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In a pulsating final at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, England clinched back-to-back UEFA Women’s European Championship titles, edging world champions Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout after a tense 1–1 draw in extra time.
Spain looked in control early, dictating the rhythm with their trademark possession game. Their patience paid off in the 25th minute when Mariona Caldentey struck from close range after a dangerous cross from Ona Batlle. For much of the first half, England chased shadows, unable to establish any real foothold against Spain’s slick passing and movement.
Everything changed after halftime. England manager Sarina Wiegman made a bold tactical change, bringing on Chloe Kelly for the injured Lauren James. Kelly immediately injected pace and energy, stretching Spain’s back line and forcing them to defend deeper. Her impact was decisive—just 12 minutes into the second half, she delivered a pinpoint cross for Alessia Russo, whose header powered past the Spanish goalkeeper to level the score.
The equalizer swung momentum toward England, who began to grow in confidence. Spain still saw more of the ball, but England’s defense—anchored by the outstanding goalkeeper Hannah Hampton—refused to buckle. As the match moved into extra time, Spain pressed hard, but Hampton made crucial stops to keep the scores level.
When the final whistle signaled the end of extra time, the tension shifted to the penalty spot. Hampton again proved decisive, saving from Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí to give England the edge. Spain’s Salma Paralluelo then fired her effort wide, handing Kelly the chance to seal the championship. With her signature skip-step run-up, she blasted her spot kick into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations as England claimed a 3–1 shootout victory.
For Kelly, it was a moment of redemption. Earlier in the season, she had struggled for playing time at Manchester City and even considered a loan move. Speaking after the final, she described those months as “dark days” and thanked those who doubted her for fueling her determination. Her performances throughout the tournament—scoring and creating in crucial moments—were pivotal to England’s success.
The triumph capped a tournament in which England’s resilience shone through. They came from 2–0 down to beat Sweden on penalties in the quarter-finals and edged past Italy in extra time in the semi-finals. Spain, by contrast, had reached the final in commanding fashion, beating Germany and Switzerland without conceding a goal.
Hampton was named player of the match for her composure under pressure and her two penalty saves in the shootout.Her calm presence and sharp reflexes were vital in keeping England in contention during Spain’s periods of dominance.
The victory was historic in more ways than one. It was the first time a Women’s Euro final had been decided by penalties since the tournament’s inaugural edition in 1984, and the first time any senior England side—men’s or women’s—had won a major tournament on foreign soil. For Wiegman, it was another glittering chapter in an already illustrious managerial career, and for her players, it was a testament to their unity, belief, and capacity to deliver on the biggest stage.
As the confetti rained down in Basel, the England squad huddled together, singing with their fans and lifting the trophy high into the night. In a match where grit met grace, it was England’s resilience that carried them over the line, proving once again that heart and belief can overcome even the most technically gifted of opponents.