England enters the next cycle as reigning European champions after retaining their Women’s Euro title in dramatic fashion in the summer of 2025, beating Spain on penalties in Basel following a 1-1 draw. It was the Lionesses’ second straight continental crown and the first successful Women’s Euro defence since Germany managed it in 2013.
How England Retained the Title
Sarina Wiegman’s side navigated a testing group stage, losing their opener to France before recovering to beat the Netherlands and Wales. England then edged past Sweden and Italy in the knockout rounds before facing world champions Spain in a final that went to penalties after 120 goalless minutes beyond the opening exchanges.
Tournament Milestones
- England became the first team to win back-to-back Women’s Euro titles since Germany’s dominant run
- Spain reached the final as reigning World Cup holders but fell just short again
- Germany, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands all missed out on the final for the first time in the tournament’s history
- Record attendance and viewership figures across Europe made it the most-watched Women’s Euro ever
What’s Next for Women’s Football in Europe
Germany was confirmed in December 2025 as host of Women’s Euro 2029, beating bids from Poland and a joint Denmark-Sweden proposal. The tournament will expand across eight German venues, including Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, promising record revenues for the women’s game.
England’s success sits alongside a broader boom in women’s football, also reflected in preparations for the Women’s World Cup news out of Brazil, host of the 2027 tournament. The result also shaped the latest FIFA rankings explained, where England continues to sit among the world’s elite.
Building Toward 2029
With four years until Germany hosts, national federations across Europe are already investing in youth pathways and domestic leagues to close the gap on England and Spain. For the bigger picture of football’s packed year, see our football calendar this year roundup.