England’s Lionesses Crowned European Champions Once Again

England overcome Spain in a nail-biting final to retain their Women’s Euros title

In a gripping conclusion to the UEFA Women’s European Championship in Basel, Switzerland, England’s Lionesses successfully defended their title, beating Spain 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time. The win marks another historic moment for Sarina Wiegman’s side, who have now won back-to-back European Championships — the first national team to do so since Germany in 2013.

Russo and Kelly Deliver When It Matters

The match was fiercely contested from the outset, with Spain striking first through Mariona Caldentey in the 25th minute. The forward’s header left England’s defence scrambling and gave La Roja the lead going into halftime.

But England responded with determination. Substitute Chloe Kelly — remembered for her decisive goal in the 2022 final — made a vital impact again, delivering the cross that Alessia Russo turned into the net to equalise. Russo’s goal in the second half revitalised England’s momentum and pushed the game into extra time.

Spain maintained pressure in the added 30 minutes, but England’s defence stood firm, with goalkeeper Hannah Hampton making crucial interventions to keep the score level. The game eventually moved to penalties — the first Women’s Euros final to do so since the competition’s inception in 1984.

Kelly stepped up once more in England’s hour of need. After Hampton saved two of Spain’s spot kicks and Salma Paralluelo missed another, Kelly calmly slotted in the winning penalty.

“I was cool, I was composed and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net,” she said post-match. “I'm so proud, so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge, and I'm so proud to be English.”

A Team Built on Resilience and Grit

Throughout the tournament, England have shown their resilience, coming from behind in more than one game.

“Unbelievable, incredible, showing throughout this tournament we can come back when we go a goal down, and we have that grit,” said goalkeeper Hampton, who was named one of the match's standout performers.

Her composure during the shootout and critical saves highlighted the team’s never-say-die attitude.

“We’ve got English blood in us, so we never say die and we just keep going, and we did that today,” she added.

The Fractured Tibia That Didn’t Stop Bronze

England’s triumph was made all the more remarkable by Lucy Bronze’s revelation that she had played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia — a break in the shinbone that supports much of the body’s weight. Speaking after the match, Bronze explained that she had first discovered the injury following England’s win over Portugal in May, but chose to continue competing with the full support of her manager and teammates.

The injury went unnoticed by the public until she was forced off in the final with a separate knee issue. Despite the pain, she remained on the pitch to celebrate England’s win, her right leg heavily bandaged.

“That’s why I got a lot of praise after the Sweden game,” she told BBC Sport. “I’ve been in a lot of pain, but if that’s what it takes to play for England, that’s what I’ll do.”

A fractured tibia can take months to heal, and usually requires rest and rehabilitation — not international tournament football. Yet Bronze’s decision to push through embodied the grit and determination that have come to define this Lionesses squad.

“It’s very painful. I am going to party, I am going to enjoy it and that’s it,” she added defiantly.

A Nation United in Celebration

The triumph sent waves of celebration across the country.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer posted on social media: “Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses - what a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.”

The Royal Family was also present to witness the action. Prince William, attending the match with Princess Charlotte, joined fans in jubilant celebrations. During the medal ceremony, he praised striker Michelle Agyemang, who was named Young Player of the Tournament, reportedly telling her:

“Well played, fantastic, well done.”

This victory not only adds another trophy to England’s growing legacy in women’s football but also cements their place as a dominant force in the sport. With a strong blend of experience and rising talent, the Lionesses have once again inspired a generation and set the standard for future competitions.