Arsenal seal England Euros win | OneFootball

Arsenal’s imprint on England’s successful Women’s Euro 2025 title defence was unmistakable, with decisive contributions from multiple Gunners in the final and a teenager who lit up the knockout rounds.

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In Basel, Mariona Caldentey gave Spain the lead with a powerful header. For a time, it looked like the world champions might complete a remarkable treble, adding the Euros to their World Cup and Nations League crowns with a win that would most likely propel the Arsenal midfielder to Ballon d’Or glory.

Yet England’s response was built on the backs of her Arsenal team mates.

Chloe Kelly, introduced earlier than planned due to an injury to Lauren James, crossed perfectly for Alessia Russo to level the score just before the hour to begin a long evening of heartbreak for Spain.

Extra time saw Spain dominate possession and create multiple chances, but England clung on to force penalties and you sensed that the challengers had lost their chance to dethrone the holders.

Kelly, already England’s semi-final saviour, converted her spot kick as Hannah Hampton produced two saves to secure back-to-back European titles for the Lionesses.

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Arsenal’s impact ran far deeper than one night in Switzerland.

Kelly’s heroics had already dragged England through the quarter-final and semi-final, while 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang – named Young Player of the Tournament – scored stoppage-time equalisers against Sweden and Italy to keep England alive. Her fearless cameos and clinical finishing provided England with the spark they desperately needed when games hung in the balance.

Kelly paid tribute to Agyemang after the semi-final, saying, “I think that gave us a new lease of energy. When your forward is doing that, it’s special.”

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Russo’s movement and composure throughout the tournament confirmed her importance for both club and country. Beth Mead also got in on the act with a goal and two assists during the tournament while Leah Williamson captained the side, playing through the pain after rolling her ankle against Sweden.

On the bench, Lotte Wubben-Moy cheered on her teammates.

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The final itself captured the essence of Arsenal’s influence on the modern women’s game. A statement signing opening the scoring, a homegrown teenage forward shaping knockout ties, and two established internationals delivering the crucial equaliser and final blow from 12 yards.

For England, it was an historic defence of their title. For Arsenal, it was proof that their players are defining moments on the biggest international stages, from established stars to breakout youth.

This was not just England retaining the Euros, it was Arsenal shaping how they were won.