England Beats Spain at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025
As England and Spain dove into this championship, no time was wasted as each team started with high intensity, running toward each other's goal right after the three-minute marker. Both teams held a 4-3-3 formation, but played it differently. Spain started this game appearing stressed. Their backline created some rocky passes and were hesitant when trying to react to England’s speed, which was demonstrated by England’s forward Lauren Hemp; however, this worry began to fade away as Spain’s forward, Mariona Caldentey, scored Spain their first goal off a header, thanks to an assist provided by Ona Batlle. This sense of security changed Spain’s speed of play. They opened up, lifted their heads, and maintained control of the first half as they passed around England. By the 30-minute marker, Spain maintained over 60% of the game’s overall possession, all while playing on England’s half of the field. Though England’s defensive backline remained consistent, the rest of the team lacked the strength to pressure Spain, allowing Spain time to pass and create plays around them. Sadly, English forward Lauren James was subbed out toward the end of the first half due to a reported ankle injury. Chloe Kelly was subbed in, and many were eager to see if her fresh legs and talent could change England’s game around. On that note, Kelly did just that. In comparison to how they started off the first half, England came on stronger offensively than before by creating this new pressure on Spain. Kelly was able to secure a goal due to providing a beautiful assisted cross, to which Alessia Russo completed the play with a header to the back of the net.
The use of substitutes within this game has been incredible. Kelly’s touches and quick speed have brought England into Spain’s half of the field and provided England with a surviving chance for the championship title. Early on in the second half, England also brought on Michelle Agyemang. This decision was greatly welcomed by English fans as they roared cheerfully, hoping that Agyemang could create another quick goal for her country, just as she did in England’s previous game with Italy. When looking at Spain’s substitutes, Claudia Pina attempted to create multiple opportunities for Spain. Known for her powerful kick and excelling corners, Pina kept attempting to make plays for a goal, though her teammates were unable to complete them. After Pina, Spain subbed in midfielder Vicky Lopez and forward Salma Paralluelo, before the end of the second half, hoping for a possible change of play, but nothing was successful. With the score remaining as 1-1, England and Spain went into two sets of 15-minute overtimes.
Due to neither team being able to score a final goal within these added-time periods, England and Spain entered into a penalty shoot-out. England's lineup consisted of Beth Mead, Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles, Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly, and Hannah Hampton as goalkeeper. Spain’s lineup started with Patricia Guijarro, Mariona Caldentey, Aitana Bonmati, Paralluelo, and Cata Coll as goalkeeper. England came out victoriously with a penalty score of 3-1, where Kelly took the final and winning shot. Though Spain was favored to win and reportedly maintain majority control of the games' overall possession, in soccer, it comes down to those final moments; Chloe Kelly truly did become the game-changer England needed as she helped bring England their title as second-time Champions of the UEFA Euro.
