England ratings Spain GFX

After winning Euro 2022 in incredibly dramatic fashion, the holders took it to another level by beating La Roja on penalties to keep the trophy

It had to be Chloe Kelly, didn't it? After delivering the Lionesses' first European Championship title three years ago at Wembley in what seemed to be the most dramatic of circumstances, the winger took it one step further on Sunday as she smashed home the winning spot-kick to ensure that trophy goes back to England with her and Sarina Wiegman's side once more, as they beat Spain 3-1 on penalties in the Euro 2025 final, the scores having stood level at 1-1 after extra-time.

Two years on from their 1-0 win over the Lionesses in the World Cup final, La Roja looked like they were going to get the better of them on this big stage, too, when Mariona Caldentey broke the deadlock with a brilliant header midway through the first half. It was what Spain deserved as they dominated the opening stages, but their inability to add to that lead would prove costly, with Esther Gonzalez, Salma Paralluelo and Caldentey herself all spurning great opportunities as they game progressed.

England were thus never out of it. Their pressing caused Spain problems and created some openings, but it was when Kelly came off the bench to replace the injured Lauren James that they were able to fight back. The Arsenal winger delivered a terrific cross for Alessia Russo, and her header back across the face of goal levelled things up.

From there, momentum swung back and forth. The Lionesses, having already played two lots of extra-time in the knockout stages, looked tired and Spain seemed set to take advantage, then England would suddenly find new energy and cause real problems. A draw was the fair result, really, but there are no draws in finals. One team had to win and, having dug deep in the quarter-finals on penalties, the Lionesses were able to do so again, with Kelly confidently blasting the ball beyond Cata Coll to propel the legacy of this team to a whole new level - while sealing a third European Championship title in a row for the iconic and incomparable Wiegman.

GOAL rates England's players from St. Jakob Park...

Alex Greenwood England Women 2025

Goalkeeper & Defence

Hannah Hampton (8/10):

Stood tall to pretty much everything Spain threw at her, with there nothing she could do about the goal. Saved two penalties in the shootout, too.

Lucy Bronze (7/10):

Switched off for the goal, giving Caldentey a free header. Got better as the game went on though, influencing possession plenty with her movement.

Leah Williamson (7/10):

Stood up tall to most things in the centre of defence.

Jess Carter (7/10):

Was much more settled after a couple of tough outings. Justified Wiegman's decision to bring her back in.

Alex Greenwood (6/10):

Continuing in a role that has her out of position, Spain made sure to test her and it often proved fruitful. She grew more accustomed to the challenge as the game progressed, though.

Ella Toone England Spain Women 2025

Midfield

Keira Walsh (7/10):

Grew much more influential as the game went on and England got more of a foothold in it, with some great movement and tidy passing.

Georgia Stanway (6/10):

Struggled to win as many duels as usual, but did plenty of good work off the ball away from that and mopped up nicely when defending.

Ella Toone (5/10):

Looked lively when she could get involved, it just wasn't often enough.

Lauren Hemp England Spain Women 2025

Attack

Lauren Hemp (5/10):

Put in a real shift defensively but, going forward, she looked uncomfortable on the right throughout. Should've done better with a big opportunity in the first half, too.

Alessia Russo (7/10):

Fantastic header back across goal to equalise. Was her only real chance and she took it brilliantly.

Lauren James (4/10):

Limped off before half-time, with her clearly not fit enough to start after suffering an ankle knock in the previous round.

Chloe Kelly England Women 2025

Subs & Manager

Chloe Kelly (8/10):

Created a couple of good chances, including the brilliant cross which Russo headed home to level things up. Fired home the winning spot-kick.

Michelle Agyemang (5/10):

Introduced earlier than usual and without England changing their approach, which prevented her from being as impactful as in previous rounds.

Beth Mead (5/10):

Placed in a central midfield role, which was a surprise. Struggled to get involved.

Niamh Charles (N/A):

Played the final chunk of extra time when Bronze went off injured.

Grace Clinton (N/A):

On for Stanway late on.

Sarina Wiegman (6/10):

Took a huge risk by starting James when she clearly wasn't fit and it didn't pay off, with the winger watching a big chance go by at one end before being caught out defensively on her side for Spain's opener. Kelly's introduction, though, helped to change the game as the Lionesses dug deep again, while Wiegman's trust in Carter also reaped rewards as she picked up her third European title in a row.