kj0te
Spain have the shapes, patterns and craft but their one weakness cost them | Nick Ames
The world champions’ cutting edge deserted them when it mattered most in the final against England in Basel
Aitana Bonmatí could not even manage a smile. The walk to the podium through an England guard of honour that, while generous in its applause, could still barely hold in its euphoria must have felt several miles long. She had just been named player of the tournament and it was just about possible to detect a bowing of the head as the award was announced. There were photos to pose for after taking receipt of the trophy and after what had just passed there was simply no point in putting on an act.
In those moments before Bonmatí shuffled up for her prize, Spain’s players stood motionless, wordless, in the penalty area that had eventually sealed their fate. How had it come to this? It had been billed as the rubber-stamping of a golden generation; the night when the world’s best team would follow success by reeling off more of the same. Everyone knew that Spain routinely performed at a level several notches higher than the rest. There was nothing to do beyond fold the arms and stare blankly.
Chloe Kelly joins top table of England greats with second winner in Euros final | Sophie Downey
Gamechanger and history-maker made the difference on another major occasion to add to her legendary status
To score the goal that wins your nation a European Championship once is memorable. To do it twice is legendary. Chloe Kelly has written herself into the history books once again as she fired home the penalty to secure back-to-back titles for England, the Lionesses becoming the first England team to lift a trophy away from home.
There was no iconic celebration this time but a smile, a point at the England fans behind the goal and a roar of unbridled joy as she was smothered by teammates. It was symbolic of the difference between 2022 and now – the jubilance of the moment that propelled the Lionesses to the top of Europe at Wembley versus the calm, mature group that have battled, dug in deep and constantly found a way to get themselves over the line.
Honest Hayes and Wright shine as ITV and BBC go head-to-head for Euro 2025 final | John Brewin
There was a look at how far the women’s game has come while England gave commentators their chance to land the words they wanted
Sarina Wiegman’s team playing disjointedly, yet rescued by moments of inspiration and fortune. It is why “Proper England”, to use the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 mission statement, wins record audiences, an expected worldwide audience of 46 million dragged through Sunday night drama, putting Poldark and Mr Darcy to shame.
Across the BBC and ITV, Euro 2025 coverage has not been nearly so happy-clappy as the BBC’s Team GB-Beebies, sub-Henman Hill Olympics cheerleading. Perhaps the cruelty of football as a game precludes that. Once the game is afoot, there are few hiding places. Still, there has been a cheeriness to both channels’ female lead presenters – Laura Woods for ITV, Gabby Logan for BBC – so rarely seen in the male equivalent.