England retain Euros crown with penalty shootout win over Spain
The Lionesses came back twice to reach the decider in Basel and book this revenge mission against the same side who beat them at the 2023 World Cup in Sydney.
And Mariona Caldentey ensured England would need another when she nodded in a 25th-minute opener, cancelled out by her Arsenal team-mate Alessia Russo with a header of her own from Kelly's cross after the break.
Hannah Hampton made several spectacular saves in the shootout before Kelly netted the dramatic winner after Sama Paralluelo's miss.
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Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Katie McCabe: 'I think that structure between 19s and the senior level is really key, so we don't continue to lose players'
For someone with a Champions League medal around her neck, Katie McCabe still has a sense of her original place. Arsenal's triumph is ending an 18-year wait for Europe's prize trophy had the Irish captain front and centre, the left-back playing the most minutes of any player in the competition. She became as famous for her celebrations back in London as the performance she delivered to help dethrone Barcelona in the May final in Lisbon. McCabe was excused for Ireland's subsequent transatlantic trip to USA for two friendlies, although she disagrees with the declaration by Carla Ward of her being burnt out. She was able to witness from her sun-lounger most of her fellow Gunners participate in the Euros, eventually leading to Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly and bolter Michelle Agyemang lifting the trophy against Spain last Sunday. McCabe is one of the few players back in pre-season at Arsenal, mulling as to where Ireland fits into the international success her peers are rejoicing in. She dined at the top table of a World Cup two years ago in Australia at Ireland's first major tournament but, after missing out in the Euros, next up within their sights is the 2027 edition of the global showpiece in Brazil. Stressing Ireland are immersed in a transition since Ward was appointed in December, concerns exist about the generation seeking to fill the gaps created by a glut of retirements since the sojourn Down Under. What Ireland lacks compared to England – and even Scotland in recent years – is an U21 or U23 team equipping players with the skillset necessary to migrate into the senior fold. Finance has been blamed for the FAI's inability to add the team above their U19 level. Imminent staff cutbacks suggest that won't change, leaving them reliant on grants from Fifa to fund what's a vital component to bridging the gap. "We need to keep doing more,' noted McCabe, back in Dublin yesterday visiting patients at Crumlin Children's Hospital. 'In my opinion, I think that structure between 19s and the senior level is really key, so we don't continue to lose players. 'Maybe it's the Gaelic football - maybe they just stop playing - but it's a big issue for me. "I think an U21 team would be the end goal. The starting process would be to look at how we function through the four provinces - then structure it into a development squad, home-based training session, where you've got the best crop of Irish talent around the country. Let them train together and get exposed to senior level football with the manager. I think that needs looking at.' BRINGING SMILES: Republic of Ireland captain and Arsenal star Katie McCabe made a heartwarming visit to Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin, meeting patient Meddinah and creating unforgettable memories for young patients and their families. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile In the meantime, there's a playoff against Belgium on October 24 and 28 to determine which of the nations will contest next year's World Cup qualifiers in the top tier. Crucially, it guarantees a playoff route as fallback but Belgium are fresh from the Euros. Although they lost 6-2 against the Spanish, they beat Portugal and came out 1-0 losers in a tight contest against semi-finalists Italy. McCabe is due to win her 100th cap in the second leg held in Leuven, just outside Brussels. Putting Ireland in a stronger position for a second successive World Cup on the occasion of her personal milestone is of equal importance. 'Belgium are a serious, serious team,' warned the 29-year-old. 'I was watching them in the Euros over the summer and it's going to be difficult. 'This is a massive tie so we want the Aviva absolutely rocking on that Friday night. "Even if people are fans of the men's game but are football fans, we'd love for you to come and support us.' Meanwhile, McCabe's former Arsenal teammate and current goalkeeping coach with Ireland, Emma Byrne, has been appointed as manager of English third-tier club Lewes. Lewes operate in the FA Women's National League South, a tier below the Women's Super League 2. They confirmed Ireland's record caps holder will combine her new role with her FAI duties. "Emma will continue her role with the FAI and the Ireland women's national team, and we are proud to support her in balancing her dual responsibilities,' they said. 'Her presence at Lewes reflects the club's ambition to connect domestic development with the international game.'
Irish Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
England star lost family member on morning of Euro final
Ella Toone has revealed her grandmother died on the morning of England's Euro 2025 final victory over Spain. The 25-year-old played the opening 87 minutes of Sunday's match in Basel as the Lionesses retained their title thanks to a penalty shoot-out win following a 1-1 draw. The Manchester United midfielder lost her father Nick to prostate cancer last September, three days short of his 60th birthday. He had been diagnosed the day after watching his daughter score in the Euro 2022 final as England beat Germany 2-1 at Wembley. Toone previously revealed her grandmother placed a bet on her to one day play for England when Toone was around six years old. 'Even in the highest of highs life can hit you with the lowest of lows,' she posted on Instagram. 'My Nana Maz took her last breath on the morning of our Euro final. I have comfort in knowing she got to watch from the best seat in the house with Dad, her favourite person.' Toone, who also helped England finish runners-up to Spain at the 2023 World Cup, started five of her country's six games in Switzerland. 'I'll miss you forever nan but I'll cherish the special memories we made, there isn't enough words I can possibly say to sum up the person you were, but I'm grateful you were my nanna. My football loving, crazy, funny Nan,' her post continued. 'All those years ago when you put a bet on at the bookies that I would play for England one day & on the day you leave us we bring it home again. You always knew it.'
Irish Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Seamus Coleman's three options when he retires as he rules out one area of work
Seamus Coleman says he has three options when he finally hangs up his boots - but there is one job that he has no intention of doing. Coleman, who turns 37 in October, still has plenty of miles in his legs, having missed most of the past two seasons through injury. He recently signed a new one-year contract with Everton, and is closing in on 17 years with the Premier League side, as they prepare for a new post-Goodison Park era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. But thoughts are already turning to when he finally hangs up his boots for club and country. Coleman says he will consider three different paths, but has ruled out one. 'TV work, I don't think that would be for me,' he told the Everton website. 'I would never say never, I might… if opportunities arise. But not TV work. 'Management, coaching, or disappear back to Ireland. It's been those. I'm either going to be a coach, a manager, or go back to Ireland and you'll never hear from me again. I'm not sure.' Before he has to make that decision, however, Coleman has plenty to do both at club and international level. Heimir Hallgrímsson will be eager to include the experienced campaigner in his plans for the World Cup qualifiers, which kick off in September. And Everton boss David Moyes will rely on his experience on the pitch, at the training ground and behind the scenes at the Merseyside outfit. Then there is the prospect of working with another international pal at club level, with goalkeeper Mark Travers set for his first campaign with the Toffees. 'First and foremost he's a great lad, very respectful, very good around the place,' said Coleman about the Kildareman. 'But a really good goalkeeper as well. I had him with Ireland and he pulls off some amazing saves. I think he'll be good to add to the goalkeeping unit. 'I know we are blessed with Jordan, he has been incredible for us over the last couple of years, and Mark will be here to support him and push him along the way. He'll be very well accepted here.' Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email .
