England win Women’s Euro 2025

“The first time was so nice, we had to do it twice!”

Those were the words of England’s hero Chloe Kelly at full-time in Basel last night.

The Lionesses went back-to-back, beating the World Champions Spain 3-1 on penalties after a tense and tricky contest. After Hannah Hampton’s denial of Bonmatí and Mariona, England’s matchwinner from Wembley 2022 won it again, putting away the decisive spot kick to retain the Women’s Euro trophy.

How does anyone begin unpacking the tournament narratives that frame this historic victory?

There are the individual stories; Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang, the impact subs who between them didn’t start a single match, but time and again dragged England to victory. Lucy Bronze, whose middle name is astonishingly “Tough”, playing the whole tournament with a fractured leg. Jess Carter, subject to disgraceful online abuse in the early knockout stages, returning to the starting XI in the final and not putting a foot wrong.

Then, there are the tournament stories; The 10.2 million viewers tuning in to ITV for the England vs Italy semi-final, the channel’s biggest audience of the year. The female-led presenting and punditry teams, who have helped showcase to the multitude avenues available to any young people aspiring to work in the sports industry. The 657,291 fans in stadia who made 2025 the most-attended Women’s Euro competition ever.

The uniting factor in all these stories? Belief.

Belief that England could do it again, even when the clock and the score said otherwise. Belief that girls can find inspiration and belonging on the pitch. Belief that women’s football is not just a moment.

England, Spain, and every other team at the tournament have proven that the players, the fans, the excitement around the women’s game – they’re all here to stay.

That’s why we must all listen to Georgia Stanway:

“I think we need to stop talking about how big women’s football is getting, and talk about how big it is.”

Inspired by the Lionesses this summer? Want to start your footballing journey, or replicate the heroes from Women’s Euro 2025 on pitch?

Bloomsbury Football Foundation provides girls football sessions for all abilities, ages 3-18. Get on pitch now at our Holiday Camps, running at multiple venues across London.