Chloe Kelly the Hero Again as England Defend European Crown
In a night dripping with drama and destiny at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, England's Lionesses once again etched their name into European football history, defeating Spain 3-1 on penalties to lift the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 title. Chloe Kelly, the embodiment of big-match temperament, converted the decisive spot-kick with unflinching poise — delivering England their second consecutive European championship after a 1-1 deadlock in extra time. It was a finale befitting a tournament that has seen comebacks, resilience, and raw emotion — and Sarina Wiegman's side embodied it all. England, who had clawed their way past Sweden in the quarter-finals and edged Italy in a gruelling semi-final, once again held their nerve when it mattered most. **Spain Strikes First, England Hits Back** Reigning world and Nations League champions Spain controlled the early tempo, asserting their authority in midfield and capitalising on a lapse in England's defence in the 25th minute. Ona Batlle delivered a teasing cross that met the head of Mariona Caldentey, who glanced it past goalkeeper Hannah Hampton to give La Roja the lead. England were rattled — especially after star winger Lauren James limped off with an ankle injury. But as fate would have it, her replacement would become a game-changer. Chloe Kelly, brought on just before the interval, quickly stamped her impact on proceedings. The second half saw England push with renewed urgency. In the 57th minute, Kelly turned creator, sending in a sublime cross that Alessia Russo met with a powerful header to level the score. Spain retained most of the possession and probed relentlessly, but England's backline stood like a fortress. Extra time offered more tension than chances. Spain continued to ask questions, but England refused to yield. **Penalty Drama Unfolds** The shootout was the first in a Women's Euro final since the tournament's inaugural edition in 1984 — a poetic nod to history. Spain had the early advantage when Cata Coll denied Beth Mead with a sharp save. But Hampton — calm and commanding — turned the tide, saving penalties from both Caldentey and Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati. Leah Williamson's miss threatened to tilt the balance again, but when Salma Paralluelo dragged her effort wide, the stage was set for a familiar hero.  **Kelly Delivers Again** Just as she did at Wembley in 2022 with a title-winning strike in extra time, Chloe Kelly embraced the spotlight with open arms. With her signature stuttered run-up, she lashed the ball home, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling England fans. Her teammates swarmed her as chants of "It's coming home — again!" echoed into the Basel night. "I'm so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge, and so proud to be English," said a jubilant Kelly post-match. "I was cool, I was composed, and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net." Goalkeeper Hampton, the unsung hero of the shootout, summed it up best: "We've got English blood in us — we never say die. And we proved that again tonight." **Spain Left to Rue Missed Chances** For Spain, which dominated much of the possession and looked the more polished side for long spells, the loss was gutting. Aitana Bonmati, usually composed and clinical, was visibly heartbroken. "I don't have much emotion left. I have emptied myself," she said. "We were superior, in my opinion, but sometimes in football, that's not enough." **A Legacy Cemented** With this victory, England not only defended their crown but also strengthened their legacy under Wiegman — a manager whose tactical nous and unshakeable belief have shaped one of the most formidable teams in modern women's football. From Wembley to Basel, the Lionesses continue to roar — and Chloe Kelly remains their most decisive voice when it matters most.
