Featured Image Credit: beIN SPORTS
Topics: Richard Keys, Football, Sarina Wiegman, England, Womens Football
James Taylor
Topics: Richard Keys, Football, Sarina Wiegman, England, Womens Football
Richard Keys demanded a major rule change after England's Lionesses beat Spain in the Euro 2025 final 3-1 on penalties.
England overcame the Spaniards in a tense shootout to retain the title they won in 2022 and gain revenge for their 2023 World Cup final loss.
After a tough first half for the Lionesses, they trailed 1-0 thanks to a goal from Arsenal's Mariona Caldentey.
But they responded well after the break, grabbing a well-deserved equaliser through her Gunners teammate Alessia Russo.
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With neither side able to find a winner in extra-time, the match went the distance to a penalty shootout.
England captain Leah Williamson won the coin toss and elected to take the penalties in front of the buoyant Lioness supporters.
It would prove to be a good decision as they emerged victorious.
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But presenter Richard Keys has suggested that a significant rule change should be made in the future.
On X, Keys wrote: "Pens in front of your own fans is a distinct advantage. We should take them at both ends but for now - Come on England."
It is the second time this tournament that England have benefitted from the rule.
In a pulsating quarter-final with Sweden, the Lionesses came from two goals down to take the game to extra-time, before progressing in a shootout.
Again England won the toss and chose to take the penalties in front of their supporters.
Although they only scored three of their seven spot-kicks in a low-quality shootout, it was enough to send them through.
It became clear towards the end of extra-time that neither England nor Spain would find a breakthrough and a shootout would be required.
Beth Mead stepped up first for England but her initial penalty was disallowed for a double touch, before her retaken penalty was saved.
Spain took the early lead before Alex Greenwood's powerful penalty got the Lionesses on the board.
England soon took the advantage with goalkeeper Hannah Hampton saving consecutive penalties, either side of Niamh Charles converting.
Although Williamson missed her penalty, Spain's Salma Paralluelo then dragged hers wide, giving England a chance at victory.
Chloe Kelly, who scored the winner at Euro 2022, stepped up with her trademark run-up and converted.
Her thumping penalty sparked wild celebrations as England retained their European Championship title.
With the victory, they became the first England team to win a tournament overseas, following the 1966 World Cup and 2022 Euros which both came on home soil.
For England boss Sarina Wiegman, it was a record-breaking third consecutive European Championship triumph as well, having previously won one with the Netherlands as well.