Staffordshire's Hannah Hampton inspires Lionesses to Euro 2025 triumph
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was the hero as she saved two penalties in England's dramatic Euro 2025 triumph over Spain.
The Lionesses fought back from behind to take the final in Switzerland to penalties, with Hampton then saving twice as they defended their European crown from four years ago - and gained a measure of revenge on Spain for defeat in the World Cup final two years ago.
Hampton - who went to Erasmus Darwin Academy in Burntwood and usurped England legend Mary Earps in the build-up to the tournament - said: “This team is just unbelievable, incredible. We’ve shown throughout the tournament we can come back when we go a goal back. We’ve got that grit, that English blood in us. We never say die, we keep going and we did that today.
“When Chloe stepped up I turned around to the fans, miming a kick and trying to ask if we score do we win, I’d completely lost track.
“They were just cheering at me so I didn’t know what the answer was, but then I saw that run up and that was it, we’ve won. I can’t believe it.”
She added: "This is England, this is our moment - we dug in for the 120 minutes, we did what we needed to do to keep Spain out and it was just one kick and that was it - it was better pens than last time (against Sweden in the quarter-finals), let's be honest."
Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning penalty, added: "I am so proud of this team. So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English.
"I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don't miss penalties twice.
"Unbelievable. All the staff behind us and Sarina Wiegman - she has done it again! Unbelievable.
"It is going to be crazy. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it."
