Kelly Delivers Again as England Win Euro 2025 on Penalties
It was a fittingly tense conclusion to a tournament that has tested England's resolve from start to finish. After trailing in the quarter-finals and grinding through extra time against Italy in the semis, they once again fell behind—this time to a first-half header from Mariona Caldentey in the 25th minute.
The goal was a product of sharp Spanish play, with Ona Batlle exploiting space on the right to deliver a cross that caught the England defence out of position. With Lauren James forced off before the break due to injury, the signs weren't promising.
But Kelly's introduction shortly before half-time proved critical. She helped stabilise England's vulnerable left flank and turned provider early in the second half, delivering a measured cross that Alessia Russo headed in to level the score in the 57th minute.
Spain dominated the ball and territory for much of the rest of the match, but England's defensive structure held firm through extra time. A shootout, for just the second time in Women's Euro final history, followed.
Beth Mead saw her opening effort saved by Cata Coll, but goalkeeper Hannah Hampton swung the momentum back England's way with saves from Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí. After Salma Paralluelo fired wide, the stage was set for Kelly—who famously netted the winner in 2022—to seal it again.
She delivered, coolly dispatching her penalty before sprinting to celebrate in front of England's travelling support.
'We showed our grit again,' Hampton said. 'We never give up.'Spain's Bonmatí was more subdued: 'We were better in my opinion, but football doesn't always reward that.'
England, though, won't mind. A second straight European crown, this time away from home, cements their place at the top of the women's game in Europe.
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England are European champions once again. Sarina Wiegman's side held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to defeat Spain 3-1 after a tense 1-1 draw in the Euro 2025 final, with Chloe Kelly scoring the decisive kick in front of a packed St. Jakob-Park. It was a fittingly tense conclusion to a tournament that has tested England's resolve from start to finish. After trailing in the quarter-finals and grinding through extra time against Italy in the semis, they once again fell behind—this time to a first-half header from Mariona Caldentey in the 25th minute. The goal was a product of sharp Spanish play, with Ona Batlle exploiting space on the right to deliver a cross that caught the England defence out of position. With Lauren James forced off before the break due to injury, the signs weren't promising. But Kelly's introduction shortly before half-time proved critical. She helped stabilise England's vulnerable left flank and turned provider early in the second half, delivering a measured cross that Alessia Russo headed in to level the score in the 57th minute. Spain dominated the ball and territory for much of the rest of the match, but England's defensive structure held firm through extra time. A shootout, for just the second time in Women's Euro final history, followed. Beth Mead saw her opening effort saved by Cata Coll, but goalkeeper Hannah Hampton swung the momentum back England's way with saves from Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí. After Salma Paralluelo fired wide, the stage was set for Kelly—who famously netted the winner in 2022—to seal it again. She delivered, coolly dispatching her penalty before sprinting to celebrate in front of England's travelling support. 'We showed our grit again,' Hampton said. 'We never give up.'Spain's Bonmatí was more subdued: 'We were better in my opinion, but football doesn't always reward that.' England, though, won't mind. A second straight European crown, this time away from home, cements their place at the top of the women's game in Europe.
