<p>England's Lionesses returned to a heroes' welcome on Monday, just less than 24 hours after their dramatic penalty-shootout win against world champions Spain at Euro 2025 final on Sunday (July 27). Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot-kick in Basel as Sarina Wiegman's side defended the European women's title they had won in 2022 at Wembley.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The fans, some of whom wore England kits and waved flags, chanted in support as they greeted the players outside Southend airport, which is roughly 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of London. On an X post, the team posted a picture of the trophy covered with an England flag on a seat on the plane, which had "Home" written in red letters on one side.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’re home! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 <a href="https://t.co/sZyYn1HyEi">pic.twitter.com/sZyYn1HyEi</a></p>&mdash; Lionesses (@Lionesses) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lionesses/status/1950158703279092165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The plane was greeted with a water salute from two fire trucks upon arrival. Manager Wiegman and skipper Leah Williamson were the first off, the skipper holding the trophy aloft proudly. The Lionesses were whisked directly to 10 Downing Street, the residence of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which was festooned in England flags. "What a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers," Starmer posted as a message to the Lionesses on X.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">All for this moment! ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/JCh9xA7PeS">pic.twitter.com/JCh9xA7PeS</a></p>&mdash; Lionesses (@Lionesses) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lionesses/status/1950167506519228890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The team were welcomed at 10 Downing Street by Deputy Prime minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock while Starmer was in Scotland meeting US President Donald Trump.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rayner praised the players as a "shining example of talent and excitement for women's football". A parade on an open-top bus on Tuesday will be followed by a celebration near Buckingham Palace. Switzerland victory was sweet revenge for Wiegman's defending champions, who tasted defeat at the hands of the same opposition in the World Cup final two years ago.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Proud 🥹 <a href="https://t.co/7DESnox9pV">pic.twitter.com/7DESnox9pV</a></p>&mdash; Lionesses (@Lionesses) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lionesses/status/1950169257645371739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Thousands of jubilant fans flooded central London on Tuesday (July 29) to salute England’s Lionesses as they celebrated their Euro 2025 triumph with an open-top bus parade. Sarina Wiegman’s side successfully defended their European crown on Sunday, edging past reigning world champions Spain in a nerve‑shredding penalty shootout in Basel, Switzerland.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Two buses proudly emblazoned with European Champions set off from The Mall — the ceremonial avenue leading to Buckingham Palace — under grey skies just after midday. Captain Leah Williamson, trophy in hand, lifted it high above her head as thousands roared and waved Union Jacks and St George’s Cross flags. The journey was led by a military band, and the sound of cheers grew louder as the parade inched forward towards the Palace. Outside Buckingham Palace, giant screens replayed tournament highlights as fans sang, danced, and relived the Lionesses’ historic run.</p>

<p>An emotional Williamson, addressing the crowd from the stage, admitted she had been in tears during the parade. “There are so many ways to win a football match — and we seemed to choose the hard way every time,” she said with a smile. “But you can see how much we care about playing for England, how much we love it.</p><p> </p><p>“2022 was a fairytale, but this was hard‑earned, and we’re so proud of ourselves. We faced setbacks, like losing to France in our opening match, but still we rise. We do this for each other, for England, and for every young girl who dreams of playing this game. Thirty or forty years ago, this job didn’t even exist — and we’re making history with every step.”</p><p> </p><p>Wiegman, too, praised her squad’s resilience. “When it mattered most, they showed up,” she told the cheering masses before dancing on stage alongside Nigerian star Burna Boy. “We always had a plan, and the belief never faded. These players delivered when it was truly urgent.”</p><p> </p><p>For the Lionesses, Sunday’s triumph was more than a trophy — it was redemption, avenging the heartbreak of their loss to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final. As the celebrations rolled on, the message from both captain and coach was clear: England’s story is far from over.</p>

WATCH Lionesses roar home Englands queens return to heroes welcome after being crowned as Womens Euro 2025 champions

England's Lionesses returned to a heroes' welcome on Monday, just less than 24 hours after their dramatic penalty-shootout win against world champions Spain at Euro 2025 final on Sunday (July 27). Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot-kick in Basel as Sarina Wiegman's side defended the European women's title they had won in 2022 at Wembley. The fans, some of whom wore England kits and waved flags, chanted in support as they greeted the players outside Southend airport, which is roughly 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of London. On an X post, the team posted a picture of the trophy covered with an England flag on a seat on the plane, which had "Home" written in red letters on one side.

<p>Chloe Kelly converted the decisive spot-kick as Sarina Wiegman's team defended the European women's title against Spain on Sunday (July 27)</p>

WATCH—Lionesses roar home: England’s queens return to heroes’ welcome after being crowned as Women's Euro 2025 champions

<p>England's Lionesses returned to a heroes' welcome on Monday, less than 24 hours after their dramatic penalty-shootout victory against world champions Spain in the Euro 2025 final.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chloe Kelly converted the decisive spot-kick in the Swiss city of Basel as Sarina Wiegman's team successfully defended the European women's crown they won at Wembley in 2022.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Supporters, many of whom were dressed in England kits and holding flags, cheered as they waited outside Southend airport, about 40 miles (64 kilometres) east of London.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a post on X, the team shared a photo of the trophy draped in an England flag on a seat on the plane, which had "Home" painted in red letters on its side.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The aircraft was welcomed with a water salute from two fire engines after landing. Captain Leah Williamson and manager Wiegman were the first off, with the skipper proudly holding the trophy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Among the waiting supporters were twins Poppy and Daisy Macdonald, 11, who were holding a sign asking for a photo with star striker Alessia Russo.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We're so proud. They've won it two times in a row and they've worked so hard for it," said Poppy. "They've had a lot of injuries and setbacks but they've done really well."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Lionesses were whisked straight to 10 Downing Street, the working home of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer which was decked out in England flags.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"What a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers," Starmer wrote in a message to the Lionesses on X.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The team were hosted at number 10 by Deputy Prime minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock while Starmer was in Scotland meeting US President Donald Trump.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rayner hailed the players as a "shining example of talent and excitement for women’s football".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>An open-top bus parade will follow on Tuesday, culminating in a celebration in front of Buckingham Palace.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Victory in Switzerland was sweet revenge for Wiegman's defending champions, who suffered bitter defeat against the same opponents in the World Cup final two years ago.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravi-ashwin-slams-england-double-standards-over-handshake-saga-in-manchester-test-1753709560665"><strong>Ravi Ashwin slams England’s ‘double standards’ over ‘handshake saga’ in Manchester Test</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Late drama</strong></h2><p>Victory in Switzerland on Sunday capped a remarkable tournament packed with late drama for England.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Wiegman's team were slow out of the blocks, losing their first match against France, before comfortable wins over the Netherlands and Wales in the group phase.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>They came back from 2-0 down against Sweden in the quarter-finals before winning on penalties, and sealed their spot in Sunday's final with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The defending champions again fell behind against Spain on Sunday but Russo cancelled out Mariona Caldentey's first-half opener and the teams were still locked at 1-1 at the end of extra-time.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Two penalty saves by player-of-the-match Hannah Hampton and Salma Paralluelo's miss set the stage for Kelly, who also scored the winner against Germany in the 2022 final.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In total, the Lionesses led for fewer than five minutes across the entire Euros knockout stage.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I must admit that this is the most chaotic and ridiculous tournament we have played," said Wiegman.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The players say we can win by any means, and we just never, ever give up."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Dutch coach, who has now won three European Championship crowns in a row, having led the Netherlands to victory in 2017, said she hoped England's win would boost women's football across the globe.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"How I've experienced this tournament is that the level went up again, the intensity of the games went through the roof," she said. "That's what we've seen.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We've seen it in the games, but also in the data we have. I think this tournament broke every record again and that's great, and I hope that that will boost the women's game everywhere."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i></p>

Chloe Kelly converted the decisive spot-kick in the Swiss city of Basel as Sarina Wiegman's team successfully defended the European women's crown they won at Wembley in 2022.

England's Lionesses returned to a heroes' welcome on Monday, less than 24 hours after their dramatic penalty-shootout victory against world champions Spain in the Euro 2025 final. Chloe Kelly converted the decisive spot-kick in the Swiss city of Basel as Sarina Wiegman's team successfully defended the European women's crown they won at Wembley in 2022. Supporters, many of whom were dressed in England kits and holding flags, cheered as they waited outside Southend airport, about 40 miles (64 kilometres) east of London. In a post on X, the team shared a photo of the trophy draped in an England flag on a seat on the plane, which had "Home" painted in red letters on its side. The aircraft was welcomed with a water salute from two fire engines after landing. Captain Leah Williamson and manager Wiegman were the first off, with the skipper proudly holding the trophy. Among the waiting supporters were twins Poppy and Daisy Macdonald, 11, who were holding a sign asking for a photo with star striker Alessia Russo. "We're so proud. They've won it two times in a row and they've worked so hard for it," said Poppy. "They've had a lot of injuries and setbacks but they've done really well." The Lionesses were whisked straight to 10 Downing Street, the working home of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer which was decked out in England flags. "What a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers," Starmer wrote in a message to the Lionesses on X. The team were hosted at number 10 by Deputy Prime minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock while Starmer was in Scotland meeting US President Donald Trump. Rayner hailed the players as a "shining example of talent and excitement for women’s football". An open-top bus parade will follow on Tuesday, culminating in a celebration in front of Buckingham Palace. Victory in Switzerland was sweet revenge for Wiegman's defending champions, who suffered bitter defeat against the same opponents in the World Cup final two years ago. ALSO READ | Ravi Ashwin slams England’s ‘double standards’ over ‘handshake saga’ in Manchester Test Late drama Victory in Switzerland on Sunday capped a remarkable tournament packed with late drama for England. Wiegman's team were slow out of the blocks, losing their first match against France, before comfortable wins over the Netherlands and Wales in the group phase. They came back from 2-0 down against Sweden in the quarter-finals before winning on penalties, and sealed their spot in Sunday's final with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy. The defending champions again fell behind against Spain on Sunday but Russo cancelled out Mariona Caldentey's first-half opener and the teams were still locked at 1-1 at the end of extra-time. Two penalty saves by player-of-the-match Hannah Hampton and Salma Paralluelo's miss set the stage for Kelly, who also scored the winner against Germany in the 2022 final. In total, the Lionesses led for fewer than five minutes across the entire Euros knockout stage. "I must admit that this is the most chaotic and ridiculous tournament we have played," said Wiegman. "The players say we can win by any means, and we just never, ever give up." The Dutch coach, who has now won three European Championship crowns in a row, having led the Netherlands to victory in 2017, said she hoped England's win would boost women's football across the globe. "How I've experienced this tournament is that the level went up again, the intensity of the games went through the roof," she said. "That's what we've seen. "We've seen it in the games, but also in the data we have. I think this tournament broke every record again and that's great, and I hope that that will boost the women's game everywhere." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>Chloe Kelly converted the decisive spot-kick in the Swiss city of Basel as Sarina Wiegman's team successfully defended the European women's crown they won at Wembley in 2022.</p>

England's Lionesses return to heroes' welcome after Euro 2025 glory

<p>‘The first time was so nice, we had to do it twice’, these words, said with a smile and a sparkle of win, were more than the typical post-match sound bite. They were a statement. A mic drop moment. A closing line to a chapter of determination, redemption, and triumph. As the final whistle blew through Basel's St. Jakob-Park, England's Lionesses stood not as a squad in pursuit of history — but as one making it. As with Wembley three years ago, it had all boiled down to nerve, determination, and one clinical finish under the spotlight. And once again, when it was most needed, the right boot proved to be the difference. It was none other than Chloe Kelly's right boot.</p><h2>See the video here:</h2>

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<p>But this was not only about a fine. This was about the path back to this point. Because what came after Euro 2022 was not a fairy tale. Injuries, uncertainty, and time off on the sidelines challenged not only the body, but the mind. Celebrations dissipated, headlines turned elsewhere, and Chloe Kelly needed to find it deep within — far from the limelight — that there would be another moment. Another final. Another opportunity.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>And when it arrived — she grabbed it. Again. Chloe did not scream. She did not play it up. She just strolled up, rolled the ball on, and inscribed herself — again — into the mythology of English football. The coolest player in the most tumultuous moment. The storm outside, quiet inside.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Some players fantasise about a moment like that. She's had two. And she aced them both. This wasn't a reprise. It was reinforcement. That clutch isn't learned. That mentality isn't built. It's tempered in times of self-doubt and isolation. And when the world is paying attention — it's elevated.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With a generation of stars on the rise and tactics constantly shifting, England's Lionesses have discovered something eternal: a person who appears when most needed. And when the cameras finally rolled and she stood smiling, her words came easily, but weighed heavily with history, ‘The first time was so nice, we had to do it twice.’</p>

Womens Euro 2025 The first time was so nice we had to do it twice Englands winning mentality in full motion

‘The first time was so nice, we had to do it twice’, these words, said with a smile and a sparkle of win, were more than the typical post-match sound bite. They were a statement. A mic drop moment. A closing line to a chapter of determination, redemption, and triumph. As the final whistle blew through Basel's St. Jakob-Park, England's Lionesses stood not as a squad in pursuit of history — but as one making it. As with Wembley three years ago, it had all boiled down to nerve, determination, and one clinical finish under the spotlight. And once again, when it was most needed, the right boot proved to be the difference. It was none other than Chloe Kelly's right boot. See the video here:

<p>After the match ended in a 1-1 draw at the end of the Extra Time, defending champions England held their nerves to win 3-1 on penalties</p>

Women's Euro 2025 Final: 'The first time was so nice, we had to do it twice'—Chloe Kelly's right boot reigns again

<p>England’s Lionesses are European champions once again. But this wasn’t just a story of a team—it was the crowning moment of Hannah Hampton, the 24-year-old goalkeeper who rose from years of waiting in the wings to become the hero on Europe’s grandest stage. As England outplayed Spain in the Euro 2025 final, Hampton delivered a goalkeeping masterclass. Her penalty shootout saves—against none other than Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati and Spain’s first penalty kick taker Mariona Caldentey—weren’t just reflex saves; they were historic interventions that sealed England’s 3–1 shootout win after a pulsating 1–1 draw in regulation and extra time. Hampton didn’t just play. She owned the moment.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The match had everything: flair, fire, and ferocity. Spain drew first blood with Caldentey’s sharp header, reminding England of their 2023 World Cup final heartbreak. But just before the hour mark, Alessia Russo equalised, rising to meet a Chloe Kelly cross and igniting belief in the Lionesses. The real drama, though, was reserved for the shootout. With the world watching, Hampton looked calm—too calm for a player starting her first major tournament final.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But there was more behind that calmness than met the eye. Fans were stunned to notice a handwritten penalty cheat sheet on Hampton’s forearm. It was a tactical masterstroke—each Spanish taker’s preferred side, timing, and tendencies meticulously mapped out. It worked like a charm. Bonmatí went left. Hampton went left. Caldentey aimed low. Hampton smothered it.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>By the time Chloe Kelly drilled the final spot-kick in—just as she had done in Euro 2022—England were champions again. But this time, it was Hampton’s gloves that shaped the destiny.</p><h2>Who is Hannah Hampton?</h2><p>Hannah Hampton’s story isn’t just about one night. It’s about a journey a few saw coming. Born in Birmingham in 2000, Hampton spent part of her childhood in Spain, where she joined Villarreal’s youth academy—not as a keeper, but as a forward. She returned to England aged 10 and transitioned to goalkeeping while at Stoke City.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She was born with strabismus, a condition that affects depth perception. Multiple surgeries later, doctors doubted she could play elite sport. Hampton thought otherwise. She joined Birmingham City’s senior side at just 16 and made her name over four seasons before switching to Aston Villa in 2021. But her real transformation came with a 2023 move to Chelsea, where she blossomed into a WSL Golden Glove winner in 2024–25 and led Chelsea to a domestic treble.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>All the while, she was rising quietly in England’s ranks—waiting for her shot behind Mary Earps. After Earps' international retirement in late 2023, Hampton finally claimed the no. 1 shirt. Her first competitive England start? A Euro 2025 qualifier against Ireland. Her breakthrough moment? Saving two penalties in a bloody-nosed quarter-final against Sweden that England won 3–2 on penalties. Her legacy? Sealed last night in Basel.</p><h2>The making of a modern goalkeeper</h2><p>Hampton is not just a shot-stopper. She’s a student of the game. Her forearm cheat sheet wasn’t just for show—it was evidence of deep preparation. Analysts revealed post-match that Hampton had studied over 60 hours of video footage of Spanish penalty-takers during the tournament. Each gesture, hesitation, and routine was memorised, rehearsed, and then executed under pressure.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“She’s one of the most intelligent goalkeepers I’ve worked with,” England manager Sarina Wiegman was quoted saying after the match. “But what makes her special is her mental strength. She doesn’t flinch under fire.” Fans online dubbed her "The Lioness Oracle", while memes of her tattooed tactics went viral within minutes. It was smart football—and a sign that Hampton may be the long-term guardian of England’s goal.</p><h2>What’s next for Hampton?</h2><p>The Euro 2025 final was a defining moment—but by no means the peak. At just 24, Hampton has time, talent, and temperament on her side. With Chelsea eyeing back-to-back league titles and the Lionesses looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, Hampton’s gloves are likely to be at the centre of England’s future ambitions. She’s not just filling the void left by legends. She’s building her own.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“There were moments when I thought I’d never get here,” Hampton admitted in a post-match interview. “But my teammates believed in me. And I believed in myself.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Last night, that belief became history. From eye surgeries and bench roles to saving a nation’s dream, Hannah Hampton proved that greatness isn’t given. It’s earned, glove by glove.</p>

Womens Euro 2025 Final Queen of the net Hannah Hampton and her night of glory

England’s Lionesses are European champions once again. But this wasn’t just a story of a team—it was the crowning moment of Hannah Hampton, the 24-year-old goalkeeper who rose from years of waiting in the wings to become the hero on Europe’s grandest stage. As England outplayed Spain in the Euro 2025 final, Hampton delivered a goalkeeping masterclass. Her penalty shootout saves—against none other than Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati and Spain’s first penalty kick taker Mariona Caldentey—weren’t just reflex saves; they were historic interventions that sealed England’s 3–1 shootout win after a pulsating 1–1 draw in regulation and extra time. Hampton didn’t just play. She owned the moment. The match had everything: flair, fire, and ferocity. Spain drew first blood with Caldentey’s sharp header, reminding England of their 2023 World Cup final heartbreak. But just before the hour mark, Alessia Russo equalised, rising to meet a Chloe Kelly cross and igniting belief in the Lionesses. The real drama, though, was reserved for the shootout. With the world watching, Hampton looked calm—too calm for a player starting her first major tournament final. But there was more behind that calmness than met the eye. Fans were stunned to notice a handwritten penalty cheat sheet on Hampton’s forearm. It was a tactical masterstroke—each Spanish taker’s preferred side, timing, and tendencies meticulously mapped out. It worked like a charm. Bonmatí went left. Hampton went left. Caldentey aimed low. Hampton smothered it. By the time Chloe Kelly drilled the final spot-kick in—just as she had done in Euro 2022—England were champions again. But this time, it was Hampton’s gloves that shaped the destiny. Who is Hannah Hampton? Hannah Hampton’s story isn’t just about one night. It’s about a journey a few saw coming. Born in Birmingham in 2000, Hampton spent part of her childhood in Spain, where she joined Villarreal’s youth academy—not as a keeper, but as a forward. She returned to England aged 10 and transitioned to goalkeeping while at Stoke City. She was born with strabismus, a condition that affects depth perception. Multiple surgeries later, doctors doubted she could play elite sport. Hampton thought otherwise. She joined Birmingham City’s senior side at just 16 and made her name over four seasons before switching to Aston Villa in 2021. But her real transformation came with a 2023 move to Chelsea, where she blossomed into a WSL Golden Glove winner in 2024–25 and led Chelsea to a domestic treble. All the while, she was rising quietly in England’s ranks—waiting for her shot behind Mary Earps. After Earps' international retirement in late 2023, Hampton finally claimed the no. 1 shirt. Her first competitive England start? A Euro 2025 qualifier against Ireland. Her breakthrough moment? Saving two penalties in a bloody-nosed quarter-final against Sweden that England won 3–2 on penalties. Her legacy? Sealed last night in Basel. The making of a modern goalkeeper Hampton is not just a shot-stopper. She’s a student of the game. Her forearm cheat sheet wasn’t just for show—it was evidence of deep preparation. Analysts revealed post-match that Hampton had studied over 60 hours of video footage of Spanish penalty-takers during the tournament. Each gesture, hesitation, and routine was memorised, rehearsed, and then executed under pressure. “She’s one of the most intelligent goalkeepers I’ve worked with,” England manager Sarina Wiegman was quoted saying after the match. “But what makes her special is her mental strength. She doesn’t flinch under fire.” Fans online dubbed her "The Lioness Oracle", while memes of her tattooed tactics went viral within minutes. It was smart football—and a sign that Hampton may be the long-term guardian of England’s goal. What’s next for Hampton? The Euro 2025 final was a defining moment—but by no means the peak. At just 24, Hampton has time, talent, and temperament on her side. With Chelsea eyeing back-to-back league titles and the Lionesses looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, Hampton’s gloves are likely to be at the centre of England’s future ambitions. She’s not just filling the void left by legends. She’s building her own. “There were moments when I thought I’d never get here,” Hampton admitted in a post-match interview. “But my teammates believed in me. And I believed in myself.” Last night, that belief became history. From eye surgeries and bench roles to saving a nation’s dream, Hannah Hampton proved that greatness isn’t given. It’s earned, glove by glove.

<p>Defending champions England beat Spain 3-1 on penalties to clinch the Women's Euro 2025 after the game had finished 1-1 at the end of extra time</p>

Queen of the net: Hannah Hampton and her night of glory in Women's Euro 2025 final

<p>England beat Spain 3-1 on penalties to clinch the Women's Euro 2025 and defend their title after Sunday's final had finished 1-1 at the end of extra time. Chloe Kelly scored the decisive kick in a shoot-out which saw three Spain players, including reigning Ballon d'Or Aitana Bonmati, all missing from the spot. Mariona Caldentey had earlier gave Spain the lead-- who beat England 1-0 in the 2023 Women's World Cup final -- into the lead at St Jakob-Park in Basel, but Alessia Russo equalised early in the second half.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It seemed that Spain would be repeating their win against England in Sydney two years earlier as they controlled the game at Basel's St Jakob-Park and were ahead by Mariona Caldentey's first-half header.</p><p>England, however, did not panic as they had already been behind against Sweden in the quarter-finals and Italy in the semis before they managed to emerge victorious.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sarina Wiegman's England are thus back-to-back European champions, their victory here three years on from when they beat Germany in extra time at Wembley to lift a first women's major trophy. Beating Spain here makes up for the pain of losing that World Cup final in 2023, and the win also secures Wiegman's position as one of the great coaches. She has now won three consecutive European Championships, having led her native Netherlands to victory in 2017 before doing the same with England three years ago.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Spain, meanwhile, fell short in their quest to add a maiden European Championship title to the World Cup they won in Australia. Spain controlled the possession as would be expected, but eventually paid the price for failing to put the match to bed against an England team who never know when they are beaten.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Wiegman's side had been 2-0 behind against Sweden in the quarter-finals before scoring twice to take the match into extra time as they went on to win on penalties. Then came Michelle Agyemang's 96th-minute equaliser robbed Italy in the semi-final in Geneva, when Kelly scored the winner in extra time.</p><p>England had actually not played all that well for much of their march to the final, but it did not matter.</p><p>Wiegman had gambled on the fitness of Lauren James and come out on top, but not quite as she intended -- having limped off with an ankle injury against Italy, the Chelsea winger did not make it to half-time and was substituted by Kelly.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>By then Spain were already ahead, scoring when Bonmati and Athenea del Castillo played each other to tee up Ona Battle and her cross from the right was nodded in by Caldentey. Montse Tome's Spain, who had seven players from Barcelona in their starting team, had already dominated prior to that and it seemed England's best chance was that their opponents would be complacent.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The pick of that was when the game remained goalless, when Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll made a sloppy short pass to Laia Aleixandri in her own goal area. Lauren Hemp was quick to pounce on the chance but Coll was well alert to cover.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Even at 1-0, though, it seemed like England were very much in the match, and they pounced when the opportunity arose in the 57th minute when Kelly crossed from the left for her Arsenal teammate Russo to equalise. England -- with more supporters in their favour among the crowd of 34,203 -- now felt another comeback victory was in the offing, and it took the tips of Coll to keep out a Kelly attempt from the far corner midway through the second half.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Agyemang later replaced Russo, looking to repeat her super-sub stint, while Salma Paralluelo was one of those introduced for Spain. Paralluelo had herself in an encouraging situation on a few occasions as the match went into extra time and then to the edge-of-seat suspense of penalties.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Beth Mead's initial kick for England was saved after she was compelled to retake, and captain Leah Williamson also had her try blocked by Coll. But Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles both found the net, while Patri Guijarro was the sole successful taker for Spain before Kelly came on to score the winning one.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For England, this was another night of history. A night when they refused to be beaten. Again.</p>

Womens Euro 2025 Final Hannah Hamptons heroics help Lionesses beat Spain on penalties defend title

England beat Spain 3-1 on penalties to clinch the Women's Euro 2025 and defend their title after Sunday's final had finished 1-1 at the end of extra time. Chloe Kelly scored the decisive kick in a shoot-out which saw three Spain players, including reigning Ballon d'Or Aitana Bonmati, all missing from the spot. Mariona Caldentey had earlier gave Spain the lead-- who beat England 1-0 in the 2023 Women's World Cup final -- into the lead at St Jakob-Park in Basel, but Alessia Russo equalised early in the second half. It seemed that Spain would be repeating their win against England in Sydney two years earlier as they controlled the game at Basel's St Jakob-Park and were ahead by Mariona Caldentey's first-half header. England, however, did not panic as they had already been behind against Sweden in the quarter-finals and Italy in the semis before they managed to emerge victorious. Sarina Wiegman's England are thus back-to-back European champions, their victory here three years on from when they beat Germany in extra time at Wembley to lift a first women's major trophy. Beating Spain here makes up for the pain of losing that World Cup final in 2023, and the win also secures Wiegman's position as one of the great coaches. She has now won three consecutive European Championships, having led her native Netherlands to victory in 2017 before doing the same with England three years ago. Spain, meanwhile, fell short in their quest to add a maiden European Championship title to the World Cup they won in Australia. Spain controlled the possession as would be expected, but eventually paid the price for failing to put the match to bed against an England team who never know when they are beaten. Wiegman's side had been 2-0 behind against Sweden in the quarter-finals before scoring twice to take the match into extra time as they went on to win on penalties. Then came Michelle Agyemang's 96th-minute equaliser robbed Italy in the semi-final in Geneva, when Kelly scored the winner in extra time. England had actually not played all that well for much of their march to the final, but it did not matter. Wiegman had gambled on the fitness of Lauren James and come out on top, but not quite as she intended -- having limped off with an ankle injury against Italy, the Chelsea winger did not make it to half-time and was substituted by Kelly. By then Spain were already ahead, scoring when Bonmati and Athenea del Castillo played each other to tee up Ona Battle and her cross from the right was nodded in by Caldentey. Montse Tome's Spain, who had seven players from Barcelona in their starting team, had already dominated prior to that and it seemed England's best chance was that their opponents would be complacent. The pick of that was when the game remained goalless, when Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll made a sloppy short pass to Laia Aleixandri in her own goal area. Lauren Hemp was quick to pounce on the chance but Coll was well alert to cover. Even at 1-0, though, it seemed like England were very much in the match, and they pounced when the opportunity arose in the 57th minute when Kelly crossed from the left for her Arsenal teammate Russo to equalise. England -- with more supporters in their favour among the crowd of 34,203 -- now felt another comeback victory was in the offing, and it took the tips of Coll to keep out a Kelly attempt from the far corner midway through the second half. Agyemang later replaced Russo, looking to repeat her super-sub stint, while Salma Paralluelo was one of those introduced for Spain. Paralluelo had herself in an encouraging situation on a few occasions as the match went into extra time and then to the edge-of-seat suspense of penalties. Beth Mead's initial kick for England was saved after she was compelled to retake, and captain Leah Williamson also had her try blocked by Coll. But Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles both found the net, while Patri Guijarro was the sole successful taker for Spain before Kelly came on to score the winning one. For England, this was another night of history. A night when they refused to be beaten. Again.

Women's Euro 2025 Final: Hannah Hampton's heroics help Lionesses beat Spain on penalties, defend title

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Queen of the net: Hannah Hampton & her night of glory in Women's Euro 2025 final

Women's Euro 2025 Final: Hannah's heroics help Lionesses beat Spain on penalties