England’s women’s football team, the Lionesses, clinched a historic victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, defeating world champions Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout to retain their European Championship title.
The nail-biting final, held on July 27, 2025, at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, marked the first time an English senior team won a major trophy on foreign soil. Under the leadership of manager Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses showcased resilience, teamwork, and sheer determination to secure their place in football history.
A Dramatic Journey to the Final
The Lionesses’ Euro 2025 campaign was a rollercoaster of emotions. After a disappointing 2-1 loss to France in their opening group-stage match, doubts loomed over their ability to defend their 2022 title.
However, England bounced back with commanding victories over the Netherlands (4-0) and Wales (6-1), displaying their attacking prowess. The knockout stages were equally intense, with England overcoming Sweden in a penalty shootout and staging a dramatic comeback against Italy in the semi-final, thanks to a 119th-minute goal by Chloe Kelly.
The final against Spain was no less thrilling. Trailing 1-0 at halftime after a clinical header from Spain’s Mariona Caldentey, England fought back with an equalizer from Alessia Russo. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, leading to a tense penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton emerged as a hero, saving two penalties, while Chloe Kelly sealed the 3-1 shootout victory with a confident strike, echoing her iconic winning goal from Euro 2022.
Standout Performers and Team Spirit
The Lionesses’ success was a true team effort. Lucy Bronze, despite playing through a fractured tibia, embodied the squad’s grit, only leaving the pitch in extra time due to unbearable pain. Young star Michelle Agyemang, named the tournament’s young player, made crucial contributions, scoring vital equalizers in the quarter-final and semi-final.
Captain Leah Williamson lifted the trophy, praising the squad’s “inevitable” ability to turn games around, while manager Sarina Wiegman earned her third consecutive European title, cementing her status as one of football’s greatest coaches.
Off the pitch, the Lionesses showed unity in supporting teammate Jess Carter, who faced racial abuse during the tournament. The team issued a statement condemning the abuse and chose to stop taking the knee before matches, seeking new ways to tackle racism.
This decision sparked discussions, with some praising their stance and others, like the anti-discrimination body Fare, questioning the move.
Celebrations and Homecoming
The victory sparked wild celebrations across England and Switzerland. Fans in Basel sang “Sweet Caroline” as the Lionesses lifted the trophy, with Chloe Kelly’s penalty kick celebration drawing comparisons to her iconic shirt-twirling moment in 2022.
In London, fans will welcome the team with an open-top bus parade along The Mall on July 29, 2025, starting at 12:10 PM. The event, hosted by Alex Scott, will feature a trophy presentation at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace, broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky.
Notable figures, including King Charles, Prince William, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, congratulated the team. Prince William, present at the final with Princess Charlotte, praised Agyemang’s performance, while Starmer hailed the Lionesses for “doing our country proud”.
The victory is seen as a milestone for women’s football, inspiring young players and reinforcing the sport’s growing popularity, with a record £65 million Women’s Super League broadcast deal highlighting its rise.
Impact on Women’s Football
The Lionesses’ triumph is more than a sporting achievement; it’s a cultural moment. Manager Wiegman emphasized the team’s role in showing “young girls they can be us” and making football inclusive for all.
The tournament’s drama, with England ahead for just under five minutes in the knockout stages, underscored their knack for defying odds, earning them the nickname “escapologists”.
This victory solidifies England’s status as a women’s football dynasty, unmatched by any other English team.
What’s Next?
As the Lionesses prepare for their homecoming, the focus shifts to sustaining women’s football’s growth.
The government, led by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, plans to invest in grassroots facilities and is bidding to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup, aiming to break participation barriers. For now, England celebrates a team that turned chaos into glory, proving that when it comes to the Lionesses, “you can’t write us off”.