England cemented their place in football history on Sunday, retaining their UEFA Women’s European Championship crown with a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout victory over world champions Spain after a tense 1-1 draw in the final.
Chloe Kelly, the hero of the Euro 2022 final at Wembley, was the author of another iconic moment, converting the decisive spot-kick to clinch the title. The victory marks the first time any senior England team has won a major tournament on foreign soil and secures a remarkable third consecutive European title for manager Sarina Wiegman.
In a thrilling rematch of the 2023 World Cup final, it was a triumph forged from the resilience that has defined England’s tournament. For the third consecutive knockout match, the Lionesses came from behind. After being largely outplayed in the first half and trailing to a 25th-minute header from Mariona Caldentey, England’s unwavering belief and the tactical acumen of their manager turned the tide.
Wiegman’s decision to introduce Chloe Kelly as a substitute just before halftime proved to be a masterstroke. The winger provided the spark England had been missing, delivering a perfect cross for Alessia Russo to head home the equalizer in the 57th minute.
After a goalless period of extra time, the final was decided from the spot. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, the player of the match, was the hero, saving penalties from Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí. After Salma Paralluelo also missed for Spain, it was left to Kelly to seal the historic victory.
The win is the culmination of a “chaotic,” as Wiegman described it, but ultimately successful title defence. The Lionesses lost their opening game to France, came from 2-0 down to beat Sweden in a quarter-final shootout, and required a 119th-minute winner to see off Italy in the semi-final. Their ability to find a way to win, often inspired by game-changing substitutions, has become their trademark.
For Spain, it is a heartbreaking end to what had been a dominant tournament. They were unable to add a European crown to their world title, their fluid, possession-based football ultimately undone by England’s defensive resolve and clinical execution under pressure.
The victory not only gives England redemption for their World Cup final defeat but also solidifies the legacy of this generation of players and their manager, Sarina Wiegman, who has now guided two different nations to three successive European triumphs.
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