England retain their European Women's Championship title, defeating Spain on penalties.

England knows how to win football titles even outside its own borders. The women's national team demonstrated this by beating Spain on penalties in Basel (regular and extra time had ended 1-1), confirming the European title they had won three years earlier at Wembley in the final against Germany. Considering that England's only men's title remains the World Cup won in 1966 (also at Wembley, also against Germany), this is the first success abroad achieved by a senior national team.

Spain, the reigning world champions (two years ago they beat England, precisely) probably played better, missing several chances. However, the Lionesses once again showed their iron will. They had been on the brink in the quarterfinals against Sweden, first recovering from a two-goal deficit in the final, then saving themselves several times on penalties. Not to mention the semifinal against Italy, which they came back in injury time and then won in the nick of time with a less than clear penalty.
Mariona and Russo's winning headersSpain broke the deadlock in the 25th minute thanks to Mariona, who was left free to head home from the middle of the penalty area. England equalized in the second half through Alessia Russo, also with a header. Spain then proved more incisive in terms of play and chances, but ultimately the English held firm until the penalty shootout.

There's also a double-touch penalty: Beth Mead slips before kicking and scoring. Referee Frappart notes the foul, orders a retake, and this time the Englishwoman misses. There are two heroines at this point: goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who saves two penalties from none other than Mariona and Ballon d'Or winner Bonmati. And Chloe Kelly: three years ago, her goal had defeated Germany in the final, but this time she doesn't miss the decisive penalty. And the English women celebrate with Prince William , president of the Football Association, present on the stage at the awards ceremony.
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