Women’s Euro Final: England Avenge Spain and Retain the Title
Chloe Kelly scored the decisive penalty as England beat Spain 3–1 in a shootout to win the UEFA Women’s Euro title on Sunday, successfully defending the crown they had clinched three years earlier, after an intense match that ended 1–1 following extra time.
Spain, the 2023 World Cup champions, dominated the match and took the lead in the 25th minute when Ona Batlle delivered a cross that caught the English defense out of position. Mariona Caldentey followed it up with a header past goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
However, England equalized in the 57th minute when Alessia Russo headed in a pinpoint cross from Kelly to bring the score level.
Spain continued to dominate possession but couldn’t find the net before the end of regulation time. Extra time saw more pressure from Spain, but England’s defense held firm, and the match went to penalties tied at 1–1.
Spain began the shootout strongly with goalkeeper Cata Coll saving Beth Mead’s attempt. But Hampton responded by denying both Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí, putting England in front.
Coll gave Spain hope again by saving England captain Leah Williamson’s shot with one hand, but substitute Salma Paralluelo missed wildly over the bar.
That set the stage for Kelly to repeat her 2022 heroics—when she scored the winning goal against Germany in extra time at Wembley—by converting the final penalty and sealing England’s victory.
