England player ratings v Spain – Hampton and Russo heroic as Lionesses win Euros
England have won consecutive Women’s European Championship titles for the first time in their history via a penalty shootout win over Spain.
Hannah Hampton emerged as the hero by saving two spot kicks in England’s 3-1 shootout victory over Spain on Sunday, 27 July.
Unlike in the semi-final clash with Italy, the Lionesses came out of the blocks well, with Arsenal forward Alessia Russo producing a good save from Catalina Coll after just three minutes.
However, it was Spain who took the 1-0 lead when Mariona Caldentey headed home Ona Batlle’s precise cross midway through the first half.
Matters seemingly went from bad to worse for England when key player Lauren James went off injured shortly before half-time, and had to be replaced by Chloe Kelly.
But the Lionesses found their equaliser through Russo’s perfectly placed header, which ensured that Wiegman’s women endured extra time for a third consecutive game, but went on to win on spot kicks.
England player ratings in Euro 2025 final v Spain
Hannah Hampton – 9
The 24-year-old did well to stop Esther Gonzalez’s effort just after Spain seized momentum for the first time. She couldn’t do anything to stop Caldentey’s uncontested header, and remained a solid presence between the sticks for the full 120 minutes. Saved two penalties in the shootout to etch herself into the history books.
Lucy Bronze- 6
Lucy Bronze produced a characteristically solid and battling performance, but often couldn’t get forward to her usual effect. The 33-year-old’s determination shone through when she refused to be substituted off until the second period of extra time, despite clearly struggling with an injury.
Leah Williamson – 5
The Lionesses captain played her part in a badly organised backline when Spain opened the scoring, but grew into the game well, and got forward effectively when possible. Coll provided the answer to her penalty kick in the shootout.
Jess Carter – 6
Wiegman was brave to bring Jess Carter back into the fold for the final, having left her out of the semi-final win over Italy. The 27-year-old displayed confidence in possession, but like her colleagues, she wasn’t aware of the danger when Caldentey scored. Made some vital blocks in the second half.
Alex Greenwood – 6
The left-back was out of position in the build-up to Spain’s opening goal, handing Batlle all the time and space she needed to produce the assist via her cross. However, Alex Greenwood swiftly jumped the highest to clear her lines and prevent Athenea del Castillo from having a clear sight on goal. Coolly placed her penalty beyond the reach of Coll.
Keira Walsh – 6
The former Barcelona woman had a quiet game before beginning the England attack that produced England’s goal.
Georgia Stanway – 7
Stanway could have got more power behind an effort from the edge of the area after Russo’s strong hold-up play. However, the Bayern Munich woman went on to play an instrumental role in the equaliser. Largely showed defensive solidity when called upon.
Lauren James – 5
The winger could have been quicker to latch onto the rebound from Russo’s early effort. She failed to provide her best quality before leaving the field through injury on 41 minutes,
Ella Toone – 6
Ella Toone showed glimpses of her class, but largely failed to show the sort of danger displayed by Kelly and Russo, or the energy produced by Hemp.
Lauren Hemp – 6
Lauren Hemp created England’s third chance of the game by bursting onto a loose pass and firing her shot goalwards. The 24-year-old was unlucky that Coli made a good save with her leg after her successful pressure. Looked comfortable switching wings following Kelly’s introduction, but lacked end product.
Alessia Russo – 8
The Arsenal woman showed plenty of confidence when she forced Coll into making a good save in the early proceedings from a tight angle. Russo then held the ball up well for Georgia Stanway to produce a shot on target. Her second-half header to draw England level was perfectly placed and deserved after plenty of hard work out of possession.
Substitutes
Chloe Kelly (for James, 41) – 8
While Kelly’s introduction was down to James’ injury, the Champions League winner instantly injected effort into England’s play and fired a shot wide shortly after coming on. She showed her devastating quality in the final third with a well-crafted cross for Russo’s equaliser. Went on to produce a finger-tip save from Coll before scoring England’s winner in a triumphant shootout.
Michelle Agyemang (for Russo, 71) – 6
Michelle Agyemang didn’t perform the heroics she showed in the semi-final or the quarter-final, but worked hard up front.
Beth Mead (for Toone, 87) – 4
Beth Mead used all of her experience and nous to make a vital defensive intervention soon after being introduced into the Lionesses’ frontline. However, she saw her penalty saved by Coll after initially slipping, causing a retake.
Niamh Charles (for Bronze, 106) – 7
The Chelsea defender came into the fold under pressure, having to play in an unfamiliar right-back role in extra time. Nerveless in the shootout.
Grace Clinton (for Stanway, 115) – 6
Grace Clinton had little time to influence the game, but ultimately helped England on their way to a historic victory.