Chloe Kelly once again played the hero’s role for England, calmly dispatching the decisive penalty as the Lionesses edged Spain 3-1 in a dramatic shootout to retain their European crown after an intense 1-1 draw that stretched through extra time.
The final, played on Sunday, echoed the resilience that has come to define Sarina Wiegman’s side.
Just as they clawed back from two goals down to beat Sweden in a quarterfinal shootout and saw off Italy in the semis thanks to another late Kelly strike, England’s grit shone through yet again on the biggest stage.
Spain, reigning world and Nations League champions, struck first in the 25th minute. Ona Batlle’s precise cross exposed England’s static defence, and Mariona Caldentey headed past Hannah Hampton to give La Roja a deserved lead.
England looked vulnerable, especially with star forward Lauren James forced off with an ankle injury just before halftime. But Kelly, introduced as her replacement, turned the tide almost immediately.
Not only did she help shore up the shaky left side, but she also turned provider, delivering a pinpoint cross in the 57th minute that Alessia Russo headed in for the equaliser.
From there, Spain dominated possession, weaving their intricate patterns in search of a winner, but England’s defence stood resolute through regulation and extra time.
In the shootout, Spain struck first blood as goalkeeper Cata Coll denied Beth Mead.
However, Hampton responded heroically, saving from Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí to swing momentum England’s way.
Though Coll kept Spain’s hopes alive by saving from Leah Williamson, those hopes were dashed when Salma Paralluelo missed the target.
That set up Kelly, who reenacted her iconic 2022 moment with her signature stutter-step before blasting the ball into the net, sending England fans into a frenzy.
“I’m just so proud of this team,” Kelly beamed after the match. “Proud to wear this badge. I stayed composed—I knew it was going in.”
The final marked the first Euros title match decided by penalties since England’s loss to Sweden in 1984, making the victory even sweeter.
Hampton, who starred between the posts, echoed that emotion: “Incredible. We’ve shown throughout the tournament that even when we go behind, we never quit. That’s the English spirit, we just don’t stop.”
For Spain’s Bonmatí, the loss was a crushing blow.
“I feel emotionally drained. I gave everything,” she said. “I missed my penalty, that’s on me. We were the better team today, but sometimes in football, that’s not enough.”
With this victory, England not only retained their title but cemented their status as Europe’s dominant force, powered by resilience, unity, and a touch of Kelly magic.
