England lift Euros after penalty shootout win over Spain

England women lifted the European Championship for the second time in a row, beating Spain 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

The Lionesses, seasoned finalists, started brightly, but Spain’s Cata Coll saved Alessia Russo’s early strike.  Coll’s error nearly cost Spain when Lauren Hemp pounced, only for the keeper to redeem herself with a close-range stop.  

Despite England’s dominance, Spain struck first through Mariona Caldentey’s header off Ona Batlle’s cross. England’s woes deepened when Lauren James limped off with an ankle injury, replaced by Chloe Kelly. 

Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was the hero, saving two penalties before Chloe Kelly smashed in the winning spot kick.

It was a huge victory for Sarina Wiegman's side, coming from behind in normal time and hanging on in extra time to take the game all the way.

Mariona Caldentey gave Spain the lead on the night with a brilliant header but Alessia Russo came up with a header of her own to equalise in the second half.

In the penalty shootout— the first in a Euro final since 1984—Salma Paralluelo missed for Spain, and Kelly’s composed spot-kick sealed England’s back-to-back titles.