England Defeat Spain in Penalty Shootout to Retain UEFA Women’s Euro Title

Basel: Defending champions England held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to defeat Spain and retain the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 title, after coming from behind during regulation time.

Spain took the lead through Mariona Caldentey, who rose above the defence to head in a well-placed cross from Ona Batlle. However, England responded in the second half when Alessia Russo scored a brilliant header from a cross by Chloe Kelly to bring the game level.

The match remained deadlocked through extra time, with both teams having multiple chances. Spain came close to regaining the lead on several occasions, with Salma Paralluelo and Claudia Pina missing critical opportunities. England’s defence, led by captain Leah Williamson, stood firm under pressure.

As the game moved into penalties, England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton emerged as the hero. After Beth Mead’s initial penalty was saved, Spain’s Patri Guijarro converted hers. Alex Greenwood then scored for England before Hampton denied Caldentey to even the score.

Niamh Charles coolly slotted her penalty into the bottom corner, and Hampton struck again, saving a shot from Spain’s Aitana Bonmati. Although Williamson and Paralluelo both missed their spot-kicks, Kelly stepped up with the final penalty and calmly converted it to secure England’s back-to-back European titles.

England’s resilience, tactical discipline, and Hampton’s heroics under pressure proved decisive in a thrilling finale that capped off a gripping tournament.

With inputs from IANS