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Salma Paralluelo fired her attempt wide, however, and Kelly hammered England to glory, delivering Wiegman her THIRD consecutive European Championship, with the Lionesses successfully retaining the crown they claimed in 2021 after she'd guided her homeland, Netherlands, to triumph in 2017.

"This team is just unbelievable, incredible," said Hampton.

I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and show the love to all these girls because they deserve it."

During the opening 45 minutes, Spain appeared to possess too much quality for Sarina Wiegman's team, though the narrative shifted dramatically following the interval

However, her substitute Kelly proved instrumental once again, providing the assist for Alessia Russo's equaliser just before the hour mark, canceling out Mariona Caldentey's header that had given Spain the advantage at the break.

Both managers made alterations to their starting line-ups

Spain's number nine has a knack for carving out shooting opportunities where others struggle, first testing Hannah Hampton before sending a powerful shot wide of the near post.

It was evident that England's strategy involved pressing Spain high up the pitch, a tactic that almost bore fruit within the first 20 minutes.

Lauren Hemp was quick to seize a loose pass from Cata Coll, but the Spanish keeper redeemed herself with a strong left foot to deny the winger's attempt.

And just five minutes later, the World Cup holders took the lead, with Caldentey rising unmarked to power a header into the net from Ona Batlle's cross.

Spain couldn't find a second goal, however, allowing England to equalise.

Once again, it was Kelly who made a significant impact from the bench, switching to her right foot and delivering a precise cross for Russo to head into the net.

This goal gave England a period of dominance, with Russo playing confidently, and it seemed the next goal would be pivotal.

However, Russo wouldn't be the one to score it, as the Arsenal forward was substituted for teammate Michelle Agyemang with 20 minutes remaining.

Spain brought on Claudia Pina around the same time, and the substitute tested Hampton with a powerful shot that the keeper had to deflect

Neither team managed to score a second goal before the end of regulation time, forcing England into extra-time for the third consecutive match.

Spanish substitute Vicky Lopez caused trouble in the additional 30 minutes with her fresh legs, while another Spanish replacement, Salma Paralluelo, squandered a golden opportunity to put Spain ahead by missing her attempted flick inside the six-yard box.

With no team able to secure a victory, the match went to penalties where Hampton stood firm and Kelly scored the decisive goal.


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