England Euro 2025 hero second favourite to win Sports Personality of the Year
Sarina Wiegman's side beat Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout to retain their European title.
Pre-tournament favourites Spain led through Mariona Caldentey's first-half header but Alessia Russo's second-half equaliser took the final to extra-time and then penalties.
England missed their first spot-kick – Beth Mead's effort saved after her first had to be retaken due to a double kick – but Spain then missed three in a row, with Hannah Hampton saving two.
Chloe Kelly, who scored the winner in the Euro 2022 final win at Wembley, struck home the decisive penalty to spark bedlam among England fans in the stadium and watching on from back home.
Moments after England lifted the trophy, Kelly was installed as the second-favourite to win the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year award.
Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: 'Chloe Kelly is the new second-favourite to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award after scoring the winning penalty for England in the Euro 2025 final.
'Hannan Hampton is also in the mix after saving two penalties to help England win the tournament. Kelly and Hampton are joined by fellow Lionesses Lucy Bronze and Leah Williamson who are among the outsiders to win the award.'
Despite the Lionesses' historic success, Rory McIloy remains the favourite to win Sports Personality of the Year after he completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters earlier this year.
By winning at Augusta, McIlroy became just the sixth man – and first European – in history to win all four majors.
Rory McIlroy: Evens
Chloe Kelly: 7/4
Lando Norris: 5/1
Hannah Hampton: 5/1
Lucy Bronze: 15/2 (was 16/1)
Luke Littler: 9/1
Leah Williamson: 16/1 (was 20/1)
Odds courtesy of Betfair
World darts champion Luke Littler and Formula One driver Lando Norris are also contenders for SPOTY following impressive rises in their respective sport.
Littler etched his name into darting history by becoming the youngest ever PDC World Championship winner at the start of the year.
The 18-year-old won the World Matchplay on the same day England retained their Euros title to complete darts' triple crown.
England's path to Euro 2025 glory was far from straightforward but the Lionesses delivered when it mattered most to retain the trophy they first lifted in 2022.
Penalties were also required in the quarter-finals and Wiegman's side recovered from missing four spot-kicks to beat Sweden.
The Lionesses were minutes from exiting in the semi-finals against Italy before Michelle Agyemang scored a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser and Kelly scored late in extra time.
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After coming from behind yet again to beat favourites Spain in the Euro 2025 final, Wiegman said: 'I can't believe it!
'We said we can win by any means and that's what we have shown again today. I am so proud of the team and the staff. It is incredible.
'I just can't believe it. I have a medal around my neck and we have a trophy. It has been the most chaotic tournament on the pitch – all the challenges we had on the pitch against our opponent.
'From the first game it was chaos. Losing your first game and becoming European Champions is incredible. Football is chaos.' More Trending
England star Ella Toone added: 'Amazing feeling. I felt all the same emotions as I did back then [at Euro 2022].
'We worked so hard, winning a tournament for your country – there's no better feeling. We deserved that and we should be so proud of ourselves.
'There were times when people thought we were down and out but we never did. We had that belief in the squad that we were going to come out and win.
'That's the quiet confidence we have in ourselves. Amazing feeling. We're going to enjoy the night. I love a party, I'm a Tyldesley girl of course I love a party!'
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MORE: Spain captain takes huge swipe at England after Euro 2025 final defeat
MORE: Alex Jones had 'no idea' about misconduct complaints made against Jermaine Jenas
MORE: Chloe Kelly's proud husband joins sweet tributes after Women's Euros win
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North Wales Chronicle
8 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Thousands set to descend on London as Lionesses' Euros celebrations continue
Supporters cheered with joy across the country as the team defended their Euros title with a penalty shootout win over Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday. The revelry is set to continue when the Lionesses and their head coach Sarina Wiegman make their way along the Mall near Buckingham Palace on the bus just after midday, with thousands of fans set to line the road to join in the celebrations. In case you missed it! 😍 We brought it home, again! And now it's time to celebrate with you 🙌 All the details you need for our special Homecoming event in Central London, taking place on Tuesday 29 July: — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 28, 2025 There will also be a trophy ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of the palace, hosted by former England right-back Alex Scott. The free event is hosted by the FA, which has warned fans to plan their visit 'carefully' as they expect it to be very busy. Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the FA, said: 'We are so proud of all of the players, Sarina and the support team who have all been part of this incredible achievement. They have all worked unbelievably hard and we know the nation shares our pride. 'The victory celebration in London on Tuesday will give England fans an opportunity to celebrate with the players, and be part of history. 'We've had amazing support from our fans both in Switzerland and at home throughout the tournament, and we look forward to celebrating together and creating some lifelong memories.' The procession comes after celebrations on home soil began on Monday afternoon when the team landed at Southend Airport in Essex. Hundreds of fans waited patiently to catch a glimpse of Wiegman's side and the trophy, which captain Leah Williamson held up in front of jubilant crowds, before the squad made their way to Downing Street for a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. Number 10 was decorated for the occasion, with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. Wiegman and some of her Lionesses spoke to the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer via video call from the garden of No 10. The Dutchwoman said 'hello Keir, nice to see you', adding 'it's lovely here'. Sir Keir said: 'Fantastic to see you all and welcome to Downing Street. I just wanted to say a huge, huge congratulations to you and to the whole team. 'It was an absolutely amazing victory and you must've felt the eyes and ears of the whole country on you last night.' At the reception, Wiegman congratulated her team and called for more investment in the women's game, saying: 'The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we're already legendary, what the team has done and the team behind the team.' Speaking a few hours before the Government announced a new package of measures to boost access to grassroots football, she added: 'This incredible team won the Euros and then straightaway sent a letter to you, the Government, asking for attention and asking for access to football for all girls. 'Steps have been taken but we're not done yet, we have to keep moving forward and we need a little bit more.' On Monday night, the Government announced plans for priority access to grassroots football pitches for girls and women to be more than doubled. As part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's proposals, prime time slots dedicated to women's and girls' teams at Government-funded facilities across England will be increased over the next five years to meet the expected increased demand after the Lionesses' dramatic win. As well as the Prime Minister, the King also congratulated the European champions, saying in a statement posted on X: 'You have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses.' The Prince of Wales was spotted in the stands in Basel on Sunday applauding with those around him, including Princess Charlotte, and royal celebrations could continue as a trip to Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle may be arranged for the team as plans for a reception in the autumn are being explored by royal aides, it is understood.
Daily Mail
13 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Fans heap praise on England heroes Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton for passionately saying they're 'proud to be English' in Euros victory interviews
England 's penalty queen Chloe Kelly has won a legion of new fans after she used her victory interviews to repeatedly and passionately evangelise about her pride at being English. The 27-year-old declared that the Lionesses' victory over Spain was proof that you should never 'write the English off'. While goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who saved two Spanish penalties, said: 'We've got that grit, that English blood in us. We never say die'. Kelly smashed home the winning penalty as England won back-to-back European titles in Switzerland last night. Moments after winning the title, Chloe was asked about whether she 'could believe' the Lionesses had beaten Spain. Instead of talking about her ice cold penalty, she declared: 'This team shows exactly what it's like to be English. I'm so proud to be English'. She went on: 'This team is made of magic and is made of steel. When we were down against Sweden, down against Italy, we f***ing showed grit and determination and we came back. You can't write the English off. '[We are] history makers once again. We have an unbelievable manager behind us and staff. And the fans, who have been incredible the whole tournament. I'm so proud to be English'. She was asked about inspiring young footballers, she added: 'It's a huge. Every girl out there with that dream: you can do it. Keep shooting for the stars'. She added to BBC Sport: 'I am so proud of this team. So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it.' Chloe Kelly led the Lionesses as they partied through the night after another extraordinary Euros win in Switzerland. Princess Charlotte 's beaming smile and jubilant celebrations perfectly captured the nation's mood last night as England sealed a dramatic victory over Spain on penalties. The champions are set to be honoured with a Downing Street reception today followed by a victory parade through London tomorrow. But they could be a little worse for wear this morning after a boozy bash that was going strong way beyond 4am. The Lionesses, manager and staff had filed off the coach clutching the trophy and glasses of wine before being were met with roars from their loved-ones, who were waiting to greet them at the team hotel. Sarina Wiegman and her captain Leah Williamson cut a celebratory cake before the dancing began in wild scenes shared on social media. Many of the Lionesses were belting out tunes on a karaoke machine as people bopped on a packed dancefloor. England are European Championship winners again after a penalty shootout win against rivals Spain. The game was 1-1 after 90 minutes and remained tied through 30 minutes of extra time. Another nerve-shredding penalty shootout followed with Chloe Kelly yet again scoring the winning penalty sparking jubilant scene in the stadium in Basel and in millions of homes back in the UK. The moment Princess Charlotte celebrated Chloe Kelly's winning penalty as England beat Spain to win the Women'S Euro 2025 title Sarina Wiegman 's side are victorious once again, cementing their place in footballing history. Earlier in the evening, fans draped in St George's flags watched with bated breath alongside the Prince of Wales and Princess Charlotte in Basel, Switzerland — all seen holding their heads in their hands as Spain took the lead just before half-time. But the Lionesses roared back in the second half, with Arsenal striker Alessia Russo heading home a brilliant equaliser in the 57th minute, sending millions back home into raptures. With the score still tied after extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout — where goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two huge saves before Chloe Kelly, once again, became the hero of the hour, calmly dispatching the decisive spot-kick to seal a 3-1 shootout win. Now, the Football Association has confirmed the victorious squad will celebrate in style with a victory parade on an open-top bus through central London on July 29, culminating at The Mall. It is understood a royal reception with Prince William and King Charles is also being planned to honour the team's incredible achievement. Chloe Kelly was seen on camera shaking Prince William's hand and receiving her medal before turning to the camera and shouting 'f***ing come on! Fans can attend for free and it will be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky. Sadly, it is understood Downing Street has no plans for a bank holiday to mark the Lionesses' triumph. The England team celebrated long into the night at an after party in Switzerland, where players joined family and friends to let their hair down. Ella Toone sang karaoke as England manager Sarina Wiegman and captain Leah Williamson cut a celebratory cake together. After the match Prince William and Charlotte penned a personal note to the team, marking the first time the Princess has ever signed off an official message. It said: 'What a game! @lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment @England. W & Charlotte.' Fans across the country were pictured standing on tables, waving flags, throwing drinks in the air and excitedly hugged each other as England claimed victory, while the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer watched on from the stands in Basel, Switzerland. Speaking after the match Chloe Kelly gushed that she was 'so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge' and 'so proud to be English'. William was spotted in the stands applauding and celebrating with those around him - including his daughter Princess Charlotte. As the presentation ceremony took place, the Prince of Wales was among those to congratulate star striker Michelle Agyemang on being named young player of the tournament. William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say 'well played, fantastic, well done'. Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. There was non-stop applause in her home town of South Ockendon as fans saw the Arsenal forward step through a guard of honour to pick up her award. Sir Keir was the first to congratulate England on their win - posting on X: 'Champions! Congratulations Lionesses - what a team. What a game. What drama. 'You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' England's European Championship winning players arrive to celebrations after the game Followed quickly by a message from King Charles to offer the team with his most 'heartfelt congratulations'. It read: 'This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the EUROS 2025. 'For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant 'football's coming home'. 'As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. 'For this, 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, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!' William and Charlotte were pictured in Switzerland as the royal family led the nation in wishing good luck to England's Lionesses. Shortly before kick-off, an image of the pair was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales 's X account with the caption 'let's go, Lionesses'. England supporters celebrate during the penalty shootout England's Hannah Hampton shakes hands with Prince William Joy for England fans as Alessia Russo heads home to make the score 1-1 The Prince of Wales (centre left) and Princess Charlotte react as Spain's Mariona Caldentey scores their side's first goal Charlotte has been pictured this afternoon standing close to her father in a sweet blue polka dot dress England fan celebrates winning the penalty shootout England's Alessia Russo (centre) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game with Chloe Kelly Sir Keir Starmer is seen in attendance with his wife Victoria Starmer Princess Charlotte of Wales during the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Final match The Prince of Wales, who is patron of the Football Association (FA), applauded the national anthem as he stood next to Charlotte in the stadium. He was also joined by Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria. In a show of support ahead of the final, the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed Three Lions on the Buckingham Palace forecourt, while the royal family's official X account posted: 'Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' Defender Lucy Bronze shocked fans by revealing she played the entire Women's Euro 2025 tournament with a fractured tibia — an injury she had kept secret until after the final. The 33-year-old was taken off at half-time in extra time during Sunday's final, which ended 1-1 before England beat Spain 3-1 on penalties in Basel. But when asked about the new knee injury she picked up during the game, Bronze casually disclosed that she had already been playing through far worse. 'I have actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia,' she told BBC Sport. 'And then I have hurt my knee on my other leg. 'That's why I got a lot of praise from the girls after the Sweden game, as I've been in a lot of pain. If that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do. Very painful.' The previously undisclosed injury sparked an outpouring of disbelief and admiration across social media on Sunday night. Joe Bunney uploaded a post to social media today which he captioned 'Big day ahead. Redemption time. Come on girls' in reference to the team's nailbiting loss to Spain in the 2023 World Cup Final. Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses — what a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 27, 2025 England fans show the strain at Newcastle's St. James' STACK as they watch the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 England fans react as they watch a live broadcast of the Women's Euro final England fans during a screening of the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final match between England and Spain The big screen showing the record overall tournament attendance figure during the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final In a post uploaded to X this morning the Royal Family shared a clip of guardsmen performing the iconic England anthem 'It's coming home' outside Buckingham Palace. The accompanying caption read: 'Let's go girls!! Wishing the very best of luck to the Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' Downing Street also shared in the football fever as it decked outs its railing with bunting and displayed the flag of St George in its windows. Number 10 said: 'Good luck today, Lionesses. Let's bring it home.'
North Wales Chronicle
20 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Hannah Hampton's parents: ‘We've always known she will be England's number one'
The 24-year-old from Birmingham was named player of the match after the final, where her two saves in the penalty shootout with Spain helped secure victory for England. Speaking to ITV News, Hampton's mother Laura said: 'I don't think I could put it into words how proud I am. 'She has worked hard. She deserves this. The team deserve it. The Euros needed to come home.' Her father Chris added: 'To get to the standards they're at, they've had to give up so much in their early lives. 'This is the reward that having done all that has brought them and for that, I mean, I'm so proud that she's just carried on working hard, showing the enthusiasm … always up for the challenge of trying to be her best and that's all she wants to do.' The goalkeeper announced on Monday that her grandfather had died just two days before the Lionesses' triumphant Euro 2025 campaign began. Posting to her Instagram alongside a picture of her green England shirt with 'grandpa' printed in the neckline, Hampton wrote: 'Dear Grandpa. 'Two days before the biggest tournament of my life, you left. It still doesn't feel real. I kept thinking when I'd call Nannie I'd hear your voice again – one of your jokes, or one of those little comments you'd make that somehow said everything without saying much at all. 'You were one of my biggest supporters. You believed in me before I even knew what this journey would look like.' The Chelsea stopper had usurped Euro 2022 winner Mary Earps to become Sarina Wiegman's first-choice keeper and was under enormous pressure to deliver in Switzerland. Her mother praised her daughter for her resilience, and said: 'I think we've always known Hannah will be England's number one. 'It's always been her target. She's such a hard worker. Her mantra is keep plodding on. That's what she does, and she will continue to keep plodding on. 'This isn't the end for Hannah. This is another stepping stone.'
