© Imago
Title defended! Georgia Stanway and the English national team won 3-1 on penalties in the European Championship final against Spain. After the EURO success on home turf in 2022, it’s the second major trophy for England’s women in their history. FC Bayern congratulate Stanway on this outstanding achievement!
‘An indescribable feeling’
“It’s an indescribable feeling,” said Stanway at full time. “This tournament has asked everything of us and exceeded anything we’ve ever experienced. And then a final over 120 minutes and a penalty shootout, which we managed to win in the end. We managed to come back again and find a way against Spain. They’re an unbelievably good team, they have so much quality but today we were able to beat them and defend our European Championship title.”
Mariona heads Spain in front
Georgia Stanway and England fought back after going behind to secure their second EURO title. | © Getty Images
In the rematch of the 2023 World Cup final, the Lionesses had the first opportunity when captain Leah Williamson played a fine through ball into the path of Alexia Russo, whose effort from a tight angle was pushed away by Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll. Stanway had a go from distance in the 14th minute, but it was no problem for Coll. Just four minutes later, Lauren Hemp had the best chance so far when she intercepted a weak pass from the Spanish keeper, but her shot from a tight angle failed to find the net.
Instead, the first goal fell at the other end. After fine link-up play involving Aitana Bonmati, Athenea and Ona Batlle, Mariona Caldentey headed the Spaniards in front from around six metres. Spain increasingly took control after that and dictated play until the half-time whistle.
Russo provides turning point
Georgia Stanway started for the Lionesses and played 114 minutes. | © Imago
The world champions continued to dominate after the break, Aitana and Mariona both having efforts saved by Hannah Hampton. However, then the equaliser came against the run of play on 57 minutes. Stanway initiated the attack, Chloe Kelly crossed from the left and Russo headed into the left corner from close range. The goal gave England renewed momentum and they began to work more aggressively against the ball. Kelly threatened again in the 69th minute, the winger driving into the penalty area before unleashing a shot that Coll turned behind. Five minutes later, Spain had the chance to retake the lead when newly introduced substitute Clàudia Pina beat Lucy Bronze in the penalty area, but her powerful shot was tipped over by the fingertips of Hampton.
With no winner after 90 minutes or the subsequent extra time, the final had to be settled by penalties. And it was the England goalkeeper who emerged as the hero, with her two saves securing victory for the Lionesses.
England 1-1 Spain a.e.t. (England win 3-1 on penalties)
Goals: 0-1 Mariona (25’), 1-1 Russo (57’)
Penalties: 0-1 Patri, 1-1 Greenwood, 2-1 Charles, 3-1 Kelly
FCB players (minutes played): Georgia Stanway (114 minutes)
Congratulations from the FC Bayern management: