Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly were the heroines for England as the Lionesses came from behind to beat world champions Spain on penalties in the Euro 2025 final. Sarina Wiegman’s side trailed at half-time, but as they’ve done so often this tournament, rallied and dug deep to drag themselves back from the dead.
After losing the World Cup final to Spain two years ago, there was always a chance history would repeat itself in Switzerland. Lightning did strike twice, although this time, it was Kelly, who won the Euros for England in 2022, once again stepping up when it mattered.
The much-loved Arsenal ace netted the winning penalty, just days after scoring the winner for England during their semi-final victory over Italy. England, who were forced to live dangerously throughout the 120 minutes, found themselves in a position to win after a string of sensational saves in the shootout.
The shot-stopper was ushered in as a replacement for legendary Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps, who retired from international duty after being informed Hampton would be Wiegman’s No.1 pick. The Dutch manager had gambled her reputation with the decision, but after a sensational tournament from Hampton, it’s a move that proved more than worthwhile.
After a frantic start to proceedings in Basel, it was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken. The opening goal eventually arrived midway through the first half, when Ona Batlle clipped a ball to the back post, with Mariona Caldentey on hand to head home for La Roja.
It was made far too easy for Spain, even if they boast some of the best attacking talent in world football. Alessia Russo’s attempt to help out at the back only served to disrupt England’s defensive set-up, whereas Lucy Bronze didn’t clock Caldentey’s presence early enough. By the time she had, the Arsenal forward was wheeling away in celebration.
The irony surrounding England’s leveller was that it came during their worst spell of the second half. Spain had been the only team that looked likely to find the net when who else but Chloe Kelly picked out team-mate Alessia Russo in the penalty area with a sumptuous cross.
Kelly making an impact from the bench has become a theme of England’s tournament, but the winger was called upon earlier than she probably would’ve expected, given team-mate Lauren James was forced off with a first-half injury. James, who had been a doubt heading into the contest, but the Chelsea ace managed just 41 minutes before hobbling off the pitch.
The only surprise after another 30 minutes of tense football in extra time was that Spain weren’t European champions. Through a combination of Hannah Hampton saves and scrappy Spanish finishes, somehow England hung on. Salma Paralluelo had two opportunities to be the match winner, one each on either side of half-time in extra time, but the forward lacked a killer edge as England supporters began to believe.
In a way, it was always meant to be, right? A rollercoaster ride of a tournament that started in disappointment against France, was rescued by dominant victories over the Netherlands and Wales, before the turmoil of Sweden and Italy. It was never going to be won the easy way, but as the Neil Diamond classic goes: “The good times never felt so good” and for England, these times might just be the greatest there’ll ever be.
