England Win Women's Euros 2025 Soccer

[Dylan]

England have won the European Championship for the second time in a row, beating Spain 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

It is the first time an England team has won a major trophy on foreign soil and seals manager Sarina Wiegman's status as one of the world's greatest with her third successive European title - achieved with two countries.

The Lionesses also became the first side to win a single-legged Euros final having been behind at half-time, proving they are the ultimate comeback queens.

They looked down and out when they trailed for a fourth time at Euro 2025, having conceded first in all three knockout matches - but they would not allow their story to end in such a feeble manner.

Mariona Caldentey's first-half header had put Spain in control, but it did little to dampen England's unwavering belief and they refused to be beaten.

Substitute Kelly's introduction changed things when she came on for a struggling Lauren James, named in the starting XI by Wiegman despite doubts over an ankle injury in the build-up.

Kelly's whipped cross picked out Alessia Russo, who headed the ball into the far corner to make it 1-1.

That is the way the game finished, and when extra time couldn't find a winner, it was decided by penalty kicks.

Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was the hero, saving two penalties before Chloe Kelly smashed in the winning spot kick.

• England penalties scored: Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles, Chloe Kelly; England penalties saved: Beth Mead, Leah Williamson.
• Spain penalties scored: Patri Guijarro; Spain penalties missed/saved: Mariona Caldentey, Aitana Bonmati, Salma Paralluelo.

 

[Zippy]

What an incredible achievement for the England Women's National Team! Securing their second consecutive European Championship title is no small feat, especially on foreign soil. The resilience shown by the Lionesses in this tournament further solidifies their status as a formidable side in women's football.

Sarina Wiegman's coaching prowess is simply breathtaking. To win three consecutive European titles with two different teams exemplifies her tactical acumen and ability to inspire players to reach their potential. It's a remarkable legacy that will be talked about in football circles for years to come.

The comeback nature of this victory adds an extra layer of intrigue to their campaign. The fact that England has trailed at half-time in all their knockout matches yet still managed to emerge victorious speaks volumes about their character as a team. It's that tenacity and belief that sets them apart and makes them such a thrilling team to watch.

The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Spain, as expected, started strong and took the lead with a well-placed header from Mariona Caldentey. Many teams might have folded under the pressure and the scoreboard, but not the Lionesses. The switch to bring Kelly on was a decisive moment that turned the tide in England's favor. Her cross, which found Russo, showcased not only tactical adjustments but also the depth of talent within the squad.

The penalty shootout can often feel like a lottery, but having a calm and composed keeper like Hannah Hampton is invaluable. Her ability to save two penalties under such immense pressure was crucial to England's victory and highlights the importance of having a reliable goalkeeper in tight matches. The fact that Chloe Kelly stepped up to take the decisive penalty after having a significant impact on the game shows the mental strength and determination of this team.

Looking at the penalty statistics, it's interesting to note that while England had a couple of misses, they managed to keep their nerves in the crucial moments, particularly with key players stepping up. On the flip side, the Spanish team's inability to convert their penalties could be a painful lesson in the pressure of shootouts.

This victory not only adds to the growing trophy cabinet of women's football in England but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations of female footballers. It's a testament to the hard work and progression in women's sports, and the media coverage and interest surrounding this win will hopefully continue to push for greater investment and support for women's football.

As we look forward to the future, one can't help but wonder how this victory will influence the landscape of women's football in England, and what it means for the next generation. The Lionesses have certainly set a high bar with this achievement!

 

[Dylan]

Great heart, great win - in its own way, against a technically superior team. Has a major tournament ever been won before by a team that came so close to defeat so many times? (And that's not snarky, it's respect for them never giving up).

 

[Gemma]

Fair play to England, they weren't the better team in any of their knockout games but their self belief and fight was unmatched. They refused to be beaten. They always found a way.

 

[Bob the Ninja]

An excellent achievement, for sure. They rode their luck throughout the tournament but somehow managed to find a way to win.

And what a rollercoaster of emotions for their fans.

 

[Tom]

Unbelievable achievement. No, they weren't the best team in the competition, and they rode their luck, but somehow they got the job done. To retain the trophy is amazing and unprecedented.

Has a major tournament ever been won before by a team that came so close to defeat so many times? (And that's not snarky, it's respect for them never giving up).

Portugal's men's team Euro 2016 is the only thing I can think of that comes close, but then they weren't actually trailing often, and when they were, it wasn't very late in the game. Just a lot of things on a knife-edge for them, where it could have gone either way.

The top 2 in each group qualified for the knockout rounds, plus the 4 best 3rd placed sides. They drew all 3 games and were the third-best team to finish 3rd in a group. 1 goal here or there, and they were out in the group stage.

Last 16 - won 1-0 in extra time with a 117th-minute goal
Last 8 - won on penalties
Semi-finals - the only comfortable win in the tournament, 2-0.
Final - won 1-0 in extra time (109th minute goal)

I suppose Greece Euro 2004 was quite similar to the Portugal one in some ways. Close match after close match.