England 1 – 1 Spain
England win 3-1 on penalties
Two years after falling to Spain in the World Cup final, England’s women finally had their moment of redemption—this time on the European stage. Despite being outplayed for much of the game, they held their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to clinch the continental crown.
Spain dominated possession and created more chances, showing their attacking intent throughout the match. They got their reward in the 25th minute when Arsenal forward Mariona Caldentey met a low cross near the byline with a powerful header to put Spain ahead.
But England, resilient as ever, found a way back. In the 57th minute, Alessia Russo—another Arsenal star—headed home from a pinpoint cross by substitute Chloe Kelly, who had entered just before halftime.
With the score locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra time, the final went to penalties—only the second time a Women’s Euro final has been decided this way, the last being the inaugural edition in 1984.
The shootout didn’t start well for England. Beth Mead slipped while taking her kick, making double contact with the ball. Her effort had to be retaken and was then saved by Spain’s goalkeeper.
But England regrouped quickly. They scored three of their next four penalties, showing clinical precision. Spain, on the other hand, crumbled under pressure. Three of their players—including Barcelona star Aitana Bonmatí, the hero of their semifinal win over Germany—missed from the spot, with two of the shots brilliantly saved by the England keeper.
After winning their first World Cup title in 2023, Spain were hoping to add the European trophy to their cabinet. But their dream ended in heartbreak as they fell short in their first-ever Women’s Euro final.
England, meanwhile, became just the third team to win multiple Women’s Euro titles—joining Norway, who have two, and record eight-time champions Germany.
Statistically, Spain dominated the game with nearly 65% possession and 22 shots, five of which were on target. England had eight attempts, also landing five on goal.
But in the end, it wasn’t the stats that mattered. It was England who kept their cool when it counted most—and as Spain’s dream shattered, England erupted in celebration, once again lifting the European trophy.
