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England are European champions once again. It took a penalty shootout to decide the Women’s Euro final against Spain, but it was Wiegman’s Lionesses who lifted the trophy under the Basel night sky. Spain’s hopes of a historic treble – after winning the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Nations League – were dashed. After a 1–1 draw following extra time, England converted three penalties while La Roja only scored once (Mary Earps’ replacement Hannah Hampton saved from Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí, before Salma Paralluelo fired wide).
Chloe Kelly delivered the decisive spot-kick, sparking celebrations – once again the heroine, just as she was in the Euro 2022 final against Germany, when she scored in extra time at Wembley. The Lionesses’ journey wasn’t flawless: a hard-fought extra-time win over Italy, a group-stage defeat to France, and three consecutive matches – including the final – settled either in extra time or on penalties.
In the final, Spain struck first midway through the opening half: Mariona headed home after a clever build-up down the right by Ona Batlle. England hit back early in the second half through Alessia Russo – the striker with Sicilian roots finishing off a cross from Kelly, who had come on in the first half for the injured Lauren James. Spain’s coach Montse Tomé substituted Alexia Putellas in the 71st minute, and the world champions pushed for a winner, especially through Bonmatí in extra time. But England held firm – and on penalties, they completed their back-to-back European triumph.
