England captured the Euro 2025 title after defeating Spain in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at St Jakob Park. Manager Sarina Wiegman secured her third consecutive European Championship, leading England through their most dramatic tournament run to date.
England advanced through three knockout matches that required extra time, leading for less than five minutes across 360 total minutes of play. The team overcame Sweden on penalties in the quarter-finals, defeated Italy with a stoppage-time equalizer and extra-time winner in the semi-finals, then prevailed against Spain in the final shootout.
Spain dominated possession throughout the tournament as the world\'s best passing team but fell short in the decisive moments. Manager Montse Tome acknowledged her team\'s superior play while accepting the tournament\'s outcome.
\"We were better,\" Tome said after the final. \"But football is a sport where not always the best team wins.\"
Tactical Changes Prove Decisive
Wiegman made three key tactical adjustments for the final that helped neutralize Spain\'s attacking threat. Defender Jess Carter returned to the starting lineup after being dropped against Italy, switching to central defense where she excelled against Spain\'s forwards.
The manager also switched her wingers, moving Lauren Hemp to the right flank and Lauren James to the left before injury. Lucy Bronze moved into midfield to create numerical advantages and open passing lanes.
\"We wanted to switch the play and come in behind a little bit on the inside,\" Wiegman explained regarding her inverted winger strategy.
Penalty Shootout Expertise Continues
England extended their penalty shootout winning streak to four consecutive victories, including previous wins over Brazil, Nigeria, and Sweden. Despite converting only six of 12 penalties during regular tournament play, England maintained their composure in both shootout situations at Euro 2025.
\"The most chaotic and ridiculous tournament we have played,\" Wiegman said. \"Every time we came back from behind.\"