England's women's football team, the Lionesses, have once again etched their name in history by successfully defending their European Championship title with a thrilling victory over Spain in the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final held on July 27 in Basel, Switzerland. After a tense 90 minutes of regular play and a further 30 minutes of extra time where both teams remained deadlocked, the fate of the championship was decided in a nail-biting penalty shootout. England emerged victorious 3-1, thanks in large part to the decisive spot-kick from forward Chloe Kelly, who has now cemented her legacy as one of England's most clutch performers in major tournaments.
England's journey to the final was marked by resilience and moments of dramatic comeback. Despite a rocky start with a 2-1 loss to France in the group stage opener, the Lionesses bounced back emphatically, demolishing the Netherlands 4-0 and Wales 6-1 to finish second in their group. The knockout rounds tested England's mettle further. In the quarter-finals against Sweden, they faced a daunting 2-0 deficit at halftime but rallied with goals from veteran Lucy Bronze and 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang to force extra time. The match ultimately went to penalties where England edged Sweden 3-2, with Sweden's Smilla Holmberg missing the crucial spot-kick.
The semi-final against Italy was equally dramatic. Italy took the lead in the first half, and it looked as though England's title defense might end. However, in the dying moments of stoppage time, Agyemang once again rose to the occasion, scoring in the 90+6 minute to level the game. In extra time, Chloe Kelly converted a rebound after her initial penalty was saved, sending England through to the final.
The final itself was a rematch of the 2023 Women's World Cup final, where Spain had triumphed 1-0. On this occasion, Spain took the lead through a first-half header by Mariona Caldentey. England refused to be deterred, with striker Alessia Russo equalizing with a header of her own. The match remained tightly contested through extra time, leading to the decisive penalty shootout.
England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was instrumental in the shootout, making two crucial saves. Although England's Beth Mead missed her first penalty after a retake, Spain faltered with three consecutive misses, two saved by Hampton, allowing Chloe Kelly to net the winning penalty and secure England's second European crown. This victory marked a historic first for any English football team, men’s or women’s, winning a major tournament on foreign soil.
Adding to the team's remarkable story, defender Lucy Bronze revealed post-match that she had played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia, enduring significant pain but demonstrating unwavering commitment to the cause. "I actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, but no one knew," Bronze told BBC Sport. "I've been in a lot of pain, but that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do." Her dedication was evident as she played nearly 600 minutes throughout the competition.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman, who has now won three European titles—including the 2017 championship with the Netherlands—praised her squad's resilience and unity. "The team is just incredible," she said, reflecting on the journey and the reception at Downing Street.
Following their triumphant return to England on July 28, the Lionesses were greeted by hundreds of adoring fans at Southend Airport, many waving England flags and holding signs of support. The team then proceeded to a special reception at Downing Street hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock. Rayner lauded the team as "absolute champions" and highlighted their role in inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, attending a meeting in Scotland with U.S. President Donald Trump, joined the celebrations via video call, expressing pride in the team's achievement and its positive impact on young people across the country. King Charles III also paid tribute, offering the Royal Family's "warmest appreciation and admiration" and encouraging the team to aim for World Cup glory in 2027.
The celebrations continued on July 29 with a spectacular open-top bus parade through central London. Thousands of jubilant fans lined The Mall, singing "It's coming home" and "Sweet Caroline" as the players waved and danced atop the buses. Captain Leah Williamson, emotional and holding back tears, lifted the Euro 2025 trophy amid raucous applause. Alessia Russo described the experience as "a bit surreal" and said she was "on cloud nine." Chloe Kelly, ever the crowd favorite, joked about the pressure of her winning penalty: "Pressure? What pressure?" before thanking supporters for their unwavering support both in Switzerland and back home.
Manager Sarina Wiegman was surprised on stage by her favorite artist Burna Boy, adding a festive touch to the ceremony outside Buckingham Palace at the Queen Victoria Memorial. The event concluded with red flares, fireworks, and the Lionesses dancing alongside their fans, embodying the joy and unity their victory had inspired nationwide.
Looking ahead, England’s next major challenge will be the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, where they could face the world number one-ranked United States. Meanwhile, the government has announced plans to double the allocation of time for women's and girls' football teams at government-funded sports facilities, aiming to build on the momentum generated by the Lionesses' success. A new taskforce will also be established to replicate the progress made in women's football across other sports.
This remarkable journey from tournament underdogs to European champions again has captured the hearts of millions, with over 16 million viewers tuning in live to watch the final—making it the most-watched television moment of the year so far. The Lionesses have not only defended their crown but have also elevated women's football to new heights in England and beyond.
