Across England, jubilant fans erupted in celebration as the Lionesses secured their second consecutive European Championship title, defeating Spain in a thrilling penalty shootout. The final, held in Basel, Switzerland, saw England emerge victorious after a hard-fought match that ended 1-1 after extra time.
The atmosphere was electric in fan zones across the country, with supporters decked out in England colors, waving flags, and singing in unison. As Chloe Kelly scored the decisive penalty, sending the ball into the top corner, the crowd exploded in a frenzy of excitement. Videos circulating on social media capture the raw emotion of the moment, with fans jumping, hugging, and screaming in elation.
"Pure euphoria" was how one report described the scene in a London fan zone, where thousands gathered to watch the game. The tension was palpable throughout the match, especially after Spain took the lead in the first half. However, the Lionesses showed their resilience, with Alessia Russo scoring an equalizer to bring the game level. The nail-biting penalty shootout tested the nerves of even the most seasoned fans, but goalkeeper Hannah Hampton's heroics, saving two penalties, paved the way for Kelly's winning kick.
The victory sparked widespread praise and congratulations, including heartfelt messages from King Charles and Prince William. King Charles lauded the team's resilience and teamwork, stating that the Lionesses had "made those words ring true," referencing the famous chant "football's coming home". Prince William and Princess Charlotte jointly celebrated the win, acknowledging the Lionesses as "champions of Europe".
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham expressed immense pride in the team's achievement, recognizing them as the first England senior team to win a tournament overseas. He also highlighted the unwavering support from fans both in Switzerland and at home. To celebrate the historic win, the Lionesses will participate in an open-top bus procession along The Mall in London on Tuesday, July 29, offering fans a chance to celebrate with the players. The procession will culminate in a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.
Chloe Kelly, who also scored the winning goal in the 2022 Euros final, expressed her pride and gratitude, stating, "I don't miss penalties twice". Manager Sarina Wiegman, who has now won all three Euros finals she has managed in, described the Lionesses' campaign as "chaos" but praised the team's ability to win by any means. Hayes, commenting on the magnitude of the victory, stated that winning Euro 2025 eclipses 2022 win.
