England women defend Euro title after epic penalty shootout win
England women became the second team to defend their European crown. The Lionesses defeated Spain in a penalty shootout to win back-to-back UEFA Women’s Euro. It was an epic match that lasted for more than 120 minutes and ended after a penalty shootout. After Germany, England became the second nation to defend their European crown.
Spanish domination in the first 45
Spain were the favourites ahead of this tournament. They have some of the best players on their team and were eyeing their first European glory. Spain created history by reaching their first final. It was a dominant start by the La Roja. They dominated the ball in the first half and were not allowing any free space to the English players.
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The team in red took the lead in the 25th minute. Mariona Caldentey headed the ball in England’s net to give her side the lead. It was looking like a one-sided final.
Chloe Kelly is again to the rescue
Kelly has changed the game for England in both knockout ties. She comes off the bench and does some epic things to win the game for her side. Kelly was introduced in the first half after Lauren James got injured.
England came up with different tactics in the second half. They pressed better and gave no space to the Spanish players. In the 57th minute, Kelly delivered a superb cross that found Alessia Russo in the middle. The Arsenal players combined to level things for England.
Both teams tried to score in the 90 minutes but failed to do so. The next 30 minutes also went goalless, and this match had to be decided on penalties.
England triumph as Hannah Hampton leads them to glory
The Lionesses already dealt with a penalty shootout against Sweden. Both teams were poor in finding the back of the net at that time. This was their second penalty shootout of the tournament. All eyes were on Hannah Hampton. The 24-year-old was under a lot of pressure before this tournament. She justified her spot by helping England to reach the final. Now, the whole nation had eyes on her.
Beth Mead missed the first penalty, and Guijarro netted it for Spain. Greenwood brought England back into the game. Then it was Hampton’s turn to level things up for the Lionesses. She saved Mariona Caldentey’s penalty, and suddenly the score was level.
Niamn Charles netted her penalty. Aitana Bonmati stepped up to take the third penalty, but Hampton stood in her way. Both teams missed their fourth penalty. Chloe Kelly netted England’s winner in the last tournament. She took the final spot kick and helped England to their second European crown.
Three in three for Sarina Weigman
Sarina Weigman has won three European titles in a row as a manager. She is enjoying a great run since her European triumph with the Netherlands in 2017. The 55-year-old took the Netherlands to the World Cup final in 2019 but lost in the finals. Her next job was to take England to glory. Weigman helped England to their first European title in 2022. She then took the Lionesses to the World Cup final. They lost to Spain, and this was a big chance to avenge their loss. Weigman helped her side to another Euro win.
