England beats Spain in a penalty shootout after 1-1 draw to retain title

England’s Alessia Russo, right, scores past Spain’s Laia Aleixandri, left, during the Women’s Euro 2025 final soccer match between England and Spain at St. Jakob-Park in Basel

More drama, another penalty shootout and never giving up.

England successfully defended its Women’s European Championship title on Sunday in its own special way, thriving in high tension yet again to take down world champion Spain in a shootout in the final.

Chloe Kelly lashed in her spot kick to give England a 3-1 win on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time.

“I was cool, I was composed, and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net,” said Kelly, whose goals decided a second straight Women’s Euros final, and also the semifinal five days earlier.

England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton saved spot kicks from Mariona Caldentey and Spain superstar Aitana Bonmatí, before substitute Salma Paralluelo dragged her shot wide of goal.

The defending champion won the only way it knew how at this thrilling Euro 2025.

“It was the most chaotic tournament we played,” said England coach Sarina Wiegman, who has now won three straight Women’s Euros titles.

England had fallen behind in the first half, fought back in the second and relied on its superb substitutes — including Kelly – just as it did against Italy and beating Sweden on penalties previously in the knockout rounds.

“I actually can’t believe it myself,” Wiegman said. “How can this happen? But it happens. We’re just going to party tonight.”

England leveled the score in the 57th on Alessia Russo’s header from a cross by Kelly after Caldentey had given Spain the lead in the 25th finishing Ona Batlle’s cross.

Spain trailed for only four minutes in the entire tournament — and not for one second against England — yet could not seal its first European title against the team it beat in the World Cup final two years ago.

“I think this team deserved more. At least not living with this bitter feeling,” Spain coach Montse Tomé said in translated comments.

Kelly had scored an extra-time winning goal for England at Wembley three years ago to beat Germany 2-1.

In extra time Spain had good possession in the England penalty area so many times yet did not force a decisive goal.

“It was cruel,” Bonmatí told Spanish broadcaster La 1, after being named best player of the tournament. “We played better, created more scoring chances, but in soccer sometimes that’s not enough.”

Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll saved spot kicks from England captain Leah Williamson and the first by Beth Mead.

It was appropriate in England’s memorable tournament that Mead’s penalty had to be retaken under a new soccer rule that allows a second chance when a player scores by slipping and touching the ball twice. It did not matter after Hampton’s saves.

There was royalty from both nations in the VIP box at St-Jakob Park including heirs to each throne.

Prince William, the first son of Britain’s King Charles, was with his daughter Princess Charlotte. He is president of the English Football Association.

Also present were Princess Leonor of Spain and her younger sister, Infanta Sofía. At the 2023 World Cup final Sofia was at the game with her mother Queen Letizia in Sydney, Australia.

After the game King Charles congratulated the Lionesses team on their “sporting skill and awesome teamwork.” GRAHAM DUNBAR, BASEL, MDT/AP