BASEL — England’s women’s national team defied the odds and made football history Sunday night, defeating reigning world champions Spain in a nail-biting penalty shootout to claim the UEFA Euro 2025 title at St. Jakob-Park in Basel. It marked England’s first major trophy won on foreign soil and the first time any senior English team has defended a European championship. The Lionesses fought back from a goal down at halftime to force extra time before edging out Spain in the final moments from the spot.
“We just never gave up,” England head coach Sarina Wiegman said after the match. “Every game, we came from behind. The belief in this group is unshakable.”
Wiegman has now led teams to three consecutive European titles two with England and one with the Netherlands and five straight major finals. Her achievement solidifies her place among the most accomplished coaches in international football.
England entered the tournament under pressure. Key players including Mary Earps, Fran Kirby, and captain Millie Bright were ruled out before the group stage. The team also opened Euro 2025 with a loss to France.
Despite the rocky start, England advanced by defeating the Netherlands and Wales. In the quarterfinals, the Lionesses erased a 2–0 deficit against Sweden, advancing after a chaotic penalty shootout. They repeated the feat in the semifinals, rallying against Italy with a 96th-minute equalizer and a late extra-time winner.
The final against Spain followed the same pattern. After trailing at halftime, England drew level through a powerful header from Alessia Russo before sealing the win with a composed penalty from Chloe Kelly.
Veteran defender Lucy Bronze played every match of the tournament while managing a fractured leg. She finally exited the pitch in extra time of the final, her eyes filled with tears. “I just couldn’t miss this. It was meant to be,” Bronze said.
Teenager Michelle Agyemang once again proved decisive. She had scored the equalizer against Italy and injected pace and purpose against Spain after coming on in the second half.
Captain Leah Williamson praised the squad’s chemistry. “It’s the unity in this team. We fight for each other. No one person wins this alone,” she said.
The match drew high-profile spectators, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, and Spain’s Princess Leonor. Football icons from the USA, Switzerland, and the English men’s team also turned out to support the players.
Gold confetti rained down as Queen’s We Are The Champions echoed through the stadium. Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse piggy-backed Lucy Bronze as players embraced fans in the stands.
Wiegman reflected on the journey with a smile and a shake of the head. “From losing our first game to winning it all it’s just football chaos,” she said.
With her contract running through the 2027 World Cup, Wiegman remains firmly in charge. Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham has said she is “not for sale at any price.”
This generation of Lionesses some veterans, others new to the stage has reshaped expectations around England’s women’s football. With the Euro trophy in hand and their doubters silenced, the team now stands as a benchmark in the global game.
Lucy Bronze always believed. Now the world does too.
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