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Women's Euro 2025: Five Defining Moments That Sealed England's Historic Back-to-Back Title Win
England secured their second consecutive Women's EURO title after a thrilling 3-1 penalty shootout win against Spain. From early struggles to late-game heroics, their journey was marked by resilience, tactical brilliance, and individual brilliance.
England clinched back-to-back Women's EURO titles on Sunday, overcoming Spain 3-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout after the final in Basel ended 1-1 following extra time.
Spain, led by Montse Tomé, struck first as Mariona Caldentey headed them into the lead before half-time. England responded through Alessia Russo after the break, but neither side managed to find a winner in open play or extra time. Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses ultimately triumphed in the shootout, securing their second consecutive European crown.
Here are five key moments that defined England’s victorious journey in Switzerland:
1. Group Stage Survival
England’s campaign got off to a rocky beginning, losing their opener to France in a challenging group that included the Netherlands and Wales. Facing a potential early exit, the Lionesses were under immense pressure in their second game against the Netherlands. Rising to the occasion, England produced a statement performance with a 4-0 victory, courtesy of Lauren James’ brace and goals from Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone. This resounding win injected new belief and set them on course for the knockout rounds.
2. Quarter-Final Comeback: Resilience Against Sweden
After securing group wins over the Netherlands and Wales, England faced Sweden in the quarter-finals and found themselves trailing 2-0 at half-time. Outplayed by Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius, defeat seemed imminent. However, Wiegman’s tactical changes proved decisive. Chloe Kelly set up Lucy Bronze for England’s opener, then Michelle Agyemang equalized with her first goal of the tournament. England endured the shootout that followed, advancing thanks to their grit and composure.
3. Agyemang’s Heroics in the Semi-Final
Michelle Agyemang’s timely interventions continued in the semi-final against Italy. England again fell behind early, courtesy of Barbara Bonansea. As the match slipped into stoppage time, hope was fading—until Agyemang coolly slotted home in the 96th minute to force extra time. The drama peaked as Chloe Kelly stepped up to score the winning penalty, sending England into the final.
4. Defensive Fortitude in the Final
In the final, England found themselves chasing the game after Caldentey’s header put Spain ahead. Following Russo’s equaliser, and with the scores level for much of the remainder, England weathered relentless Spanish pressure—particularly after Russo was substituted. The backline, led by Leah Williamson and Jess Carter, produced a flawless defensive performance when it mattered most, showing remarkable resilience compared to earlier tournament frailties.
5. Chloe Kelly’s Nerve Under Pressure
Chloe Kelly consistently delivered when the stakes were highest. In the quarter-finals against Sweden and again against Italy in extra time, she remained calm from the penalty spot—even converting a rebound after her initial effort was saved. In the final shootout, Kelly, as ever, was the picture of composure, netting the decisive penalty with her trademark style and steely confidence to seal England’s victory.
Across dramatic comebacks, defensive resolve, and heroic individual performances, England’s journey to European glory in Switzerland will be remembered for these defining episodes.
