SPECIAL EDITION

England broke Spanish hearts, Bonmati got a bit spicy, and there’s Euro Champions merch coming out of our ears. Read on for our take on the final, plus all the usuals - Kit drop, headlines, transfers and more. Let us know what you think – we read everything!

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🏆 EURO 2025

England are back-to-back European champions

Two years after heartbreak against Spain in the World Cup final, the Lionesses have delivered a nerve-shredding, cathartic triumph that finally lays Sydney’s scars to rest. Spain came in as favourites, with their technical artistry and midfield control expected to tip the balance. Most pundits, and more than a few fans, wondered aloud whether England could genuinely halt Spain’s golden era and eke out one more win powered by their signature, often stubborn, resilience.

But this England side is not shaped by expectation. They reached this final through grit, adaptability, and an absolute refusal to yield. Was it always pretty? No. Effective? Clearly.

The Final
Spain looked set for a Sydney repeat, Mariona Caldentey heading the world champions in front well before the break. But England, battered and not remotely beaten, seized their moment just as hope flickered. Chloe Kelly, on for the injured Lauren James, whipped in a delicious cross for Alessia Russo. Cue header, rippling net, and an explosion of English hysteria.

Spain kept possession and applied relentless pressure, but it was finishing that deserted them when it mattered most. Extra time became pure survival for England as they defended in numbers, while Bonmatí and co. probed for a winner that never came. When the game went to penalties, Spain, after so much control, faltered from the spot – Hannah Hampton making two huge saves to deny Caldentey and Bonmatí. England kept their nerve. Chloe Kelly stepped up and buried the winner (clocked at 110km/h). Lucy Bronze, fractured leg and all, hobbling out to join the celebrations, summed up everything about the mentality in this team.

Squads win titles
This tournament was a masterclass in why a squad matters. Everyone played their role. Ella Toone steadied the midfield after a shaky opener against France. Michelle Agyemang, only 19, brought genuine magic off the bench – her impact earning her the Young Player of the Tournament award. Chloe Kelly, whose squad place was far from secure earlier this year, delivered again on the biggest stage. Jess Carter returned to the starting line-up after facing racist abuse earlier in the tournament and played the game of her life: focused, determined, and quietly brilliant.

What’s next for English football?
Women’s football in England has been on a sharp upward curve since Euro 2022, with crowds growing, investment increasing, and more girls lacing up their boots. Another Euro win for England can only mean another bump in attendance, participation, and growth. On the flip side, this tournament has also highlighted how much work there is still to do to address racism and inequality in the women’s game, and we all have a part to play there.

Final Score: England 1(3): Spain 1(1) – Watch the highlights here

🎥 Watch this if you only click one thing: Every England goal to reach the Euro 2025 final

🤓 EURO FIRST TIMERS

That’s a wrap

Well, if you were new around here, congratulations on making it to the other side. And if you’re wondering how long-time fans cope with the emotional rollercoaster of tournament football, the truth is, we don’t.

The next few weeks will feel like a part of you is missing. A football void (unless you’re into the NWSL and late nights). But fear not, September 5 is the start of the new WSL season. “What’s that?” I hear you newbies say. Only an excuse to get back in the pub week in, week out, and ride the highs and lows of club football.

We’ll be back with our beginner’s guide to the WSL and WSL2 (last known as the Championship) in the coming weeks. In the meantime, my go-to football-void coping technique is re-watching Euro 2025 clips on loop. Good luck!

👀 FAVE FINDS

There’s only one way to say it… Lucy Bronze went into some kind of perma-beast mode for the duration of the tournament:

• The clip of Bronze strapping up her own leg in the quarter final against Sweden was the BBC’s most viewed clip of the tournament, with 12.5 million views across its platforms. The image of ripping it off again before her iconic penalty lives rent-free in my mind.

• Then she admitted she’d been playing on a fractured Tibia 😱 for the whole tournament - Watch here

Ella Toone on the Karaoke - Watch here

And let’s end on a little bit of Bonmati Spice…

👟 KIT DROP

England Euro 2025 Champions Merch…

B2B Winners Tee from Studs Collective. Preorder here

The Saviour of the Nation Tee from AOF.  Available now

Foudy’s have a winners collection, including custom England Champions ‘25 Shirts, the Nike Euro Winners Tee and ‘Home Again’ Tee. Order here

Oh, and did we mention there’s a handful of Twentytwo Wall Charts left on the site? Fill it in. Frame it. Hang it on your wall. Get yours before they’re gone

🚨 ICYMI

Top Headlines

⚽ Nigeria stunned Morocco 3-2 in a drama-packed WAFCON final, coming from two down in front of a raucous home crowd to secure a record tenth title. Jennifer Echegini bagged an 88th-minute winner after Okoronkwo and Ijamilusi clawed the Super Falcons level; pundits called it a showcase for African women’s football at its brilliant, chaotic best.

🌟 Michelle Agyemang picked up Euro 2025’s Young Player of the Tournament award after scoring twice, including a dramatic last-gasp equaliser in the semi-final. The 18-year-old led England for shots and penalty box touches, making her the stand-out breakout of the summer.

🎬 Bend It Like Beckham will return with a sequel in 2027, scripted by Emma Hayes and director Gurinder Chadha. Chadha says the time is right, explaining, “The original lifted up girls everywhere and that fight’s not over”. Read more

🏆 England’s Euro-winning Lionesses parade their trophy through central London on Tuesday, starting at The Mall from 12:10pm, with fans invited to join the party via big screens and live TV coverage. Check the route and find more info here.

🔥 The new Barclays WSL season starts with a bang, serving up Chelsea v Man City, Arsenal v London City Lionesses, and a Merseyside derby. All six matches will be shown live on TV, promising a blockbuster opening weekend. Download the WSL fixtures here, and WSL2 fixtures here.

📺 The WSL is finally getting the broadcast upgrade fans deserve, with nearly 90% of games now using multi-camera production and the unpopular late Sunday slot scrapped. Not only will the viewing experience be much better for supporters at home and in the stands, but travelling fans will have a much better time of it!

🍻 This season, 14 clubs across WSL and WSL 2 (including Arsenal and Chelsea) will serve alcohol in the stands after a successful trial boosted crowds and atmosphere without safety issues.

🏔 Denver’s new NWSL franchise has officially unveiled its name and brand, launching as Summit FC with a mountain-inspired badge and plans for a new 14,500-seat stadium. The club, backed by strong local investment, will become the league’s 16th team when it debuts in 2026.

🏟 Newcastle United Women move to Gateshead International Stadium next season, leaving Kingston Park to meet WSL grass pitch rules, with improved facilities and a new matchday vibe just across the Tyne.

📚 WHAT WE’RE READING

• Euros win one of the most magnificent heists in the history of English sport

• Spain came up short at Euro 2025, but there's hope for the future

• Women’s football isn’t only breaking records – it’s reforming the visual culture of sport

✍️ INSIDE TRACK

Transfer Round-up

• London City Lionesses have pulled off a statement signing, bringing in England international Nikita Parris on a free transfer from Brighton. The 31-year-old forward, who boasts 74 England caps and a Champions League title, has signed a two-year deal just in time for the club’s first season in the WSL. Parris described her switch as “an ambitious project” and says she’s ready to help push the Lionesses forward. The club have also made Freya Godfrey’s move from Arsenal permanent, tying down the creative midfielder until 2028 after her standout loan spell helped win promotion.

• Everton strengthen the back line with Maz Pacheco’s arrival on a free from Aston Villa. The 26-year-old full-back, who has played for Liverpool, Reading, and West Ham, becomes the Toffees’ eighth summer signing, returning to Merseyside with proven WSL pedigree and a reputation for reliability.

• Aston Villa continues to build for the new campaign, snapping up French defender Océane Deslandes on a free after her contract with Montpellier ended. She brings solid experience from France’s top tier. England U23 midfielder Lucia Kendall also arrives on a free from Southampton, adding youthful dynamism after racking up more than 100 senior appearances.

RUMOUR HAS IT:

• Swedish international, Julia Zigiotti Olme, might be heading to Manchester United from FC Bayern.

• Another Swede, Rosa Kafaji, could join Brighton on loan from Arsenal.

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