England’s Lionesses etched their name in football history on Sunday night by defeating reigning world champions Spain on penalties to win Euro 2025 their second consecutive European title and first ever on foreign soil.
In a dramatic final played at Switzerland’s St. Jakob-Park, Sarina Wiegman’s side came from behind once again, demonstrating steely resilience and relentless belief. Veteran Lucy Bronze, 33, who played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia, epitomized England’s warrior spirit before finally succumbing to pain in extra time.
Despite trailing at half-time, England equalised through Alessia Russo’s header before Chloe Kelly converted the winning penalty, sending England fans into raptures and sealing a 4-2 shootout win.
It marks the first time any England team male or female has won a major tournament abroad, surpassing the iconic 1966 World Cup and the Lionesses’ 2022 Wembley triumph. Wiegman also made history, becoming the first coach to win three straight European titles with two nations (Netherlands in 2017, England in 2022 and 2025).
“This year, it was meant for England,” said Bronze, in tears after the match. “We just never gave up.”
England’s journey was anything but smooth. They lost their opening group game to France and were without stalwarts Mary Earps, Fran Kirby, and Millie Bright. But Wiegman’s tactical consistency, reliance on “finishers” from the bench, and deep squad belief saw the Lionesses overturn deficits against Sweden and Italy before toppling tournament favourites Spain.
Teen sensation Michelle Agyemang scored a crucial semi-final equaliser in the 96th minute against Italy, while Kelly once again delivered an extra-time winner. The final saw key performances from Russo, goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, and the unbreakable team spirit that defined England’s campaign.
Dignitaries including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin were in the crowd, as were global football stars supporting teammates and friends.
FA Chief Mark Bullingham has since declared Wiegman “not for sale at any price,” with her contract running through to the 2027 World Cup.
“From the first game it was chaos. Losing your first game and becoming European champions is incredible. Football is chaos,” Wiegman said, smiling as players celebrated behind her.
This wasn’t just a victory. It was an emphatic statement: England are now a dominant force in global football.
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