Women's football England retain Euros title after penalty shootout success over Spain

SUBSTITUTE Chloe Kelly fired in the winning penalty as England completed another spectacular shootout comeback to defend their title and beat world champions Spain 3-1 on penalties in the Euro 2025 final.

- Rachel STEINBERG

The Lionesses came back twice to reach the decider in Basel and book this revenge mission against the same side who beat them at the 2023 World Cup in Sydney.

Mariona Caldentey ensured England would need another when she nodded in a 25th-minute opener, cancelled out by her Arsenal teammate Alessia Russo with a header of her own from Kelly's cross after the break.

Hannah Hampton made two spectacular saves in the shootout before Kelly scored the dramatic winner after Sama Paralluelo’s miss.

Kelly, speaking to BBC One said: “I am so proud of this team. So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English.

“I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don’t miss penalties twice.

“Unbelievable. All the staff behind us and Sarina Wiegman - she has done it again! Unbelievable.