped off before the break.
Her replacement, Chloe Kelly, would later turn provider, delivering a perfect cross for Russo to level the scores with a looping header just after the restart.
Spain responded but were kept at bay by Hannah Hampton, who produced a fine save from Clàudia Pina.
With nothing to separate the sides after 120 minutes, the final went to penalties for the first time since 1984.
Salma Paralluelo missed Spain’s fourth spot-kick, giving Kelly, England’s 2023 hero – the chance to clinch victory again.
She made no mistake, securing a second successive Euro title for Sarina Wiegman’s side and England’s place in history as the first back-to-back champions since Germany in 2013.
