England crowns the European champion again against Spain

Penalty thriller in the final

England’s women are again European champions

The English national team defended their European Championship title. In the final against Spain, the “Lionesses” prevailed in the penalty shootout.

England’s ice-cold comeback queens are again the football queens of Europe. The “Lionesses” prevailed in the dramatic final of Basel 3-1 in the penalty shootout against world champion Spain and thus returned for the bankruptcy in the World Cup final in 2023. After the triumph of Wembley against the German team in 2022, it was the second English European Championship title, Sarina Wiegman, as a second trainer after Tina Theune, even managed to do the hat at European Championships.

Chloe Kelly became heroines with the decisive penalty and Hannah Hampton with two parades. Alessia Russo (57th) had once again compensated for a game for the British in front of Prince William’s eyes who had already returned in a fairytale-like manner in quarter and semi-finals from almost hopeless situations. For the Germany-converting Spain, which was so convincing in the course of the tournament, it was only enough for the initial final participation to the initial tour of Mariona Caldentey (25th), the title premiere at the European Championships must wait.

After a short final ceremony, England caught the better start in front of 34,203 spectators in St. Jakob-Park. Alessia Russo broke through Leah Williamson after a long pass, but goalkeeper Cata Coll fell off the low shot (3rd). However, the expected game developed: Spain took control with a well -groomed short pass game, while England was skillfully lurking on fast switching campaigns. After a bad pass from Coll in his own penalty area, Lauren Hemp offered huge chance, but the goalkeeper made up for her mistake again with strong foot defense (19th).

That quickly avoided: on the opposite side, Mariona headed perfectly into the corner after the first big chance. As a result, England left the courage, before the break there was hardly any relief. Even though super joker Chloe Kelly was allowed to go into the game earlier than expected because Lauren was injured by James (40th). There was initially no more than a first warning shot from the attacker (44th).

After the change of sides, little changed at the dominance of the Spaniards, both Mariona (52nd) and Alexia Putellas (55th) awarded good positions. Instead, Russo headed a Kelly flank on the opposite side. This gave the “Lionesses” buoyancy, an open exchange of blows with a lot of offensive urge developed in both directions. Hannah Hampton shiny against Clàudia Pina (74th) for England.

Intensity and tension still rose in the extension. Spain urged that England seemed physically drained, but it was up to it – and then had the better nerves. Mead initially awarded the point, but then Mariona and the two -time world footballer Aitana Bonmatí failed. When Salma Paralluelo then tried her attempt next to the goal, Kelly offered the opportunity to decide the final. The striker did not get asked twice and shot England to the title.