Kelly spot kick seals Euros for never-say-die Lionesses

England make history with back-to-back championships

- MIGUEL DELANEY

England

Russo (57) England win 3-1 on pens 1

Spain

Mariona Caldentey (25) 1

History repeated itself in Basel last night, as Chloe Kelly again decided the European Championship for England, this time with a penalty of such ferocity that it fittingly reflected the fight and spirit of this team.

It was proper grit, proper character... Yes, proper England, who remain European champions. Sarina Wiegman’s side produced another miracle in this tournament, as she claimed a third successive winners’ medal in the competition.

These are all historic feats in themselves, but they are elevated by the manner of this glory. It went to even deeper wells of resolve than Kelly winning it in extra time at Wembley against Germany three years ago. And to manage that against this world champion Spanish side, in this way, is the best illustration of this team’s spirit. It shouldn’t really have been possible given how they went behind.

It shouldn’t really have been possible given the visible fatigue as Spain kept the ball and kept England working. Except, the two-hour-plus football match was almost the most appropriate distillation of England’s ultimately victorious tournament.

Just like these Euros as a whole, Wiegman’s side could have been beaten four times over in the match. They could have been beaten twice over in penalties.

And yet they're still here, left alone on the podium to lift the trophy, above them only sky. That's because they just never say die.