🏆 England vs Spain: Lionesses Triumph in Women’s Euro Final 2025 After Nerve-Shredding Shootout
Basel, Switzerland – In a pulsating Women’s Euro Final, England vs Spain delivered everything the football world hoped for — drama, tactical nuance, individual brilliance, and an emotional finish. In front of 42,000 roaring fans at St. Jakob-Park, England retained their European crown, winning 3–1 on penalties after a gripping 1–1 draw following extra time.
📰 Match Summary
⚽ First Half: Spanish Control, English Patience
Spain began the Euro Final with purpose, pressing high and dictating the tempo through midfield maestros Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas. Their dominance was rewarded in the 25th minute when Mariona Caldentey converted a fine team move with a glancing header past Hannah Hampton.
England, meanwhile, struggled to break out of their defensive shape. Their 4-2-3-1 formation was rigid but allowed few clear-cut chances despite Spain’s possession dominance. The Lionesses went into the break trailing but far from out of the contest.
🔁 Second Half: England Bite Back
Sarina Wiegman’s halftime changes sparked the comeback. Ella Toone replaced the quiet Katie Zelem, and Chloe Kelly pushed further forward. The equaliser came just before the hour mark — Kelly’s pinpoint cross found Alessia Russo, who powered home a header.
With the score level at 1–1, the England vs Spain battle truly came alive. Spain continued to move the ball with elegance, but England looked increasingly dangerous on the break. Chances fell to Salma Paralluelo and Lauren James, but neither side could find the winner before the final whistle.
⏱️ Extra Time: Grit Over Glamour
The extra 30 minutes were tense, tactical, and physically draining. Spain committed players forward, while England sat deep and absorbed pressure. Lucy Bronze and Leah Williamson were immense at the back, intercepting countless through balls.
Fatigue began to show, and both teams looked more focused on avoiding mistakes than creating magic. And so, for the second time in Women’s Euro history, the final went to penalties.
🧤 Penalty Shootout: Hampton Seals the Glory
England held their nerve. Spain, for all their flair, faltered under pressure.
Spain’s first three takers — Caldentey, Bonmatí, and Paralluelo — all failed to convert.
Hannah Hampton saved two and watched the third fly over the bar.
For England, Toone, Stanway, and finally Kelly converted with icy coolness.
The shootout ended 3–1, and with it, England were crowned champions of Europe for the second consecutive time.
🔍 Tactical Analysis: England vs Spain
🎯 Key Tactical Themes
Possession vs Pragmatism: Spain controlled 63% of the ball and completed over 600 passes, yet England’s low block and transition-based game plan proved more effective in high-stakes moments.
Managerial Masterclass: Wiegman’s substitutions — particularly the introduction of Toone and the advanced role of Kelly — swung the game tactically and mentally.
Defensive Organisation: England’s centre-backs, Bronze and Williamson, were vital in keeping Spain’s attacks in front of them, rarely letting Paralluelo or Caldentey into dangerous central areas.
💥 Where the Game Was Won
Mental Resilience: England’s experience from the 2022 Euros and the 2023 World Cup showed. While Spain wilted in the shootout, England exuded confidence.
Goalkeeping Heroics: Hampton’s two penalty saves will go down in history. In a match with few margins, her performance was the defining factor.
Set-Piece Threats: Despite being under pressure, England created their most dangerous moments from wide deliveries — including the equaliser.
⭐ Player Ratings: Standouts From the Women’s Euro Final
Hannah Hampton (England) – 9/10
Saved two penalties and made critical saves in regular time. A defining performance.
Chloe Kelly (England) – 8.5/10
Assist for Russo and the decisive penalty. Dynamic and relentless on the right.
Alessia Russo (England) – 8/10
Took her goal brilliantly and led the line with courage.
Aitana Bonmatí (Spain) – 7.5/10
Pulled the strings in midfield, but couldn’t break England’s low block.
Lucy Bronze & Leah Williamson (England) – 8/10
Defensively outstanding. Organised, aggressive, and composed under pressure.