'We were far superior' – Lionesses branded 'time-wasters' by beaten Spain stars after England win Euro 2025 on penalties

Spain have lashed out at England following their heartbreaking Euro 2025 final defeat on penalties, accusing the Lionesses of time-wasting and calling them lucky champions. Despite dominating large parts of the game, La Roja fell short in the shootout as England defended their European crown in dramatic fashion in Switzerland with Hannah Hampton playing a key role.

England’s Dramatic Penalty Triumph Over Spain Secures Euro 2025 Glory

In a thrilling showdown that captivated football fans worldwide, clinched the Euro 2025 title by defeating in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, showcasing resilience amid accusations of tactical gamesmanship. This victory not only defended their crown but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of high-stakes matches, where strategy often trumps statistics.

  • Lionesses overcome Spain in shootout to claim Euro 2025 crown
  • Spain leads in metrics yet succumbs in decisive moments
  • England accused of fortune and delaying tactics by rivals

'We were far superior' - Lionesses branded 'time-wasters' by beaten Spain stars after England win Euro 2025 on penalties'We were far superior' - Lionesses branded 'time-wasters' by beaten Spain stars after England win Euro 2025 on penalties'We were far superior' - Lionesses branded 'time-wasters' by beaten Spain stars after England win Euro 2025 on penalties

A Tense Battle Ends in Spot-Kick Drama for Euro 2025 Win

The Lionesses secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory in the penalty shootout against Spain following a 1-1 stalemate that extended into extra time during the Euro 2025 final. Mariona Caldentey put the reigning world champions ahead, but Alessia Russo’s timely equalizer shifted the momentum.Held in , this clash saw England retain their from 2021, even as Spain, known as La Roja, overwhelmed the numbers with 65% ball possession, 22 attempts on goal, and almost 350 additional passes. Yet, England’s precision in key moments and steady nerves turned the tide, echoing their performance in recent tournaments like the 2023 where similar underdog resilience was evident.

Resilience Over Control: England’s Path to Defending the Title

Under Sarina Wiegman’s guidance, the team emphasized endurance over outright control, mirroring their journey through the competition where they only held leads for a mere four minutes across all knockout rounds, factoring in added time. This approach drew sharp rebukes from the Spanish side, who labeled the win as fortunate and questioned the Lionesses’ methods.

Voices from the Spanish Camp: Frustration and Critique

Irene Paredes, Spain’s skipper, shared with RTVE: “We felt we earned the win more, but ultimately, it’s not just about merit-it’s that sliver of fortune, and England possessed it across the event. We aimed to counter it, yet we fell short.”

Reports from El Pais highlighted Paredes’ additional gripes about England’s supposed stalling tactics and players feigning injuries to disrupt the flow.

Aitana Bonmati, the winner, expressed: “We’ve poured everything in; it’s been an exhausting stretch, and the outcome feels harsh. On the pitch, we outclassed them significantly, but soccer demands more than just superior play to seal the deal.”

Coach’s Perspective: Acknowledging Effort Amid Disappointment

Montse Tome, Spain’s manager, reflected: “Undoubtedly, our squad merited a better result. We’ve toiled endlessly to arrive at this pinnacle, facing a formidable opponent like England, and the match dynamics left me believing we should have triumphed without this sour aftertaste. That’s the essence of sports-you learn to handle defeat, and today, penalties eluded us. We started strong, equalized at 1-1, and dominated extra time possession, but victory slipped away.”

“We performed admirably, yet in this game, the superior side doesn’t always prevail. England boasts a top-tier squad that excelled throughout. They equalized and then bunkered down to force penalties.”

Future Rivalries: England’s Euro 2025 Success and Spain’s Resolve

As England basks in the glow of consecutive European championships-a feat not seen since ‘s back-to-back wins in 2009 and 2013-Spain faces the task of rebuilding after yet another close call, despite their exceptional roster. Packed with stars on both sides, this budding rivalry might intensify at the 2027 World Cup. For the moment, the Lionesses stand tall, undeterred by the barbs, proving that in football, heart and tactics can eclipse raw dominance.