City stars help England to Euro 2025 glory | OneFootball

England were crowned European champions after beating Spain 3-1 on penalties in a thrilling final.

Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp started the memorable success with the former dispatching from 12-yards in the shootout following a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Meanwhile, it was heartbreak for Leila Ouahabi who came onto the field during a closely contested extra 30 minutes.

The intensity and tempo was high from kick-off, and England created the first opportunity when Alessia Russo beat the offside trap before forcing Cata Coll to palm her drilled effort from an acute angle away.

Spain then began to dictate proceedings with their composure on the ball and intricate passing patterns, but England’s press almost paid dividends – seeing the ball fall at Hemp’s feet – but Cata Coll was quick off her line to narrow the angle and save her powerful effort.

The Lionesses progressed to the final despite conceding the first goal in both the quarter-final and the semi-final, and if they were to retain their crown, they’d have to come from behind after Ona Battle’s cross was headed home by Mariona Caldentey to hand Spain the lead.

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There was further cause for concern when Lauren James was replaced by Chloe Kelly before half-time with the former unable to continue and the winger fired just wide from range shortly after as Spain took a narrow advantage into the interval.

But that lead was cancelled out 11 minutes after the restart when Kelly found space on the left and delivered an accurate ball into the box where Russo headed into the top corner.

The Arsenal winger came close before Claudia Pina’s stinging effort was tipped over the bar as neither side could find a second which forced extra-time.

Ouahabi was introduced during the additional 30 minutes with Spain enjoying plenty of possession, but the scoreline remained 1-1 meaning a penalty shootout would decide who would be crowned European champions.

And it was there where England held their nerve to win 3-1, and with it, bring the curtain down on a memorable tournament in Switzerland.