England have retained their Women’s Euros title after beating Spain on penalties in a tense final.
Alessia Russo cancelled out Mariona Caldentey’s 25th-minute header in the second half as the game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Spain had the better of extra-time but could not break down the England defence, so the match went to penalties in Basel, Switzerland.
England retain Euros title – live reaction
Substitute Chloe Kelly, who provided the cross for Russo’s equaliser, fired in the winning penalty for Sarina Wiegman’s side as they won the shootout 3-1.
Hannah Hampton made two excellent saves in the shootout before Kelly, who scored the winner in extra-time at Wembley in 2022, took advantage of Salma Paralluelo’s miss.
“I’m so proud, so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge, and I’m so proud to be English … I was cool, I was composed and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net,” Kelly said.
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Sarina Wiegman hails ‘most chaotic’ Euros campaign
The final was the first time since the inaugural edition in 1984, in which England were beaten by Sweden, that the game was decided by a penalty shootout.
“Unbelievable, incredible, showing throughout this tournament we can come back when we go a goal down, and we have that grit,” goalkeeper Hampton said.
“We’ve got English blood in us, so we never say die and we just keep going, and we did that today.
England’s Alessia Russo celebrates scoring the equaliser Pic: REUTERS/Matthew Childs
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer congratulated the team on retaining their European crown.
In a post on X, Sir Keir said: “Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses – what a team. What a game. What drama.
“You dug deep when it mattered most and you’ve made the nation proud. History makers.”
The Prince of Wales attended the match with his daughter Princess Charlotte and was seen celebrating with those around him.
William was among those to heap praise on striker Michelle Agyemang, who was named young player of the tournament.
As the presentation ceremony took place, William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say, “Well played, fantastic, well done”.
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