England win Euro 2025 despite new penalty rule that could have cost Lionesses everything

Beth Mead was forced to retake her opening penalty in the Euro 2025 final against Spain after slipping and kicking the ball twice - and was then denied from the spot.

The incident was similar to the one involving Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez in the Champions League earlier this season: his goal was ruled out, though a new rule has since been implemented to allow 'double touch' kicks to be retaken rather than instantly being ruled out.

The IFAB amended the rules with article 14.1 of the laws of the game which reads: “The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player. The penalty kick is completed when the ball stops moving, goes out of play or the referee stops play for any offence.”

That meant Mead was given the chance to retake her penalty.

She was then thwarted from the spot the second time around by Cata Coll. But Hannah Hampton saved two penalties in a row to help England clinch a stunning 3-1 victory on penalties.

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Chloe Kelly, so often the England hero during this tournament and ultimate matchwinner three years ago, stepped up to plunder the winning penalty to help the Lionesses make history by retaining their European crown.

Her winning penalty sparked jubilant scenes on the pitch and in the stands in Switzerland, capping another remarkable comeback from England.

The result means the Lionesses have extracted a measure of revenge on Spain, who beat them in the 2023 World Cup final.

Speaking after the final whistle to BBC One, an emotional Kelly shared her pride after going back-to-back with her team-mates.

"I am so proud of this team. So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English," she said shortly after the final whistle.

Asked about her decisive penalty, she added: "I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don't miss penalties twice!

"[It's] unbelievable. All the staff behind us and Sarina Wiegman - she has done it again! Unbelievable.

"It is going to be crazy [celebrations]. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it."

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