Lionesses pounce for back-to-back glory

IT’S back home again — the heroic Lionesses won a nail-biting penalty shootout to bring down Spain and retain the European Championship last night.

- By Vickiie Oliphant in Basel, Switzerland

Once again England’s Chloe Kelly was the heroine, scoring the vital spot kick as Sarina Wiegman’s comeback queens won back-to-back finals sparking wild celebrations across the country and in the Basel stadium.

Their victory, after going behind, makes the never-say-die women the first England football team to win a tournament abroad.

Kelly, who also scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final, clinched the victory 3-1 on penalties following two huge shootout saves from keeper Hannah Hampton.

Footage showed the Chelsea star seemed to have taped her notes on where Spain’s penalty takers might strike on a patch under her left sleeve.

Supporters in pubs and fan zones danced on tables, threw their drinks in the air and excitedly hugged as England beat the world champions while the Prince of Wales and Sir Keir Starmer watched from the Swiss stands.

King Charles said that the Lionesses had the Royal Family’s “warmest appreciation and admiration” following their win, adding: “The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can.”

In a statement posted on X, Charles added: “This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the Euros 2025.