The stage was set. Fifth vs first. European champions vs world champions. England vs Spain, once more, for the crown of Europe.
On paper, it couldn’t have been tastier (and we’re not talking cuisine here).
Tournaments rarely follow the script. Finals even less so.
The Weight of Expectation
Spain were worthy finalists, favourites before a ball was even kicked in Basel. England, the reigning champions, were written off. By pundits. By fans. Even by me. That early loss to France, making them the first defending champions to lose an opening game, did little to quiet the critics.
These Lionesses though, stayed true to their name: fierce, relentless, gritty. They clawed their way through the chaos, trailing in three matches leading up to the final. And once again, they found themselves behind, as Spain opened the scoring in the 25th minute. A slick team move, finished with a Caldentey header.
England struggled in the first half. Disjointed. On the back foot. Spain dictated play. The world rankings weren’t lying.
Even so, England had belief. They’ve made ‘playing the English way’ their mantra, and it’s worked. From 2-0 down in the quarter-final against Sweden, to stealing a 95th-minute equaliser against Italy. They were battle-tested. And they weren’t done yet.
The Turning Point
Lauren James hadn’t hit the heights she wanted this tournament, and after picking up a knock against Italy, her final was cut short. Off at 40 minutes. Enter Chloe Kelly, earlier than planned, but immediately impactful.
From that moment, it felt like a much fairer fight.
The second half carried on in the same pattern. Spain dominant in possession, England defiant. And in the 57th minute, Kelly struck. A pinpoint Beckham-esque cross found Alessia Russo, a player criticised before and during the tournament, who rose to bury a thumping header. 1-1.
This wasn’t a game for the purists. Both teams mirrored each other with their 4-3-3 setups. Risk-averse. Cautious. Tense.
Extra time came and went with little to separate them. Half chances snuffed out. Hampton and Coll guarding their goals superbly.
As a result, penalties followed. Of course.
Tension, Nerves, and Extra Time
All eyes were on England’s spot kicks after their poor quality shootout win over Sweden. Could they hold their nerve again?
Beth Mead stepped up first, and slipped. But she scored anyway. 1-0. Or so we thought. VAR intervened. Double touch. Penalty retaken. Second effort saved. A brutal, controversial start.
Guijarro slotted calmly down the middle for Spain. 1-0.
Alex Greenwood made no mistake, a composed finish into the bottom corner. 1-1.
Then came the turning point. Hannah Hampton saved Caldentey’s tame effort. England ahead.
Niamh Charles, on for Lucy Bronze, sent Coll the wrong way. 2-1.
Bonmatí, so often Spain’s rock, cracked. Another Hampton save. Cue chaos in the England end.
Captain Leah Williamson stepped up to kill it. But Coll guessed right. Still 2-1.
Spain’s Paralluelo had to score. She didn’t. Dragged wide.
Match point.
And who else but Chloe Kelly?
Written off. Dropped to the bench. Forgotten by many. But never by herself.
No rebound this time. No second chances. She stepped up, rocketed her strike at 115 km/h past Coll, and made England the first back-to-back Euro champions since Germany in 2013.
Redemption, Glory, History Made
Cue the roar. Cue the tears. Cue the redemption.
Spain may have taken the World Cup in 2023, but England just reclaimed Europe in 2025.
Another chapter closed and another battle won.
Now, it’s on to Brazil, 2027.
Because Sarina Wiegman isn’t done and she wants to complete her collection.
And so do England.
