England only had one key advantage over Spain – but it led them to Euro 2025 glory

History repeated, once as another triumph, twice with force. Chloe Kelly again decided the European Championship for England, this time with a penalty of such ferocity that it fittingly reflected the fight and spirit of this team.

It was proper grit, proper character… Yes, proper England, who remain European champions. Sarina Wiegman’s side produced another miracle in this tournament, as she claimed a third successive winners’ medal in the competition.

These are all historic feats in themselves, but they are elevated by the manner of this glory. It went to even deeper wells of resolve than Kelly winning it in extra time at Wembley against Germany three years ago. And to manage that against this world champion Spanish side, in this way, is the best illustration of this team’s spirit. It shouldn’t really have been possible given how they went behind.

Chris Wilson29 July 2025 00:00

Ella Toone’s emotional tribute to late father moments after Euro 2025 final win

Toone was in tears after England’s shootout victory over Spain and looked towards the sky as she was hugged by Alessia Russo, Keira Walsh and Alex Greenwood.

Toone later posted on Instagram that there happened to be a spare seat next to her mum during the final, adding: “If that’s not a sign I don’t know what is”.

Chris Wilson28 July 2025 23:15

Jess Carter admits she was ‘scared’ to play Euro 2025 final after racist abuse

England defender Jess Carter admitted she was “scared” to play in the Euro 2025 final after suffering racist abuse during the tournament as she thanked her teammates for their support.

Carter returned to Sarina Wiegman’s starting line-up for the final against Spain and was the only change the England manager decided to make before the Euro 2025 final in Basel.

Chris Wilson28 July 2025 22:45

Lionesses use ‘their voice for change’

Euro 2022 star Ellen White spoke about what’s next for the Lionesses after their victory at the Euros.

Speaking on BBC One she said: “These girls are constantly using their voice for change.

“Wanting to inspire a nation and wanting to gain more opportunities for young people and young girls.

“They’re so inspiring – they want to make change. They are perfect role models.”

And former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley says that the Lionesses’ win will have a knock on effect at grass roots level.

She told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I’d like to think that this victory will have a massive knock on effect back home.

“Hopefully this will inspire young girls back home to get into football without the fear of being chastised.

“Go and have fun, have the freedom and confidence in yourself to do what you like.”

Chris Wilson28 July 2025 22:15

‘This team shows what it’s like to be English’

Chloe Kelly scored the winning penalty for England and ensured she had the final moment in two European Championship finals.

After the match she gave her thoughts to ITV saying: “You know what, this teams shows exactly what it’s like to be English. I’m so proud, it’s unbelievable.

“This team is made of magic, of steel, it’s a huge moment for every girl out there with that dream, you can do it!

“Keep shooting for the stars.”

(AFP via Getty Images)

Mike Jones28 July 2025 21:45

The sweary gift Sarina Wiegman used to inspire Lionesses before Euro 2025 final

Sarina Wiegman used a sweary toiletry bag to motivate her England players before the Euro 2025 final, revealing the message “b****es get sh** done” as part of her team talk.

Wiegman sensed the opportunity to lighten the mood before England’s semi-final against Italy and delivered the same words before the Lionesses faced Spain in Sunday’s final.

Their dramatic victory on penalties means Wiegman has now won three Euros titles in a row with the Netherlands and England – in a tournament she described as “chaotic and ridiculous” as the Lionesses came from behind in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.

Chris Wilson28 July 2025 21:15

Why Sarina Wiegman is the best manager in the world

“I kept asking myself, ‘how can this happen?’ Sarina Wiegman herself said, with the immediate payoff: “But it happened.”

“The most chaotic, ridiculous tournament I have played.”

No wonder she was dancing at the end, and then laughing that the image had already been projected to the world before she even arrived at her press conference.

Chris Wilson28 July 2025 20:45

Wiegman hopes win will ‘push women’s game even more’

England boss Sarina Wiegman admitted that she hopes her team’s triumph in the Euro 2025 final will help to push the women’s game to a higher level.

Speaking in the aftermath to the Lionesses’ victory she said: “I hope it will push the women’s game even more. The level went up again. The intensity of the games went through the roof.

“I just think this tournament broke every record again with spectators and the television views.

“I hope that will boost the women’s game everywhere and not only in England. I don’t know what to expect now in England. I think it will just boost again.”

(Getty)

Chris Wilson28 July 2025 20:15

One final cheer at Downing Street

As the players and staff line up for one more group photo in front of Number 10, the squad lets out a big cheer as Euro 2025 champions.

“It was very lovely,” Wiegman said. When asked what Angela Rayner said to her, she replied: “Congratulations.”

(PA)

Will Castle28 July 2025 19:51

The Lionesses re-emerge from Number 10

After meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock, the England players have re-emerged from Number 10.

Some of the players went and said hi to Larry, Downing Street’s resident cat who serves as Chief Mouser of the Cabinet.

(AP)

Will Castle28 July 2025 19:45