Chloe Kelly was certain her decisive penalty in England’s shootout win over Spain in the Euro 2025 final was going to hit the back of the net.
Scorer of the winner against Germany in England’s Euro 2022 triumph at Wembley, Kelly was once again England’s heroine as she fired home from 12 yards as the Lionesses improbably retained their title.
Sarina Wiegman’s side becoming the first England team to win back-to-back major tournaments looked unlikely when Mariona Caldentey headed Spain ahead in the 25th minute.
But Kelly, introduced for the injured Lauren James in the 40th minute, produced a moment of magic in the 57th minute as her left-wing cross found the head of Alessia Russo, who restored parity and ultimately forced extra time.
England held Spain at bay in the extra half hour despite losing Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway to injuries, and they kept their composure in the shootout.
Beth Mead missed England’s opening penalty after a retake having been judged to have accidentally kicked her initial successful effort twice. However, the Lionesses recovered from that setback, with Hannah Hampton saving from Caldentey and Player of the Tournament Aitana Bonmati before Salma Paralluelo fired wide, allowing Kelly to step up and secure glory for England.
Kelly missed a penalty in the semi-final against Italy, though she followed up to score the winner on the rebound. This time, however, there was no mistake.
“I am so proud of this team. So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English,” Kelly told BBC One.
“I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don’t miss penalties twice.
“Unbelievable. All the staff behind us and Sarina Wiegman – she has done it again! Unbelievable.”
Wiegman has now won three successive European titles, having led the Netherlands to the title on home soil in 2017.
Their victory over Spain marked the third straight game in which England came from behind to prevail, the Lionesses having recovered from 2-0 down to beat Sweden on penalties in the quarter-finals before producing a turnaround against Italy.
“We said we can win by any means and that’s what we have shown again today,” Wiegman told BBC One. “I am so proud of the team and the staff. It is incredible.
“I just can’t believe it. I have a medal around my neck and we have a trophy.
“It has been the most chaotic tournament on the pitch – all the challenges we had on the pitch against our opponent.”
“From the first game it was chaos,” Wiegman added of a tournament that England began with a defeat to France.
“Losing your first game and becoming European Champions is incredible. Football is chaos.”
