England 1-1 Spain [AET 3-1 on pens]: Hampton the hero as England retain European crown | OneFootball

The Lionesses have written history once again and are back-to-back European champions.

They beat Spain 3-1 on penalties after trailing by a goal from the 25th until the 57th minute, when Alessia Russo scored the equalizer and kept England in the game.

After two hours of football, nothing separated the two sides. When it came to penalties, Hannah Hampton made two huge saves before, just like in 2022, Chloe Kelly scored the winning goal..

As it happened

The final kicked off with both sides showing attacking intent, creating early chances, but struggling to convert. Spain had the upper hand in the first half, dictating possession and tempo, but England posed a persistent threat. The high press from Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp disrupted Montse Tomé’s side, forcing errors and unsettling Spain’s rhythm.

Despite their strong shape and defensive organization, The Lionesses once again found themselves trailing, marking the fourth consecutive match where they had to come from behind. In the 25th minute, Ona Batlle whipped in a cross from the right flank, finding Mariona Caldentey perfectly positioned in the box. Her header, powered into to the far corner, gave Spain the lead.

England’s most promising attacking moments came down the right, with several shots on target, but they couldn’t find the equalizer before halftime. Adding to their woes, Lauren James, visibly uncomfortable and repeatedly glancing toward the bench, was forced off late in the first half, with Chloe Kelly coming on in her place.

Defensively, England stood strong. Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Jess Carter, Leah Williamson, alongside goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, all played crucial roles in keeping Spain from extending their lead, blocking multiple shots and maintaining composure under pressure. They went into the break just one goal down.

And then, just before the hour mark, England struck back. Driving into space on Spain’s half, Kelly delivered a pinpoint cross from the left wing. Russo rose to meet it with a header almost identical to that of Caldentey’s, levelling the score and reigniting England’s momentum.

The rest of the match saw both teams exchanging chances, with England forced to defend with everything they had. Spain looked dangerous, especially after the introduction of Vicky López and Salma Paralluelo, who injected fresh energy and created constant problems for the English defence. But neither side could find a winner in regular time, sending England into extra time for the third straight match.

In extra time, The Lionesses remained calm and focused. Spain continued to press, but England’s resilience held firm. With no breakthrough in 120 minutes, it all came down to penalties.

Beth Mead stepped up first and scored, but was forced to retake the spot-kick after a VAR review ruled a double touch. From the resulting retake, Cata Coll guessed correctly to make the save. However, Greenwood and Niamh Charles both converted their penalties with confidence. Goalkeeper Hampton capped off her brilliant performance with two crucial saves, setting up Kelly, the hero of 2022, to once again take the final penalty. It was no surprise when she made no mistake, rifling her penalty into the top left corner. England had done it. Again.

This victory cements Kelly’s legacy: no substitute in a major women’s tournament since 2011 has created more chances (eight) or delivered more successful crosses (10) than her at this year’s Euros. And fittingly, her assist and match-winning penalty came on a night where headers were scored in a Euros or World Cup final for the first time since 2011.

Leah Williamson lifted the trophy once again, while Sarina Wiegman celebrated her third major title, having now reached five consecutive tournament finals.

Football didn’t come home; it stayed home.

The lineups

ENG: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Carter, Greenwood; Toone, Walsh, Stanway; Hemp, Russo, James