3️⃣ key performers as England retain their Women's EURO crown | OneFootball

England’s unwavering defence of their Women’s EURO crown came down to heart-stopping drama at Basel's St. Jakob-Park, as the Lionesses battled Spain to a 1–1 draw before banking a 3-1 penalty shootout win to defy the odds once again.

That makes it back-to-back tournament triumphs for the European giant, who only led for less than five minutes across a heartstopping knockout stage where they were made to dig deep time and again to claw their way to the final stop against a vaunted high-scoring La Roja side.

With Sarina Weigman at the helm, here are three standout performers who were pivotal in turning the tide for England to once again see it come home.

1. Chloe Kelly: Spot‑Kick Specialist

Kelly’s introduction before halftime to replace the injured Lauren James would prove decisive.

The Arsenal forward bagged the assist for club colleague Alessia Russo’s equaliser with a pinpoint cross in the 57th minute that would restore parity with a clinical header.

She has been a consistent creative threat all tournament long when on the pitch, but even more decisively, her calm nature from the penalty spot showed up once more when she dispatched her effort past La Roja shot-stopper to seal another match-winner in consecutive tournament finals for England.

2. Alessia Russo: Finisher with Flair

Russo’s role was equally vital, not just today, but all summer long for England.

Her well-taken equaliser was her second of the tournament to go along with a hat-trick of assists during England's 4-0 win over the Netherlands during group play as Russo continued her rich vein of form that saw her become a central figure for Arsenal during the 2024/25 season across all competitions for the Gunners.

Russo's chronic threat in the final third has become a key card in Weigman's deck that she is sure to rely on as England will soon begin to prepare for the 2027 Women's World Cup.

3. Hannah Hampton: Penalty‑Shootout Pillar

Hampton delivered a towering performance between the posts in the final, as she had done all tournament long for the Lionesses.

Across the entire Women's EURO campaign, Hampton logged 13 saves while boasting a 68.4% save rate and conceded an average of 1.06 goals per 90 minutes during normal and extra time per FBRef.

But the Chelsea goalkeeper has been stunning during the shootout for England, and she once again would make a string of crucial saves to deny Spain a chance at their first-ever tournament win, including denying La Roja star pair Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí.

Her composure under pressure has certainly earned her national hero status.

📸 FABRICE COFFRINI - AFP or licensors