Thank you so much for joining me for this sensational final. England made sure football stayed home but they did it the hard way again with a second half equaliser from Alessia Russo sending the game to extra time and penalties. And who else but Chloe Kelly to be the Euros hero again? A huge effort from across the squad to become the first English senior team to win two major tournaments and the first major tournament of foreign soil. This will be a night forever remembered but if you need to recap the details read the report below. We will be back tomorrow morning for an entire day of reaction, see you then.
A great piece on Michelle Agyemang, the saviour of England’s Euros campaign on two occasions:
Some may want to rewatch the entire game after the adrenaline took over but for now here’s some highlights:
Esther Gonzalez finished as the top scorer of Euro 2025 but if you want to review the whole list, have a read:
Want to know how your favourite player has been rated? Have a look here:
A message from the Prime Minister:
What a season Chloe Kelly has had. She couldn’t get a start for Manchester City and so forced a loan move to Arsenal which saw her form ignite. She aided Arsenal to the Champions League trophy and she was a super sub all tournament, including scoring the winning penalty. Clutch.
Here’s a review of BBC v ITV for UK viewers:
Here’s some celebrations from the players:
After the Euro 2022 win, the Women’s Super League saw a huge uptick in attendances and so what will the legacy be of this miraculous and incredible win? Here’s a good piece on just that:
I have seen a few of you mention the Golden Glove, I am trying to track down who has won that award but I can’t find it yet. The Golden Boot will go to Spain’s Esther Gonzalez.
As previously mentioned, Lucy Bronze revealed she has played this entire tournament with a fracture tibia. She has been unbelievable all tournament but especially in that quarter-final and she did it all while being in incredible pain. Here’s more info:
England to have celebratory parade
The FA have said the Lionesses will have a homecoming victory parade in central London this Tuesday.
In a press release, they said:
Fans will have the opportunity to celebrate and show their support for Sarina Wiegman and the Lionesses at an open-top bus procession along The Mall, which will start at 12.10pm, culminating with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace starting at approximately 12.30pm.
The homecoming celebration will be broadcast live across the BBC, ITV and Sky between 12pm noon and 1pm, with extensive news coverage being provided throughout the day across BBC, ITN and Sky channels. Fans can also follow coverage of the event across England’s social media channels.
The homecoming staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial will be hosted by Alex Scott. The event is free to attend, and those attending will be able to watch the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force welcome home the victorious England team, enjoy live music from DJ CharStape and see tournament highlights shown on big screens, before Sarina Wiegman and the Lionesses take the stage for a special European Championship winners trophy lift presentation.
Here’s some reaction from Spain:
England have never lost a penalty shootout under Sarina Wiegman. Those include a World Cup last 16 against Nigeria, the Finalissima against Brazil and now a Euros final against Spain.
So many of the England players today have won the Euros for a second time. But there are also several stars winning it for the first time. Lauren James, Michelle Agyemang, Grace Clinton among the new winners. This is still a relatively young team who can go on to make more history.
Bronze played tournament with fractured tibia
Lucy Bronze has just said she played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia but said she didn’t tell anyone – meaning on the outside. She has been in a lot of pain and said that’s why her teammates have celebrated her even more. Bronze said that wasn’t the reason she came off tonight, it was a knee issue.
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Defender Lucy Bronze told the BBC:
I mean we never lost belief in ourselves, there was a lot of noise on the outside. To go through 120 minutes back-to-back and to win on penalties in two of those games are unbelievable. I don’t think we were thinking too much about the World Cup. Winning on penalties is an amazing feeling but to lose is horrible, missing penalties and stepping up – they are great players.
Of course this win means everything to all the England players but what a huge cherry on top of a great cake for the Arsenal stars in this team. They become part of a choice few who have won the Champions League and a Euros in the same year. I have to say Leah Williamson was at the heart of both.
England captain Leah Williamson told the BBC:
Total disbelief but at the same time I knew it was going to happen. Playing for this England team is unbelievable. You cannot put us down. It’s just such an amazing feeling to be a part of. As soon as it started, how we defended as a back four especially, nothing came through us. To do this again, this is the toughest. How women’s football has changed and for us to do it again. The stakes, everything was high. We have ridden our luck, we aren’t lucky.
Here’s a fun fact, a quite unbelievable fact, from Opta. England were only ahead for just four minutes and 52 seconds in the entire knockout stages of the tournament. Wow.
Michelle Agyemang, the player to score the equaliser in the quarter-final and semi-final, told the BBC:
I am so happy. I think I cried. I am so grateful, I thank god for where he has brought us as a team. I think it’s surreal, I have come this far so quickly. It’s by the grace of god and my teammates and staff.
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England defender Jess Carter told the BBC:
I just couldn’t be prouder. I feel speechless. I feel relief excitement. I want to say a massive thank you to our fans, my friends and family. For anyone who doubted us, doubted me, this [is what we do].
I was next [after Kelly] I’m unsure if my nerves could’ve taken it… I was pretty disappointed with how I have played throughout the tournament but now I could not give a damn.
Peter Gartner has emailed:
Who should be Sports Personality of the Year? Chloe Kelly or Hannah Hampton ?
The one mistake Spain made - not to have Pina take one of the early penalties. She can really blast the ball.
I wonder if Spain kept Pina in case it went to sudden death? But yes SPOTY could go to a woman for a fourth year in a row. And this summer of women’s sport isn’t over yet, the Rugby World Cup is coming up.
England manager Sarina Wiegman told the BBC:
I cannot believe it. The word team describes who we are. I am so proud of them and the staff. Yeah, I cannot believe it. I have a medal around my neck and we have the trophy. It has been the most chaotic tournament, from the first day it’s been chaos. From losing your opening game and winning the trophy, incredible.
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Enric Massip-Bosch has emailed:
Aitana Bonmatí sincerely “asking for forgiveness” on Spanish TV for her faulty penalty take, just before picking the trophy for Best Player of the Tournament. How humble, a great model-player.
That shows what a leader and person she is. She has been unbelievable this tournament and she is the reason they were in the final.
The entire squad, manager and backroom staff all come together arm-in-arm to sway left and right as they sing Queen’s ‘We are the Champions’. Three years ago it felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity to see England win a major tournament. This team has ensured it becomes commonplace.
The elation. The joy. The history made. Leah Williamson picks up the Euros trophy, one she has captained them to back-to-back, and walks over, carrying it in one hand. She and Keira Walsh lift it aloft and gold confetti rains down on them. A golden generation.
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Now it’s England who get their medals. Michelle Agyemang is pushed forward by Khiara Keating as she leads the players up to the podium just behind Sarina Wiegman.
Here come Spain and they are given a guard of honour by England. They all look so despondent and it must be so painful, especially as they had opportunities to win this game.
Now the referee Stephanie Frappart and her refereeing team get their medals. Spain looked devastated as they wait to collect their runners-up medals.
Bonmati wins player of the tournament
Spain’s Aitana Bonmati wins player of the tournament, she had viral meningitis just before this competition and her goal sent her nation to the final.
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Agyemang wins young player of the tournament
Two clutch goals in the quarter-final and semi-final. Thoroughly deserved. She was huge defensively today too.
If the adrenaline of all of that action has made you temporarily forget what has just happened, here’s a recap:
Peter Tomlin has emailed:
I just want to say that I thought Jess Carter was absolutely outstanding today. She was under enormous pressure but I don’t recall her putting a foot wrong all game. She broke up so many attacks & kept things simple when in possession.
She deserves massive credit for her conduct.
Absolutely Peter, I think her celebratory roar for a good bit of defence towards the end of extra time showed how proud she was of herself.
The England players are wearing commemorative scarves on and emotionally are embracing each other. The official people are getting lined up now as the medals get handed out.
England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton told the BBC:
This team is unbelievable. Incredible. We can show we can come back from 1-0. I lost track of what was going on in that shootout, as soon as I saw her run off I knew we had won.
A note for Spain, who fall just short after an incredible tournament. Mariona Caldentey’s goal in this final was beautiful and they just kept pushing. Even in the penalties, Cata Coll made saves but England just pipped them. There will definitely be more to come from this Spanish side.
Sarina Wiegman has been an international manager for three European Championships. She has won every single one.
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Chloe Kelly, the England hero again, told the BBC:
I am so proud of this team. so grateful to wear this badge. I am so proud to be English. I was cool and composed, I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don’t miss penalties twice.
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I struggle to find the words right now. Niamh Charles coming on in that second half of extra time and scoring a cracking penalty. The whole team able to stay present after saves from both goalkeepers. Hannah Hampton saving two penalties, including one by Aitana Bonmati. Incredible.
Never has an England senior team won back-to-back major tournaments. This is the first time England have ever won a senior tournament on foreign soil. They have done so by beating the favourites Spain. What have we all just witnessed.
Oh my word. What have we just watched. Chloe Kelly clutch. Hannah Hampton unbelievable.
ENGLAND HAVE WON THE EUROS ON PENALTIES
Wow.
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Penalties: England 3-1 Spain
Oh my word. These shootouts. If England score here they win the tournament. It’s Kelly. Huge pressure on her shoulders and she scores.
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Penalties: England 2-1 Spain
So Spain have a chance to level it again here. It’s Paralluelo and she misses.
Penalties: England 2-1 Spain
Now the pressure really is on Spain but England cannot afford to slip up here. For England it’s Williamson. The captain misses.
Penalties: England 2-1 Spain
Now the pressure is on Spain and who else but Bonmati? She steps up but Hampton saves!!
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Penalties: England 2-1 Spain
Well we are now back to level pegging. Pressure still on. For England it’s Charles. She steps up and she scores.
Penalties: England 1-1 Spain
Spain next and it’s Caldentey who steps up, she scored Spain’s goal in open play. Hampton saves.
Penalties: England 1-1 Spain
Okay pressure is on for England. It’s Greenwood, who had hers saved against Sweden, and she scores.
Penalties: England 0-1 Spain
It was a great save from Coll on that. Now Guijarro to follow it up with Spain’s first. The midfielder slots it.
Penalties: England 0-0 Spain
It’s saved on the second take.
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Oh wait, it’s being taken again as it’s a double kick.
Penalties: England 1-0 Spain
It’s England to take first and it is Mead who steps up. She slots it even though she slipped.
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The coin toss has happened and it looks like Leah Williamson has won it. The shootout will happen in front of England fans.
Right then, it seems very English to have a penalty shootout here doesn’t it? Spain haven’t faced a shootout in this tournament and England have.
This is just the second time in women’s Euros history that the final will be decided on penalties.
Full time: England 1-1 Spain - game goes to penalties
So we go to penalties. How do the players deal with this? I can hardly cope and I’m sat at home on my sofa.
105 + 1 min: There are two minutes added.
120 min: Spain come again as they search for a winner, they have thrown absolutely everything they can at this England team. Bonmati gets it on the edge but Kelly sees it out.
119 min: I will say Williamson plays excellently against Spanish team. She was great in the Champions League final and again she is good here. Agyemang looks as though she has won a free kick but it’s ruled the other way, if something comes of this Spain attack England will be furious. But no, Walsh clears.
118 min: Spain with some slick football gets them into the area again, a looping ball almost finds Lopez but it bounces unkindly for her and Hampton picks it up.
117 min: Kelly puts it in but there’s a retake with the referee not happy with Clinton. The Arsenal star takes again but Coll collects cleanly.
116 min: Stanway comes to the sidelines and looks okay but I think Wiegman has decided to make a change. Clinton is one and after the change England have a corner.
114 min: After Lopez takes a shot which is wide, Stanway is down and in need of some treatment.
113 min: Spain look like the much fitter side now, they just keep piling on the pressure and the attacks. It feels like England are hanging on.
112 min: Pina again the taker and the delivery is good, targeting Paredes. The captain heads it into box and Lopez furthers it one but Paralluelo can’t swipe it right and so Hampton collects. Anyone else’s hearts beating a bit faster as we edge closer to penalties?
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110 min: Hemp wins a great ball from Ouahabi but the Manchester City star gets back really well to put her off of a shot. Pina then wins a free kick from Mead and Spain come into the box twice, the second seeing Stanway see it out for a corner.
109 min: Batlle wins a foul and a free kick, a bit of a soft one. Pina takes the set piece and it’s scrambled in the box but the flag is up regardless.
107 min: Spain start the half so well with Paralluelo and Pina having chances but the last goes across goal and out for a goal kick.
106 min: It’s Carmona who made way for Ouahabi, in case you were wondering.
Back underway: England 1-1 Spain
So can someone find a winner? Or are we heading to spot kicks? All to come. Spain have made a change with Ouahabi on and so do England with Charles on for Bronze.
There was a chance just before half-time there with Paralluelo presented the chance to score but she couldn’t centre herself. England let off.
Extra time half time: England 1-1 Spain
Nothing to separate them yet, penalties on the horizon.
105 + 1 min: England want a penalty but again it would have been very soft. Hemp is challenged by Aleixandri but it’s a goal kick. There will be two minutes added.
104 min: England look to set up an attack but Agyemang is fouled by Pina. The Lionesses take the free kick quickly but it takes a while to come through the team and it’s eventually out for a Spanish throw. Possession goes back and forth, so lively still this final.
102 min: Batlle pops in a great ball which Pina picks up, she works herself into the box but it’s wide.
101 min: How did Hemp keep that on? It looked like it went out for a corner but play goes on. Greenwood tries to find Mead but Spain intercept and come forward again.
100 min: It looks like Bronze’s knee where the issue is. Charles is warming up but will she be needed? Not quite yet, it seems Bronze will battle on.
98 min: Spain just keep coming and coming but England somehow are keeping them out, Bonmati’s shot the latest to be blocked. There’s a break in play here as Bronze needs treatment, this isn’t tactical she has been limping around the pitch in the last few minutes. She is now in tears, let’s hope she is okay.
96 min: Bonmati is caught by Hemp, who gets a yellow card and Spain have a free kick. Pina takes it but as it’s deep in their own half they have the build here. Greenwood does well to take it away from Lopez but the teenager is soon back on it and wins a free kick. It comes into the box but it’s cleared.
95 min: Bonmati keeps the ball alive and finds Lopez who crosses but it’s out for a goal kick.
94 min: Stanway is fouled in the midfield by Paralluelo and England take the free kick quickly. They pass to Walsh but her long pass has too much on it for Stanway. Spain immediately counter and it’s the teenage sensation Lopez who comes through but it’s blocked.
92 min: Spain win an early corner as Bronze heads a cross clear. Pina is over this once again and the delivery meets Stanway on the edge of the box. Spain get is back in with a long range pass but Hampton reads it to collect.
91 min: Tom Garry says from the game: The referee had to call Leah Williamson back for the coin toss for the start of extra time, it looked like she’d forgotten there would be one. Can you blame her? She’s got a lot of other things to think about right now!
Back underway: England 1-1 Spain
Well will we decide this in extra time? Or are we going to penalties? All to come.
Salma Paralluelo also looks bang up for this since coming on, she will be a huge threat in this extra time period.
Some may have questioned Jess Carter’s spot in the starting side today – I admit I raised an eyebrow after Esme Morgan’s good performance in the semi-final – but she has proved all of her doubters wrong. She was a brick wall in that second half.
Here’s how England fans celebrated that equaliser:
Full time: England 1-1 Spain - game goes to extra time
Well there was a beautiful first half goal from Mariona Caldentey but Alessia Russo found an equaliser in the second 45 to send this game to extra time.
90 + 4 min: My word the ball is skipping between the Spanish players, the closest chance coming as it almost connects with Paralluelo. Eventually Lopez pops it in but it’s over the bar.
90 + 3 min: Agyemang gives away a foul on Paredes and Spain look to build here. Carmona sends it up the pitch but England pint them in their half before winning it back. Possession then exchanges hands.
90 + 1 min: Pina takes the corner but it’s initially repelled, it comes to Bonmati but Mead closes her down well.
90 + 1 min: Carter what a block. that was essential. Paralluelo was found in the box and she was about to take a shot but Carter blocks for a corner. There will be four minutes added.
89 min: Del Castillo makes a storming run into the box, she has been very good this game. They pass it around the area but Del Castillo then gives away a foul on Stanway. That’s her last contribution with Spain making a double change with Del Castillo and Gonzalez off for Lopez and Paralluelo. What a few players to be able to bring on.
87 min: England win it back and they find Hemp down the right but she passes a sloppy ball and Spain clear. England make another change with Mead on for Toone.
86 min: Kelly tries to find Agyemang but it’s well blocked in the midfield.
85 min: Guijarro is pulled back by Toone and so Spain can alleviate some pressure. Both defences have been pretty good throughout this match. Spain work it all the way to the box but the resulting shot it blocked.
83 min: Hampton is back to her feet now and she is okay to continue. That might have been a tactical injury there.
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81 min: There’s a break in play now as Hampton needs treatment. The moment sees both teams having a word with their managers. This final in the balance, what a game it’s been eh?
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80 min: Spain counter and they move the ball so quickly with Caldentey crossing but Bronze blocks and it’s out for a corner. Pina takes it again but England’s defence stands tall, for now.
79 min: Carter with a beaut of a overhead kick to set England on an attack. After many passes Williamson pops it across goal but no one is there to tap it home.
77 min: Paredes may have taken a slight dive there but it works with Spain winning a free kick. Pina is the taker once again and the delivery initially has too much on it but Carmona picks it up, Agyemang dispossesses her though and clears the danger.
76 min: Pina takes it but it’s cleared, it gets popped back in but it’s dealt with. Spain keep up the pressure and a great ball comes in but Bronze sees it out for another corner. Pina takes it again but Hampton punches clear.
75 min: Carmona launches Spain’s latest attack and it ends with Pina getting an energetic shot in but Hampton is wide to it but concedes a corner.
73 min: England’s super sub Agyemang is on, a wry smile for the Arsenal youngster as supporters show their love for her. With Spain’s change, it may sound like a shock to pull back-to-back Ballon d’Or winner Putellas off the pitch but she wasn’t having her best game. A lot of rogue balls and her only chance was well wide.
71 min: Kelly takes the corner but the ball doesn’t find anyone and eventually it’s cleared. Spain then counter and, as they do with almost every attack they have, get into the box but Bronze gets rid. They come again but Del Castillo collects. A huge roar comes as Agyemang is shown on the screen, she looks like she is coming on soon. But first Spain have a change with Putellas off for Pina.
69 min: It looks like Pina, who scored two goals off the bench against England in the build-up to the tournament, is getting ready to come on. She has also scored some classy goals in this tournament so far. But before she enters the fray England have a chance. Toone streams forward and finds Kelly, whose effort is well saved by Coll. Incredible goalkeeping. Corner to come.
68 min: Blooming heck that was a power shot from Del Castillo. It’s a great run from the star but her effort is wide.
67 min: Walsh wins the ball well in the midfield and she pumps a long ball in for Russo, the pass similar to that of the one she found Toone with in the 2022 final. But this time Carmona is there is the clear.
66 min: This game has remained really open too, no caginess about it. Just two teams throwing absolutely everything at each other. It’s such a good game for the neutral. England are starting to get more possession but here come Spain through Batlle, who I think has been Spain’s best player this afternoon, but her effort is cleared.
64 min: I have to say I couldn’t see England scoring at all after conceding with Spain bullying them off of the ball with their skill. But they have remained patient the Lionesses and they have momentum now. Russo finds Kelly who passes to Greenwood but her pass it out of play.
62 min: Carter with two great blocks to keep Spain out of the box. Spain haven’t conceded in the knockout stages of this tournament yet but this won’t rattle them and their continuation of possession dominance shows they haven’t let it get too them too much.
61 min: Three Spanish players stand over the free kick but it is Putellas who puts it in. Paredes gets to it first but her header is straight at Hampton.
60 min: Spain are looking to hit England right back and Bronze gets a yellow card for a challenge on Carmona. The world champions have a free kick now.
58 min: The commentators so quick to jump on the fact that Kelly is the supersub again but the finish from Russo is great. She was being pressured and has struggled to find the back of the net this tournament but remained composed to find the equaliser. All credit to Russo.
England run the ball back to Hampton and they thread it through the team. It comes to Kelly on the left and she pops it in with Russo heading home. Great goal. Game on.
GOAL! England 1-1 Spain (Russo, 57)
Wow.
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56 min: Bronze wins a free kick and England take it quickly but it’s run all the way back to Hampton. The Lionesses finding it so difficult to get out of their half and Spain win it back. Opposingly from England’s struggling attack, Spain are suddenly in front of goal but Putellas’ shot is wide.
54 min: Every time England come forward there seems to be a million Spanish players in defence, that is how good they are at taking up space and pressing the defending champions.
52 min: England claim for a penalty as they get into their box thanks to a great run from Hemp and it pinballs around, popping up and hitting Aleixandri’s arm. But rightfully it isn’t given. That would have been incredibly soft.
51 min: Del Castillo again allowed so much space and then she beats Stanway to pass to Bonmati, her shot is saved by Hampton.
50 min: Spain are being allowed so much time and space on the ball and I don’t understand why England aren’t pressing them. Players like Bonmati and Guijarro thrive in space, you have to make them uncomfortable to put them off – just as Germany did in the semi-final.
48 min: Gonzalez was clearly offside there but they keep the flag down and play goes on. Caldentey is fed the ball but her shot is wide and then the offside flag goes up. Clear offsides need to be called earlier.
47 min: I will say, although she had a but of an error early on, Bronze has been great again today for England. After the mistake she has sharpened up and been where her team has needed her. Here come Spain.
Back underway: England 0-1 Spain
England have all the work to do and it will prove a tougher feat than in their quarter-final and semi-final. Spain are world champions for a reason and they are heading for their first women’s Euros trophy.
A nice piece to read in this half-time period:
It’s worth noting that Spain have scored the majority of their goals this tournament in the second half. Expect a lot more Spain possession.
Half-time: England 0-1 Spain
Spain have one hand of the trophy they have never won before with an absolutely beautiful goal from Mariona Caldentey. England have not played badly and they have had their own chances, Lauren Hemp stopped with an excellent save but Cata Coll, it’s just Spain have found the clinical chance.
45 + 1 min: There will be one minute added.
44 min: Spain keep knocking on the door as while they are in control of game play, they want to make sure the scoreboard follows suit. But now England have a chance with the Lionesses threading it to the team to get into the box but the shot is blocked. The defending champions come again but Kelly’s effort is well wide.
42 min: Bonmati is just such a joy to watch. She is left in space and she crosses to Gonzalez but she puts it wide.
Lauren James forced off with injury
41 min: James came off in the semi-final after hurting her ankle, which also took a knock in the quarters. The Chelsea star is chatting to the medical team and walks okay to the sidelines but that is her day done. Kelly enters the fray in her place.
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40 min: Carmona tries to pop the ball in but Bronze heads clear, Spain win it back and they keep peppering England’s box. After Spain’s latest attack James sits down and it seems to be that ankle that is troubling her again.
38 min: England have a spell of possession now but it’s over quickly as Spain wrestle it back. This is the worry for England and their fans now, how can they comeback when they are struggling for time of the ball? Spain in full control.
36 min: I think what this game is also showing is just how good Germany’s defence was in that semi-final. How did they keep Spain quiet until the latter stages of extra time? So much skill. Back to this game and you guessed it, Spain have the ball. They look to unleash Batlle but James marshals the ball out of play.
34 min: Spain are smothering England with possession but this time it’s Carter who gets them out of trouble with a clearance. It comes back in of course with Putellas crossing but it’s repelled.
32 min: England have conceded first in this tournament in all of their knockout games. They managed to overcome 2-0 down against Sweden and 1-0 down against Italy. Russo is trying to get the comeback underway with a great ball from Walsh but the arsenal forward can’t quite get to it.
30 min: Greenwood heads clear an effort which comes in and Bronze then clears the danger. The world champions look incredibly dangerous now and are full of confidence.
28 min: Spain look to double their lead with Putellas putting another ball forward that goes out of play. The Ballon d’Or winner not at her best in this game yet.
27 min: England respond well with a chance of their own but Walsh sees it wide. Pressure is on the Lionesses once again in this tournament.
Batlle had a lovely one-two with Bonmati, who keeps the play alive. She finds Del Castillo who passes to Batlle and she has a peach of a cross with the Arsenal star Caldentey heading home. Stunning.
GOAL! England 0-1 Spain (Caldentey, 25)
That was special.
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24 min: Kári Tulinius emails:
I have to admit an egregious error. I misremembered the order of the semifinals at the 2023 World Cup. Spain played theirs first. So, at every World Cup and Euros since 2011, the semifinalist that has gotten an extra day of rest has won. I checked this time to be sure. If that holds the Lionesses should win.
Thank you Kári. With how things are right now it could go either way. Spain so bright in attack but England showing glimpses too. The world champions come forward now but James sees it out of play.
22 min: Spain launch a counter but it’s held up by England. They switch to their patient free flowing football and it comes to Caldentey who puts it wide. That was some beautiful football.
21 min: Greenwood takes the set piece and the delivery is good but a Spanish player gets to it first.
20 min: England take it by going backwards, all the way back to Hampton, and Spain eventually win it back. Possession exchanges hands but England get in the box and there is a huge stop from Coll to stop Hemp. James presses the keeper and Hemp wins it, she wallops it but Coll sees it out for a corner. Huge save.
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19 min: It’s interesting to see England really pressing Spain but only really when they enter the final third. They aren’t willing to give an inch of space in the midfield to close them off there. Speaking of the midfield, Stanway wins a free kick this time with a foul by Paredes.
17 min: Stanway is shoved to the floor but no foul is given by referee Stephanie Frappart. The midfield battle already heating up. A few phases later though Carmona checks Bronze and England win back the ball, it’s in the box and so Hampton will set off play again.
15 min: It’s end-to-end right now with both teams not showing nerves at all. England have the next chance with Stanway taking a strike but Coll claims it.
14 min: Now Spain are on the attack again with Del Castillo’s shot blocked but Putellas puts that back in with Williamson seeing it clear. Any time Spain get front foot ball it feels dangerous.
13 min: England get a bit of possession with Toone’s high press in the midfield. She passes to Hemp who finds James but she can’t quite pull the trigger. I believe she was offside anyway.
11 min: It’s Carmona again, Bronze is caught napping slightly and the new PSG player gets it to Gonzalez again but her shot it wide.
10 min: Carmona just sees space others don’t. The star, who scored the goal against England in the 2023 World Cup final, sees it in to Gonzalez who takes a shot but Hampton saved. It is out for corner but the set piece is easily defended by Stanway.
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9 min: Spain keep up their pressure and Carmona sends it in but Williamson heads it clear. It come back in but this time Stanway is there to quell the danger.
8 min: Putellas is at the centre of Spain’s attack once again, the Barcelona legend sends it in but Hampton reads it well to catch.
6 min: An England throw in then is out for a Spain one and the world champions attempt to clear their lines but it ends with another English throw in. Eventually Spain get it out of the danger area. Great start from England.
5 min: Spain immediately counter but Putellas puts in a rogue ball which goes straight out of play. England right back up the other end with Bronze charging forward and wins a throw in. So much action in these early stages.
4 min: Spain retain possession, as is expected for the majority of this game, but they pop in a long range ball to try and find Gonzalez but Hampton catches. It sets up a great chance with a ball coming for Russo but her shot is saved and the rebound is just out of reach for James.
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Every fan in the stands has been given a pair of coloured, clapper inflatables to make noise with and it’s adding a unique effect.
2 min: Kári Tulinius has emailed:
Since 2011 the team that has played the first semifinal at a World Cup or Euros, men’s and women’s, has won the final, with just one exception. So that should augur well for England, or would if the single, solitary exception wasn’t in 2023, when Spain beat them to win the World Cup. I’m torn between the rule and the exception, but I think that if any team is exceptional in this tournament, it’s La Roja.
Thank you for this fun fact, we’ll see which side of it rings true. Early on England have had the lion share of possession.
Kick-off: England 0-0 Spain
Here we go then.
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How are the nerves everyone? For the next 90 minutes and potentially more English and Spanish fans will be nervous. Neutrals settle in for a cracking game of football.
The players are out and the anthems will soon be in full flow. A few minutes away from this final, either way history will be made. The first Spanish team to win a women’s Euros or the first England team to win a second major tournament.
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Simon and Jenny have emailed:
Were watching from inside a tent in Germany, hoping the other campers won’t mind when we celebrate England doing what Deutschland couldn’t and holding on for the shootout lottery.
Yes Germany came oh so close against Spain in the semi-finals but conceded late in extra time. Can England overcome them? That is the question. Spain are undefeated in their last 10 matches which included a 2-1 win over England. But the last team to beat Spain was England in February.
It is absolutely tipping it down in Basel as they start the closing ceremony. Dancers are hitting inflatable rubber sticks together as signs which say “thank you” in different languages are displayed.
If England get the job done today they will become the most successful senior England side of all-time. The men’s team won the World Cup in 1966 but have not won anything since.
Justin Kavanagh has emailed on what he is digging into pre-game:
My pre-match meal is a nice steak salad, with a Gorgonzola cheese dressing. Usually, on such a big occasion, I’d be tempted to wash it down with a nice red wine, but it’s hot and humid here in Philadelphia, and I want to stay awake for the full 120 minutes, if it goes the distance. Perhaps I’ll toast a Spanish win (on penalties) with a glass of Rioja, or an England victory (in extra-time) with a nice glass of cider.
That does sound like a delicious pre-game meal, Justin. Either way it sounds like you will have a great evening.
Here’s a great piece on how a major tournament is once again inspiring girls to take up football:
Brendan Large emailed:
Hey Sarah. I’ll be watching here in Norway and the neighbours will probably think I’m mad if this is as tense as I am expecting. In terms of the result...well if they are ‘proper England’ then surely the only way to settle this will be penalties.
If that happens I will turn the game off and come back to your blog about half an hour later.
Ah you’re the type of football fan who can’t watch penalties. I’m the type who can’t keep their eyes off but full of nerves the whole time, no matter who was playing.
No matter your opinion on England’s performances this tournament, you have to respect Sarina Wiegman. In her time as an international manager she has reached every major tournament final available to her. With the Netherlands from 2017-2021 she won the Euros and reached the 2019 World Cup final. After she took over the Lionesses in 2021 she won the Euros, reached the 2023 World Cup final and has now reached another Euros final.
Rob Brown has emailed:
I was interested to see Opta make Spain 51.5% favourites. I’d love to know how it’s such a low figure!
Apart from the eye test, which I think we can all agree has shown Spain as far superior, England have been behind for (roughly) 204 minutes out of 510 in this tournament, while Spain have been behind for 4 (!!!) minutes out of 480 played.
If they pull this off, it will have to count as one of the all-time great heists.
It does seem England have had a bit of luck on their sides but they do say winning teams know how to win, even when it’s ugly. The other side of the coin is yes, Spain are favourites and no wonder why with two back-to-back Ballon d’Or winners in their ranks in Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas.
“It really makes me emotional, it’s just something we didn’t have in my time,” says Nadine Kessler as she surveys the popularity and sheer scale of a sport whose future she now helps shape. Uefa’s director of women’s football was a brilliant player before retiring nine years ago after 11 surgeries on a knee; she was world footballer of the year in 2014 and, having won the European Championship with Germany a year previously, knows what it takes to dominate a continent.
Joe Pearson has emailed:
As an aficionado of snack chat, you’ll be happy to learn that I am having an early lunch of leftover cottage pie, which I made for Friday’s dinner. And yes, it is delicious.
You know me well Joe, I do love snack chat. That’s quite a meal before a major tournament final. I feel too jittery to eat right now but popcorn feels appropriate for this match.
Spain came out to warm up on the pitch around 10 minutes after England began their warm-up. The Lionesses seem composed. Rain is falling on both teams now as the pitch gets another soaking, on what has already been a wet day here in Basel, but the conditions look good.
Spain’s Esther Gonzalez is on her way to win the Golden Boot with four goals so far this tournament. Can anyone overtake her today? Have a read:
England manager Sarina Wiegman has told the BBC on the decision to start Jess Carter:
The thinking was for Italy we needed Esme [Morgan] for what we were expecting. Spain will show different things to Italy so we need Jess tonight.
With the news that Lucy Bronze starts tonight, she will break the appearance record for the Lionesses at a major tournament. Today will be her 36th appearance, all of them as a started. Absolute icon.
Peter has got back in touch to finish off his prediction:
James comes off. She’s tired.
Toone comes off. She tired.
Beever-Jones and Park come on.
Beever-Jones scores in the second half of extra time.
We win, 3-2.
We can revisit this in three to four hours time. If anyone else has some predictions you can get in touch via email.
The BBC using the ABBA song ‘the winner takes it all’ over the highlights of England’s sensational comeback against Sweden seems a bit cruel but also a bit funny.
It’s interesting that Sarina Wiegman has changed the defensive option after dropping Jess Carter for the semi-final. Esme Morgan had a good game against Italy but she is a good option from the bench. Spain’s Laia Aleixandri coming back in is no surprise but Barcelona star Claudia Pina dropping to the bench for Athenea del Castillo is. Pina has has an incredible season but Del Castillo injected pace into Spain’s attack when she came on against Germany.
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The teams
The team news is in. England have made one change with Jess Carter back in with Esme Morgan named on the bench.
England: Hampton, Bronze, Williamson, Carter, Greenwood, Toone, Walsh, Stanway, James, Russo, Hemp.
Subs: Moorhouse, Charles, Mead, Le Tissier, Clinton, Morgan, Agyemang, Kelly, Beever-Jones, Park, Wubben-Moy, Keating.
Spain, meanwhile, make two changes with Athenea Del Castillo and Laia Aleixandri starting ahead of Claudia Pina and Maria Mendez.
Spain: Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Aleixandri, Carmona; Bonmati, Patri, Putellas; Caldentey, Gonzalez, Del Castillo
Subs: Sullastres, Nanclares, Fernàndez, Pina, Ouahabi, Martin-Prieto, L. García, Paralluelo, Vicky, Redondo M. Zubieta, Mendez
Peter Gartner has emailed:
How we will score.
In the first half and up to 70 mins, Hampton kicks a long one over the
top of the Spanish mid-field, to Russo, who passes to James, scores.
From 70 mins, Kelly to Agyemang, scores.
Of course, Pina and Bonmati might have scored for Spain by then, once or twice.
Sounds like you’re going for a 2-2 draw there Peter. Any more predictions on how it would play out in extra time or penalties?
England’s Chloe Kelly is expected to be named on the bench once again but what a tournament it has been for the Arsenal player. To think she had struggled for minutes at the start of this season, forced a loan move to the Gunners and firmly put herself in the Lionesses Euros squad with superb form which helped Arsenal win the Champions League. In this tournament she has been one of the super subs to change games, along with her club teammate Michelle Agyemang. Big names. Big players.
A bit of team news from both sides before their starting XIs drop at around 3.45pm BST. Spain’s Laia Aleixandri is expected to return to the side after her suspension for the semi-final because of too many yellow cards in the earlier games. For England, Lauren James is a doubt after picking up her ankle injury against Italy.
An update from Basel, the rain has stopped but it is supposed to remain showery throughout the day. In case you wondered how the weather may shake out during this final.
Spain’s head coach, Montse Tomé, said:
We are a team, they are players that have been fighting, working, with energy and now they are able to focus energy on football.
I can sit here and answer questions about football – this has changed. This means a lot to me. It shows the change we are getting. Right now, for all the effort I think the squad deserves [to be] winning. In the elite football world it’s not always the case [that you win] but we’ll do everything to try, tomorrow.
Here are some pictures of what that fan walk looks like:
One of my best friends Hannah has travelled to Switzerland for the final and she has joined the fan walk to the stadium. She says Basel residents are watching them from their windows and Lionesses supporters are singing “heads, shoulders, Beever-Jones, Beever-Jones”. The only thing that isn’t gelling with the upbeat vibe is the rain, hopefully that stops before kick-off.
Leah Williamson says England do not want their legacy to be a “flash in the pan” as they prepare to defend their European title against Spain.
The Lionesses could make history on Sunday by becoming the first senior England side to lift two major trophies, while the captain could join an elite group of players who have tasted European success for club and country in the same year.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to the Euro 2025 final where defending champions England take on world champions Spain. The game is a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final where Spain beat England 1-0.
In this tournament Spain have been dominant. So far they have scored 17 goals and conceded just three, winning all of their five matches. Last time out against Germany in the semi-final they faced their toughest opposition yet and it showed with the game sent to extra time and it took a special Aitana Bonmati goal to seal their spot in the final.
For England, meanwhile, it has been a more tumultuous competition. They opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to France but then blew away the Netherlands and Wales to progress to the knockout stage. It then took two sensational comebacks against Sweden and Italy in the quarter-final and semi-final respectively to give them a chance to defend their title.
So it’s a team who have had a relatively smooth ride against one who has had to fight tooth and nail to get to the final. Spain will be favourites, as they have been all tournament, but as Lionesses captain Leah Williamson says “the English are never done”. Team news will be dropping around 3.45pm BST so stay tuned.
