England retained their UEFA Women’s EURO title with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Spain in Basel on Sunday night.
With nothing to separate the teams after extra time, the Lionesses held their nerve to win the shootout 3–1 – becoming the first English team to win back-to-back European titles, and the first to win an international trophy on foreign soil.
Spain grabbed the lead in the 25th minute when Mariona Caldentey headed home from an Ona Batlle cross, exploiting a flat-footed England defence. England struggled to respond in the first half, with Hannah Hampton standing tall to keep the game alive.
England levelled in the 57th minute when Alessia Russo nodded in a Chloe Kelly cross pinpoint cross. Neither side could find a breakthrough in the normal or during extra time, despite Spain’s dominance in possession and chances created.
The shootout saw Hannah Hampton rise to the occasion, saving two Spanish penalties back-to-back — first from Mariona Caldentey, then from player of the tournament Aitana Bonmatí — handing England a crucial advantage. The Lionesses converted three of their five spot-kicks, with Chloe Kelly confidently smashing the winner into the top corner past the outstretched Spanish keeper. Ever reliable when it matters most.
Penalty highlights
| Spotkick | ENGLAND | ITALY | Score |
| 1 | B Mead ❌ | P Guijarro ✅ | 0-1 |
| 2 | A Greenwood ✅ | M Caldentey ❌ | 1-1 |
| 3 | N Charles ✅ | A Bonmati ❌ | 2-1 |
| 4 | L Williamson ❌ | S Paralluelo ❌ | 2-1 |
| 5 | C Kelly ✅ | 3-1 |
Full match highlights
Player ratings
England’s dramatic win marks their second consecutive European title and echoes their comeback spirit throughout the knockout stage. Their ability to perform under pressure highlights Wiegman’s tactical trust in larger squad depth. Spain’s dominance in open play underscores what might have been; 24 attempts on goal could not be turned into more than one goal.
The Lionesses return as champions, heroes, and an inspiration to women and girls across the nation.
Final standings
