Chloe Kelly was sure her decisive penalty in England’s shootout win over Spain within the Euro 2025 ultimate was going to hit the again of the online.
Scorer of the winner in opposition to Germany in England’s Euro 2022 triumph at Wembley, Kelly was as soon as once more England’s heroine as she fired residence from 12 yards because the Lionesses improbably retained their title.
Sarina Wiegman’s facet turning into the primary England crew to win back-to-back main tournaments appeared unlikely when Mariona Caldentey headed Spain forward within the twenty fifth minute.
However Kelly, launched for the injured Lauren James within the fortieth minute, produced a second of magic within the 57th minute as her left-wing cross discovered the pinnacle of Alessia Russo, who restored parity and finally compelled additional time.
England held Spain at bay within the additional half hour regardless of shedding Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway to accidents, and so they saved their composure within the shootout.
Beth Mead missed England’s opening penalty after a retake having been judged to have by chance kicked her preliminary profitable effort twice. Nonetheless, the Lionesses recovered from that setback, with Hannah Hampton saving from Caldentey and Participant of the Event Aitana Bonmati earlier than Salma Paralluelo fired large, permitting Kelly to step up and safe glory for England.
Kelly missed a penalty within the semi-final in opposition to Italy, although she adopted as much as rating the winner on the rebound. This time, nonetheless, there was no mistake.
“I’m so happy with this crew. So grateful to put on this badge. So proud to be English,” Kelly instructed BBC One.
“I used to be cool, I used to be composed. I knew I used to be going to hit the again of the online. I don’t miss penalties twice.
“Unbelievable. All of the workers behind us and Sarina Wiegman – she has completed it once more! Unbelievable.”
Wiegman has now received three successive European titles, having led the Netherlands to the title on residence soil in 2017.
Their victory over Spain marked the third straight recreation wherein England got here from behind to prevail, the Lionesses having recovered from 2-0 right down to beat Sweden on penalties within the quarter-finals earlier than producing a turnaround in opposition to Italy.
“We mentioned we are able to win by any means and that’s what we now have proven once more as we speak,” Wiegman instructed BBC One. “I’m so happy with the crew and the workers. It’s unbelievable.
“I simply can’t consider it. I’ve a medal round my neck and we now have a trophy.
“It has been probably the most chaotic match on the pitch – all of the challenges we had on the pitch in opposition to our opponent.”
“From the primary recreation it was chaos,” Wiegman added of a match that England started with a defeat to France.
“Shedding your first recreation and turning into European Champions is unbelievable. Soccer is chaos.”