Lionesses Stun Spain in Penalty Drama to Retain Euros Crown

ENGLAND went wild in Switzerland as they were crowned European champions AGAIN after beating Spain on penalties in the final.

Chloe Kelly's winning spot kick added to Alessia Russo's looping second-half header to complete yet ANOTHER sensational turnaround for Sarina Wiegman's side.

19 Alessia Russo set England on the comeback path to winning the Euros Credit: Getty

19 Luckily, the Lionesses had Hannah Hampton to thank between the sticks. Credit: AP

19 Before Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot kick Credit: EPA

19 The Lionesses celebrated jubilantly

19 Sarina Wiegman was visibly emotional as she celebrated the win Credit: ITV

19 England's young stars were also getting involved in the party celebrations Credit: PA

19 Kelly also had to wipe tears from her eyes Credit: ITV

19 England stars were emotional after defending their title Credit: ITV

19 Hampton had her hands on her head in disbelief Credit: ITV

19 Prince William congratulated our national heroes Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

19 Leah Williamson cast an emotional figure as she hugged coaches and team-mates Credit: ITV

19 England celebrated by lifting the trophy shortly after Credit: Reuters

19 The Lionesses were all smiles as the trophy celebrations got underway Credit: EPA

19 Kelly was seen kissing the trophy as the trophy went around Credit: Getty

The heroic Lionesses had fallen behind to an emphatic Mariona Caldentey header in the first half.

But they still had a few lives left to spare after previously escaping the jaws of defeat twice against Sweden and Italy in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.

And they used up the rest in a nervy but courageous display against the reigning world champions, who had narrowly beaten England to that title at the World Cup two years ago.

Super sub Kelly, who had replaced the injured Lauren James before the break, made the most of her connection with Arsenal team-mate Russo to find her in the box.

The ace who scored the Champions League final winner then added another final goal to her CV with a header into the net to draw the Lionesses level just before the hour.

And England were held to a stalemate before going into another round of extra time - making the Lionesses the first team to go into extra time in three different matches of a major women's international tournament.

Spain were in the ascendancy for much of the final 30 minutes, but were held at bay despite flashing the ball across the face of Hannah Hampton's goal on more than one occasion.

But Hampton - the hero against Sweden - was on hand to save two more kicks in the final before Kelly swept home the winner, three years on from when she blasted home the decider for England in the final against Germany at Euro 2022 .

And there were emotional scenes on the pitch as the victorious Lionesses celebrated winning the European Championship.

Kelly was seen hugging team-mates and manager Wiegman all while wiping away tears.

Serial winner Wiegman was also over the moon at the achievement, while safe hands Hampton had a look of disbelief with her hands on her head.

Captain Leah Williamson - who missed a penalty in the shootout - was all smiles as she embraced team-mates in claiming Euros silverware for the second time.

19 England fans watched from Switzerland and around the world Credit: Reuters

19 But they had to go through the stress of a penalty shootout Credit: AFP

19 England fans were in a jubilant mood in Basel Credit: EPA

19 Fans back home were over the moon with the achievement Credit: PA

19 Michelle Agyemang was named Young Player of the Tournament Credit: AFP