How England beat Spain on penalties after 1-1 draw to retain their European Championship title

What a treat to witness two gorgeous headed goals in a final.

The tide for attention on Spain is high thanks to Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Esther Gonzalez and Claudia Pina — but Mariona Caldentey’s header was a two-pronged reminder of sorts: the first being she is closer to those players than she tends to receive credit for; the second that England could be punished for not recognising just how many players they must pay attention to.

England’s response was equally emphatic, and came from two players who, similarly in their own ways, had things to prove.

There had always been a question of how much of an impact Chloe Kelly could make with more minutes, and in the second half she provided an answer, whipping in an in-swinging cross to cap off a well-worked spell of possession for England.

On the receiving end was Alessia Russo. Where Caldentey’s header scorched the net, Russo’s was lofted and arced, placed well out of reach from Spanish goalkeeper Coll.

Follow the link below to read on.