In dramatic finish to the Euro 2025 final, England’s Chloe Kelly proved the difference maker. She netted the winning penalty kick against Spain, giving her squad the championship win. The 2023 final at London’s Wembley Stadium produced an exciting shootout. That fierce rivalry wrote the final chapter in England’s tale as arguably the most remarkable sports team in English history. Under the joint leadership of Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses won their third consecutive title in Europe. This latest triumph indelibly stamps their legacy all-time in women’s football.
The match started on a nervous note for the Lionesses with an early warning shot. Alessia Russo followed that with a great effort from a tight angle that Spanish ‘keeper Cata Coll saved smartly. The tempers flared on the field after the opening goal, as Mariona Caldentey scored the opener for Spain with a back post header in the first half. England responded with determination. In the second half, Russo responded with a vengeance to tie it up. This nail-biting climactic buildup led to an even more nail-biting climax!
In yet another tactical masterstroke, Wiegman had the two Lauras, Hemp and James, swap wings. This tactical shift maximized their strengths and created more chances going forward. James illustrated that fighting spirit too, having recovered from an ankle injury picked up in the last game against Italy. He really did step up though and become the keystone of the team’s offensive strategy.
During additional time, the game unfolded in a deeply troubling scene. Even Lucy Bronze, playing in her 140th cap, went off with a knee injury. Her exit from the pitch called into question England’s defensive fortitude as they sought a comeback win. Regardless, the Lionesses showed immense grit and determination to see themselves through to penalties.
As the game headed into a penalty shootout, Hannah Hampton was England’s star of the match. She made two crucial saves against Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí, keeping England’s hopes alive. Conversely, Beth Mead faced disappointment when her retaken penalty was saved by Coll, adding to the tense atmosphere of the shootout.
Spain’s Salma Paralluelo stumbled when it mattered, firing her penalty attempt off target. The two sides were engaged in a scoreless tug-of-war. It took all that pressure off Kasper, as Kelly strode up to take the last penalty. With poise and power, she sent the winning shot home, clinching England’s victory, and igniting the crowd’s jubilation!
This victory represents a huge leap forward for the Lionesses. They have changed the face of women’s football, and in doing so, moved the needle on social change. Their success has further opened doors and amplified their voices, cementing them as role models for generations to come.
Yet, their road to the finals was not without its obstacles. In the semi finals England edged past Germany due to an astonishing performance by Jule Brand, usually an attacker, who dominated defensively. The Lionesses proved their talent and tenacity during the entire tournament, ending with their historic win against Spain.
Of those younger talents making their mark, 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang made a real splash. She shouldered the responsibility expertly, taking the field with confidence for almost 20 minutes after being subbed on to replace Russo. And her inclusion provided a first glimpse of Wiegman’s faith in the depth and potential of her squad.