England vs Spain: Highlights, tactical analysis in 2025 UEFA Women’s EURO final

In a heart-stopping finale at St. Jakob-Park, the Lionesses of England defended their UEFA Women’s Euro title with a 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Spain after a gripping 1-1 draw through extra time. The match, witnessed by a vibrant crowd of over 30,000, was a tactical chess match, punctuated by moments of individual brilliance, controversial refereeing, and dramatic momentum swings. This historic win marked England as the first team to secure a major trophy on foreign soil and solidified manager Sarina Wiegman’s legacy as a three-time European champion. Here’s a deep dive into the tactics, standout players, officiating, and defining moments of the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro final.

England’s grit vs Spain’s flair

England, under Sarina Wiegman’s meticulous guidance, deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing defensive resilience and rapid counterattacks. The Lionesses’ strategy focused on compact defending to neutralize Spain’s possession-based game, with midfielders Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh tasked with breaking up play. Wiegman’s game plan relied on absorbing pressure and exploiting transitions through wingers Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead. In the first half, England struggled to penetrate Spain’s high press, managing only 42% possession and conceding early. However, their second-half adjustment pushing Hemp higher to exploit Spain’s left flank created space for Alessia Russo’s equalizer, showcasing Wiegman’s knack for in-game adaptability.

Spain, coached by Montse Tome, employed a fluid 4-3-3, leveraging their technical superiority and high pressing to dominate possession (58% overall). Their tactic was to control the midfield through Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas, with wingers Salma Paralluelo and Athenea del Castillo stretching England’s defense. Spain’s early goal came from precise build-up play, but their high defensive line left them vulnerable to England’s counterattacks, particularly in the second half. Tomé’s substitutions, including Vicky Lopez and Paralluelo, aimed to maintain attacking impetus, but Spain’s failure to convert dominance into goals proved costly in the shootout.

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England vs Spain standout players

For England, goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was the undisputed hero, earning Player of the Match honors. Her two penalty saves against Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí, coupled with a crucial stop on Paralluelo in extra time, were pivotal. Hampton’s 8.02 average rating reflected her composure under pressure. Alessia Russo, with a 8.07 rating, delivered the equalizer with a towering header in the 57th minute, showcasing her aerial prowess and relentless work rate. Chloe Kelly, the super-sub, cemented her legend status by smashing home the decisive penalty, earning an 8.66 rating for her impact. Lauren Hemp’s tireless running and defensive contributions were lauded, with fans on social media calling her “head and heels above the rest.”

Spain’s Mariona Caldentey opened the scoring with a clinical header in the 25th minute, rising above Lucy Bronze to meet Ona Batlle’s cross. Her performance underlined her importance to La Roja, though her missed penalty dented her impact. Aitana Bonmatí, the tournament’s Player of the Tournament despite battling viral meningitis pre-tournament, dictated play with 18 chances created over the competition. Alexia Putellas, with three goals and four assists in the tournament, was a constant threat but couldn’t find the decisive touch in the final. Goalkeeper Cata Coll made a vital save on Beth Mead’s retaken penalty but couldn’t stop England’s shootout precision.

Reviewing the match officiating

French referee Stephanie Frappart, a veteran of the 2019 Women’s World Cup final, officiated with authority but faced controversy. Her decision to order a retake of Beth Mead’s penalty in the shootout, after Mead slipped but scored, drew ire from England fans, with some on social media labeling it “harsh.” Frappart’s call was based on encroachment, and Cata Coll saved Mead’s second attempt, heightening the drama. A potential penalty for Spain in the 82nd minute, when Paralluelo went down under Jess Carter’s challenge, was waved away, prompting Spanish protests. Analysts deemed the call correct, citing minimal contact. Frappart’s four minutes of stoppage time in regulation and two in extra time were seen as conservative, but her overall control ensured the game’s flow, with only three yellow cards issued (two to Spain, one to England).

Major Highlights in England vs Spain 2025 UEFA Women’s EURO final

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with key moments shaping its narrative: 3rd Minute – Early England threat, Alessia Russo charged down the left, forcing a sharp save from Cata Coll. Lauren James couldn’t convert the rebound, setting the tone for England’s intent. 25th Minute – Spain Strike First, Mariona Caldentey’s header from Ona Batlle’s pinpoint cross gave Spain the lead, exploiting a rare lapse from Lucy Bronze. 57th Minute – Russo’s Redemption, Alessia Russo met Chloe Kelly’s cross with a powerful header, leveling the score and igniting England’s comeback.

90th Minute – Extra Time Looms, Frappart’s whistle sent the game to extra time after a tense four minutes of stoppage time, with both teams trading chances. 120th Minute – Penalty Drama Begins, After a grueling extra time, Frappart signaled for a shootout in front of England’s fans, following a coin toss won by Leah Williamson. Shootout – Hampton and Kelly Seal Glory, Hannah Hampton saved penalties from Caldentey and Bonmatí, while Salma Paralluelo dragged hers wide. Beth Mead’s retaken miss raised tension, but Chloe Kelly’s top-corner strike clinched a 3-1 shootout win, sparking wild celebrations.

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Final take

England’s victory avenged their 2023 World Cup final loss to Spain and marked their first major trophy on foreign soil, a feat no English team had achieved. The Lionesses’ resilience, trailing in all three knockout matches, earned them the moniker “comeback queens.” Wiegman’s tactical acumen and squad depth 10 goal involvements from substitutes proved decisive. Spain, despite their possession dominance and star-studded lineup, failed to convert chances.

A celebratory open-top bus parade along The Mall in London, hosted by Alex Scott, awaits the Lionesses, who return as back-to-back European champions. For Spain, the focus shifts to defending their World Cup title in 2027, while England’s triumph signals their intent to dominate the global stage. This final, a clash of Europe’s titans, will be remembered for its intensity, drama, and the Lionesses’ unyielding resolve.