Back row Reffell signs new Leicester Tigers deal
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
21 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
England WIN Euro 2025 as familiar hero gives Lionesses penalty shootout win over Spain
England are back-to-back European champions after a sensational penalty shoot-out win against Spain. Chloe Kelly, the Lionesses saviour throughout the knockout stages, stepped up to score the winning spot-kick and send the Lionesses ' fans wild. After needing spot-kicks to see off Sweden in the quarter-finals of Euro 2025 and seeing their semi against Italy settled in extra-time, Sarina Wiegman 's side went the distance for a third time. There was yet more shoot-out drama in Basel, and it felt inevitable that Kelly would win it all. Beth Mead saw a twice-taken penalty saved by Cata Coll, but Hannah Hampton denied Mariona Aitana Bonmati - only for Coll to produce a huge stop from Leah Williamson. Salma Paralluelo sent her kick wide, though, and Kelly blasted England to the title, handing Wiegman her THIRD successive European Championship, the Lionesses successfully defending the title they won in 2021 after she'd led her home nation, Netherlands, to victory in 2017. At times in the first half it looked as though Spain had too much for Sarina Wiegman's side, but it was a different story after the teams emerged for the second half. And there was nothing to choose between the sides after a tense 120 minutes. Wiegman 's Lauren James gamble didn't pay off, with the playmaker unable to give England even 45 minutes before her day came to an end. But her replacement Kelly delivered once more, setting up Alessia Russo to bring England level before the hour mark after Mariona Caldentey had headed Spain into a half-time lead. Both managers made changes to their starting XI. One of those was expected, with Laia Aleixandri returning from suspension for Spain, but Montse Tome also introduced Athenea del Castillo in place of Claudia Pina while England boss Wiegman recalled Jess Carter for Esme Morgan at centre-back. England started on the front foot, with Alessia Russo beating the offside trap and drawing an important low save from Cata Coll. Lauren James, starting on the left after being ruled fit to start, didn't gamble on the rebound and the danger was soon clear. At the other end, Esther Gonzalez showed why she went into the final as the tournament's top scorer. Spain's number nine has a knack for finding space for a shot where others can't, first bringing the best out of Hannah Hampton and then sending a powerful effort wide of the near post. England clearly had it in their gameplan to press Spain high up the pitch and it very nearly paid off inside 20 minutes. Lauren Hemp was quick off the mark to latch onto a loose pass from Cata Coll, but the Spain keeper redeemed herself with a big left foot to keep out the winger's effort. And barely five minutes later it was 1-0 to the World Cup holders, with Caldentey rising unmarked to power home a header from Ona Batlle's cross. Spain couldn't get a second, though, and England were able to draw level. Once again it was Kelly who made a key contribution from the bench, cutting onto her right foot and sending in a pinpoint cross for Russo to head home. The goal allowed England to enjoy a period on top, with Russo playing with confidence, and the next goal always looked like it would be a crucial one. It wouldn't come from Russo, though, with the Arsenal forward making way for club colleague Michelle Agyemang 20 minutes from time. Spain introduced Claudia Pina around the same time, and the sub kept Hampton honest with a powerful effort which the keeper had to beat away. Neither side could find a second goal before the end of the 90, and so England faced extra-time for the third straight game. Spain sub Vicky Lopez caused problems in the additional 30 minutes with her fresh legs while another Spanish replacement, Salma Paralluelo, missed a glorious chance to put Spain back in front when missing her attempted flicked finish inside the six-yard box. With no-one able to find a winner, it went to spot-kicks. There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
23 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
England 1 Spain 1 (3-1 on pens): Chloe Kelly completes Lionesses' greatest comeback yet to retain Euros title
The Lionesses went into the match looking to avenge their World Cup final defeat two years ago LIONESSES ROAR England 1 Spain 1 (3-1 on pens): Chloe Kelly completes Lionesses' greatest comeback yet to retain Euros title Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ENGLAND have beaten Spain 3-1 on penalties to avenge their World Cup final defeat two years ago and retain the Euros. Mariona Caldentey had given Spain the lead on 25 minutes, before Alessia Russo brilliantly nodded the Lionesses level just shy of the hour mark. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Alessia Russo celebrates her brilliant equaliser Credit: AP 4 Russo heads England level in Basel Credit: Reuters 4 Mariona Caldentey nods Spain in front during the first half Credit: Reuters 4 Spain stars celebrate going in front on 25 minutes Credit: Reuters THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Jubilant scenes as Lionesses keep Euros dream alive with second-half equaliser
England fans had watched on nervously as they once again found themselves behind in a crucial Euros tie. Fans draped in England flags joined the Prince of Wales and his daughter Princess Charlotte in holding their heads in their hands as Mariona Caldentey put Spain 1-0 up in the final on Sunday. A nervous atmosphere transformed into a jubilant one at Boxpark Croydon as Russo's header found the net, with England flags being waved and supporters hugging each other during the celebrations. At the final whistle, fans of the Lionesses appeared confident as they started dancing and cheering as the match went into extra time. William and Charlotte were pictured in Switzerland for the Euros final as the royal family led the nation in wishing good luck to England's Lionesses. Shortly before kick-off, an image of the pair was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account with the caption 'let's go, Lionesses'. As Caldentey's header found the net in the 25th minute, William and Charlotte were pictured with their heads in their hands and crowds in fan zones across England fell silent as they watched proceedings. Before kick-off, supporters waved England flags and loudly sang the national anthem at Boxpark Croydon and star striker Michelle Agyemang's former team, Brandon Groves Community Club in Essex. Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. Ahead of the game, 11-year-old Violet Ingram, a left winger for Brandon Grove Emeralds, said: 'Seeing her (Agyemang) and the team just makes me feel like I can do anything I want to do.' Lionesses fans stood on their feet while some children said 'come on England' after Russo's header put England on level terms. The Prince of Wales, who is patron of the Football Association (FA), applauded the national anthem as he stood next to Charlotte in the stadium. In a show of support ahead of the final, the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed Three Lions on the Buckingham Palace forecourt, while the royal family's official X account posted: 'Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' Let's go girls!! 💪🦁⚽️ Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening. — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 27, 2025 Meanwhile, BBC Sport and ITV have secured the broadcasting rights for the Women's World Cup 2027, meaning the tournament will remain free-to-air for UK viewers. England's path to the final has been marked by late drama. They sealed their spot with a last-gasp extra-time win over Italy, following a penalty shootout victory against Sweden in the quarter-finals after nearly crashing out in extra time. The Lionesses will be looking for redemption against Spain, who edged them 1-0 in the 2023 Women's World Cup final. England boss Sarina Wiegman said the team is 'going to do everything we can to win it' and she would prefer to avoid a 'nerve-wracking' match.
